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NOVEMBER 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
November 1
GALENA'S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE
Main Street, Galena
Annual Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade is the largest Halloween parade in the tri-state region. Visitors are invited to participate and watch this amazing community parade starting at 5:30 p.m. Prizes awarded in 7 different categories, floats, costumed participants, and hot air balloon blowers. Trick-or-treating at hot air balloon stations after the parade.
815-777-9050
www.galenachamber.com
November 1
SUMMERFIELD FARM & ZOO EVENT
3088 Flora Road, Belvidere
Come to Summerfield Farm & Zoo for one of their open to the public events. Tour all the exotic animals including Kinkajous, Llamas, Parrots, Wallabies, Reindeer, Ring-Tailed Lemurs, Cougar, Camel, Hedgehogs, Servals, Bobcats, Tortoises and other animals from around the world. Open from 10am to 5pm on select days only. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds go to the animals.
815-547-4852
www.summerfieldfarminc.com
November 1-2
ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN SHOW
Midway Village and Museum Center, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
The wonderful world of model trains comes to you, complete with operating layouts in Z, N, HO, S, O, and G scales. Displays and demonstrations of modeling techniques. Trains rides available on 1 1/2" guage. Food and snacks will be available.
815-397-9112
www.midwayvillage.com
November 7-9
ALL THINGS CHOCOLATE WEEKEND RETREAT
Galena
Taste chocolates from all over the world, learn to cook gourmet recipes featuring chocolate and eat delicious food! This cooking class will be taught by Chef Donna Duvall.
866-240-1650 or contact@learngreatfoods.com
www.learngreatfoods.com
November 9
WHIRL OF WINDS
Courth Street United Methodist Church, 215 North Court Street, Rockford
Mendelssohn Performing Artists will present a sampling of the often-overlooked repertoire of chamber music for woodwinds. The concert will feature music by Haydn, Gounod, Rossini and Milhaud.
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org
November 21-22
NOUVEAU 2008
Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery
515 S. Main Street, Galena
A celebration of the release of Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery Nouveau Wine. Enjoy a traditional French stew at local restaurants followed by horse-drawn wagon deliveries on Main Street. Afternoon wine and cheese party at Benjamin's.
815-777-3330
www.galenacellars.com
November 22
JUNIE B. JONES
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
Outspoken, precocious, lovable June B. Jones stars in a colorful, funy, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations. Follow her adventures as she writes down the story of her life in her "Top-Secret personal beeswax journal".
815-356-9212
www.rauecenter.org
November 28
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY PARADE
Downtown Crystal Lake
Join us for Santa's arrival from the North Pole. This is the only nighttime parade in Crystal Lake. Come see the extraordinary floats, entertainment, musical & community groups light up the streets of downtown.
815-479-0835
November 28
LIGHTING OF THE SQUARE
Historic Woodstock Square
With a flip of the switch Woodstock ushers in the holiday season with thousands of lights illuminating the Victorian architecture and trees of the square.
www.awaketowoodstock.com
November 28-30
CHRISTMAS OF YESTERYEAR
Downtown Richmond
Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, the shops and street of Richmond will be trimmed with garland and sparkling lights, reminiscent of times gone by. The festivities will begin on Friday with free horse drawn wagon rides from noon to 4pm. Santa Claus will arrive and light the tree near the gazebo in Steven Park at 5:30pm. Bring an ornament for the tree. Children will be able to visit Santa and Mrs Claus in their log cabin located in the park. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be served from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Memorial Hall. Enjoy carolers strolling through historic downtown Richmond, shopping, and more for 2 additional weekends.
815-678-4040
www.richmond-il.com
November 30
CHRISTMAS PARADE
Downtown Woodstock
Help greet Santa as he comes to Woodstock for Christmas and join him
afterwards for refreshments at the local firehouse. Free carriage rides.
Parade starts at 2pm.
815-338-2436
NOVEMBER 2007
November 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
"STATE FAIR" AT THE WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE
Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren Street, Woodstock
Come see a performance of "State Fair".
815-338-5300
www.woodstockoperahouse.com
November 3
CHOCOLATE, CHAMPAGNE, AND CANDLELIGHT
DeSota House Hotel, Galena
The "Spirits of the Museum" (a volunteer support organization for the museum) will hold their wildly popular and sinfully delicious 6th annual "Chocolate, Champagne & Candlelight. Tickets are $13 and include a glass of champagne.
815-777-9129
November 3
ANNUAL FALL PANCAKE SUPPER
Silvercreek Museum,
2954 S. Walnut, Freeport
3 pm to 8 pm. All you can eat pancakes and more. Adults: $5; Children
under 12: $3
815-235-7329
November 3
PUBLIC STAR PARTY
Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area, Caledonia Road, Belvidere
This is your opportunity to look at stars, galazies, nebulae and star clusters with the help of NSA member telescopes. Bring warm clothing and a red flashlight.
www.nsaclub.org or www.boonecountyconservationdistrict.org
November 3
FOX VALLEY WINERY HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Fox Valley Winery, 3 locations, Oswego-Sandwich-Geneva
Fox Valley Winery offers pre-made and custom gift baskets, beautiful home decor, gift ideas, wine accessories and of course wonderful Illinois wines. You will see samples of gift baskets and be able to preorder them that day for great savings. Don't forget to try our hot spiced wine while you shop.
630-524-0404 or 815-786-3124 or 630-845-0404
www.foxvalleywinery.com
November 7
RCCA PRESENTS THE FIVE BROWNS
Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
Five brothers and sisters, Julliard-trained, and five Steinway grand pianos. Season and individual performance tickets available from the website or by mail.
815-968-9863
November 10
GOBBLER HOBBLER 10K
Civic Center, Oswego
Begin training now to participate in the USATF certified course that winds through the scenic neighborhoods of Boulder Hill before connecting to the Waubonsie Trail.
630-554-1010
November 10
NIU HUSKIES VS KENT STATE
Huskie Stadium, NIU, DeKalb
Saturday, November 10, at 2 p.m. NIU Huskie Football team takes on Kent State University at home in DeKalb.
www.niuhuskies.com
November 10-11
HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron
Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Byron Forest Preserve. Many handcrafted and unique items.
815-234-8535
November 10-11
BEAVER CREEK POTTERY - OPEN HOUSE
Beaver Creek Pottery, 10000 Beaver Valley Road, Belvidere
Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Annual open house. Bring the whole family. There will be demonstrations, kids clay area, plus tons of pottery to purchase.
815-547-6723
November 10-11
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY
Schools south of Route 34 on Wells, Lions & Dayton
Annual craft show always held the second full weekend in November. Shuttle service provided between schools, no strollers allowed. Admission charged.
630-466-4546
November 11
TOM CHAPIN AND FRIENDS
Coronado Theatre, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Tom Chapin entertains adults and children alike with his warm, humorous and interactive performances. It's the perfect show for the young, and young at heart.
815-968-0595
November 13
BROADWAY AT THE CORONADO: ANNIE
Coronado Theatre, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie, boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores.
815-968-0595
November 14
JOHN MELLENCAMP IN CONCERT
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
Fall tour across 10 states stops in Rockford for one performance only with music from four decades of recording and performing plus unreleased material from a new album project.
815-968-5222
November 15
OSWEGO HISTORY
Little White School Museum, 72 Polk Street, Oswego
Get an overview of Oswego's rich history during this program presented by the
Little White School Museum. Roger Matile and Bob Stekl will take you from
prehistoric time to the present day. Find out how one of the fastest growing
communities in the nation evolved from a small farming village to the suburban
community it is today.
630-554-1010
November 15, 16, 18
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Egyptian Theatre, 135 North Second Street, DeKalb
Produced by the Stage Coach Players. They performed Disney's High School Musical at the Egyptian Theatre in March 2007 to nearly sold-out crowds every night. Stage Coach Players brings this smash hit back for one last run this fall. High School Musical is based on the Emmy Award-Winning Disney Channel Original Movie. The show tells the story of two students, Troy, who is the captain of his school's basketball team, and Gabriella, a shy new student. Together, they try out for the lead parts in their school musical. Despite some students' attempts to thwart their dreams, Troy and Gabriella persist and inspire others along the way.
815-758-1940
www.stagecoachers.com
November 16
AMBOYS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WALK & FESTIVAL OF TREES
Downtown Amboy and Amboy Depot Museum
Enjoy horse drawn wagon rides, music on the streets, various specials in stores, refreshments, door prizes and Santa. 6pm to 9pm.
815-857-3814
November 16
THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
With 37 albums under their belt, the Mighty Clouds of Joy are the top-selling gospel quartet of all time, bringing a message of joy and hope to cities throughout the US and Europe.
815-968-0595
November 16
BRAD PAISLEY IN CONCERT
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley with special guests Rodney Atkins and Taylor Swift in the newly renovated MetroCentre.
815-968-5222
November 16-17
SHANNON HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS
Downtown Shannon
Local businesses, crafters and bakers offer a variety of gifts items, baked goods, lunch items, Pinder Pottery, Popcorn Plus gourmet popcorn and more. Decorated tree contest and kids handmade ornament contest. Pick up map at Casey's, Popcorn Plus or First State Bank in Shannon. Located on Route 72 between Route 73 and Route 26, 9am to 5pm.
815-864-3000
www.shannonillinois.com
November 16-December 2
PEC PLAYHOUSE THEATRE: THE SOUND OF MUSIC
314 Main Street, Pecatonica
Musical with lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein, suggested by "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers." The family classic about Maria and the Von Trapp family during WW II and the power love can have over diversity. This is the 16th season of Pec Playhouse productions.
815-239-1210
www.pecplayhouse.org
November 17
67TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CHURCH BAZAAR
First United Methoddist Church, 202 South Peoria Avenue, Dixon
Buffet luncheon, cookie walk, country store, Christmas room, coffee shop, candy, stitchery and bakery booths, white elephant room.
815-284-2849
November 17
KING OF THE CAGE AT THE METRO CENTRE
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
The evolution of combat featuring only professional, elite fighters from around the globe. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to wrestling, Muay Thai to boxing, all styles are encouraged but participants must be well versed in every aspect of the fighting game.
815-968-5222
November 17
LIVING HISTORY DAY
Stephenson County Historical Museum, 1440 S. Carroll, Freeport
Noon to 4 pm. Costumed interpreters will be showing soup making, candle making and other living history demonstrations.
815-232-8419
November 17
ROCKFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CLASSIS SERIES: EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Coronado Theatre, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
Works include Walton's The Wise Virgins Suite, Panufnik's Sinfonia Sacra, Bruckner's Psalm 150 and Dvor‡k's Te Deum, in which the RSO will be joined by The Mendelssohn Chorale, Martha Bein Conductor. The RSO was named Orchestra of the Year for the 2005/2006 season by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
815-965-0049
November 17
CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER & HOMEMADE HOLIDAYS
Hickory Grove Center, Highway 251, Rochelle
Featuring 22 booths of home businesses like candles, Mary Kay makeup, Home Interior, etc and 22 booths of homemade arts and crafts.
815-562-7031
November 18
MISTLETOE WALK
Downtown Freeport
Noon to 4 pm. Carolers, Santa, refreshments, special sales.
815-233-5626
November 18
PEPPERMINT SWIRL ART AND CRAFT SHOW
307 Salem, Rockton
Considered one of the best craft and art shows in the stateline area with 125 exhibitors; held annually in Novembe.
815-624-6325
November 18
ANNUAL ADVENT CONCERT
St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park, Freeport
3 pm. Seasonal music by Freeport Choral Society and Handbell Choir. Offering.
815-449-2936
November 23
HOLIDAY PARADE
Downtown Galena
Historic downtown Galena comes alive as Santa Claus arrives for the Candy Cane Lane Holiday Parade on Fri. Candy canes available from all downtown merchants. Extended shopping hours.
877-444-5850
November 23
THE SINFUL SAINTS
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake's very own Sinful Saints will perform directly after the November 23 Philip Hamilton performance.
815-356-9212
November 23
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Downtown Aurora
The Parade of Lights bringing the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus followed
with the official city tree lighting at North Island Center, 8 E. Galena
Boulevard and fireworks. 6 p.m.
630-844-4FUN
www.aurora-il.org
November 23-25
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. Come experience Sycamore and find out how sweet a small town can be.
815-895-3456
www.sycamorechamber.com
November 23-25
RAUE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
Come see jazz at its best. Three of the world's most renowned jazz artists will grace the stage for a weekend full of music and fun for the whole family.
815-356-9212
www.rauecenter.org
November 23 - December 22
SANTA HOUSE VISITS
Brink Street Market, Brink & Williams Streets, Downtown Crystal Lake
Bring the kids to visit Santa, then spend time shopping at the market.
815-479-0835
November 24
ROCKFORD DANCE COMPANY SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF THE NUTCRACKER
Coronado Theatre, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
A holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, comes to life again on the Coronado Stage. RSO and RDC talents combine with professional lead dancers from the The Joffrey Ballet and Ballet Floridal to stage the premier production of this classic in northern Illinois. The RSO was named Orchestra of the Year for the 2005/2006 season by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
815-963-3341
www.rockfordsymphony.com
November 24
NIU HUSKIES VS BALL STATE
Huskie Stadium, NIU, DeKalb
Saturday, November 24, at 2 p.m. NIU Huskie Football team takes on Ball State University at home in DeKalb.
www.niuhuskies.com
November 24-December 24
SINNISSIPPI FOREST CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
3122 S. Lowden Rd, Oregon
A family tradition since 1948. Choose & cut or fresh pre-cut trees.
Horse drawn wagon rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, gift shop, apple cider donuts,
popcorn, cider and cocoa. Free coloring books and candy canes.
815-732-6240
November 24-December 24
16TH ANNUAL LIGHT UP THE VALLEY
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, 444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena
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. Free.
815-777-2444
www.eagleridge.com
November 24-January 1, 2008
HOMETOWN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit, Illinois and Beloit, Wisconsin
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. Visit the website for more information and a map of the route or call any of the following organizations: Rockton Chamber of Commerce, 815.624.7625, Roscoe Chamber of Commerce, 815.623.9065, Downtown Beloit/Visit Beloit, 608.365.4838.
November 25
THE NUTCRACKER
Rialto Square Theatre, 15 East Van Buren Street, Joliet
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.”.
815-726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
November 25 - January 1, 2008
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
November 28
PARK RIDGE CIVIC ORCHESTRA - EUGENE ROUSSEAU
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. Saxophone soloist, Eugene Rousseau, will join the orchestra.
847-692-7726
www.parkridgecivicorchestra.org
November 29
OREGON CANDLELIGHT WALK
Downtown Oregon
Revisit the charm of yesteryear when music filled the streets, laughter filled the air, and the scent of cinnamon & cider tempted your tastebuds.
815-732-2100
www.oregonil.com
November 30 - December 1
TOYOTA ARENACROSS SERIES
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
Live Nation Motor Sports returns the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series to the MetroCentre. Events on Friday and Saturday; amateur racing on Sunday.
815-968-5222
November 30 - December 1
CHRISTMAS WALK
Pecatonica
Business open houses, Santa, luminaries, horse-drawn carriage rides, live nativity procession, silent auction Fri: 8:30am-6pm, Sat: 8am-1pm) and more.
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