The Forge: Hootin’ & Hot Chocolate

The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois

Join us for a guided night hike led by The Forge: Lemont Quarries' naturalist as we set out in search of owls. The ideal time for owl observation is from November to February, coinciding with their breeding season. During our hike, we will discuss various owl species

Holiday PJ Bar Crawl

Lemont Area Historical Society 306 Lemont Street, Lemont, United States

Cheers to holiday spirits and a night to remember! Put on your favorite holiday pajamas and join Ebenezer Scrooge on a spirited pub crawl through Lemont! Christmas Past: Nostalgic holiday-themed drinks and games. Christmas Present: Merriment and surprises at every stop. Christmas Future: Hilarious fortunes delivered by

Little Christmas Brunch & Tree Silent Auction

Hegeler Carus Mansion 1307 7th St., LaSalle, United States

The Little Christmas Brunch will feature an elaborately decorated Hegeler Carus Mansion, delicious Holiday brunch, Holiday music performed by Manderley Strings (violin/viola/cello trio), and a Christmas Tree Silent Auction. Christmas Trees, decorated by local sponsors, will be available for silent auction to adorn your home in the

Holiday Sing a Long at The Old Stone Church

The Old Stone Church 306 Lemont Street, Lemont, IL, United States

Cookies & Carols: A Sweet Tradition This holiday season, lets celebrate community and tradition together! The LAHS is hosting a festive sing-along to bring our towns history to life with songs of the past, and were thrilled to join forces with St. Matthew Church for their annual

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

1st Annual Downtown PontiacNathan Joerndt Caroling Walk & Hosted Scavenger Hunt

Downtown Pontiac Downtown, Pontiac, United States

Join us downtown Pontiac on December 14th for the 1st Annual Downtown Pontiac Nathan Joerndt Caroling Walk & Hosted Scavenger Hunt. Carolers will meet at the Block 59 Shoppes on Washington Street to be welcomed by Pontiac's own Nathan Joerndt and given more information as to the

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

WAO Winter Wonderland & Parade

City of Oglesby 110 E. Walnut St., Oglesby, IL, United States

A Winter Wonderland is coming to Oglesby! Business & Organization Open House: 2:00 - 5:00 PM Explore holiday fun with crafts, refreshments, treats, and festive activities at participating local businesses and organizations. Plus, enjoy Pictures with Santa, Carriage Rides, Face Painting, and more! Maps of participating locations

Sparkle of the Season

Ottawa High School 211 E. Main St., Ottawa, IL, United States

The Illinois Valley Community College Collegiate Choir and choirs from Ottawa High School join the IVSO to perform Shaw and Bennett's The Many Moods of Christmas and a portion of Handel's Messiah, featuring soprano Jenilyn Roether. Also included in this wide variety of holiday music is Michael

Holiday in the Park

Goold Park 308 Northern Avenue, Morris, United States

Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas celebration in the heart of Morris- Goold Park. Surrounded by the lights of the community ice rink, this event will feature sweet treats from Downtown establishments, including Alpine Coffee Bar, Morris Chop Shop, and more. Montage Wine Bar will be serving up holiday

Full Moon Hike & Stories

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

December's full moon has many names, including the storytelling moon. Bundle up for a night of wonder hearing moon lore and legend while hiking a moonlit trail. Then share your own stories while roasting moon pies over a campfire. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. This program takes

Dean Z – Ultimate Elvis Christmas

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

Coming to the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, IL is Dean Z's Rockin' Christmas Show. Get ready to rock into the holiday spirit when award-winning and internationally acclaimed entertainer Dean Z, alongside his high-energy band and the beautiful Dynamite Singers as they present your favorite rock 'n'

9th the Drunk’n Gnome

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, United States

Saturday night only! Get the REAL story behind the gnomes. These wee creatures tend to be a wee-bit tipsy, so they're ready to spill the beans in the live, comedy production held in the indoor theatre.  

Happy Morning Yoga & Hike

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

Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection. This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 14 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied

Winter Survival

Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest, IL, United States

Come learn about the winter survival tactics of the mammals, reptiles and amphibians that call Thorn Creek home. We will explore different types of hibernation. After the hike, participants will create a pinecone creature to take home. This program is sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society.

Winterfest Market

Downtown Morris 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, United States

Watch our streets fill up with cool new vendors offering foods, handmade specialty pieces, home goods, and all the perfect last-minute gifts you could need!  

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

Christmas Tour by Candlelight

Weber House & Garden 1503 Baker St., Streator, IL, 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  

Little Explorers: Winter Campout

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

Let's go faux camping. Bring your little explorer to Four Rivers for a camping experience with a story, hands-on activities, s'mores, crafts and free play. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 3-5. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please register yourself along with your child. We encourage

Abstract Painting Workshop

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

Unleash your creativity in this dynamic, two-hour abstract painting workshop! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, this class offers the perfect balance of structure and freedom. In the first hour, Amanda will guide you through various abstract techniques, from color blending and brushwork to creative

An Evening with Peter Billingsley & A Christmas Story

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

Peter will be on a limited tour this holiday season hosting a series of screenings of A Christmas Story. The evening will include a pre-show meet and greet, screening of the 1983 film, and a moderated Q&A where Billingsley will share stories from the movie set, behind-the-scenes

Christmas Tour by Candlelight

Weber House & Garden 1503 Baker St., Streator, IL, 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.  

Wood Burning Workshop

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

Learn to craft a custom decorative wood board using the art of pyrography. You'll learn the basic techniques of decorative wood burning, which, although dating back centuries, can be expressed with fun, contemporary designs. Using a pen-like burning tool, you'll work on small wood pieces to practice

Jingle Mingle

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

The Rialto Square Theatre Foundation invites you to attend its inaugural young adult event, the Jingle Mingle! Each ticket includes: event admission, Christmas-themed appetizers, and drink tickets for the cash bar. The event will feature a live DJ and a limited-time signature cocktail! Wear your ugliest Christmas

Classical Blast – Dark Side of the Yule Concert

Joliet Area History Museum 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, United States

Enjoy Classical Blast - Dark Side of the Yule, where Christmas meets classic rock! Join us for the last indoor auditorium theater concert of 2024!