Christmas on the Prairie

Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church 14610 S. Will Cook Road, Homer Glen, IL, United States

At Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer Glen, IL the celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas, which occurs on December 6th each year, is a venerable tradition. Annunciation parish also has a special reverence for the natural prairie lands of Illinois. In the spirit of the

WAO Winter Wonderland & Parade

City of Oglesby 110 E. Walnut St., Oglesby, IL, United States

A Winter Wonderland is coming to Oglesby! Business & Organization Open House: 2:00 - 5:00 PM Explore holiday fun with crafts, refreshments, treats, and festive activities at participating local businesses and organizations. Plus, enjoy Pictures with Santa, Carriage Rides, Face Painting, and more! Maps of participating locations

Sparkle of the Season

Ottawa High School 211 E. Main St., Ottawa, IL, United States

The Illinois Valley Community College Collegiate Choir and choirs from Ottawa High School join the IVSO to perform Shaw and Bennett's The Many Moods of Christmas and a portion of Handel's Messiah, featuring soprano Jenilyn Roether. Also included in this wide variety of holiday music is Michael

Holiday in the Park

Goold Park 308 Northern Avenue, Morris, United States

Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas celebration in the heart of Morris- Goold Park. Surrounded by the lights of the community ice rink, this event will feature sweet treats from Downtown establishments, including Alpine Coffee Bar, Morris Chop Shop, and more. Montage Wine Bar will be serving up holiday

Full Moon Hike & Stories

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

December's full moon has many names, including the storytelling moon. Bundle up for a night of wonder hearing moon lore and legend while hiking a moonlit trail. Then share your own stories while roasting moon pies over a campfire. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. This program takes

Dean Z – Ultimate Elvis Christmas

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

Coming to the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, IL is Dean Z's Rockin' Christmas Show. Get ready to rock into the holiday spirit when award-winning and internationally acclaimed entertainer Dean Z, alongside his high-energy band and the beautiful Dynamite Singers as they present your favorite rock 'n'

9th the Drunk’n Gnome

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, United States

Saturday night only! Get the REAL story behind the gnomes. These wee creatures tend to be a wee-bit tipsy, so they're ready to spill the beans in the live, comedy production held in the indoor theatre.  

Happy Morning Yoga & Hike

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

Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection. This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 14 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied

Winter Survival

Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest, IL, United States

Come learn about the winter survival tactics of the mammals, reptiles and amphibians that call Thorn Creek home. We will explore different types of hibernation. After the hike, participants will create a pinecone creature to take home. This program is sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society.

Winterfest Market

Downtown Morris 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, United States

Watch our streets fill up with cool new vendors offering foods, handmade specialty pieces, home goods, and all the perfect last-minute gifts you could need!  

Sensory Search

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

How will you choose to make discoveries in the preserve? By listening, feeling or using another one of your senses? Choose a search card or two inside the nature center before heading out to explore. After your successful search is complete, return to the nature center for

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  

Little Explorers: Winter Campout

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

Let's go faux camping. Bring your little explorer to Four Rivers for a camping experience with a story, hands-on activities, s'mores, crafts and free play. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 3-5. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please register yourself along with your child. We encourage

Abstract Painting Workshop

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

Unleash your creativity in this dynamic, two-hour abstract painting workshop! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, this class offers the perfect balance of structure and freedom. In the first hour, Amanda will guide you through various abstract techniques, from color blending and brushwork to creative

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