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 13-15, 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.
• Friday, Dec. 13 • 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Gingerbread Engineering Workshop
The family can get together and build a gingerbread house. Includes a basic Gingerbread House kit, hands on assistance, and someone else to clean up. Kits are $20 each. 18 W Benton Street.
For more information visit scitechmuseum.org.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 • 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Wesley UMW Cookie Walk
A huge variety of cookies will be available for holiday gatherings or gifts. Shoppers can choose the cookies they want to purchase and personal helpers will box them for the shopper’s convenience. Cookies are sold for $7.50 per pound. Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May Street, corner of May and Galena.
For additional information visit wesleyumcaurora.org.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 • 9 a.m. – noon
Santa and his Reindeer
Aurora Bank and Trust will be host to a visit with Santa and his reindeer. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free. Refreshments and face-painting will be included. 2287 W. Galena Boulevard.
For more information call 630.684.9199.
• Saturdays, December 14, 21 • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Santa on Broadway
Santa will stop at shops along Broadway in downtown Aurora in December when Santa on Broadway returns. Children can enjoy a visit and pictures with Santa at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, December 14, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway. Santa will be at La Quinta de los Reyes, 36 E. New York Street, December 21.
For more information call 630.256.4140.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 • 6 p.m.
West Aurora 33rd annual Madrigal Dinner
West Aurora High School’s Music Department will perform its 33nd annual madrigal dinner in the great hall (student cafeteria) at the school, 1201 W. New York Street. Tickets for the Saturday seating are $25, tickets for the dessert performance are $15. Included in the dinner will be twice-baked potato, roasted vegetables, fresh-baked bread, dinner salad and cheese cake with beverages. Seating is available in groups of six to eight persons.
For more information and tickets, visit wachoir.org.
• Sunday, Dec. 15 • 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fox Valley Jazz Big Band
The fun seasonal concert will feature the music of Stan Kenton and USAF Airmen of Note arranger Mike Crotty. Jazz vocalist Julie Ann Caselli will join the band on some fantastic holiday arrangement of classic hits. The Venue Aurora, 21 S. Broadway Avenue.
For more information visit themusicvenue.org.
• Monday, Dec. 16 • 7 p.m.
Classic Movie Mondays: White Christmas
Two former soldiers make it as a successful song-and-dance team. When they find their old beloved general is in danger of losing his inn due to the lack of snow and lack of guests, the duo enlists the help of two singing sisters to perform their latest hit show and help save the inn. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney. (1954). 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 • 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.
Batavia
• December 13-15
Winterfest Art Market
A unique holiday shopping experience for everyone will be available by visiting Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water Street. The holiday season will include supporting artists and artisans and have holiday shopping gifts wrapped up. There will be an opening reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
For more information visit waterstreetstudios.org.
Elgin
• Saturday, Dec. 7 • 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Winter Wonderland
This year’s Winter Wonderland event will have many fun activities in downtown Elgin, including, sleigh rides, letters to Santa, city government of Elgin official tree-lighting ceremony, live reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and food trucks. DuPage Court and Elgin Artspace Lofts.
For more information visit elginwinterwonderland.com.
Geneva
• Friday, Dec. 6 • starts at 6 p.m.
Geneva tree-lighting
The evening will begin with the arrival of Santa Lucia at 6 p.m. followed by Santa Claus arriving on a horse-drawn carriage and the illumination of the Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn.
• December 6-7
Holiday House Tour
Geneva’s annual Holiday House Tour will feature five architecturally-unique homes decked with boughs of holly and festive Christmas décor. Homes are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $35 each and include a traditional holiday tea at the First Congregational Church, 327 Hamilton Street from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For more information visit genevachamber.com.
Lisle
• December 7 and 8
Lights of Lisle Festival
One of the most beautiful and memorable holiday events will be the Lights of Lisle Festival, which will be held in Downtown Lisle to start at 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be activities, including, food trucks, Santa light parade at 4:30 p.m., ice-carving, and tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m..
• 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.
Lombard
• Saturday, Dec. 7 • 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Jingle Bell Jubilee
Downtown Lombard will come alive with holiday cheer! At 5:30 p.m. there will be a lighting ceremony at the Lilacia Park, 150 South Park Avenue. There will be hot cocoa, carolers, and Santa.
For more information visit www.villageoflombard.org/168/JingleBell-Jubilee.
Maple Park
• Saturday, Dec. 14 • 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
St. Mary’s Christmas Cookie Sale
St. Mary’s annual Christmas Cookie Sale will be held at St. Mary’s Novak Center. Attendees may choose homemade cookies for $7 per pound. Advance orders for assorted cookies may be placed until December 12. St. Mary’s Novak Center, 123 S. County Line Road.
For more information or advance orders call Anne 815-827-3302. stmarymaplepark.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 tree. The Festival of Trees will continue through December 23 during normal business hours.
For more information visit ci.montgomery.il.us.
• Due by Thursday, Dec. 12 • 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Toys for Tots Season
Holiday gifts for the Marine Toys for Tots Program can be dropped off at the Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N. River Street and the Police Department, 10 Civic Center Dr. Anyone wishing to contribute new, unwrapped gifts , toys, games, sports equipment, children’s books, may drop them off by December 12.
To learn more about Toys for Tots visit toysfortots.org.
• Anytime
Veterans in Uniform photos
The Montgomery Historic Preservation Commission is seeking photos of veterans in uniform who lived in Montgomery. Donated photos can be submitted by E-mail or sent by mail and returned.
For more info or to submit a photo call 331.212.9003 or send to buchanan@ci.montgomery.il.us.
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
• December 6-8 and 13-22
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 www.napervilleparks.org/santahouse.
Oswego
• Friday, Dec. 6 • 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Walk
The festivities include a Seussian twist on the traditional tree-lighting ceremony, Toyland Train rides, ice-carving demonstrations, strolling carolers and characters, holiday music, kids crafts and games, delicious food vendors, the Silent, Illuminated Fire Truck parade, all on Main Street.
For more information visit www.oswegoil.org.
Plano
• December 6-8
Rockin’ Christmas in Plano
Plano’s Rockin’ Christmas weekend will start with a parade Friday and continue with live entertainment and a traditional tree-lighting ceremony. Festivities will continue Saturday morning with coffee with the mayor at the Train Depot 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and continue though the weekend. Non-perishable food items and donations will be collected throughout the season and delivered to needy families Sunday. Downtown Plano, Main Street.
Sandwich
• December 6-7
World Premier of ’A Twisted Christmas Carol”
Indian Valley Theatre’s (IVT) next production, ‘A Twisted Christmas Carol’, is the newly-written comedy by Phil Olson. IVT was asked personally by the playwright to be one of eight community theatre groups across the U.S to produce this Texas spoof of Charles Dickens’ classic story, ‘A Christmas Carol’ … only Texas style. Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad Street.
For more information visit indianvalleytheatre.com or send to info@indianvalleytheatre.com.
St. Charles
• Sundays through December 22
Hotel Baker Breakfast with Santa
A holiday event can be enjoyed by the entire family. Face-painting and a treat from Santa will be included. A professional photographer will available for a holiday souvenir (extra fee). Hotel Baker, 100 W. Main Street.
For more information and reservations call 630.584.2100.
• December 11-22
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 their 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
West Chicago
• Saturday, Dec. 7 • 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Frosty Fest
West Chicago’s downtown will be transformed into an old-fashioned Winter vignette complete with a grand tree-lighting, horse-drawn sleigh, live reindeer, Victorian carolers, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be a Frosty 5K Run/Walk, which includes a free Kids Fun Run for children ages 10 and under.
For more information call 630-293-2200.
West Dundee
• Sunday, Dec. 8 • noon to 4 p.m.
SEC Arts and Craft Show
Artisans at Schweitzer Woods forest preserve, 16N900 Sleepy Hollow Road, will sell nature-themed items or natural and organic products. Refreshments and evergreen floral arrangements will be for sale to benefit the center. The event is free to the public. Vendor tables are available for $25.
For more information and vendor info call 815.356.6605.
Wheaton
• Saturday, Dec. 7 • 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Season Holiday Festival
Families and children of all ages can enjoy attractions, including Mistletoe Market, horse-drawn sleigh rides, face-painting, live reindeer display and of course a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Event is free, but a small fee applies to some activities. Parking is $5. per car.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 • 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
Brunch with the Grinch
All the Whos in Whoville surely will flock to Cantigny to meet the Grinch at the annual Brunch with the Grinch. There will be a great brunch spread, the Grinch movie will be shown, and kids can visit with the Grinch! Red Oak Room, Cantigny Golf Clubhouse, Red Oak Room, 27w270 Mack Road. Cost is ages 11 and up, $38; ages four to 10, $33; ages three and under, $5. Choose from a 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. seatings. All reservations must be made online. at cantigny.org.
Yorkville
• December 7-8, 14-15, 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.
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 neighborhoodactivities@comcast.net. Please send minimum two weeks prior to the event date.