I & M Canal

Cyanotype Workshop
2024-12-05 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the world of cyanotype printing in our immersive Cyanotype Workshop!
Discover the magic of this historic photographic process that harnesses the power of light to create stunning blue-hued prints. Our knowledgeable instructor will guide you through each step of the process, from coating paper or fabric with light-sensitive chemicals to arranging and exposing objects or negatives to light. Learn how to create intricate designs or experiment with the spontaneity of found objects to produce unique and captivating compositions. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a mixed-media artist, or simply curious about alternative printing methods, this workshop offers a hands-on experience suitable for all levels.
All materials will be provided, just bring your artistic spirit and a sense of adventure!
Preregistration required 10 seats available BYOB for guests 21 and older.

The Oak Ridge Boys American Made Christmas Farewell Tour
2024-12-05 19:30 - 22:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
The extended show will feature a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs—religious, romantic, and fun holiday tunes—as well as some of the Grammy Award-winning quartet’s classic country-pop hits like Elvira, Bobbie Sue, and Thank God For Kids. This Oak Ridge Boys’ musical production with its beautiful visuals, falling snow, and Christmas trees is entertaining for adults and children of all ages and includes a visit from Santa Claus and songs from the group’s seven bestselling Christmas CDs. Through the years it has become a fun, family holiday tradition.
Doors open one hour before showtime.
Tickets: $79 | $69 | $59 (additional fees may apply).

Lighted Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting & Candy Cane Hunt
2024-12-06 10:00 - 21:00 | City of Princeton, Princeton, 61356, United States
Experience Christmas in Princeton!!

Oil Painting Workshop
2024-12-06 17:30 - 20:30 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Join Marjorie Myers, a local artist who has learned from Dana Jester, Steve Ross and Kevin Hill as she helps you step by step create a beautiful landscape oil painting.
All materials provided.
We will be painting on a 16×20 canvas.
Ages: All ages welcome | Instructor: Marjorie Myers (Margie Paints)
Location: Open Space Art Gallery and Studios Preregistration required.
https://www.osartstudios.com/classes
Limited seating.
BYOB permitted to guests over 21.

Christmas Candlelight Open House
2024-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 | The Reddick Mansion, 100 W. Lafayette St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Take a step back in time and experience a Victorian Christmas at the Reddick Mansion located at 100 W. Lafayette Street in Ottawa, Illinois.
Come any time between 6pm and 8pm and see the Jewel of Ottawa at her finest. Costumed docents will be scattered throughout the building to answer questions and relate the history of the Reddick Family and their home which once housed the original Reddick Library. After your tour, enjoy the holiday refreshments served on the first floor..
This year, your $10 fee will also include touring the home of Civil War General WHL Wallace, known as The Oaks located at 2101 Caton Road.
This historic home was recently purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Jay McCracken who have lovingly restored The Oaks back to its Victorian splendor.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
2024-12-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Step into a world of enchantment this holiday season with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, the perfect fusion of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the magical holiday extravaganza filled with music, marvels, and merriment will ignite the festive spirit in all who attend.
Featuring awe-inspiring acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats, and talented musicians and singers, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland takes audiences on a spectacular journey into a world of music, cirque and wonder. With new costumes, music, and storylines, the all-new show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites.

Breakfast with Santa & Santa's Workshop
2024-12-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus! Enjoy Breakfast! And so much more!

LHS Athletic Boosters Craft Show
2024-12-07 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Lemont High School, 800 Porter St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Lemont High School Athletic Boosters are excited to host their 2nd annual craft show Dec 7-8.
The show features over 200 vendors which includes holiday crafts, jewelry, woodcrafts, fashion, home decor, art, candles, beauty, and so much more.
Free pictures with Santa on Sunday from 12pm-2pm.
Location: Lemont HS, 800 Porter St, Main Gym & Field House.
Entrance at PAC doors, located on the southwest side of school near the parking garage.
Admission is $5. All proceeds benefit Lemont HS Athletics.

Breakfast with the Grinch
2024-12-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Mendota Elks Club 1212, 707 Indiana Ave., Mendota, IL, 61342, United States
Breakfast with the Grinch will be in the Mendota Elks Basement from 10am-11am.
Breakfast includes one donut, one juice box, and photo with the grinch.

Photos with Sankt Nikolaus
2024-12-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, 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.
Allow 10-20 minutes for each photo session.
Friday, December 6th, 6pm to 8pm | Cocoa and Cookies with St. Nicholas (sold out)
Saturday, December 7th, 10am to 2pm
Saturday, December 21st, 10am to 2pm
$20 session – 5 digital photos emailed to Guardian (requires an email address).

A Mendota Christmas
2024-12-07 11:00 - 14:00 | A Mendota Christmas, 800 Washington St., Mendota, IL, 61342, United States
Santa is coming to Mendota!
Join us downtown for crafts, booths, horse drawn carriage rides, and more!

Downtown Lockport Cookie Walk
2024-12-07 11:30 - 15:30 | City of Lockport
Spend an afternoon strolling into businesses throughout downtown Lockport collecting holiday cookies and viewing holiday window murals created by artist Kevin Traynor.
Plus- bring your Cookie Walk punch card to the Lockport Park District’s Jingle Bell Jam to receive a *free* holiday mug sponsored by All American Recycling! $10 ticket price includes Cookie Tote, 20+ cookies, business map/punch card & *free* holiday mug at the Jingle Bell Jam!
2024 Participating Businesses:
Amazing Fantasy Books, Beanie’s Candy Store, Biteable Baked Goods, Citywide Title, Cornolo Travel, Country Insurance- Gary Bronner, Dawn’s Barber Shop, Edward Jones- Tom Crosby, Embers Tap House, Gallery 7, Healthy Sins Inc (Vegan Cafe), Krema Coffee Roasters, Lock & Mule by Tangled Roots, Mangia Pizza, Nik & Ivy Brewing Co., Perfectly Linked Permanent Jewelry, OH! Design, Public Landing, Realtopia Real Estate, Second City Greens, Showanda’s Nail Bar, Submarine City, State Street Restaurant, The Corner Salon, Thimbles & White Oak Library

Holiday Make & Take It Market & Six Year Anniversary Celebration
2024-12-07 12:00 - 19:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Come Celebrate SIX years of creating at OPEN SPACE!
We will how a Holiday Make + Take Market from 12-5pm Local Makers and Small Businesses will be set up and offering step by step instruction for you to make your own, one of a kind handmade gifts including candles, ornaments, decor and more!
There is no entry fee but each station will have a varying cost from $10-$40 5-7PM
We will have a free reception to celebrate the artists showing in our gallery!

48th Annual Festival of the Gnomes
2024-12-07 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-12-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Follow the wee folk on their adventures doing good works for man and nature. Find out how they outsmart the trolls and even the dreaded Snotgurgle.
Visit the lobby filled with unique, gnome-made treasures for a wee price. Get your own gnome cap. Even personalize a pin for your cap.
Audience members can be gnomes, too! Get your own gnome cap in Gift Shop for $3. First year to the fest? Buy your own gnome cap to start a new tradition. On your second year to the fest, you’ll get your first tassel.
Did you buy a cap BEFORE this year? You get a free tassel sewn on this year! Visit the Gnome Sewers gathered around the fireplace.
No two dolls are alike! Don’t miss a chance to win a Sally Susner soft-sculpted, plush gnome doll. One boy and one girl doll will be raffled off at the close of Sunday’s show. Winner need not be present. If you cannot attend the fest but would like to be in the raffle, contact the park (bipark@joliet.gov).
Choose your favorite cookie variety plate (just $1) and hot cocoa.
Swing by for soft drinks, also beer and wine (for gnommies 21+).
The lobby fills with live, sweet holiday music to lift your spirits! Saturday – Flute Instructor Cindy Butler & students Sunday – Guitar Instructor Tamara Orosco-Martinez & students
Parking is free in and around the park theatre. Large lot is also available south of Jefferson Street (turn right at the base of the Jefferson Street bridge).
Tickets are $5 for all ages, general admission seating. Purchasing tickets in advance recommended.
Or purchase. online thru Ticket Tailor (no additional fees): https://shorturl.at/HJ1tc
Remaining tickets available 1 hour before showtime (starting at 1:00 pm when the lobby opens on show day).

Hometown Holidays
2024-12-07 14:00 - 22:00 | Historic Downtown Lemont, Canal & Stephen St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Fa-la-la Lemont! Hometown Holiday is Lemont’s Holly Jolly Celebration of Christmas Cheer.
Join us on Saturday, December 7 for this celebration of all things Merry and Bright.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in our Downtown!
With dancers a-spinning and families a-grinning at lights that twinkle and glow.
Santa will be there with Frosty and a reindeer for a magical holiday stroll!

Jingle Bell Jam
2024-12-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Dellwood Park, Woods Drive, Lockport, 60441, United States
Kick off the Holiday Season with a Christmas Concert featuring American Pie playing today’s hits and a mix of your favorite Christmas classics!
The decorated bandshell will be open for the holidays from December 7th until January 2nd until 10:00 pm for a memorable photo op!!

Caroling Campfire: Messenger Woods Nature Preserve
2024-12-07 16:30 - 18:30 | Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, 60491, United States
Do you hear those bells jingling and ring ting tingling too?
Come on, it’s lovely weather for a cozy campfire with you!
Bring the family for a night of spreading cheer by singing loudly for all to hear around this winter campfire. We will sing holiday songs, tell stories and play games. The night will end with delicious s’mores prepared over the open fire.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. Registration required by Friday, Dec. 6, by calling 815-727-8700 or online.
Come dressed for the weather and bring blankets and camp chairs to gather around the fire.
This program takes place outdoors over uneven natural 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.

Holiday Magic Lighted Santa Parade
2024-12-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Marseilles Christmas Parade, 200 Riverside Dr., Marseilles, IL, 61341, United States
Line up at 5 PM at 200 Riverfront Drive.
Parade will begin at 6 PM. North on Main St. to Washington St. East on Washington St. to Chicago St. South on Chicago St. to Broadway St. to Aurora St. to Lincoln St. Santa stops at Knudson Park.
Visits and photos with Santa.
Come join the fun and light up the park!

A Motown Christmas
2024-12-07 19:30 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
A Motown Christmas features a world-class vocal group assembled from past and present members of three of Motown’s most legendary groups: The Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours. A Motown Christmas is a powerful show combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite, holiday classics. The show features Motown’s trademark dazzling choreography, and unforgettable harmonies performed in that memorable, soulful Motown style.

Pullman Candlelight House Walk
2024-12-08 04:00 - 19:00 | Pullman National Historic Park, 610 E. 111th St., Chicago, 60628, United States
Celebrate the holiday season with the magic of Pullman at our beloved Candlelight House Walk!
Experience the charm of festively decorated Pullman homes. Then enjoy a warm wassail reception and indulge in delicious homemade desserts. Explore unique holiday gifts at our silent auction featuring Pullman memorabilia.
Space is limited, so get your ticket now. Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $55 at the door. Don’t miss this enchanting evening in Pullman National Historical Park!

BYOB Ugly Sweater Bingo Brunch
2024-12-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Hickory Creek Preserve, 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, 60448, United States
… and a partridge in a pear tree! C’mon on out with some holiday cheer for a winter edition of our beloved BYOB Bingo!
Meet at the shelter at Hickory Creek Junction in your best ugly sweater, grab breakfast tacos on us from Ta Canijo and bring your own beverages if you like (beer or wine only, please, for alcoholic beverages). Share some laughs in good company and compete for bingo prizes plus prizes for best dressed, most festive and crowd favorite!
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
Bingo will take place under the Hickory Creek Junction Shelter, located just off the parking lot. The entirety of the program will take place outdoors, so please dress for the weather. 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.

Soils Hike
2024-12-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest, IL, 60466, United States
Is all soil created equal? Come and see, smell and hear for yourself.
Learn how soil supports every form of life in the woods. On the hike, we will observe real samples of Thorn Creek Woods soil. This program is sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 12 or older.

Take it Outside Hike: Winter Walk
2024-12-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Lake Renwick Preserve, 23113 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield, IL, 60455, United States
Join the fun and join the Goosechase! The Take It Outside Challenge took Will County by storm in 2023, and all our favorite Goosechasers are welcome back along with new friends for our 2024 challenges!
Come out for a seasonal hike for each of this year’s campaigns to connect with your fellow challenge participants while collecting points and some tips and tricks along the way, followed by some time to connect and share stories from the experience.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. Registration required by Saturday, Dec. 7, by calling 815-727-8700 or online.
The Winter Walk meets at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Preserve. The hike will be no more than 3 miles over limestone screenings and paved 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.

Joliet American Legion Band Concert
2024-12-08 14:00 - 16:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
The Joliet American Legion Band will bring the sounds of the season to life on the Rialto Square Theatre stage.
Enriched in tradition, military sharpness, and musical integrity, these musicians are delighted to bring you an unforgettable performance with their tremendously rousing musical spirit.
A ticket is free in exchange for a generous food/non-perishable donation, donation exchange dates and times to be announced.

English Paper Piecing Workshop with Quilting in the Valley
2024-12-10 09:00 - 14:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Have you ever wondered what to do with all of those scrap fabrics?
We are partnering with Quilting in the Valley on a one-day English Paper Piecing Workshop here in the Family Room of the Hegeler Carus Mansion. What is English Paper Piecing? English Paper Piecing (EPP) is a historical quilting technique (popular in the 18th and 19th centuries) that involves wrapping fabric around paper shapes and then stitching the fabric together. The paper is removed once the shape is complete, leaving the fabric behind. EPP is a great project for using up scraps and showing off fabric prints, while completing complex looking designs with ease. This is a portable, easy to learn technique! What you will learn and what you will need to bring: For this class, we will learn to glue baste the fabric to the papers, whipstitch the pieces together, and make a star shaped candle mat. Precut fabrics and papers will be provided to participants.
Each participant will need to bring a pair of sharp scissors with them for this project.
For those that need it, a tool kit will be available to purchase for $24.99 during class including a fabric glue pen, high quality #9 sharps needles, and 80 weight cotton thread for invisible piecing.

Sensory Search
2024-12-10 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
2024-12-10 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.

Christmas Tour by Candlelight - Weber House & Garden
2024-12-10 17:30 - 18:30 | Weber House & Garden, 1503 Baker St., Streator, IL, 61364, 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.
