Caroling Campfire: Messenger Woods Nature Preserve
2024-12-07 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

LHS Athletic Boosters Craft Show
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.

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.

48th Annual Festival of the Gnomes
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).

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.

Caroling Campfire
2024-12-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, 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 is required by Sunday, Dec. 8, by calling 708-946-2216 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.

Needle Felting Workshop
2024-12-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Fiber Artist- Jacqueline JoAnni will be showing you how fun and interesting needle felting is.
Needle felting is the process of taking raw fibers with a special barbed needle to sculpt into any desired form. Flat or 3 dimensional. In this class we will be making needle felted ornaments. This class is good for beginners or experienced. Preregistration required. Ages: All ages BYOB permitted to guests over 21. Open Space disclaims any and all liability for alcohol-related accidents or injuries arising out of its activities, or arising out of the activities of its customers. Therefore, in consideration of participating in the activities of Open Space classes, attendees do hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless Open Space, its proprietors and employees, and any guest speakers, instructors or artists for any loss, cost and expense incurred as the result of their conduct, whether on or off the premises. *All Sales Final.

The Santa Clause
2024-12-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Tickets are $5 each, and will be available day-of at the Rialto Square Theatre Box Office.
All seating will be General Admission—first come, first serve. Cash and credit will be accepted for payment. Bar and concessions will be available for purchase.
Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he’s dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn’t a dream after all — and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Nature Play Day: The Snow Day
2024-12-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
Join us for this monthly nature-themed program for 3- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers to enjoy together!
Although the temperature has dropped, we can still find lots of outdoor activities. We’ll learn about snowflakes and snow and spend time outdoors making our own wintery adventures. Be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities, including a hike, a story, games, art and more.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 3-5. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Tuesday, Dec. 10, by calling 708-946-2216 or online.
Please register all the children and adults in your group since you’ll be joining in the fun together.
We encourage experiencing the outdoors rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility. Outdoor activities may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. The hike will be less than 1 mile. 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.

Winter Holiday Extravaganza - Princeton Public Library
2024-12-11 16:30 - 19:30 | Princeton Public Library, 698 E. Peru St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Princeton Public Library will host its 3rd Annual “Winter Extravaganza,” a drop-in evening of family-friendly activities, crafts, holiday music, and treats.
Storytelling – Snowball Pong – Spin the Dreidel – Penguin Walk – Holiday Music & Treats – Snowflake Necklaces – Salt Dough Ornaments – Polar Bear Masks – Pine Cone Wishes – Paper Strip Ornaments

Tower of Power Holidays & Hits Tour
2024-12-11 19:30 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
For over 55 years, Tower of Power has delivered the best in funk and soul music.
“We were a Soul band called The Motowns,” recalls Emilio Castillo. “Rocco was the bass player, I was there, and my brother was the drummer. I met “Doc” Kupka back in 1968 and gave him an audition. He came in the band, and we eventually changed our name to the Tower of Power.” The reason for the band name change was that they had a specific goal in mind. 50 years later, in 2018, they returned to Oakland to celebrate their landmark 50th anniversary. Tower’s window-rattling grooves and raucous party spirit have been a balm for the soul throughout their half-century existence, but the release of 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
The future of Tower of Power is set out to be vigorous and dynamic and will prove to be just that for fans around the world starved for the band’s groove just the way Tower of Power likes it!

Mirror of Mathis
2024-12-12 10:30 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
David Robbins has been thrilling audiences all over the country with his 90-minute show of Johnny Mathis’ greatest hits. As soon as he hits the stage, his uncanny likeness to Mathis will leave you spellbound. He sings Johnny Mathis’ iconic songbook, including songs from his holiday albums
Lunch Entree: Italian herb seasoned chicken breast sautéed with garlic, red pepper and spinach in a white wine cream sauce served over pasta.
Cost: $56 per person.

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

Bus Trip to Rotary Park
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Marseilles City Hall, 209 Lincoln St., Marseilles, IL, 61341, United States
The City of Marseilles and Marseilles Elementary School have partnered to bring you a bus trip to see the lights at Rotary Park in LaSalle.
The bus will leave City Hall at 6 PM on December 12th.
RSVP here and we look forward to enjoying this evening with you!
We have room for 35 guests for this event.

Gelli Plate Printing Workshop
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Dive into the vibrant world of Gelli plate printing in this hands-on workshop!
Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this class will guide you through the basics and beyond of monoprinting using Gelli plates. You’ll learn how to create stunning, one-of-a-kind prints using a variety of techniques, including layering, texturing, and stenciling. What You Will Learn: – Understand the materials, tools, and setup for Gelli plate printing. **Basic Techniques:** Learn fundamental techniques such as inking the plate, creating textures, and making your first prints. **Advanced Methods:** Explore more complex processes like layering colors, using stencils, and incorporating found objects. – **Creative Applications:** Discover how to use your prints in mixed media projects, journaling, and other artistic endeavors. All materials provided but feel free to bring any specific stencils, stamps, or found objects you’d like to use This workshop is designed for all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner looking to try something new or an experienced artist seeking to expand your creative toolbox, this class has something for everyone. Join us for a fun, relaxed, and inspiring printing experience!

Think & Drink: A Tasting & Celebration of Winter Beers
2024-12-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
‘Tis the season to be jolly!
For our December Think & Drink, join us for a merry evening of winter cheer and frosty beers! Host Michael Pezan, a professionally certified brewer and Master Beer Judge, will guide us through the rich history and flavors of winter brews.
Sip on a variety of seasonal beers while Michael shares the stories behind these robust and warming beverages. From spiced ales to hearty stouts, there’s a winter beer for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t miss this chance to toast the holiday season with good company and great beer!
Event Details:

Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Location: Gaylord Building banquet room
Cost: $10
Registration: Required (includes Public Landing Restaurant discount – details below)

This is a ticketed event that includes tasting five unique winter beers.
Price per ticket: $10. Limited seating, so register now!
Attendees must be 21 or older.

About your presenter:
Michael Pezan has always appreciated beers with more flavor than the typical American light lager. In 1991, he began home brewing beer and won several national awards for his homebrew. He was a professional brewer for seven years, winning Gold and Silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival®. He has also managed a specialty beer and home brew supply shop and has been a certified Master Beer Judge for 30+ years.

Public Landing Discount: When you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a discount code good for 20% off your full meal purchase the night of the event. Just tell your server the discount code when you sit down to order. This discount is valid only on the night of the talk, so be sure to come early (the restaurant recommends no later than 5:30pm).Think & Drink

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
2024-12-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
An annual holiday tradition returns to Rialto Square Theatre–
join WJOL for an evening you won’t forget, as local radio talents perform the Christmas classic, It’s A Wonderful Life live from the Rialto Stage, as it broadcasts on WJOL simultaneously. This is always a highlight of the holiday season! All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Rialto Square Theatre’s mission to bring the biggest and brightest talents to the Rialto Square stage.

Star Union Spirits Featuring: Not Petty
2024-12-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Star Union Spirits, 300 5th St., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Not Petty returns to the Tasting Room for their second evening at our distillery.
Not Petty is America’s favorite Tom Petty Tribute Duo! Their simplified approach showcases the words & melodies at the heart of Petty’s songwriting. Their passion & energy revives the rock & roll spirit that made Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers legends.
Craft cocktails and bottle sales at 1:00 pm.
The music starts at 5:00 pm.
This will be a great show to check out!

Christmas in the Valley Exhibit
2024-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 | NCI ARTworks Gallery, 400 5th St., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
The December 13th exhibition features the work of Spring Valley artist Bill Swisher, Streator artist Gayle Akerman, and Princeton artist Earlene Campbell.
​Princeton-area artist Earlene Campbell will join Spring Valley artist Bill Swisher and Streator artist Gayle Akerman at the 2024 December art exhibition in the NCI ARTworks Gallery in the west wing of the Westclox Building on December 13th 2024. The artists’ opening reception begins at 6 pm and is free. All are welcome to enjoy refreshments and art and common ground.

Christmas Candlelight Open House
2024-12-13 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.

Macrame Tree Workshop
2024-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Join us for a fun night of knot-tying!
You’ll be provided everything you need to make and leave with a wonderful macramé tree wall hanging. Macramé is a form of textile-making using knotting, as opposed to knitting or weaving. Whether it’s used for wall hangings or planters, macramé can add such great texture to any wall or corner of the home. It turns out; it’s a pretty fun way to spend your free time. Interested in learning more? Aubrey Sipula of Toil and Thyme will be taking over our studio to teach you how to make this great tree wall hanging. These workshops are designed to help develop a new craft, meet new friends, and walk away with a beautiful work of art–created by you, for your home.
All ages welcome, children may need an adults help to complete project.
BYOB for any guests 21 or older.
