Aurora
• Through December 26
Phillips Park Festival of Lights
Everyone can drive through one of the largest free light shows in northern Illinois. The Festival of Lights at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, has more than 25,000 cars every year to view dozens of displays totaling more than 200,000 individual lights. The Festival of Lights has raised more than $1 Million in donations that go to non-profit organizations in Aurora. Visitors to the Festival of Lights at Phillip Park are advised to enter from Smith Boulevard going south past 6th Avenue.
For more information call 630.256.3730 or visit aurorafestivaloflights.com.
• Through January 19, 2020
Beauty and the Beast
The tale as old as time will be shown in musical form at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard.
For more information 630.896.6666 or visit paramountaurora.com.
• December 20-22
A Christmas Carol
For the 25th consecutive year, The Riverfront Playhouse will present its own original version of a Christmas Carol, adapted from the classic Charles Dickens story by Riverfront veteran Jack Schultz. Riverfront Playhouse, 11 S. Water Street.
For more information call 630.897.9496 or visit riverfrontplayhouse.com.
• Saturday, Dec. 21 • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Santa on Broadway
Santa will be at La Quinta de los Reyes, 36 E. New York Street.
For more information call 630.256.4140.
• Saturday, Dec. 21 • 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Cash Box Kings
Jumping Chicago Blues can warm up the holiday season! Doors will open at 7 p.m.. The Cash Box Kings are bona fide blues royalty. They are a one-of-a-kind blues band. In the words of MOJO magazine, the band is flawless. The Venue, 21 S. Broadway.
For more information visit bit.ly/2rDT5of.
• Monday, Dec. 23 • 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Classic Movie Mondays: Polar Express
A young boy doubting the existence of Santa is taken on a magical ride on The Polar Express. He’s whisked off to the North Pole, where he witnesses Santa, elves, and a huge sleigh full of presents, which leaves him to believe in Santa for good. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.. The line will be outside until doors open, so dress accordingly. No assigned seats, theater will be full. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard. Tickets purchased at the door, $1 cash only. Doors open 6:15 p.m., movie starts 7 p.m. Concessions available for purchase.
• Friday, Dec. 27 • 10 a.m. – noon
Holiday Hoops
Holiday Hoops, a basketball shooting camp for girls in fifth through eighth grades, will be held over Christmas break at Rosary High School, 901 N. Edgelawn Drive. The registration fee is $15 at the door, and includes two hours of camp, pizza, and Gatorade. To register, complete the camp form at bit.ly/2Plogxy and bring it to the event.
For more information contact John Rutter 630.896.0831 x 225 or send to jrutter@rosaryhs.com
• Friday, Dec. 27 • 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
AAMOU 19th annual Kwanzaa Festival
Kwanzaa community festival is a first fruits of the harvest celebration by honoring family, community, and culture with food, music, entertainment, stories, raffles, prizes, vendors, games, and fun for the whole family. Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Avenue.
For more information contact Ricky Rodgers at 630-606-1910.
• Tuesday, Dec. 31 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Family New Year’s Eve Party
Partygoers can bounce in inflatables, play games, participate in interactive entertainment and dance to music! Returning are the active toddler zone area and the various game stations. There will be a countdown and balloon drop at noon. Pre-registration by noon December 30 for $10 includes admission, party favors, and a snack. Day-of registration is $13, and party favors and snack will not be not available. Concessions will be available for purchase. Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail.
For more information visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/event/family-new-years-eve-bash-2 or call 630.907.9600.
• Tuesday, Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Double Whammy!
Live entertainment with The Hat Guys upstairs in The Loft and two great bands, Pawnshop and The Empty Can Band, will take over the main stage downstairs. Each ticket includes access to both venues, party favors, midnight champagne toast, delicious 12:30 a.m. breakfast buffet, decorations, the whole nine yards! Seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant, 28 W. New York Street.
For more information call 630.844.0400 or visit bit.ly/2EgxkgM.
• Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 • 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
First Fridays in Downtown Aurora: Art Openings and more
First Fridays will be an amazing night of arts and culture in downtown Aurora. Experience art, music, and more at more than a dozen venues throughout downtown. Free!
For more information visit auroradowntown.org
• Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 • 2:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Beauty and the Beast Painting Party
Attendees can learn to paint a unique masterpiece theme for the show and then attend Beauty and the Beast for one low package price. Painting party will be from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Marquee Room. Then the group will walk across the street to Paramount Theatre to enjoy the production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at 5:30 p.m.. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard.
For more information visit paramountaurora.com or call 630.896.6666.
Elgin
• Saturday, Dec. 21 • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ancient Cultural Traditions and the Solstice
Information about the Solstice will be given with treats and ancient stories of this darkest time of the year all around a roaring fire! Doors open early so you can enjoy the Touching on Traditions exhibition before the event. Cost is $5 for members, $7 for non-members. 225 Grand Boulevard.
For more information visit www.elginpublicmuseum.org.
Lisle
• Through January 5, 2020
Morton Arboretum Tree Lights
The Morton Arboretum has a one-mile paved path amid immersing lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in Winter. Closed December 9, 16, 24-25. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53.
For more information call 630.968.0074 or visit mortonarb.org.
Montgomery
• Through December 23
Festival of Trees
The Montgomery Village Hall will be host to the Festival of Trees that will turn all three levels of the Village Hall into a decorated holiday delight. Businesses participate by decorating Christmas trees for everyone to enjoy, and visitors of all ages are invited to vote for their favorite trees. The Festival of Trees will continue through December 23 during normal business hours.
For more information visit ci.montgomery.il.us.
• Tuesday, Dec. 31 • 10 a.m. – noon
Happy Noon Year
Ring in the Noon Year with this family-friendly event where kids of all ages can enjoy New Year’s Eve! Burn off some energy playing in the gym, make a party favor, or grab a snack. This Noon Year will be complete with a countdown and balloon drop at noon. Each person attending must register. Boulder Point, 0 Boulder Hill Pass.
For more information call 630.554.1010.
• Friday, Jan. 10, 2020 • 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ladies’ Night Archery
A Ladies Night Archery class will be offered by the Oswegoland Park District. All equipment will be provided, and attendees must wear closed-toe footwear, no experience necessary. The Archery Place, 1725-B Crescent Lake Drive, Montgomery.
For more information and to register visit Oswegoland Park District – bit.ly/34meWh5, or call 630.554.1010.
Mooseheart
• Through December 31 • 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Holiday Lights at Mooseheart
Holiday Lights at Mooseheart is one of Chicagoland’s largest light displays! The lighted route is approximately 1.8 miles and has more than 80 lighted displays to view! Features include: Santa’s visit, crafts, games, hot cocoa and cookies in the fieldhouse free for those who have paid the per car entrance fee. Mooseheart Child City, S. Lincolnway (Route 31).
For more information call 630.966.2200.
Naperville
• Through December 22
Free Santa House
Kids can take a magical trip to visit Santa on the Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street. Photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. For times and more information visit napervilleparks.org/santahouse.
Plano
• January 3-5, 2020
Ultimate Relaxation Weekend Reading Retreat
The concept is simple – a weekend dedicated to reading without distractions. Being pampered and relaxed is key. So, meals are prepared, cups of tea and coffee, as well as glasses of wine, are available 24/7 and blankets are provided. There’s no need to make polite conversation. Here, concentrating on reading takes priority. The Homestead 1854 reading retreat weekends can provide you with a place to relax, without judgment, a place to choose comfort over style, silence over small talk, and, of course, reading over absolutely everything else. The Homestead 1854, 611 E. Main Street.
For more information call 630.552.4322.
St. Charles
• Sunday, Dec. 22 • 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Steppin’ Out With Ben Vereen
Legendary Tony Award-winning actor Ben Vereen will perform a night of holiday favorites for both Hanukkah and Christmas. It will be an evening of song and dance, filled with entertainment, laughter, and stories. Ben will perform classic Sinatra songs and pay a very special tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. and mixing in some holiday classics as well. Arcada Theater, 105 E. Main.
For more information visit oshows.com.
• Through December 22
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
Presented by Chicago Kids Company. Mrs. Claus, A Holiday Musical, is a one-hour original musical recommended for children aged two to 10. It tells the story of Mrs. Claus and the new Elf Class on a first day of work in Santa’s Workshop. Everything is just fine until Mr. and Mrs. Fusspot arrive from the South Pole to steal Santa’s naughty or nice list. Pheasant Run Resort’s Mainstage Theater, 4051 E. Main Street.
For more information visit pheasantrun.com/entertainment/mainstage-theater
Warrenville
• Saturday, Dec. 28 • 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Count down to the new year with stories, dancing, parachute play and plenty of balloons. For those aged three to seven. Warrenville Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville Public Library District Meeting Room East and West combined.
For more information call 630.393.1171.
Yorkville
• Saturday, Dec. 21 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Chapel on the Green Christmas in the Village
The Chapel will be host to the “Christmas in the Village” display of vintage Department 56 ceramic buildings and accessories. Three rooms will have dozens of pieces displayed in creative settings. The series was introduced in 1976 and has grown in popularity over the years. On display will be items from the Original Snow Village and the Dickens Village.
For more information call Joan at 630.567.6407.
• Thursdays • 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Trivia and Food Truck
There will be a Flight Tasting Room and Bottle Shoppe for a night of food trucks and trivia each Thursday. Food trucks will roll up at 5 p.m. and trivia will begin at 7 p.m.. Flight Tasting Room and Bottle Shoppe, 508 Center Parkway.
For more information call 630.686.2337.
Would you like your upcoming activity considered for inclusion? Send the event details, name, date, time, and a paragraph description plus the event contact number and/or Web site address to me at neighborhood
activities@comcast.net. Please send minimum two weeks prior to the event date.