An Evening with Peter Billingsley & A Christmas Story

Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, United States

Peter will be on a limited tour this holiday season hosting a series of screenings of A Christmas Story. The evening will include a pre-show meet and greet, screening of the 1983 film, and a moderated Q&A where Billingsley will share stories from the movie set, behind-the-scenes

Christmas Tour by Candlelight

Weber House & Garden 1503 Baker St., Streator, IL, United States

Experience Christmas past with a guided tour through a house lit only by candles and fireplaces while hearing stories from Ted Weber and Bill Phelan about past ways of life and Christmas traditions.  

Wood Burning Workshop

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Learn to craft a custom decorative wood board using the art of pyrography. You'll learn the basic techniques of decorative wood burning, which, although dating back centuries, can be expressed with fun, contemporary designs. Using a pen-like burning tool, you'll work on small wood pieces to practice

Jingle Mingle

Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, United States

The Rialto Square Theatre Foundation invites you to attend its inaugural young adult event, the Jingle Mingle! Each ticket includes: event admission, Christmas-themed appetizers, and drink tickets for the cash bar. The event will feature a live DJ and a limited-time signature cocktail! Wear your ugliest Christmas

Classical Blast – Dark Side of the Yule Concert

Joliet Area History Museum 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, United States

Enjoy Classical Blast - Dark Side of the Yule, where Christmas meets classic rock! Join us for the last indoor auditorium theater concert of 2024!  

Lost & Found: Season of the Sticks

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

Trees hold mysteries even when not hiding behind their foliage. Celebrate the beginning of stick season, where trees have lost their leaves and appear to be huge sticks in the ground. Discover the beauty of individual species' barks, the distinct shapes they form without us even knowing

Photos with Sankt Nikolaus

Hegeler Carus Mansion 1307 7th St., LaSalle, United States

Sankt Nikolaus has confirmed he will make three special visits to the Mansion. You and your family will have the opportunity to take a photo with him. During his first visit to the Mansion (and if you've been good all year) you can have cookies and hot

Needle Punch Workshop

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Join us for an evening of fun while we learn the art of Needle Punching! Our finished project will be a needle punched holiday tree scene on a 5 embroidery hoop. Needle Punching is a slow and relaxing art, you will be able to take home all

Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, United States

In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss The reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town

Birds & Beans

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

Birdwatch with hot, freshly brewed, bird-friendly coffee from the comfort of the Isle a la Cache Museum library. Chat about the birds that show up at the feeders through the picture windows and enjoy the company of others over winter morning muffins. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 16

Holiday Owl Prowl for Adults

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, United States

Who goes there? Winter may seem like a quieter time for birds, but it is a special time for owls in our woods! Join us to learn about the owls of Will County and what makes this time of year special to listen for them. After an

Stress-Free Hike for Women

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

Let the cool air and a mindful walk lead you to calmness. This women-only hike will be a way to get outside for a quick fitness walk after the holiday season.  This naturalist-led hike may have a few stops along the way to enjoy the tranquility of

Restoration Workday

Camp Sagawau

Join a naturalist as we help restore our ecosystems by removing invasive species. Tools and safety gear provided. Ages 12 & up.  

Forest Therapy for Adults

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

Need to relax? Want to reconnect with nature in a new way? Join an interpretive naturalist for this simple Japanese method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees. We will meet and learn a few tips then walk to the trail for guided mindful activities. Fee:

Feeding Time

Little Red Schoolhouse

Learn about the diets of our ambassador animals and observe a feeding demonstration. Registration required.Contact organizer to sign up, (708) 839-6897  

People & The Pullman Strike Exhibit

Pullman Exhibit Hall 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, United States

On May 11th, 1894, nearly 4,000 Pullman employees walked off the job. And it began one of the biggest events in American labor history. In honor of the 130th anniversary of the Strike of 1894, Historic Pullman Foundation introduces a unique look at that important moment from

Pullman Model Train Experience

Pullman Exhibit Hall 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, United States

Join us at Exhibit Hall for an awesome display of vintage Lionel trains featuring four unique set-ups including a Polar Express exhibit showcasing the role our Pullman community played in the making of that Christmas classic. Kids of all ages get to experience lots of hands-on excitement

Forest Therapy for Teens

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

Need to relax? Want to reconnect with nature in a new way? Join an interpretive naturalist for this simple Japanese method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees. We will meet and learn a few tips then walk to the trail for guided mindful activities. Fee:

Holiday Tractor Rides

Historic Downtown Lemont Canal & Stephen St, Lemont, IL, United States

Bundle up and head to Lemont Downtown for Holiday Tractor Rides from the Lemont Tractor Club! Tractor Rides from the Lemont Tractor Club are back weather permitting. Catch a festive ride around town while enjoying Light Up Lemont! Pick up location is on Front Street near the

Restoration Workday

Camp Sagawau

Join a naturalist as we help restore our ecosystems by removing invasive species. Tools and safety gear provided. Ages 12 & up.  

People & The Pullman Strike Exhibit

Pullman Exhibit Hall 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, United States

On May 11th, 1894, nearly 4,000 Pullman employees walked off the job. And it began one of the biggest events in American labor history. In honor of the 130th anniversary of the Strike of 1894, Historic Pullman Foundation introduces a unique look at that important moment from

Pullman Model Train Experience

Pullman Exhibit Hall 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, United States

Join us at Exhibit Hall for an awesome display of vintage Lionel trains featuring four unique set-ups including a Polar Express exhibit showcasing the role our Pullman community played in the making of that Christmas classic. Kids of all ages get to experience lots of hands-on excitement

New Year’s Eve-Eve for Kids

Joliet Area History Museum 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, United States

The Ultimate Kids' New Year's Eve EVE Party! This year, bring your little ones to the most exciting, family-friendly New Year's event in Joliet – the Ultimate Kids' New Year's Eve EVE Party! The clock may strike midnight for adults, but for the kids, the celebration begins

Hygge Hangout

Little Red Schoolhouse

Choose happiness this winter by joining us indoors for activities, games and refreshments inspired by the Danish practice of Hygge. Registration required. Contact organizer to sign up, (708) 839-6897  

15th Annual Hair of the Dog Polka Party

Royalty West Banquet Hall 8675 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, United States

15th Annual "Hair of the Dog" Polka Party. Featuring music by Tony Blazoczyk's New Phase, The IPA Tribute Band, and Chicago's Concertina Allstars. Doors open at 1:30. Admission $15 per person.