C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is proud to announce six winners for our 2025 Holiday Card Design Contest. These designs were selected from hundreds submitted to our branches and are be featured on the Y’s 2025 Holiday Cards. Thank you to all who participated! You can see the winning designs below.
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been proud to once again serve as a Toys for Tots collection and distribution site in 2025. As the largest distribution organization in the area, the Y sorts through several thousand toys each holiday season. This week, volunteers came together at the Galowich Family YMCA to prepare gifts that will provide a memorable Christmas for more than 800 children in need in our community. From action figures and books, to basketballs and board games, these generously donated gifts were collected in partnership with the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
On behalf of the Y and all the families we served this year, we’d like to thank Joliet Junior College Athletics, Old National Bank, and Target for their amazing volunteer support with Toys for Tots. We also thank Target for providing funds to donate holiday meals to families in need.
For more information about Toys For Tots in our area, click here.
Stumped for ideas for your family and friends this holiday season? Looking to do something creative and a bit unexpected this year? Take a break from the malls and online shopping sites and give your loved ones the gift of health, wellness, and community.
Whether your holiday shopping list includes a college-age nephew just starting his fitness journey, the sister who just discovered pickleball, or the grandmother who already has everything, there is––quite literally––something for everyone at the Y.
Here are five reasons why a Y membership makes the perfect holiday present.
To give the gift of the YMCA, please visit the membership desk of your local Y branch today to purchase a gift card. Bonus coupons can be used towards YMCA memberships or programs and are valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location.
We invite you to join the Galowich Family YMCA in spreading cheer this holiday season by participating in our 2025 Giving Tree program. All items collected will be wrapped and given to YMCA families in need this Christmas season.
To participate, select an ornament tag from the wall next to the Christmas Tree in the lobby at the Galowich Family YMCA. Each tag describes an item on a child’s wish list. Members are welcome to select more than one gift. Return your unwrapped gift(s), with the ornament tag attached, by Friday, December 12 to the Membership Desk.
Ho, Ho, Ho! This holiday season, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has a series of festive activities planned for you and your family. Come ready to spread joy and cheer and join us in a winter wonderland of fun!
Holidays Around the World
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Stop by the Y for an evening highlighting traditional celebrations from around the world during holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and Diwali.
Kids will also have the chance to write letters to Santa, make reindeer food, play in our bounce houses, get snacks from a hot chocolate bar, and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Cost: This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Kids’ Night Out: Winter Wonderland (Ages 5-10)
Date: Friday, December 19
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of winter themed activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided.
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Kids’ Night Out: Santa’s Workshop (Ages 4-12)
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of holiday themed games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided.
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Santa Claus is coming to town and making a stop at the Morris Hospital YMCA! Join us for a special breakfast with light refreshments, crafts, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration closes on December 15.
Pizza with Santa and Candy Cane Hunt
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Santa Claus is coming to town and making a stop at the Galowich Family YMCA! Join us for some family fun with a pizza party, games, crafts, and a special candy cane hunt!
Cost: This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Santa Splashtacular
Friday, December 19
5:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Children will be able to enjoy a “sleigh ride” with Santa around the lap pool, as well as open swim, games, and a craft.
Cost: This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited and registration is required. Participants may be swim tested prior to entering the pool. Members are encouraged to review the pool rules prior to registering.
Kids’ Night Out: Winter Pajama Party (Ages 4-12)
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Location:
Salvation Army Joliet Corps Community Center
300 3rd Avenue
Joliet, IL 60433
YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided. Don’t forget to wear your most festive pajamas!
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge Starting November 17Our 8-week Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge will help you get in shape and keep the weight off during the holiday season. We have a great plan to help you adopt healthy eating and exercise habits while saying ‘No’ to those tempting holiday cravings.
Are you up for the challenge?
If you can maintain your weight within 2 pounds for 8 weeks, you will receive a $20 YMCA credit that can be used towards any fitness program, including personal training. If you gain more than 2 pounds during this eight-week challenge, your fee will be donated in your name to the Y’s Mission Strong Fund.
There will be two mandatory weigh-ins:
Week 1 (some time between November 17 and November 23)
Week 8 (some time between January 5 and January 9)
There will also be optional weigh-in:
Week 4 (some time between December 12 and December 14)
As part of this fun-filled Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge, you will receive:
Let’s have a little fun this holiday season. Together, we will help you celebrate the holiday season happy and healthy!
Registration is now open. Select your branch below and sign up today!
Cost: $30
PLEASE NOTE: Registration closes on November 16.
