DECEMBER 2011

November 28 to January 2, 2012
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Sinnissippi Park,1401 North Second Street (IL 251), Rockford
See over 50 spectacular lighted displays as you drive through scenic Sinnissippi Park on Thursday through Sunday evenings. Vote for your favorites.
815-965-0768
www.rockfordfireandice.com

December 1-30

TREE FESTIVAL

Midwest Museum of Natural History, Sycamore

Holiday tree display, holiday crafts, a giving tree, and more wonders await you.

www.mmnh.org

December 1

MORRISON CHRISTMAS WALK AND PARADE THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN MORRISON

Each December, Morrison celebrates a "Hometown Christmas" with a lighted parade, window displays, church suppers, holiday entertainment, and Santa visits. Call the Morrison Chamber of Commerce for more information, (815)772-3757.

www.morrisonchamber.com

December 2

Next Picture Show Art Gallery

816 South Hennepin Avenue ,Dixon

Special Ronald Reagon Art Show.

www.reaganhome.org

December 2
CHRISTMAS CAROL TEA
754 First Street, LaSalle
Enjoy victorian tea with the influences of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol to began your holiday season.  $19.50 per person , reservations required.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

December 2

BRADLY LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE

Broadway Street. Bradley

This is the 26th Bradley Christmas Fantasy Parade. Winter Wonderland festivities will be in the main parking lot from 6-9 p.m. The activities include vendors, carolers, storytellers, games and visiting with Santa

www.visitkankakeecounty.com

December 2-3

GENEVA CHRISTMAS WALK AND HOUSE TOUR

South Third Street and West State Street

On Friday evening Santa Lucia arrives by horse-drawn carriage and Santa arrives to open his Gingerbread House. Enjoy carolers, the Great Tree Lighting, roasted chestnuts, swedish cookies, and old-fashioned candy cane pull, and holiday shopping.

www.genevachamber.com

December 2-4

CHOCOLATE WEEKEND

Downtown Sycamore

Indulge yourself with some sweet savings and make your holiday shopping a treat. Sycamore has everything you need for a unique holiday shopping adventure.

www.discoversycamore.com

December 3
A REAGAN FAMILY CHRISTMAS
816 Hennepin Avenue
Held at the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home from 10am to 3pm. Experience a 1920's Christmas by touring the home, enjoy cookies and shop our gift shop.
www.ronaldreaganhome.com

December 3-30

GALLERY OF TREES

Kankakee County Historical Society Museum: 801 S. Eighth Avenue, Kankakee

The annual Gallery of Trees will feature 22 trees decorated by the counties not-for-profit groups attracting over 650 school students and 1,200 adults. Vote for your favorite tree. Kick off the Kankakee County holidays with us. Visit our one room school house and Dr. A.L. Small Memorial Home. Book your tours for December. Mon-Fri. 10- an Sat. & Sun. 1-4.

www.kankakeecountymuseum.com

December 3

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS IN GALENA

Turner Hall, 105 S. Beach Street

Join President-elect Ulysses S. Gran and his wife Julia as they enjoy a resplendent holiday feast, and dance the night away to the 10-piece Ken Kilian Saxtet Orchestra in celebration of Galena's river heritage.  6:30pm- Complimentary glass of champagne and hor d'oeurves, 7:30pm- Elegant Victorian sit-down dinner.  Enjoy professional portraits against a holiday backdrop, a cash bar, raffle prizes, and a silent auchion.  Period dress and holiday attire both appropriate.  A free shuffle from the Old Train Depot parking lot on Bouthillier Street will available. Cost is $59.00.  Hours are from 6:30pm-12:00am.

www.visitgalena.org

December 3

PTO CRAFT FAIR AND BAKE SALE

Southside Elementary School; 100 Academic Drive

Everything from baked goods to holiday decor can be found at the annual PTO Craft Fair and Bake Sale. Admission is free and a lunch stand is provided. Contact Southside School at (815)772-2183.

December 3

SALT CREEK BALLET'S THE NUTCRACKER

23 East Galena Blvd, Aurora

Salt Creek Ballet presents "The Nutcracker," an enchanted holiday tradition for the young and young at heart. Join Clara as she encounters magical toys, gigantic mice and a winter wonderland, all on her journey to the Kingdom of Sweets. A cast of over 90 local dancers is complemented by world class guest artists. Tickets $32 adults, $25 Child.

www. paramountaurora.com

December 3-4 and 10-11

HAPPY HOLIDAY RAILROAD

Illinois Railroad Museum

Embark on a magical train ride and visit with Santa Claus and his elves at the Toy Workshop! Children on Santa's "Good" List will recieve a gift.

www.irm.org

December 1-4, 8-11, 15-18
WHITE PINES INN PRESENTS "THE NEW AND IMPROVED SCROOGE - THE COMEDY "
6712 White Pines Road, Mt. Morris
A Christmas Carole meets Saturday Night Live! Appropriate for all ages but littered with double entendres - this is a must see for your family, Christmas party or…anyone, actually. Held every Thurday to Sunday select dates in December. Call for reservations.
815-946-3817
www.whitepinesinn.com

December 2
AVALON STRING QUARTET
Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 North Court Street, Rockford
The avalon string quartet has established itself as one of the country's leading string ensembles.
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

December 2
CHRISTMAS WALK
Downtown Fulton (Friday night), and Heritage Canyon (Saturday, 4pm - 8pm)
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season in downtown Fulton. Carolers, Santa Claus, The Grinch, 2 mile run/walk, wagon rides, free refreshments, holiday shopping, kettle corn, ice carver, children’s crafts, and more. The Early American Crafters will celebrate the holiday season at Heritage Canyon with an illuminated walk, crafts, bake sale, and fellowship.
81589-4545
www.cityoffulton.us

December 2-3
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 2-3
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 2-3
GENEVA'S CHRISTMAS WALK and HOUSE TOUR
South Third Street, Geneva
A special holiday tradition to ring 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. At 6:00 Friday evening Santa Lucia is brought by horse-drawn carriage to offer Swedish cookies to merrymakers, Santa Claus arrives to begin his visits with the children, and the first candy cane of the season is presented to the Mayor. Distinctive homes aglow with holiday decorations by local decorators open their doors on Friday and Saturday to welcome visitors on this popular seasonal House Tour; admission fee for tours of homes.
630-232-6060 or 866-4-GENEVA
www.genevachamber.com

December 3-5
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WALK WEEKEND IN ROCKTON
Downtown Rockton
This traditional event features the Lighting of Village Green Park on Friday when Santa arrives in town, the historical Lighted Parade on Saturday and the Annual "The Stateline's Got Talent" show on Sunday. Many businesses also host events, so the weekend will be packed full of family-friendly fun for everyone!
608-213-3734
www.rocktonchristmaswalk.com

December 4
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 3
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
100-500 Blocks of East State Street, Rockforc
This new community tradition will help transform the city into a magical holiday experience for residents and visitors alike. There will be a tree lighting ceremony, Santa, food and retail vendors, carolers, live entertainment, and a window display competition! Join us from 5-9pm.
815-978-2385
www.rockfordholidayfestival.com

December 4
MISTLETOE BALL: A VICTORIAN HOLIDAY DINNER & DANCE
Turner Hall, 105 South Bench Street, Galena
Join President-elect Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia as they enjoy a resplendent holiday feast, and dance the night away to the 10-piece Ken Kilian Saxtet Orchestra in celebration of Galena's river heritage. 6:30 pm: Complimentary glass of champagne and hors d'oeuvres 7:30 pm: Elegant Victorian sit-down dinner, catered by Galena's Fried Green Tomatoes, featuring a choice of two entrees: Cornish Game Hen in a brandy-apricot glaze with cornbread, roasted red peppers and spinach stuffing and parsley potatoes; or spinach and roasted garlic stuffed tortellini tossed with fresh asparagus, zucchini, and tomatoes in a vodka cream sauce. Enjoy professional portraits against a holiday backdrop, a cash bar, raffle prizes, and a silent auction. Period dress and holiday attire both appropriate. A free shuttle from the Old Train Depot parking lot on Bouthillier Street will be available.
815-777-9129
www.galenahistorymuseum.org

December 3-Jan 2

HOLIDAY TREE FESTIVAL

Sycamore, IL

Holiday tree display, holiday crafts, a giving tree and more wonder awaits you at the Midwest Musuem of Natural History.

www.discoversycamore.com

December 3-4

NUTCRACKER

Coronado PAC, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
815-968-0595
www.coronadopac.org

December 4
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
1730 North Main Street, Sycamore
The Sycamore History Museum says thank you to the community with the Holiday Open House. Tour the museum, listen to stories, and decorate cookies during the visit.
815-895-5762
info@sycamorehistory.org

December 5
HOLIDAY HOUSE WALK
Throughout Oswego
Visit select homes throughout Oswego.
630-554-3505
www.visitoswego.org

December 7
RSO: HOLIDAY POPS!
Coronado PAC, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
815-968-0595
www.coronadopac.org

23 East Galena Blvd, Aurora

www.paramountaurora.com

December 8-11

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

126 South Fifth Street, Dekalb

Show will begin at 7:00pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and at 2:00pm Saturday and Sunday.

www.stagecoachers.com

December 10

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS IN GALENA- LIVING WINDOWS

Stroll down Main Street and watch the windows come alive with animation.  Also, enjoy roasted chestnuts from 1:00pm-3:00pm in Washington Park.  Admission is FREE.

www.visitgalena.org

December 10
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
www.rauecenter.org

December 10

1ST ANNUAL "LET'S DANCE" BIG BAND HOLIDAY TREAT

1425 West Lincoln Highway, Dekalb

This event features 2 big bands; Ken Paulsen Orchestra from Daveport Iowa and Shannigans Big Band from DeKkalb, Illinois.

December 10

38TH ANNUAL LES ARTISAN ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

213 W. 4000 S. Road, Kankakee

Quality handmade arts and crafts. Resale market include antiques, collectibles, kits, new and used general merchandise.

www.springcreekcraftshows.bravehost.com

December 9-11
ELLWOOD ELEGANCE
Ellwood House Museum, 509 North 1st Street, DeKalb
Plan to begin your holiday season at "Ellwood Elegance" where you will visit the historic home of the barbed wire baron, Isaac Ellwood. This beautifully restored Victorian mansion will be decked out in holiday splendor that will delight young and old alike. Holiday music and refreshments are all part of this annual holiday weekend. Tickets may be purchased at the Visitor Center on the day you attend. Admission is continuous with guides stationed in rooms throughout the mansion.
815-756-4609
www.ellwoodhouse.org

December 11
SNOW ON ICE HOLIDAY SHOW
Riverview Ice House, 324 North Madison Street, Rockford
The 7th Annual Snow on Ice Holiday Ice Skating Show features 100 local skaters ages three through adult of all levels from Rockford Park District's Learn to Skate and Figure Skating program. Skaters will demonstrate their skills in solo, duet, and trio performances as well as group numbers, all accompanied by music of the season.
815-969-4073
www.rockfordparkdistrict.org

December 16

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS IN GALENA-PUB CRAWL

Join Miss Kitty from the Grape Escape and Mr. Corey from Stern Beverage as we host our 4th annual, Old Fashioned Christmas Pub Crawl down Main Street the night before Luminaria.  Give-aways and prizes for worst dressed!  Cost is FREE.

www.visitgalena.org

December 17

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS IN GALENA-LUMINARIA

Don't miss one of the most beautiful and romantic visions of the year.  From the Main Street to the hills overlooking the park, all of Galena will be glowing.  Enter a land of enchantment on this magical night, when you see over 5,000 candle-lit luminaries on the streets, steps and sidewalks.  Whether you drive the streets of Galena, walk the sidewalks, take a trolley or enjoy a carriage ride you'll be amazed at the sight.  Walk through Grant Park or take in a gorgeous view from Galena Green on Prospect Street as you look over downtown Galena and across Grant Park. Local businesses offer extended hours on this night, so take advantage and do some holiday shopping.  Then, warm up as you enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of the local restaurants.  Hours are from 6:00pm-9:00pm.

www.visitgalena.org

December 17-18
ROCKFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - HOLIDAY POPS
Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
Celebrate the breathtaking music of the Holiday Season with coloratura pops artist Diane Penning, whose versatile voice and exciting stage presence has thrilled and moved audiences across the country. Featuring favorite carols including White Christmas, O Holy Night, Jingle Bell Rock, and Bach’s Ave Maria.
815-968-0595
www.rockfordsymphony.com

December 31
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, dances with Rockford Dance Company and party hats, confetti, favors and more with the Rockford Art Museum.
815-963-6769
www.discoverycentermuseum.org

December 31
WINTER CELEBRATION
Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 North Main Street, Rockford
Welcome the arrival of the New Year as it happens around the globe. Make crafts from around the world and create new traditions with your family. On the hour we'll parade through the museum with the instruments and attire you've made.
815-965-3433
www.burpee.org







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