Chris Kringle Market – Ottawa

Jordan Block 123 W. Main St., Ottawa, United States +1 more

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

Old Fashioned Christmas in the Village

Utica invites you to celebrate the start of the holiday season at Christmas in the Village!  SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS – Horse-drawn carriage rides – Strolling barbershop quartet – Free trolley service – Children’s activities from 2-4:30pm at a NEW LOCATION the Village Hall 248 W Canal St including

Meet a Beekeeper

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, United States

Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot. Rusnak has more than 18 years of beekeeping experience. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of bees. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.

Chicago Festival Ballet’s Production of the Nutcracker

Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, United States

This holiday favorite fairytale ballet is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish costumes, exquisite sets, including a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, and sensational choreography. Journey through the land of whirling snowflakes and visit the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Princeton Home for the Holidays Lightshow

Bureau County Fairgrounds 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, 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.  

Serenity Walk Under the New Moon

Little Red Schoolhouse

Take a 2-mile walk in the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place. Dependent upon trail conditions. Ages 14 & up.  

Lost & Found: Remnants of Savannas & Old Growth Forests

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 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

Sensory Search

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 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

Wet Felting Workshop

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Explore the Art of Creating with Wool! Dive into the captivating world of wet felting with our hands-on workshop designed for beginners. In this class, you'll discover the ancient craft of transforming raw wool fibers into beautiful felted creations using water, soap, and agitation. Led by experienced

A Midcentury Christmas

Jacob Henry Mansion 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, United States

Christmas in America in the mid 1900s meant aluminum trees, department store Santas, and iconic toys like slinkies and Easy Bake Ovens. Look back at this optimistic era in a fun lecture by historian Leslie Goddard using nostalgic images to explore its importance for holiday celebrations as

Still Life Painting Workshop

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Explore the timeless beauty of everyday objects in our still life painting class. Learn the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and color theory as you bring inanimate objects to life on canvas. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, discover the artistry in the ordinary and unleash

Merry Little Soiree Featuring Nova Soul Quartet

Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, United States

Enjoy a swanky Christmas party with a local favorite, Nova Soul! Start the evening with cocktail hour (Cash Bar) and then be escorted to your table of two in the Esplanade where you will be served a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine from the local

Christmas on State Street

Jacob Henry Mansion 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, United States

For decades, Christmas in Chicago meant a trip to State Street to see the incredible Christmas displays in the department stores. Photographs, ads, and other memorabilia illustrate many beloved traditions like the animated window displays and the Christmas parade, told by historian Leslie Goddard. Lunch Entree: Traditional

Cyanotype Workshop

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 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,

The Oak Ridge Boys American Made Christmas Farewell Tour

Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 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,

Cirrque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 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

LHS Athletic Boosters Craft Show

Lemont High School 800 Porter St., Lemont, IL, 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:

Pullman Candlelight House Walk

Pullman National Historic Park 610 E. 111th St., Chicago, 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

LHS Athletic Boosters Craft Show

Lemont High School 800 Porter St., Lemont, IL, 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:

Think & Drink: A Tasting & Celebration of Winter Beers

Gaylord Building, Lockport 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 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.

Holiday Traditions at Pullman National Historic Park

Pullman National Historic Park 610 E. 111th St., Chicago, United States

People from around the world came to work for the Pullman Company, bringing unique traditions to their new home in America. Join us Saturday, December 14 from 2 to 4 PM at Pullman National Historical Park to celebrate the rich and diverse holiday traditions of the early

Christmas on the Prairie

Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church 14610 S. Will Cook Road, Homer Glen, IL, United States

At Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer Glen, IL the celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas, which occurs on December 6th each year, is a venerable tradition. Annunciation parish also has a special reverence for the natural prairie lands of Illinois. In the spirit of the