28th Annual Grundy County Festival of Trees
2023-11-16 10:00 - 2023-11-25 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
The 28th Annual Festival of Trees officially kicks off Thursday, November 16th. Please stop by the Museum to see all of the auction items and to purchase your raffle tickets. The auction is now live–go to Bid Lucky Auction to start bidding!
This is the Museum’s primary fund raiser for the year. There is an on-line auction (bidluckyauctions.com) to bid on trees, centerpieces, wreaths and other holiday decor. Visit the Museum to see the items and bid from the comfort of your home. Auction closes on Saturday, November 25th.
There are five large raffle items and many smaller items. Raffle tickets can be purchased t the Museum. The raffle drawing will be Saturday, November 25th at 5 p.m.
November 17 & 18th there will be a bake sale.
New this year is a Buy it Now room to purchase holiday trinkets

Grundy County Historical Society & Museum
The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Please contact Museum to set up a tour 815.942.4880.

a Neil Diamond Story - White Fence Farm
2023-11-16 12:00 - 15:00 UTC | White Fence Farm, 1376 Joliet Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
An engaging performance featuring the music of Neil Diamond and the stories that inspired the songs.
This is a must for fans , an education to the uninitiated, this is a tribute show made with true respect for the music – and audience
Tickets can be purchased by check for $42 by calling Janet at 815.893.9202.
Tickets purchased by credit card will be $45 per person.
Ticket includes lunch, tax, gratuity and the performance.
Your lunch includes: Four pieces of the famous White Fence Farm chicken along with homemade corn fritters, baked potato, cottage cheese, kidney bean salad, coleslaw, pickled beets. And a choice of one beverage of coffee, tea or soft drink. No refills on soft drinks. A cash bar is available.

Grundy County Bake Sale
2023-11-17 10:00 - 2023-11-18 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
This year The Grundy County Historical Society will be hosting a bake sale the week-end before Thanksgiving–Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 18th. Stop by to purchase baked goods for your Thanksgiving meal.

Images of America: Lemont
2023-11-17 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Lemont Public Library, 50 E Wend Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Join authors Kevin Barron, Jason Berry, and Pat Camalliere as the Village of Lemont hosts the release of their book at the library to wrap up Lemont’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. The open house will feature a book signing, a reading from the book, and refreshments. Books will be available for purchase for the first 80 attendees. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Friends of the Lemont Library and Lemont Area Historical Society.
For more questions, contact Shannon skazmierczak@lemontlibrary.org.

Home for the Holidays: Morris
2023-11-24 10:00 - 2023-11-26 15:00 (America/Chicago) | City of Morris, 700 N. Division St., Morris, 60450, United States
Friday, November 24th
All Day – Window Walk
10 am to 7 pm – Festival of Trees
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Lantern Making (Free!)
3 pm to 7 pm – Enchanting Horse Drawn Carriage Rides (Free!)
4 pm Coal City High School Madrigals Caroling throughout Downtown Morris
5:30 pm Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive in Morris in a Lighted Holiday Parade (East Washington Street, Liberty Street from the courthouse to Chapin Park)
6 pm to 7 pm – Lighting of Chapin Park (Free!)
Saturday, November 25th
All Day – Window Walk
9 am to 1 pm – Cider & Cookies (Free!) Washington & Liberty Streets
9 am to 2 pm – Visits with Santa
10 am to 12 pm – Children’s Winter Carnival
10 am to 1 pm – Santa & His Reindeer Photo Opportunity
10 am to 5 pm – Festival of Trees (Auction)
11 am to 1 pm – Enchanting Horse Drawn Carriage Rides (Free!)
11 am to 5 pm – House Walk – Tickets are $20 and fund educational scholarships
Sunday, November 26th
All Day – Window Walk
Noon to 3 pm – Festival of Trees Auction Pick Up at Grundy County Historical Society and Museum (510 W. Illinois Ave.)

North Pole Christmas Market
2023-11-25 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Renaissance Center, 214 N. Ottawa, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Start or continue your Christmas shopping with unique gifts for friends and family. Jewelry, wreaths, custom apparel, hats, candles, Elf on the Shelf apparel, and more will be available. There is no entrance fee for this market. There will also be free hot chocolate sponsored by ARKAS restaurant group and Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel. This venue is connected to the Joliet Area Historical Museum which is also hosting fun activities.

Utica's Christmas in the Village
2023-11-25 11:00 - 2023-11-26 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Village of Utica, Utica, IL, United States
Utica invites you to celebrate the start of the holiday season at our annual Christmas in the Village!
Saturday, November 25, 11am-5pm
SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS
– Horse-drawn carriage rides
– Strolling barbershop quartet
– Free trolley service
– Children’s activities at the Heritage Center including cookie decorating, crafts, games, snacks, a visit from Santa at the Heritage Center, 2-4:30pm
– Christmas in the Canal vendor show
– Small Business Saturday specials at businesses throughout town!
Sunday, November 26, 11am-5pm
SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS
– Santa Parade at 4:30 pm
– Horse-drawn carriage rides
– Strolling barbershop quartet
– Free trolley service
– Children’s activities at the Community Building, 2-4:30pm
– Christmas in the Canal vendor show
– Shopping, eating, drinking, and tasting specials at local businesses!

Christmas in the Square: Lockport
2023-11-25 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Central Square, 222 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
Kick off the holiday season with Santa and all of his friends! Stroll the Central Square grounds and visit food vendors, reindeer, artificial ice rink, ice sculpture demonstration, giant snow globe, kids crafts & Christmas tree lighting.
Kid’s Crafts, Food Vendors, Carol Singers, The Grinch, Ice Sculpture Demonstration, Artificial Ice Rink, Giant Snow Globe, Reindeer, Balloon Art & The Central Square Christmas Tree Lighting.

Ottawas Chris Kringle Market
2023-12-01 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Celebrate the Season at downtown Ottawa’s Chris Kringle Market. Held under the twinkling lights in historic Downtown Ottawa, the euro-inspired Chris Kringle Market features small makers, bakers and creators from around the world.
This open-air market will feature a wide variety of vendors, demonstrations, food, and entertainment. At the August Hill Winery/ISC booth, you can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, mimosas, and spiced wine.
Fridays | December 1, December 8, December 15 | 4pm – 8pm

For more info, visit https://chriskringlemarket.com/.

Midnight in Morris
2023-12-01 16:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago) | City of Morris, 700 N. Division St., Morris, 60450, United States
Morris stores open 4:00 pm until midnight with holiday specials!! Don’t miss out on the fun!!

City of Lights Celebration
2023-12-01 17:00 - 2023-12-26 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Rotary Park, 2837 E. 5th Rd., LaSalle, 61301, United States
It’s beginning to look a lot like … Celebration of Lights season!

The hours for our drive-through light display will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays as well as from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and the week before the Christmas holiday.
The display is free to view but donations are welcomed in order to ensure the display can continue and grow into the future! We look forward to welcoming you all back to make new memories or for new visitors to discover us and begin new holiday traditions!

LHS Athletics Boosters Craft Show
2023-12-02 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Lemont High School, 800 Porter St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Over 180 Vendors!! Arts, Handmade Crafts, Jewelry, Holiday Decor, Fashion, Beauty, Candles, Doll & Pet Accessories, Specialty Food and More!

Ottawa's Chris Kringle Market
2023-12-02 11:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Celebrate the Season at downtown Ottawa’s Chris Kringle Market. Held under the twinkling lights in historic Downtown Ottawa, the euro-inspired Chris Kringle Market features small makers, bakers and creators from around the world.
This open-air market will feature a wide variety of vendors, demonstrations, food, and entertainment. At the August Hill Winery/ISC booth, you can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, mimosas, and spiced wine.
Saturdays | December 2, December 9, December 16 | 11am – 6pm

Hometown Holiday & 12 Tidings of Christmas
2023-12-02 14:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Village of Lemont
From 2:30 – 5:30 pm
Crafts & Caricatures at That Girl + Co.
Letters to Santa w/Mrs. Claus at Folklore Coffee
Visit with Elsa & Olaf at Three Stories Books
Hingle Bells Dance Party at 223 Main St.
Selfie Station at Molly Hebda Photography
Storytime & Glug at Aster Gardens
2:30 – 8 pm Kris Kringle Market, Food Trucks + Holiday DJ at General Fry’s Landing on Front St.
5 pm Village Tree Lighting at General Fry’s Landing on Front St.
5 – 8 pm Holiday Tractor Rides on Front St.
5:30 – 7:30 pm Santa Visits at 102 Stephen St.
5 – 7 pm Book Signing with Pat Camalliere at Smokey Row Antique Shop
6 – 10 pm 12 Tidings of Christmas Shop Late Lemont

Hometown Holidays: Lemont
2023-12-02 15:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Village of Lemont
Take a stroll through Downtown Lemont and enjoy the holiday display. There will be loads of dazzling lights nuzzled against family-owned shops, restaurants, taverns, and breweries. Now is the perfect time to capture photos of this Winter Wonderland. The display will be up unitl January 31st.
Stop by Saturday, December 2nd to enjoy an evening filled with family activities and music during Lemont’s Hometown Holiday event. The tree lighting is at 5:00pm, but while you wait, take a moment to enjoy the activities such as carousel rides, face painting, holiday craft, Santa visits, tractor rides, and much more. Activities will start at 3:00pm and end at 7:30pm. Toy donations will also be accepted after the toy parade at 5:00pm.
With all the excitement, it is only right to grab a camera and create memories. There will be special decorative lighting displays in the lots by Nex Mex on Front Street, along Candy Cane Lane down the canal strip on Front Street. Kids will also have a chance to meet and greet Frosty and Rudolph as they roam dowtown.

Merry Everything Holiday Home Tour
2023-12-02 15:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | City of Ottawa, 1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
The Merry Everything Holiday Home self-guided tour includes five beautiful homes in and around Ottawa festively decorated for the holidays. Be inspired by every kind of Christmas decor in the stunning variety of homes that will be on display!

Check-in at Marquette Academy elementary campus (enter on Washington Street). Check-in is from 2:45-5:30pm. Presale tickets cost $25, $30 at the door. Show your purchase confirmation email to receive a wristband and location details. Wristbands are required to enter homes. You can tour homes in any order between 3-8pm. Addresses of the homes will be handed out at Check-in. You must drive to each location as they are not within walking didstance. There is no photography, video, food, drinks or pet allowed in homes.

Pat Camalliere Book Signing
2023-12-02 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Smokey Row Antique Shop, 112 Stephen Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Ottawa's Chris Kringle Market
2023-12-03 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Celebrate the Season at downtown Ottawa’s Chris Kringle Market. Held under the twinkling lights in historic Downtown Ottawa, the euro-inspired Chris Kringle Market features small makers, bakers and creators from around the world.
This open-air market will feature a wide variety of vendors, demonstrations, food, and entertainment. At the August Hill Winery/ISC booth, you can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, mimosas, and spiced wine.
Sundays | December 3, December 10, December 17 | 11am – 4pm

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 (America/Chicago)
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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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.
