I & M Canal

Winter Bird Feeding
2024-11-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Camp Sagawau
Join us for a discussion on attracting birds to your yard using feeders and plantings.

Deck Your Halls with Milkweed Pods
2024-11-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
The holiday season is here. As you are decorating your house, why not choose something you can find right outside in nature — milkweed pods! In this program, you will learn some fun and interesting facts about the plant and its importance to the monarch butterfly. Then get artsy! Use paint, glue and other craft supplies to turn a milkweed pod into a festive ornament that you’ll be proud to show all your holiday guests. All supplies will be provided.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 12 or older. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Registration required by Thursday, Nov. 21, by calling 815-722-9301 or online.
Isle a la Cache Museum is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Owl Prowl for Families: Hickory Creek Preserve
2024-11-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Hickory Creek Preserve, 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, 60448, United States
Bring the family for a hike as evening turns into night in the forest.
Bundle up and lace up your favorite hiking boots as we set out in search of our elusive owl friends. Discover just how many species reside in Will County and how to differentiate them. Learn how big they can get, what they look like and where you can find them. Afterward, warm up by a fire and enjoy roasting marshmallows.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages.
Registration required by Thursday, Nov. 21, by calling 815-727-8700 or online.
Please dress for the weather as the entire program will be outdoors. Meet at the first pavilion, Shagbark Grove Shelter. The hike is 1 mile to 2 miles over uneven, natural terrain. The walkways to the shelter and the nearby latrine are accessible. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Wonder & Wander: Raccoon Grove
2024-11-24 09:30 - 11:00 | Raccoon Grove, 5851 W. Pauling rd., Monee, IL, 60449, United States
Calling all those who seek to explore with wide eyes and a sense of wonder. Pause to peer inside a rotting log, try to identify a mushroom, listen to bird songs or even take pictures. This program is for those who hike for discovery over destination. This slow, meandering hike will provide plenty of opportunities to stop and take it all in. Bring along binoculars, magnifiers and your favorite nature guides if desired.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 9 and older.
Registration required by Friday, Nov. 22, by calling 708-946-2216 or online.
This program takes place completely outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Raccoon Grove does not have bathroom facilities; please plan accordingly.
Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile on natural terrain across uneven surfaces. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Indige-Facts Traveling Exhibit
2024-11-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Are Native Americans U.S. citizens? How many Indigenous people live in this country? Do all American Indians live on reservations? What are the right words to describe the people who have always lived here?
It is common for people to have questions about the lives and experiences of Native peoples. Still, knowing where to find answers or who to ask can be challenging. That is why the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian has set out to share information about Native Americans with the public through Indige-Facts, its new traveling exhibit.
Indige-Facts features facts about contemporary Native Americans. The traveling exhibit covers topics ranging from accepted terminology and population size to the sovereign rights of Native people. Indige-Facts is a great way to educate yourself on contemporary Native life in the United States. This exhibition is on loan from the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston and is brought to Isle a la Cache Museum through the generous support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
Isle a la Cache Museum is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Prairie Sampler & Trail Workday
2024-11-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest, IL, 60466, United States
Get down and dirty at our Thorn Creek workday.
Help repair boardwalks, maintain trails or weed and nurture our Prairie Sampler and butterfly garden.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 12 and older; children 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by Nov. 20: 708-747-6320. Bring gloves and favorite tools and dress for the weather.
Trail work is on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should call 708-747-6320.

Sensory Search
2024-11-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, 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 a tasty treat.
This is a drop-in program; visit anytime during open hours. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility; outdoor activities may take place on paved paths and natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Lost & Found: Remnants of Savannas & Old Growth Forests
2024-11-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
This traveling exhibition presents the work of landscape photographer Miles Lowry. Through remarkable photographs, Lowry captures the grace and grandeur in what remains of the vast forests and savannas that once covered the eastern half of the United States. Since 2001, he has searched out and documented restored savannas and pockets of old-growth forests, focusing attention on these now-rare landscapes. His images are often presented as constructed panoramas — several square images combined into one multiple-framed composition.
The Lost and Found exhibition is brought to you through the generous support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
This exhibit is fully inclusive, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Four Rivers is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Teen Connection: S'Mores Campfire
2024-11-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Hickory Creek Preserve, 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, 60448, United States
Fall break is here, and we’ve got fun on standby!
Come by Hickory Creek Barrens Shelter to connect with new friends and share some laughs by the fire while playing games and roasting marshmallows!
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 13-18. Registration required by Monday, Nov. 25, by calling 815-727-8700 or online.
This program will be at Hickory Creek Preserve — Hickory Creek Junction. The entirety of this program takes place outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. The parking lot and shelter are accessible. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

A Very Rialto Christmas
2024-11-26 17:00 - 21:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Kick off your holiday season with the Rialto Square Theatre and a special concert.
Enjoy an evening focused on making your holiday season merry and bright.
Join us starting at 6:00 pm for the Christmas Tree Lighting and performances starting at 7:00 pm featuring The Cathedral of St. Raymond Youth Choir, Two Rights and a Left LWC Jazz Combo, Stacy Sienko, Irish Dancers, & Santa Claus officially kicking off the holiday season at the Rialto Square Theatre!

Festival of Lights Parade & Deck the Parks
2024-11-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Ottawa, 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, 61350, United States
Join us for the 37th annual holiday parade, a time-honored tradition of making cherished memories!
The parade will kick off at LaSalle Street and the 200 block of West Jackson Street, with festive floats and performances winding their way south on LaSalle, culminating at Main Street.
After the parade, the celebration continues with lively entertainment by the Friendly City Sound and the Shepherd Choir, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
To top it all off, witness the magical lighting of the tree in the Jordan Block, marking the start of the holiday season!
Don’t miss this joyful evening of community spirit and celebration!

Chris Kringle Market - Ottawa
2024-11-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Jordan Block, 123 W. Main St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Stroll under the twinkling lights as you immerse yourself amongst sparkling boutique windows filled with soft sweaters, brightly colored ornaments, fresh greens and new novels, all waiting to be wrapped with a bow.
Grab a market mug filled with fresh Belgian hot cocoa to warm your hands as you meander through the Chris Kringle Market checking off your gift list with handmade gifts goodies & delectable bites. Snap an Insta-worthy “Elfie” on the way to Santa’s house.
This holiday season experience the Chris Kringle Market in beautiful Ottawa, Illinois, the middle of everywhere!

Teddy Bear Tea - Morning Seating
2024-11-29 09:30 - 11:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
The Rialto Square Theatre holiday tradition continues.
Young and old alike will enjoy this family tradition featuring a delicious brunch buffet and family fun complete with a special appearance by St. Nick himself and a keepsake teddy bear. A ticket is required for all in attendance and space will fill up quickly!
Tickets: Adults $30 – Children under twelve $18.

Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade
2024-11-29 10:00 - 17:30 | Joliet City Center, 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Come out and enjoy a full day of holiday fun.
This year’s Light Up the Holidays event is sponsored by The University of St. Francis.
This year’s event will include a

North Pole Market
North Pole Park
Horse-drawn carriage rides
And the always spectacular parade and firework show!

29th Annual Festival of Trees
2024-11-29 10:00 - 19:00 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
Join us for the 29th Annual Festival of Trees.
The trees, wreaths, centerpieces and other articles will be on display at the Museum on November 1st.
The on-line auction site (bidluckyauctions.com) is live now.
The Special Raffle is a $500 travel voucher on Southwest Airlines. There are over 30 “smaller raffle items.” Stop by the Museum to buy raffle tickets.
This year there will be a Bake Sale, Christmas Boutique, Raffles and a 50/50 Drawing
The official Festival of Trees dates are November 21-23 (Thursday-Saturday) and November 29-30 (Friday and Saturday).
The on-line auction will begin to close at 6 p.m. Saturday, November 30th.
Items can be picked up Sunday, December 1st from 12 to 3 p.m.
The raffle drawings will begin after the Home for the Holidays Parade is over.
See the Museum Gator in the parade!!!
There are 109 items on the on-line auction site www.bidluckyauctions.com

Home for the Holidays
2024-11-29 10:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Lighted Holiday Parade, Friday, November 29th at 5:30PM.
House Walk for Charity, Downtown Window Walk, Carriage Rides, Santa and His Reindeer, Festival of Trees!!
More favorite holiday traditions!!!

Village Shanga - Black Friday Pot Luck & Marketplace
2024-11-29 11:00 - 16:00 | Space Share Lab, 4445 S. King Drive, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL, 60653, United States
Want some beautiful hand-crafted jewelry straight from Maasailand, Kenya and other local artisans?
Join us for shared food and marketplace where a bevy of vendors, food and music will be on deck. Come and check out some rare finds for gift giving this year!

Teddy Bear Tea - Afternoon Seating
2024-11-29 12:30 - 14:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States

Princeton Home for the Holidays Lightshow
2024-11-29 17:00 - 21:00 | Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
The new Home for the Holiday Light Show is a family drive-thru experience featuring light displays and a few special guests to greet you.

GLOW Holiday Joliet
2024-11-29 17:00 - 21:00 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
The magic of the holiday season is set to shine brighter than ever as the GLOW Holiday Festival (virtual tour) makes its debut at Slammers Stadium in downtown Joliet, Illinois.
This enchanting experience promises to transform the beloved baseball venue into a winter wonderland, delighting visitors of all ages with a spectacular display of lights and festive activities.
“We envisioned bringing something unique, family-friendly, and above all, fun to downtown Joliet and Slammers fans,” said Night Train Veeck, owner and executive vice president of sales and marketing for the Joliet Slammers. “Partnering with the City of Joliet and GLOW was the perfect way to turn this vision into a magical holiday reality.”
GLOW will be open on select evenings from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Jan. 5. The must-see holiday festival, which originated in St. Paul, Minnesota at the Slammers’s sister stadium CHS Field, will extend its tradition of giving back. One dollar from every festival ticket purchased locally will benefit charities in the Joliet and Chicagoland area. Since opening in Minnesota in 2020, GLOW has donated over $350,000 to nonprofit organizations.
The outdoor, walk-through festival features millions of twinkling lights, whimsical sculptures, and illuminated vignettes. Highlights include:
● GLOW Spectacular – A dazzling light and music show set to holiday tunes, happening every 20 minutes. Watch as the entire stadium lights up in a synchronized dance of color and sound.
● Fairytale Castle – Rising majestically against the night sky, the castle’s soaring turrets and graceful spires reach towards the stars, each adorned with thousands of twinkling lights that shimmer like captured constellations.
● Enchanted Forest – Wander through a dreamlike world filled with glowing trees, whimsical playhuts, and larger-than-life illuminated mushrooms in this enchanting escape.
● Smores & More – Enjoy s’mores over fire pits while you relax and take in the holiday ambiance in this cozy gathering space.
● Penguin Playground – The ultimate winter playground for children and teens, featuring light-up seesaws, swings and climbing structures.
● Santa’s Shack – Capture the magic with a visit with Santa himself, where children can share their holiday wishes and snap a photo in a charming winter setting.
● Color Blossoms – A glowing field of ever-changing illuminated blooms throughout the stadium..
● Step onto the Field – Put yourself at the center of GLOW! Visitors can enjoy an exclusive experience by stepping onto the baseball field as they explore the GLOW Maze and traverse Candy Cane Lane, a dazzling array of photo-worthy lighted tunnels.
● Warming Houses – Find cozy comfort in a variety of warming house areas located throughout, including Blitzen’s Lounge.
● Exclusive VIP Opportunities – Elevate your holiday party with private, heated suites at Slammers Stadium. Perfect for hosting family gatherings, corporate events or ringing in the New Year in style with the best view in town! Now available to reserve.
GLOW is a cashless event, so guests are encouraged to bring a credit or debit card for all purchases. For full details on tickets, schedules, and safety guidelines, visit glowholiday.com.

2024 Downtown Pontiac Light Up Parade
2024-11-29 17:30 - 20:00 | Downtown Pontiac, Downtown, Pontiac, 61764, United States
Join the City of Pontiac in Downtown Pontiac to celebrate the holiday season at the 2024 Light Up Parade! The parade will kick off at 6:05PM throughout Downtown Pontiac. This year’s theme will be We’ll See You at the Movies – Holiday Style.

Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Show
2024-11-30 08:30 - 16:00 | Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
This Princeton gun show is held at Bureau County Fairgrounds and hosted by Sauk Trail Gun Collectors. All federal and local firearm laws and ordinances must be obeyed.
General Admission: $5.00
15 & Under: Free

Stress-Free Hike for Women
2024-11-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
This women-only hike will be a way to get outside for a quick fitness walk after the holiday season. Let the cool air and a mindful walk lead you to calmness. This naturalist-led hike may have a few stops along the way to enjoy the tranquility of the natural world. After the hike, take a moment to sip hot beverages as we enjoy the views of the Des Plaines River. We will watch the birds, boats and busyness go by.
Fee: Free! Age: Women ages 16 or older. Registration required by Friday, Nov. 29, by calling 815-722-9470 or online.
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Meet at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Wear appropriate attire and footwear for an outdoor hike. Use caution while walking outdoors as snow and ice may be present on the paths and in parking lots. The hike will be up to 2 miles on paved and natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Christmas Craft Fair
2024-11-30 10:00 - 13:00 | St. James at Sag Bridge, 10600 Archer Avenue, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Dominic Spang (Riverside third-year and St James parishioner) is hosting a Christmas craft fair under the mentorship of his grandfather Mark. Through this event, Dominic is hoping to pay for a good portion of his own Tutorial tuition!
Please help make his entrepreneurial endeavor a success by supporting him in one of several ways (or all three):

Sign up yourself, your children, and/or your family business as a vendor. Tables are $50 for adult crafters or businesses and $35 for children crafters. Tables are provided, but you need to provide your own decor. Vendors keep the proceeds from their sales.
Of course, Dominic also needs lots of shoppers for a successful event. Please come to St. James on November 30 to look for unique and personal Christmas gifts or maybe even a little something for yourself.
Purchase raffle tickets for great prizes from Lemont-area businesses.

For more information, please contact Dominic’s mom, Tirzah Spang, at (630) 703-9761, or tirzahspang@gmail.com.

Museum Campus Day
2024-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin or wanted to peek inside the Native American longhouse above the pollinator garden? This is your chance to explore all the buildings at Isle a la Cache Museum and learn about the French fur traders and the Potawatomi who once called this area home.
You can also check out the traveling Indige-Facts exhibit on loan from the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian to learn about Native peoples today. Drop in for self-guided exploration during normal operating hours.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required. Indoor facilities are accessible; outdoor areas are accessible via paved and limestone trails. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.
