Pullman Exhibit Hall: From Wrecking Ball to National Park
2023-12-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, 60628, United States
Learn what it takes to preserve a neighborhood’s history at Historic Pullman Foundation’s new exhibition From Wrecking Ball to National Park. As HPF celebrates its 50th anniversary, the exhibit explores the successes and set-backs on the road to preservation through HPF’s own collection and archives. From Wrecking Ball to National Park follows Pullman’s journey through the generations of people who have dedicated their time and talents to the common goal of preserving the community they love.

Holiday Market 2023
2023-12-07 19:00 - 2023-12-10 22:00 | IL
Stop by this Holiday Market on Prospect St in Peru!
At least 12 vendors will be at this holiday market so add it to your shopping list!

A Very Motown Christmas
2023-12-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Featuring former members of The Temptations, The Miracles and The Contoures!

Holiday Traditions at Pullman National Historical Park
2023-12-09 14:00 - 16:30 | Pullman National Historic Park, 610 E. 111th St., Chicago, 60628, United States
Pullman was home to workers from around the world. They brought their hopes and dreams and the holiday traditions that kept them all together in their new country. Now, you’re invited to share in these wonderful customs during an afternoon of FREE family fun! Enjoy ornament crafting, a holiday display in the carriage way, some lively caroling, a festive tree lighting, and of course, a visit with Santa himself. So, come and celebrate at Chicago’s first national park and take a little Pullman home with you.

Winterfest Market
2023-12-10 09:00 - 15:00 | City of Morris, 700 N. Division St., Morris, 60450, United States
Get into the holiday spirit at the Winterfest Market . All retail members will be open and will have an additional 40+ vendors lining Liberty Street for a wide variety of specialty, boutique, and handmade pieces!

Holiday in Whoville - Spaghetti with the Grinch
2023-12-10 13:00 - 16:00 | American Legion Post 18, 15052 Archer Ave., Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
Holiday in Whoville is right around the corner! Do you have your tickets yet?? A portion of the proceeds will go to local charities, Shady Oaks Camp for People with Disabilities, The Legacy Ranch and Will County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Great food, crafts, raffle baskets, the Grinch and Santa. It’s a fun packed afternoon. Hope to see you there.

https://Holidayinwhoville2023.eventbrite.com

'Twas the Night Before Christmas: American Christmas Traditions
2023-12-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Charles B. Phillips Public Library, 6 N. Jackson St., Newark, 60541, United States
The fascinating real-life story of The Night Before Christmas chimes to life as told by Martina Mathisen, along with the stories of our American Christmas Traditions. Why do we kiss under mistletoe? Why do we decorate with poinsettias? Where did the jolly older man in the red suit come from anyway? And so many more traditions were explained! Join us Thursday, December 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the Charles B. Phillips Library located on 6 N. Jackson Street in Newark. Open to the public.

Virtual Steeped in Secrecy: the Boston Tea Party 250 Years Later
2023-12-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
Celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with Claire Evans and Debra Dudek. Claire explains the brewing political problems tea presented in its history, and Debra examines the history and lineage of the Boston Tea Party’s most famous partiers (and phonies).

Carbon Hill School Museum Holiday Open House
2023-12-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Carbon Hill School Museum, 875 N. 2nd St., Carbon Hill, 60416, United States
The schoolhouse is decorated in old time charm with several decorated trees, holiday vignettes, vintage toys and dolls, and everything Christmas. It will make your Christmas Merry and Bright!!

A Magical Cirque Christmas
2023-12-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Embrace the holiday spirit with A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the magic of the season with the entire family at A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS..
Ticket Limit:
There is a 12 ticket limit per household. For groups of 12 or more, please call the Box Office for Group Sales at 815-726-6600. Prices are subject to change.

Quest: A Joliet and Marquette Adventure for Families
2023-12-28 11:00 - 12:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Strap up for a grand adventure — from the safety of Isle a la Cache Museum! In 1673, Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet set out for a voyage by canoe that took them thousands of miles into the heart of North America. They faced challenges from weather, illness, unknown peoples and even river monsters. What choices would you make in their shoes? Whether you’re a solo traveler or you bring a canoe full, come out for this fun, choose-your-own-adventure, trivia-style game to see who comes out on top. Light refreshments will be served. Must be 10 or older.
Registration required by Wednesday, Dec. 27: 815-722-9301.
This program will take place indoors in an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering, or submit a request on line no later than 48 hours before the program.

Pullman Exhibit Hall: Model Train Experience
2023-12-28 12:00 - 2023-12-30 16:00 | Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, 60628, United States
An amazing Lionel train exhibit that brings Pullman and the holidays to life
Join us at Exhibit Hall for an awesome display of vintage Lionel trains with hundreds of feet of track and four unique set-ups including a Polar Express exhibit showcasing the role our Pullman community played in the making of that Christmas classic.

Pullman Exhibit Hall: From Wrecking Ball to National Park
2023-12-28 12:00 - 2023-12-31 16:00 | Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, 60628, United States
Pullman Exhibit Hall featuring its 50th anniversary exhibit.
Learn what it takes to preserve a neighborhood’s history at Historic Pullman Foundation’s new exhibition From Wrecking Ball to National Park. As HPF celebrates its 50th anniversary, the exhibit explores the successes and set-backs on the road to preservation through HPF’s own collection and archives. From Wrecking Ball to National Park follows Pullman’s journey through the generations of people who have dedicated their time and talents to the common goal of preserving the community they love.

Montage's New Year's Eve Brunch
2023-12-31 09:00 - 14:00 | Montage Wine Bar & Spirits, 307 Liberty St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Kick off New Year’s Eve with brunch at Montage! We’ll be opening up at 9 am with a special brunch menu just for the day. No tickets are required, but reservations are highly suggested to secure a spot! So get the gang together and give us a call to make a reservation- (815) 941-1006.

New Year's Eve Fun at Haunted Trails - Joliet
2023-12-31 12:00 - 21:00 | Haunted Trails Amusement Park & Picnic Grove, 1423 N. Broadway St., Joliet, 60435, United States
Ring in 2024 at Haunted Trails in Joliet with our New Year’s Eve Fun Deal, available on Sunday, December 31st only. Enjoy $30 in Game Play, 3 Hours of UNLIMITED Monster Hop, Bone Shaker, AND Laser Tag plus a Mini 7” One-Topping Pizza and Large Soft Drink for only $41.95/guest!
No Reservations Required. Tax not included. Available Sunday, 12/31/23 only. Not valid with other offers. Open 12 pm – 9 pm on New Year’s Eve. Charmin’ Charley’s Restaurant closes 1 hour before the game room. Height and safety restrictions apply. Adult beverages are available for purchase for those 21 and over with valid ID. Offer subject to change without notice.

Craft'd Yorkville Kids New Year's Eve Party
2023-12-31 15:00 - 20:00 | Craft’d Yorkville, 2075 Marketview Dr., Yorkville, IL, 60560, United States
Craft’d Yorkville Kids New Year’s Eve Party
Sunday 12/31 ~ 3 PM & 6 PM Seatings (2 Hours Long)
$25/Child – Space is LimitedReservations Required – Call (630)318-0170Includes Kids Meal Buffet, N/A Champagne Toast, Party Favors, DJ & Balloon Drop.
Open to Public 11 AM – 9 PM on New Year’s Eve.

New Year's Eve Party at Joliet's Town & Country Lanes
2023-12-31 17:00 - 2024-01-01 00:00 | Joliet Town & Country Lanes, 2231 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, 60435, United States
3 Party times to Roll in the New Year!
Cosmic bowling and your favorite music playing all night. We’ll have New Year’s Rockin Eve on our over-lane projectors and we’ll count down to midnight with the Chicago NYE Show.
10pm Party includes an extra half hour of bowling, plus champagne toast at midnight!
​If you have a smaller group, or you don’t want the full party package, bowling by the game is also available.
2 games and shoes $20 per person
​Reservations required for all bowling after 5pm
Party packages include: 2 hours cosmic bowling for up to 6 people, shoe rental, pizza and pop, plus party favors!
Complimentary midnight toast all your favorite music playing all night!
5:00pm $150 per lane
7:30pm $150 per lane
10:00pm $175 per lane
​Open bowl is available starting at 11am on 12/31/23 and 1/1/24

NYE Globe Trotters Gala (All Ages)
2023-12-31 17:00 - 2024-01-01 00:00 | Grand Bear Resort, 2643 IL Route 178, Utica, IL, 61373, United States
🎉
NYE Globe-trotters Gala: A New Year’s Eve Extravaganza for all ages! 🌍
Join us for a one-of-a-kind celebration as we journey around the world this New Year’s Eve at Grand Bear Resort! It’s not just a party; it’s a global festival perfect for families, kids, and explorers at heart!
🎟 Tickets and more details on our Eventbrite page

New Year's Eve Ecstatic Dance & Vibrational Evolution
2023-12-31 19:00 - 20:30 | Unwind at Westclox, 304 5th St., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at Unwind at Westclox! Get ready to dance, connect, and evolve as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. This in-person event promises an ecstatic atmosphere filled with positive vibes and transformative energy. There will be a variety of family friendly and sober activities to positively transform our mind, body, and soul.

Woodsmoke NYE Bash
2023-12-31 19:00 - 2024-01-01 00:00 | Woodsmoke Ranch, 2795 E. 28th Rd., Seneca, IL, 61360, United States
Come join us for a fun and safe NYE bash at the Ranch! We will have a 3-course dinner of Roast Beef, Vegetable Lasagna, Chicken Tenders, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Salad and Dessert. The bar will also be open serving Beer, Draft Apple Cider, water and soda. Doors open at 7pm, dinner served at 8pm. A DJ will be entertaining us from 7pm-12:15am playing all your favorite music! The evening is family friendly, and the lounge will be open with supervision for kids to watch movies, play games and enjoy a hot chocolate bar. At midnight we will have a balloon drop and champagne toast (sparkling grape juice for those under 21) to ring in 2024. We encourage you to stay at the Ranch for the evening, so we all start off 2024 “SAFELY”! Only 125 tickets will be sold. Tickets through All Events.
Adults – $30pp (includes 3 drink tickets)
20-13 years old – $25pp
12 & Under – $20pp
ALL PHONE ORDERS MUST BE PICKED UP BY DECEMBER 30 BY 2PM.

Prohibition New Year's Eve Bash
2023-12-31 19:00 - 2024-01-01 00:30 | Sable Creek Winery, 14912 S. Eastern Ave., Plainfield, IL, 60544, United States
Prohibition Party 12/31/23 7pm-12:30am $100.00 New Year’s Eve Prohibition Event at Sable Creek Winery It’s the Roaring 20’s come in and enjoy the Speakeasy. Dress in your 1920’s best as we bring in 2024! Special Code will be provided after registration to enter our Closed establishment. Your ticket includes: Hor d’oeuvres, a welcome drink, sit down dinner, one glass of wine with dinner and dessert table. Live music and dancing and champagne toast at midnight. A cash bar with limited wine menu & specialty cocktails available for purchase. No bottle sales or wine member bottles will be served. Prizes for Best Dressed Guy and Gal.

New Year's Eve at the Pub - Morris
2023-12-31 20:30 - 2024-01-01 00:00 | The Pub, 200 Gore Road, Morris, 60450, United States
Join us for a rocking NYE at The Pub in Morris! We are super excited to rock into the new year with you all!

First Day Walk - Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center
2024-01-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
We are having a First day hike! Kick of the new year right by joining us for a guided hike to Wildcat Canyon, Eagle Cliff and Lover’s Leap. Register by calling 815-220-7386 or online at: https://qrco.de/bef5aT

Hair of the Dog Polka Party - New Year's Day
2024-01-01 13:30 - 18:00 | Royalty West Banquet Hall, 8675 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, 60480, United States
14th Annual “Hair of the Dog” Polka Party
Monday, January 1, 2024
Royalty West Banquet Hall
Doors open 1:30 PM
Music 2-6 PM
Admission $15.00
Music by Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze, The EZ-Tones & Chicago’s Concertina All Star Band
More Info Contact: Tony Blazonczyk 815-530-5917

Experience Pullman Home Tour
2024-01-03 13:00 - 15:30 | Pullman House Project & Pullman Club Coffee Shop, 605 E. 111th St., Chicago, 60628, United States
Come with our expert guide and walk in the footsteps of the men and women who lived and worked in the town George Pullman built in 1880.

Our tours start at the largest single family home in Pullman, the home of the General Manager. This 4,500 square foot three story home has been recently renovated to serve as the Welcome Center for the tour program and includes exhibits, visitor orientation and also the new Pullman Club Coffee Shop.
Our expert guides will escort visitors to see the interior of selected houses recreated to evoke a time when migrant and immigrant families came to Pullman to live and work, all contributing to shape Pullman and the America we know today.
The Pullman House Project is sponsored by the Bielenberg Historic Pullman House Foundation, a 501 C3 not for profit organization. The Foundation is an interpretive programmatic partner organization to the National Park Service Pullman National Historical Park.

Cost is $20.00 and thru Eventbrite.

2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Expanded Tour Option

If you choose to add the Extended Tour option to the Main Tour, after you tour the Dunbar Home, your guide will lead you on a walk along the length of Pullman to our Honeymoon Row home. This unit is one of a larger 5-unit building, where we depict the 3-room, cold-water apartment of a the family of a worker as well as a working shoe repair shop that was built in the back.

Winter Wildlife Trolley Tours - Starved Rock
2024-01-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Grand Hall at Starved Rock Lodge, One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL, 61348, United States
Join us for a narrated trolley ride to see our winter wildlife in their natural habitat! Tour will depart from the Lodge and take you on a tour through Buffalo Rock State Park to visit our resident Bison! Then we will travel to the IL Waterway Visitors Center observation deck to see if we can spot an Eagle or two! We will also travel to some other areas that are known for Bald Eagle sightings! The trolley will be narrated with history and legends of the area and the park as well. Guests will receive a sack lunch as upon boarding the trolley. Lunch will include: turkey or veggie wrap, bag of chips, granola bar, piece of fruit and a bottle of water.
$33.00 per person and reservations are required. (815) 220-7386
Wildlife Trolley Tours are also available:
March 30th 1PM
March 31st 11AM and 1PM

Winter Wildlife Trolley Tours - Starved Rock State Park
2024-01-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Grand Hall at Starved Rock Lodge, One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL, 61348, United States
Join us for a narrated trolley ride to see our winter wildlife in their natural habitat! Tour will depart from the Lodge and take you on a tour through Buffalo Rock State Park to visit our resident Bison! Then we will travel to the IL Waterway Visitors Center observation deck to see if we can spot an Eagle or two! We will also travel to some other areas that are known for Bald Eagle sightings! The trolley will be narrated with history and legends of the area and the park as well. Guests will receive a sack lunch as upon boarding the trolley. Lunch will include: turkey or veggie wrap, bag of chips, granola bar, piece of fruit and a bottle of water.
$33.00 per person – reservations required. (815) 220-7386

Winter Wildlife Trolley Tours - Starved Rock State Park
2024-01-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Grand Hall at Starved Rock Lodge, One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL, 61348, United States
Join us for a narrated trolley ride to see our winter wildlife in their natural habitat! Tour will depart from the Lodge and take you on a tour through Buffalo Rock State Park to visit our resident Bison! Then we will travel to the IL Waterway Visitors Center observation deck to see if we can spot an Eagle or two! We will also travel to some other areas that are known for Bald Eagle sightings! The trolley will be narrated with history and legends of the area and the park as well. Guests will receive a sack lunch as upon boarding the trolley. Lunch will include: turkey or veggie wrap, bag of chips, granola bar, piece of fruit and a bottle of water.
$33.00 per person – reservations required (815). 220-7386.

Winter Wildlife Trolley Tours - Starved Rock State Park
2024-01-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Grand Hall at Starved Rock Lodge, One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL, 61348, United States
Join us for a narrated trolley ride to see our winter wildlife in their natural habitat! Tour will depart from the Lodge and take you on a tour through Buffalo Rock State Park to visit our resident Bison! Then we will travel to the IL Waterway Visitors Center observation deck to see if we can spot an Eagle or two! We will also travel to some other areas that are known for Bald Eagle sightings! The trolley will be narrated with history and legends of the area and the park as well. Guests will receive a sack lunch as upon boarding the trolley. Lunch will include: turkey or veggie wrap, bag of chips, granola bar, piece of fruit and a bottle of water.
$33.00 per person – reservations required (815) 220-7386.

"Join the Dark Side - How Artificial Light at Night has Transformed Our World"
2024-01-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Midewin NTP Conference Room, 30239 S. State Route 53, Wilmington, 60481, United States
Ken Walzak, Senior Manager Adler Planetarium; Board of Directors, DarkSky International
In a little more than a century our use of light at night has dramatically altered the natural pattern our world has enjoyed for billions of years. How does this impact flora, fauna and ourselves – as well as our future? And most importantly, how can you help restore the vital resource of “the night” to a brightening world?

To register:
Call: (815) 423-6370
Email: SM.fs.midewin_rsvp@usda.gov
