BIG ROCK
Christmas Concert
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 9
Place: English Congregational United Church of Christ
More information: 630-556-3986
Doug Peters and Carelle Flores of the Chicago Symphony chorus will perform, accompanied by Arlene Wold on piano. A freewill offering will be taken and refreshments will be served.
CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Dec. 5
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
For children 3 and older. No registration required.
First Grade & Up Story and Craft
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: Every Thursday; next, Dec. 6
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
Breakfast with Santa
Time: 8 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Cortland Community Park
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories and songs for infants, toddlers and caregivers.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250
A retired teacher will provide homework help and tutoring to third- through fifth-grade students in the DeKalb School District. Registration required; sign up at the youth services desk, by phone or online. Limited to five students per session.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Dec. 5
Place: DeKalb Community Center, 330 Grove St.
For transportation, call 815-758-6641. To volunteer, call 815-758-1678. To donate, call 815-758-3932. Dinner sponsors are especially needed. Dec. 5 menu is baked ham with cheesy hash browns and vegetable blend. Dec. 19 menu is roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots and fruited gelatin.
Blue Christmas Service
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 5
Place: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road
More information: 815-756-4888 or www.stpaulsdekalb.org
For many people, the holiday season is marked with stress, sadness and loneliness. The Blue Christmas Service includes prayers, Scripture and music that focus on hope and healing. Light refreshments will be served in the parish hall after the service.
CSA Guitar Ensemble
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 5
Place: Recital Hall, NIU Music Building, Lucinda Avenue
Bilingual Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 6
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English for children of all ages.
'A Christmas Carol'
Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Dates: Dec. 6 – 9
Place: Stage Coach Players Theater, 126 S. Fifth St.
Tickets: Adults $10, children $5
More information: www.stagecoachers.com
A presentation of the classic Dickens tale. There is no charge for the Saturday matinee; new toys or monetary donations will be accepted.
Blues Gone Wild
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: First Thursday of each month; next, Dec. 6
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
More information: 815-787-9547 or http://thehousecafe.net
Monthly blues jam. Come to listen or to play. All-ages show.
St. George Shopping Extravaganza
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 7
Place: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 320 S. Second St.
Complimentary wine and cheese while shoppers browse vendors like lia sophia, Mary Kay and York Candles. Proceeds support local organizations.
Christmas Traditions at Ellwood House
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Friday; 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Dates: Dec. 7 – 9
Place: Ellwood House Museum, 509 N. First St.
Cost: Adults $10, children 6-17 $3, children 5 and younger free
More information: 815-756-4609 or www.ellwoodhouse.org
Tour the lavishly decorated mansion, view history and art exhibits, browse the museum shop, sample refreshments and visit with Santa in the Visitors Center.
'The Nutcracker'
Time: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Dates: Dec. 7 – 9
Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Tickets: If purchased before Dec. 1, adults $18, children 12 and younger $12; Dec. 1 and after, adults $20, children $15
More information: 815-758-1225 or www.egyptiantheatre.org
Beth Fowler Dance Company will present its annual holiday production.
Gong Meditation and Tibetan Bowl Healing
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 7
Place: Dana's Day Spa, 203 E. Locust St.
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 same day
More information: 815-739-0446
Participants should bring a yoga mat or blanket to lie on.
Celebration Chorale Christmas Cantata
Time: 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday
Date: Dec. 7 and 8
Place: First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak St.
St. Nick Invitational
Dates: Dec. 8 and 9
Place: DeKalb High School
Cost: Adults $8, seniors $5, children 6-12 $3
More information: www.energymgymnastics.com
Gymnastics competition for gymnasts at levels 4 through 10.
Community School of the Arts Showcase Recitals
Times: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Recital Hall, NIU Music Building, Lucinda Avenue
Children and adults will perform on a variety of instruments.
Breakfast with Santa
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Hopkins Park Community Center, 1403 Sycamore Road
More information: 815-756-8560
Children can enjoy crafts, doughnuts and milk and a visit with Santa. Parents can take photos. This event is free and open to the public; the DeKalb Park District requests parents call in advance with the number of people who will attend so enough refreshments can be provided.
Winter Farmers Market
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.
Cost: $1
More information: 815-793-0950
More than 25 vendors will sell craft items, baked goods and fresh, locally-produced products like meat, eggs and honey. Live music throughout the day and hot food available for purchase.
Kishwaukee Symphony Holiday Pops Concert
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building, Lucinda Avenue
Tickets: Adults $15, seniors and students $10, children 11 and younger $5
More information: www.kishorchestra.org
Christmas Tree Walk and Open House
Time: 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 9
Place: DeKalb Area Retirement Center-Oak Crest, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive
Tour the center, partake in refreshments, listen to live music and see 28 decorated trees.
'Christmas Joy' Concert
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 9
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
More information: 815-825-2350 or kishconcertband.org
Free concert by the Greater Kishwaukee Area Concert Band will include holiday favorites such as "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride."
Hanukkah Celebration
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 9
Place: Congregation Beth Shalom, 820 Russell Road
More information: bethshalomdekalb.org
Members and guests of Congregation Beth Shalom will celebrate with a Hanukkah party. Traditional latkes will be served.
Compassionate Friends' Worldwide Candle Lighting
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 9
Place: Hopkins Park Center, 1403 Sycamore Road
More information: 815-756-3000 or srankin@kishhospital.org
Parents and family members of children who have died are invited for an evening of remembrance and friendship. It does not matter how old the child was when they died. Candles will be lit at 7 p.m.
Carols and Candles
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 9
Place: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 615 N. First St.
More information: 815-758-0691
The Chancel Choir will perform Christmas music. A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall afterward. The community is invited.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of every month; next, Dec. 12
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433.
CSA Children's Choir
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 12
Place: Recital Hall, NIU Music Building, Lucinda Avenue
The Children's Choir performs holiday and seasonal music in a free concert.
U.S. Air Force Concert Band Christmas Show
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 14
Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Free and open to the public.
'It's a Wonderful Life'
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 15
Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Tickets: Adults $5, students, seniors and children, $4
$2 discounts will be given to those with a Thrivent Financial postcard or those who bring a nonperishable food donation. Free admission to those who bring both.
Swing Dancing
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 18
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $5
No partner needed, casual dress. Includes a one-hour lesson and three hours of social dancing. Leather-soled shoes recommended.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Dec. 5
Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care
A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.
Celebrate the Season
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 7
Place: Downtown Genoa
Santa will arrive in the Jingle Bell Parade and light the community tree before visiting with children at his house. Carriage rides will be available for $1. Other activities include a petting zoo, facepainting, crafts, games and vendor booths.
Pack the Bus Food Drive
Time: 8 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, Dec. 15
Place: Genoa-Kingston High School, Genoa-Kingston Middle School and downtown Genoa
The Genoa-Kingston Transportation Department will have buses at three locations collecting nonperishable food, hygiene products, feminine products and cash for the Genoa-Kingston food pantry.
Cookies with Santa
Time: 11 a.m – 1 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 15
Place: Genoa-Kingston Middle School cafeteria
Children can meet Santa, and parents can take photos. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the food pantry.
Hymn Sing
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Third Sunday of every month; next, Dec. 16
Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.
HINCKLEY
Cookie Walk and Bake Sale
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: St. Paul's United Church of Christ, View and McKinley streets
More information: 815-286-7228 or 815-286-3391
Homemade cookies and candy are $6 per pound. There will also be a bazaar and mini craft show selling such items as silk arrangements, wreaths, bows, jewelry, handmade cards, crocheted items and candles.
KINGSTON
All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast
Time: 7 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Kingston Friendship Center, 120 S. Main St.
Cost: Adults, $7; children 4 and younger, $3
Eggs cooked to order, pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, toast, fruit, English muffins, juice, milk and coffee.
Breakfast with Santa
Time: 7 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Kingston Friendship Center, 120 S. Main St.
Children up to 10 years old will receive a sack breakfast that includes a cereal bar, juice box, fruit cup and special treat, plus a treat from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Snowmobile Safety Class
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: 2040 Johnson Court
More information: 815-530-3701
The free Illinois Snowmobile Education Course consists of a minimum of eight hours of instruction in maintenance, repair and safe operation of snowmobiles, the history of snowmobiling, first aid, protecting the environment and state laws regulating snowmobiles. Youth snowmobilers are required to have a safety certificate to snowmobile in Illinois and surrounding states. Children 10 and older are welcome to attend the course, but they will not receive a safety certificate until their 12th birthday. Lunch will be provided by the G.K. Trailblazers.
'Father of Lights'
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Crossroads Community Church, 2040 Johnson Court
Screening of "Father of Lights," a documentary that promises "historic encounters" as people break through "religious misconceptions" about who God is. Potluck dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.; the movie will begin about 7 p.m.
MAPLE PARK
St. Mary Christmas Cookie Sale
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 15
Place: St. Mary's Novak Center, 123 S. County Line Road
Choose your own assortment of homemade cookies for $6 per pound. Santa will be on-hand for pictures, and refreshments will be provided by the Knights of Columbus. Advance orders for specific cookies can be placed until Dec. 12 by calling 815-827-3302.
SHABBONA
Shabbona Christmas Walk
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 7
Place: Shabbona Living Centers, 407 and 409 W. Comanche Ave.
Enjoy holiday lights and decorations and vote for your favorites. Refreshments and door prizes provided.
Ice Fishing Seminar
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Pokanoka's Restaurant, Shabbona Lake State Park
More information: 815-824-2581 or shabbonalake.com
Free seminar on ice fishing will cover such topics as ice safety, shanties, clothing, augers, equipment, tackle and more. The seminar will also be webcast; to register for the free webcast, visit shabbonalake.com. Ice fishing tackle at Lakeside Bait & Tackle will be discounted that day only.
SYCAMORE
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 13; next, Dec. 5
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Stories, craft and play for independent 3- to 5-year-olds. Caregiver need not stay with the child, but must stay in the library.
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Dec. 5
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Pajama Story Time
Time: 7 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 6
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Pajamas welcome at this story time for children 3 to 6. Caregivers do not have to stay with children, but must be available in the library.
DeKalb Christian Women's Prayer Connection
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 6
Place: 17535 Mt. Hunger Road
More information: 815-895-9431
Brown Bag Lunch: The History of the Chicago & Northwestern Depot
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, Dec. 6
Place: DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave.
More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
Free presentation on the history of the newly-restored train depot. Coffee and cookies provided.
Winter Chocolate Walk
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 6
Place: Downtown Sycamore
More information: 815-895-3456
Enjoy an array of chocolate treats – chocolate cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, Mexican hot chocolate, chocolate martinis and more – at downtown shops.
December Art Show
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 6
Place: The Art Attack, 215 W. Elm St.
Exhibit and sale of art and holiday decor by local artists.
'30 Minutes to Health'
Time: 7 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 6, 11 and 19
Place: Sheedy Family Chiropractic, 920 W. Prairie Drive
More information: 815-895-3354
A 30-minute presentation on health, wellness and how to improve your lifestyle to reach an optimum level of health.
Cookie and Candy Sale
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 7
Place: Federated Church, 612 W. State St.
Select your own assortment of homemade goodies for $6 a pound. Tickets for a 50/50 cash raffle are $1 each or six for $5; winner need not be present to win.
Walk With Santa
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 7
Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History
More information: 815-895-3456
Children can walk with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves from the Midwest Museum through downtown Sycamore to the DeKalb County Courthouse, where Santa will light the holiday tree before visiting with children in his house on the courthouse lawn.
Free Holiday Movie
Time: 11 a.m.
Dates: Dec. 8 and 9
Place: Sycamore Theater, 420 W. State St.
A free screening of the holiday movie "Prancer."
Sycamore High School Madrigal Dinner
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Dec. 7 and 8
Place: St. Mary's Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St.
Cost: $27
More information: 815-899-8160 ext. 2173 or www.syc427.org
Ticket includes a roast beef dinner and madrigal concert. Tickets on sale through Dec. 6.
Pictures With Santa
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: DeKalb Sycamore Chevrolet Cadillac GMC, 1925 Mercantile Drive
Children can color, talk to Santa and have their photo taken. Toys for Tots donations are encouraged.
Holiday Luncheon
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, Dec. 13
Place: Blumen Gardens, 325 Edward St.
Cost: $9
More information: RSVP to 815-762-5513
The DeKalb Christian Women's Connection will feature a program on gift wrapping, presented by Glenda Smith, who will demonstrate simple ways to decorate packages. Speaker Karen Hampel will give a presentation, "From No Boundaries to a Life of Control," about how to get peace and fulfillment in your life.
Relay for Life Luminaria Vigil
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 13
Place: DeKalb County Courthouse
Cost: Free to attend; $10 for a luminarium
More information: 630-87-9009 or www.relayforlife.org/dekalbil
A vigil to remember those who are battling cancer and those who have lost their fight. Luminaria sales will begin at 6 p.m., and the ceremony will begin about 6:30. Carolers will perform and refreshments will be provided.
A Visit From Santa
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 13
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Santa will visit the library to talk to children and pose for photos. Mrs. Claus and some elves will be on hand to read to children while they wait their turn with Santa.
Sycamore High School Choir Concert
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 13
Place: Sycamore High School Auditorium
The choir will present Schubert's "Mass in G Major."
Christmas Show and Dinner With Elvis
Time: 6 p.m. – midnight
Date: Friday, Dec. 14
Place: Sycamore Moose Lodge #1506
Cost: Dinner $7; show is free
More information: 815-895-7567
Chicken kiev dinner from 6 to 8 p.m., then a holiday show at 9 p.m. featuring Ronnie Vegas as Elvis. All proceeds go to charity.
Creative Day
Time: 10 a.m. – noon or 1 – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 15
Place: The Art Attack, 215 W. Elm St.
There will be several art projects at varying price points to choose from at each session.
Free Holiday Movie
Time: 11 a.m.
Dates: Dec. 15 and 16
Place: Sycamore Theater, 420 W. State St.
A free screening of the 1947 holiday classic "Miracle on 34th Street."
DeKalb Festival Chorus Holiday Concert
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 16
Place: Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John, 26555 Brickville Road
WATERMAN
Holiday Lights Train
Time: 5 – 9 p.m. Fridays, 2 – 9 p.m. Saturdays, 2 – 8 p.m. Sundays
Dates: Weekends through December; next, Dec. 7
Place: Lions Park
Take a free ride on the miniature train, past holiday displays featuring more than 250,000 lights. Free cocoa, popcorn and visits with Santa at the station.
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Dec. 6
Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care
A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.
All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast
Time: 7 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Place: Waterman Community Building
Cost: Adults $7, children 4-12 $5, children 3 and younger free
More information: 815-264-3719 or 815-769-2015
The Lions Club and Boy Scouts Troop 39 will partner to serve pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Proceeds support local charities and community activities. Early discount tickets are available by phone or from Troop 39 scouts.
