DECEMBER 2008
June - December 14
ON THE ROAD WITH THE ELLWOODS
Ellwood House Museum Visitors Center, 509 North First Street, DeKalb
A new special exhibit at the Ellwood House Museum Visitor Center. Come see the automobile in the life of an American family 1900-1940.
815-756-4609
www.ellwoodhouse.org

December 4
LADIES NIGHT OUT ON THE WOODSTOCK SQUARE
Woodstock
Ladies enjoy a night of shopping and dining on the Square. Limousine transportation to restaurants and shops. Participating businesses will offer dinner and drink specials, entertainment, open houses and appetizers.
www.awaketowoodstock.com

December 5
HOLIDAY BRASS AND CHORAL CONCERT
Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 North Church Street, RockfordCelebrate the season with inspiring holiday music in the beautiful sanctuary. Voices will rise to the rafters with joyful carols and solemn chant.
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

December 5
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE
Main Street and Ellice Dinges Center, Sublette
Food, Christmas music and carriage rides. Craft show and face painting at Ellice Dinges Center, and Ginger Bread House contest.
815-859-5582

December 5-6
HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS
Downtown, Belvidere
Celebrate the Christmas season with a tree lighting ceremony, carriage rides, a parade, a concert and artisans.
815-547-4357

December 5-6
GENEVA'S CHRISTMAS WALK & HOUSE TOUR
South Third Street, Geneva
A special holiday tradition in the season, the Christmas Walk begins with local choirs singing carols as the Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn is lit with twinkling lights and chestnuts roast over open fires..
630-232-6060
www.genevachamber.com

December 6
CHRISTMAS TREE WALK & TOUR OF HOMES
Downtown Mt. Carroll
Visit our historic community where local merchants ring in the holiday season with lunch and pictures with santa, caroling, horse drawn wagon rides, special Christmas sales, and a tour of unique homes decorated for the season.
815-244-CALL
www.mtcarrollil.org

December 6
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
Catch the holiday spirit with Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the rest of the gang as they bring us the heart-warming musical based on the Charles Dickens classic.
815-356-9212
www.rauecenter.org

December 6-7
CHOCOLATE WEEKEND
Downtown Sycamore
Spend a nostalgic weekend holiday shopping through the quaint shop's in downtown Sycamore. Enjoy complimentary chocolate and other holiday specialties courtesy of Discover Sycamore. Held the first weekend in December. Come experience Sycamore and find out how sweet a small town can be.
815-895-3456

December 6-7, 13-14
CHRISTMAS ON THE RAILROAD
Illinois Railway Museum, Union
Meet Santa at the Illinois Railway Museum.
800-BIG-RAIL
www.irm.org

December 12
CHRISTMAS IN THE GROVE
Downtown Franklin Grove
The village businesses, churches and organizations invite you to come to the Grove for holiday fun.  Visit Santa or hop on the horse drawn wagon rides.  Do your holiday shopping, look for homemade Kettle Korn or listen to the carolers and barbershoppers.
815-456-3030
www.franklingroveil.com

December 12-12
PAW PAW'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY FEST
Downtown Paw Paw
Lighting of the Christmas tree, wagon rides, craft booths, refreshments and more.
815-627-9331

December 13
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Downtown Crystal Lake
Children enjoy breakfast with Santa at Old Town Hall, music, games, gifts and photo for each child. Call for reservations.
815-479-0835
www.downtowncl.org

December 18-21
THE NUTCRACKER PERFORMED BY THE BERKSHIRE BALLET COMPANY
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
Treat yourself and your family to a Christmas delight with Tchaikovsky's unforgettable music, emotional dancing and lavish costumes.
815-356-9212
www.rauecenter.org


DECEMBER 2007
November 14 - January 6, 2008
A WOODLAND HOLIDAY
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Celebrate the season and come into the woods as Klehm hosts a series of seasonal celebrations showcasing the spirit of the Holidays.  The visitors center gallery will be decorated with a unique holiday decor and a photography exhibit.  The gallery is also a festive location for your holiday celebrations & gatherings whether it is for family or corporate parties.
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

November 24 - January 1, 2008
HOMETOWN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Roscoe, Rockton, South Beloit
Four northern Illinois communities link up to create a festive tour of holiday lighting this holiday season. The kick off for the Hometown Festival of Lights on Friday, November 24, starts at Riverside Park in Roscoe (just west of IL 251). Make this festive tour a continuation of your visit to Rockford's Festival of Lights in Sinnissippi Park.
815-624-7625

November 25 - December 30
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Sinnissippi Park,1400 N. Second Street (IL 251), Rockford
Wind your way through Sinnissippi Park in your automobile amidst the glow of dozens of lighted displays created by area businesses and community organizations for the annual Festival of Lights. Children can leave their letters for Santa in the North Pole Express mailbox. Stop at the Rockford Community Holiday Tree across the street in Sinnissippi Gardens and then drive north on Second to Woodward Governor to view the beautiful holiday display there. Opening day ceremonies with Santa, the Community Tree Lighting are Sunday, November 25 at 5pm.
815-965-0768

December 1
LUCIA FEST 2007
404 & 225 South 3rd Street, Rockford
Traditional winter festival on Saturday including kaffe stuga (coffee and bakery goods served) Julmarknad (Swedish foods, handwork and gifts sold) and the traditional Lucia Pageant at 1pm at historic First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St. An added attraction is a lunch including traditional Swedish meatballs with sauce, boiled potatoes with dill, lingonberries and limpa bread, a beverage and a Swedish dream cookie. Lunch will be offered beginning at 11am..
815-963-5559

December 1
CHRISTMAS IN HARVARD
Downtown Harvard
Join Main Street by celebrating with the tree lighting, lighted horse parade, vist with Santa, story time with Mrs Claus and much more.
815-943-3431

December 1
ANNUAL DIXON CHRISTMAS WALK
Downtown Dixon
Annual event includes carriage rides, story teller, breakfast with Santa, refreshments and other entertainment.
815-288-2308

December 1-2
CHRISTMAS PAST
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent Street, Rockford
Tinker Swiss Cottage will be alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas Past.  Lavishly decorated with pine garland, scarlet bows and gold ornaments as well as turn-of-the-century Christmas ornaments from the Tinker family.  Crafts for children to make, as well as hot cider, homemade cookies and tours of the cottage.  Holiday music will be provided throughout the weekend.  Open noon to 5pm each day.
815-964-2424

December 1-2
CANDLELIGHT AT THE INN & HOMESPUN HOLIDAY MARKET
Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, LaFox
Come visit the Farm where there will be interpreters wearing period clothing telling guests what life was like for people during the horse and wagon era, and more.
630-584-8485
www.garfieldfarm.org

December 1-2, 7-9
"THE NUTCRACKER"
Egyptian Theatre, 135 North Second Street, DeKalb
Come see 2 different performances of this beloved classic that brings out the child in us all.
815-758-1215

December 1-14
SKI DOLLAR DAYS
Chestnut Mountain Resort, 8700 W. Chestnut Road, Galena
Special lift ticket rates. The date of the day is the rate for that day's lift ticket. Also discounted rates for both group lessons and overnight lodging.
800-397-1320
www.chestnutmtn.com

December 1-24
ANNUAL LIGHT UP THE VALLEY
Various locations throughout Galena Area
Self-guided driving tour though 6,800 acres amid the rolling hills and valleys of northwest Illinois to view beautifully decorated homes for the Light up the Valley holiday contest. Maps are available at the front desk. Trolley tours available on Saturdays in Dec. for a fee. Free. Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, 444 Eagle Ridge Dr.
815-777-2444

December 1-January 10
HOLIDAY GIFT SHOPPE
Freeport Arts Center, 121 North Harlem, Freeport
Annual gift shop where you can purchase unique hand-crafted gift items created by local artisans.
815-235-9755

December 2
CASTING CROWNS
Convocation Center, DeKalb
Casting Crowns is a Grammy Award and Dove Award winning christian band that employs a soft rock style of music. Their career sales have exceeded 1 million records.
815-752-6800
www.convocenter.niu.edu

December 2
CHRISTMAS TEA
Silvercreek Museum, 2954 S. Walnut, Freeport
Over 25 rooms decorated for the holiday season and illuminated with holiday lights, oil lamps and candles. Cookies and tea.
815-232-8419

December 2
MENDELSSOHN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER PRESENTS SIBELIUS
215 North Court Street, Rockford
Two great works by Finish composer Jean Sibelius, Oma Maa (My Own Land) and Maan Virsi (Hymn to the Earth), are performed by Mendelssohn performing artists and the 120-voice combined choirs of Rock Valley College.
815-964-9713

December 2
GLIDDEN OPEN HOUSE
921 West Lincoln Highway, DeKalb
Annual open house at the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center.
815-756-7904

December 4
BUGGIN' WITH RUUD
Sycamore High School Auditorium
Midwest Museum of Natural History has been able to bring international wildlife personality Ruud Kleinpaste of Animal Planet to Sycamore. This quirky entomologist from Auckland, New Zealand will provide an entertaining and educational performance that is sure to please.
815-895-7777
www.mmnh.org

December 5
ROCHELLE LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE
Rochelle
Rochelle will kick off the holiday season with businesses having special sales Friday night and all day Saturday. Highlights include the lighted Christmas Parade, horse drawn carriage rides, children's activities and of course, the arrival of Santa.
815-562-4189
www.rochelletourism.com

December 6
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WALK
Downtown Warren
Take a stroll down Main Street, visit the local businesses, sign up for prizes, and gather together at the end of the evening for food, drink and a special visitor; Santa Claus. Downtown Warren. 815-275-2654.
815-275-2654

December 7
WALK WITH SANTA
State Street in Sycamore
Join Santa as he makes his grand entrance in Sycamore!  Children walk with Santa down State Street to the Courthouse lawn for a spectacular tree lighting.  Start the holiday season off right in downtown Sycamore.
888-828-4FUN

December 7
NORTHWEST INDIANA SYMPHONY: HOLIDAY CONCERT - RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
The annual famiily tradition!  A festive combination of contemporary and classic holiday music, you're sure to hear your favorites. Sing along with our chorus to beloved carols, and keep an eye out for Santa as he checks in on the maestro.
815-356-9212

December 7
FULTON'S HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS WALK
Heritage Canyon, Fulton
Annual community festival celebating the Christmas season.  Music, downtown shopping, food, wagon rides, children's crafts, Santa, the Grinch, live Nativity, ice carving, and much more.
815-589-4545

December 7-8
DOWNTOWN ROCHELLE'S CHRISTMAS WALK
Downtown Rochelle
Lighted Christmas parade, activities, and big holiday sales.
815-562-7031

December 7-8
CHRISTMAS WALK
Throughout Oswego
The sound of Christmas, natural warmth and ambiance draw thousands to downtown Oswego, Mason Square, and Douglas Square every year.   Lights on Main Street to the  parade, carolers, cookie walk, crafts, sales and entertainment.  A true tradition.
630-554-3505
www.visitoswego.org

December 7-9
CHRISTMAS WALK
Throughout Rockton
3 day event including shopping, wagon & carriage rides, roving Christmas elves, Frosty, Rudolph, Santa, Art Show, Lighted Christmas Parade, Holiday POPS concert, and more.
815-624-4485
www.rocktonchamber.com

December 7-9
CHARLOTTE'S WEB PRESENTS THE 14TH ANNUAL HOMETOWN HOLIDAY with JR Sullivan & Friends
118 North Main Street, Rockford
Rockford's traditional homecoming for the performing arts with many of Rockford's professional performing artists returning for the celebration, including Stephen Vrtol III, Linda Abronski, Shawn Wallace, Megon McDonough, Randy Sabiien and first-timer Holland Zander. You never know who's going to drop in!
815-964-2238

December 8
CHRISTMAS IN THE CANYON
515 N. 4th St, Fulton
Unique Christmas experience. Lantern-lit buildings and pathways, historically costumed villagers, scenes from Christmas past and visitors will be "unseen" spirits from the future. Donations. Limited Wheel Chair Access. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. –8 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Limited Handicap Accessibility.
815-589-2838

December 8
PARK RIDGE CIVIC ORCHESTRA - THE NUTCRACKER
Pickwick Theatre, Park Ridge
The Park Ridge Civic Orchestra is in its fourteenth season of concerts at the historic Pickwick Theatre in Uptown Park Ridge. The Ballet Chicago Studio Company will join the PRC Orchestra in a presentation of the classic Nutcracker by tschaikovsky.
847-692-7726
www.parkridgecivicorchestra.org

December 8
BREAKFAST WITH A WOODLAND SANTA
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Come into the wood and create an album of cherished memories as you and your child enjoy a fun and unique breakfast with the Big Elf himself, Santa.
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

December 8
HOLIDAY WALK
Boone County Conservation District, Belvidere
It's back to the 1800's and winter on the prairie. Enjoy the natural setting and holiday displays from the era.
815-547-7935

December 8
TASTE OF CHRISTMAS
Various Bed & Breakfast Inns, Galena
Tour the parlors of Galena's bed and breakfast inns. Homes decorated for the holidays attended by innkeepers in period costumes. Fresh baked goods for sale. $2 per house.
815-777-3638

December 8
LUMINARY WALK
Oakdale Nature Preserve
4433 S. Cranes Grove, Freeport
6 pm to 9:30 pm. Guided hike through hundreds of luminaries while meeting special guests along the way. Live music and sweet treats in the warmth of the lodge. Adults: $5; Children under 5: Free
815-233-5616

December 8-9
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AT MIDWAY VILLAGE
Midway Village, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Get in the holiday spirit with a Victorian Christmas in the turn-of-the-century Midway Village. Make gingerbread houses, listen to carolers, visit St. Nick and more in the Village, decked out for the holidays.
815-397-9112

December 8-9
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Wind Ridge Herb Farm, 466 Quail Trap Road, Caledonia
Join us for some Christmas Cheer! Samples of many of our products for you to try, Cider and snacks all day. Sale on many items, lots of spicy, scented things like holiday spice candles, Christmas potpourri, pumpkin pie spice, plus many unique gift ideas for the holidays including gift baskets, lotions, soaps, sachets, books, etc..
815-885-1444
www.windridgeherbfarm.com

December 8-9
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Oswego Playhouse
Details to be announced
630-554-3618

December 8-9, 15-16
CHRISTMAS AT ELLWOOD HOUSE
Ellwood House, DeKalb
Come enjoy Christmas at the historic Ellwood House.
815-756-4609

December 9
BACH CHAMBER CHOIR CONCERT; A BACH CHAMBER CHRISTMAS
St. James Church, 428 North Second Street, Rockford
The Bach Chamber Choir performs Christmas hymns and carols, joined by the Boylan High School Concert Choir. 2008 is the Bach Chamber Choir's 25th anniversary year
815-633-9089

December 9
1830's BREAKFAST AT MACKTOWN LIVING HISTORY CENTER
Macktown Living History Center, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Traditional breakfast and open house at the site of the first white settlement in northern Illinois. This is the same weekend as the Rockton Christmas Walk Weekend.
815-624-4200

December 9
KANTOREI CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION FEATURING JODI BEACH
Corodado Theatre, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
Kantorei's annual Christmas concert at the Coronado Theatre. The concert combines classical Christmas music and new arrangements of all your favorite Christmas songs
815-963-2544

December 11-12
HOLIDAY DINNER THEATER
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
You will definitely be filled with the spirit of the season as you savor a sumptuous feast prepared by Chef Michelle of Toni's of Winnebago, then enjoy an energetic musical showcase filled with song and dance by Swing Productions.
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

December 14
KATHY MATTEA AT THE CORONADO
Coronado Theater, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
Singing old favorites, new hits, and glistening medleys, her rich vocals are the right gift for family members this season.
815-968-0585

December 14
AMANDA McBROOM
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
Amanda McBroom has been called the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match. Her name came to the attention of the music public when Bette Midler's version of Amanda's song "The Rose" hit in 1979.
815-356-9212
www.rauecenter.org

December 15
NIGHT OF LUMINARIA
Streets of Galena
One of the most beautiful and romantic visions of the year.  The streets, steps, and sidewalks of Galena will be lined with nearly 5,000 candle-lit luminaries that burn from approximately 6 pm to 9 pm.  Some locations include: Old Train Depot, along the riverbanks, Park Avenue, Grant Park, Bouthillier Street, footbridge, Post Office, Old Market House, and steps between Main and Prospect Streets.
815-777-9050
www.galenachamber.com

December 15
HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT - KISHWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Egyptian Theater, 135 North Second Street, DeKalb
Come hear your holiday favorites, including an audience sing-a-long.
815-756-3758

December 15-16
ROCKFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA POP SERIES: HOLIDAY POPS
Coronado Theater, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
The Mendelssohn Chorale and the RSO combine forces to celebrate perennial favorites, with the added attraction of the popular singalong. The concert will be recorded live and broadcast throughout the holiday season on WREX Channel 13.
815-965-0059

December 19
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON FREE CHORAL EVENING
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Come into the Woods and enjoy a FREE holiday concert to celebrate this very special time of year.  Complimentary refreshments will be served along with a huge just before Christmas sale in the Flowering Magnolia Gift Shop.  Seating is limited, RSVPs suggested.
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

December 21
THE NUTCRACKER
McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn
Chicago Festival Ballet performs Kenneth von Heidecke’s heralded version of “The Nutcracker,” celebrated for its imaginative choreography and festive staging. Said legendary Prima Ballerina Assoluta Maria Tallchief of von Heidecke’s production: "The Nutcracker is magic when it's done right, and this one is done right.”.
630-942-4000
www.AtTheMAC.org

December 21
THE NUTCRACKER
Lake Zurich High School, 300 Church Street, Lake Zurick
The company of Illinois Youth Dance Theatre showcases the talents of over 60 dedicated members ranging in age from four to adult. The performance takes you on a journey that begins in a Victorian home where magic dolls, a Nutcracker prince, and the Rat King and his mice come to life.
815-675-9359
www.dancepasg.com

December 28
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
"Magic as Ever World Tour!" The basketball team that has thrilled and delighted audiences world-wide with their antics strut their stuff in their annual New Year's appearance in Rockford. In their 82 seasons of play, the Globetrotters have played in 118 countries on six continents, entertaining 125 million fans.
815-962-5222

December 31
NEW YEAR'S EVE ALL-NIGHTER AT THE MUSEUM
Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 West State Street, Sycamore
Celebrate New Years at the museum. Drop the kids off for a fun and safe celebration of their own while you are out, or come as a family. 7pm to 8am. Reservations required.
815-895-9777
www.mmnh.org

December 31
FAMILY FUN DAYS: COUNTDOWN TO FUN
Discovery Center Museum, 711 North Main Street, Rockford
Crafts, games, music and art come together as we to count down to midnight somewhere in the world! Ring in the New Year with music from Kantorei, the singing boys of Rockford and other musical guests. Plus we will have party hats, confetti, favors and more.
815-963-6769
www.discoverycentermusuem.org

December 31
WINTER CELEBRATION
Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 North Main Street, Rockford
Celebrate New Year's traditions from around the world and across the ages. Make resolutions to protect our environment. Winter activities are planned both inside and out (weather permitting). At the stroke of 5pm (our midnight) we will sing in the New Year.
815-965-3433
www.burpee.org


DECEMBER 2009


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