BIG ROCK
Cookie Walk
Time: 6 a.m. – noon
Date: Friday, Dec. 13
Place: English Congregational United Church of Christ, 301 Rhoades Ave.
There will be an assortment of homemade Christmas cookies, sweet breads and candies.
CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Dec. 4
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
For children 3 and older. No registration required.
Crochet Class
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
Evening Story and Craft
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Dec. 10
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Infants, toddlers and caregivers are invited to a morning of stories, songs and a craft.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Dec. 4
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433. Diners pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free. Choose from spaghetti with marinara sauce, meatloaf with mashed potatoes or chicken fajitas with rice and beans, all served with soup or salad.
Buck-a-Bag Book Sale
Time: Library hours
Dates: Through Dec. 8
Place: DeKalb Public Library
Fill a plastic grocery bag with used books for $1.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Dec. 4
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.
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4
Place: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road
More information: 815-756-4888 or www.stpaulsdekalb.org
The holiday season, with its focus on good cheer, can be difficult for people feeling sad. The service will include prayers, Scripture and music focused on hope and healing. There will be light refreshments and conversation after the service.
Time: Noon Wednesday – Noon Saturday
Dates: Dec. 4 – 7
Place: Aldi parking lot
WLBK-1360 AM morning show host T.D. Ryan will stay in the parking lot the entire three days, collecting nonperishable food donations for the Salvation Army food pantry.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or dkpl.org
A retired teacher provides tutoring and homework help for DeKalb School District students in grades 3-5. Limit five children in each free session; registration required.
Bilingual Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Children up to age 5 can learn to appreciate a second language with stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English.
Santa Comes to Town
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 5
Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
There will be cookies, cocoa and caroling inside the Egyptian from 6-7 p.m. Santa will arrive at 7 p.m. and will visit with children inside his house in Van Buer Plaza until 8 p.m.
New Baby Care
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 5
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
Cost: $15 per couple
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishprograms.org
Bathing, diapering, feeding, sleeping and soothing a crying baby are a few of the topics covered in this class for new parents, grandparents and caregivers. Registration required.
Time: Noon – 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday
Dates: Dec. 5 – 7
Place: Grace Place, 401 Normal Road
More information: www.tailshumanesociety.org
A sale of gently-used men's and women's clothing and accessories from such designers as Coach, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang and Gucci will raise funds to support TAILS Humane Society.
Time: 6 – 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday
Dates: Dec. 6 and 7
Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.
More information: 815-758-1351
Shop artist and vendor booths, with gift wrapping, seated-chair back massage and live music. There will be a continental breakfast and chili lunch – both meat and vegetarian – on Saturday. There will also be raffles and door prizes both days.
Time: 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday
Dates: Dec. 6 and 7
Place: First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak St.
More information: 815-756-6301 or www.firstumc.net
The Celebration Chorale presents its Christmas concert. Free-will offerings will be accepted. There will be refreshments after the performance.
Ellwood House Holiday Splendor
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Friday, 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Dates: Dec. 6 – 8
Place: Ellwood House Museum, 509 N. First St.
Tickets: Adults $10, children 6-17 $5
More information: 815-756-4609 or www.ellwoodhouse.org
More than a dozen rooms in the four-story Ellwood mansion will be decorated for the holiday season. Santa will hear wishes in the Visitor Center, and there will be complimentary refreshments served.
'The Nutcracker'
Time: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: Dec. 6 – 8
Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Tickets: Adults $22, children $17; premium seating adults $27, children $22
More information: 815-758-1225 or www.egyptiantheatre.org
Beth Fowler Dance Company presents the classic holiday ballet.
Hollydays
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dates: Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21
Place: Downtown DeKalb
Santa will visit with children in his house in Van Buer Plaza. There will also be complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown departing regularly from the DeKalb Public Library.
'Monsters University'
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
A free screening of the movie, with popcorn and light refreshments.
'A Musical Christmas' Tree Walk and Open House
Time: 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 8
Place: DeKalb Area Retirement Center-Oak Crest, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive
See a number of decorated trees, each with a different Christmas carol theme. Listen to live music, meet Santa and enjoy refreshments.
Country Music Show and Toy Drive
Time: 1:30 – 5 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 8
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: 815-762-5589
Live performances of country, bluegrass and gospel music. Performers are welcome to join. Admission is one new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Community Yoga
Time: 3 – 4:15 p.m.
Date: Second Sunday of each month; next, Dec. 8
Place: Creative Therapeutics, 400 E. Hillcrest Drive
This is a free yoga class open to the community. No registration required. All ages and abilities welcome. Wear loose-fitting clothing; mats will be provided.
Gurler Holiday Storytelling and Singalong
Time: 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 8
Place: Gurler House, 205 Pine St.
Enjoy the holiday decorations in the historic home, with free punch and cookies, an old-fashioned holiday story, and live music.
Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting
Time: 6:15 – 8 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 8
Place: Hopkins Park Terrace Room
More information: 815-756-3000
A gentle service held worldwide for parents who have lost a child. Parents may bring photos of their children.
The Link Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Date: Monday, Dec. 9
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishprograms.org
Chronic pain can cause emotional distress and affect your mental health. Learn how to recognize and manage this cycle. Registration is required for this free program.
AWAKE Support for Sleep Apnea
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, Dec. 9
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-277-3979 ext. 215
Support and education for those living with sleep apnea. Registration is required for this free program.
'Ornamentation Celebration' Upcycling Craft Workshop
Time: 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 10
Place: Tapa La Luna, 226 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $10
Turn old books and photos into new ornaments and learn how to give new life to old decorations. Bring copies of favorite photos. Proceeds support the Green Lens Environmental Film Festival.
Hope at the Holidays
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 10
Place: KishHealth System Hospice
More information: 815-756-3000
A bereavement program for those facing the first year-end holidays after the death of a loved one.
Patient Panel: Living With an Implanted Device
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 12
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishprograms.org
A patient panel discussion, led by a cardiologist, about pacemaker and defibrillator implants. Hear the firsthand accounts of people living with implanted devices. Heart-healthy meal provided. Registration is required for this free program.
Breast-feeding Success
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
Cost: $15 per couple
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishprograms.org
Winter Farmers Market
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.
Cost: $1
Locally-grown produce, meats and other foods, homemade baked goods, art and craft vendors, live music and hot food.
Book Signing Event
Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Place: Barnes & Noble, 2439 Sycamore Road
Geneva authors Laura Heine and Karen Tomko will sign copies of their children's book, "Rodney the Repo Reindeer."
Swing Dancing
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 17
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $5
More information: barbcityswing.com
No partner needed. Casual dress; leather-soled shoes recommended. There will be a basic lesson at 7 p.m., then social dancing.
Dietitian's Dish
Time: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18
Place: KishHealth System Cancer Center
More information: 815-748-2958
A clnical dietitian presents food demonstrations for healthy living.
Blood Drive
Time: 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18
Place: Kishwaukee Hospital
Kishwaukee Concert Band: 'Holiday Sounds'
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
The Kishwaukee Concert Band presents holiday music and an audience sing-along.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Dec. 4
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.
Christmas Craft Walk
Dates: Dec. 5 – 7
More information: 815-508-4925 or pswanson25@yahoo.com
More than 100 crafters will sell their goods at nine locations in the 39th annual craft walk. Maps are available at downtown businesses and at all craft walk stops.
Clothing Collection
Time: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 6
Place: 401 W. Main St.
More information: 815-901-5524
Gently-used clothes will be collected for distribution. Please donate clean clothes sorted by size and gender.
Celebrate the Season
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 6
Place: Downtown Genoa
Santa will arrive in the Jingle Bell Parade. There will be a community tree lighting, carriage and wagon rides, a live Nativity, a petting zoo, face painting, carolers, live music, a storyteller, crafts, raffles, warming fires, food, vendor and charity booths. The skating rink will be open, weather permitting, and Santa will visit with children in his house.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: First Saturday of each month; next, Dec. 7
Place: City Hall east lot
Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Dec. 10
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
All-You-Can-Eat VFW Breakfast
Time: 7 – 11 a.m.
Date: Third Sunday of each month; next, Dec. 15
Place: Genoa Vets Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Cost: $9
HINCKLEY
Cookie Walk
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
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, bake sale and "Grandma's attic treasures."
KINGSTON
Roast Beef Supper
Time: Servings at 5 and 6:15 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Place: Kingston United Methodist Church, 121 W. First St.
Cost: Adults $9, children $4
Complete dinner, including dessert. Carry-outs and gift certificates are available.
KIRKLAND
Christmas in Kirkland
Time: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
There will be a holiday breakfast from 7-10 a.m. at the Kirkland United Methodist Church. Attendees are asked to donate paper products for the Kirkland Food Pantry. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children 4 and older. Santa will arrive at Alpine Bank at 9 a.m. and will visit with children until 11 a.m. Free horse-drawn wagon rides will be available from 9-11 a.m. Music students from Hiawatha Schools will perform holiday music at the bank. Prizes for student art and essay contests and the holiday home lighting contest will be awarded at 10 a.m. at the bank.
LEE
Pancake and Sausage Breakfast
Time: 7 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Place: Lee Fire Station
Cost: Adults $6, children $3
Santa will arrive at 10 a.m. and visit with children until noon. Proceeds support the Lee Lions Club's charitable efforts.
Silent Knight Christmas Auction
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Place: St. James church
Tickets: $10
More information: 815-824-5008, www.silentknightauction.org or b72m@aol.com
There will be a Mexican buffet dinner and silent auction at 5 p.m. The live auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
MALTA
Kish Mudslingers Holiday Sale
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4
Place: Kishwaukee College Room C-1134
Kishwaukee College's ceramics club will sell functional, one-of-a-kind art, mugs, trivets, spoon rests, yarn bowls, vases, platters, casserole dishes, candle holders, ornaments, crocheted items and more. Proceeds will help fund a student trip to a National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts conference.
Cookie Walk
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Place: Malta United Methodist Church, corner of South Third and Sprague streets
The price for homemade cookies and candy will be $7.50 per pound.
MAPLE PARK
Cookie Sale and Breakfast with Santa Claus
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Place: St. Mary's Novak Center
More information: 815-827-3302
Cookies will be sold for $6 per pound; advance orders can be placed until Dec. 12. Santa will be available for photos and light refreshments with children.
SHABBONA
Ice Fishing Seminar
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Place: Pokanoka's Restaurant, Shabbona Lake State Park
More information: shabbonalake.com
Ice fishing tournament competitor Jim Kopjo will speak on ice fishing. The seminar will be streamed live online.
SYCAMORE
Story Time
Times: 10 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 7 p.m. Thursday
Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays through April; next, Dec. 4
Place: Sycamore Public Library
More information: 815-895-2500 or sycamorelibrary.org
For independent children 3 to 6 years old. Caregivers must remain in the library, but need not remain in the room with the children.
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Dec. 4
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Brown Bag Luncheon: DeKalb County Community Gardens
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, Dec. 5
Place: DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave.
More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
Dan Kenney of DeKalb County Community Gardens will speak.
Winter Chocolate Walk
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 5
Place: Downtown Sycamore
Visit participating merchants for free sweet treats, plus sales and specials. Visit every stop on the tour and become eligible to enter a raffle for a basket of merchandise from local stores.
Fire & Ice Shopping Event
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 5
Place: Blumen Gardens
Roast homemade chocolate marshmallows by the fire and sip champagne while you shop.
Tinctures for Health
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 5
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Learn to make an herbal tincture to fight cold and flu season. All supplies provided; attendees leave with a sample.
Holiday Cookie and Candy Sale
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 6
Place: Federated Preschool, 612 W. State St.
More information: 815-764-9473
Cookies are $6 a pound in this major fundraiser for the preschool.
'Polar Express'
Time: 4 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Date: Dec. 6 – 8
Place: Sycamore Theater
Free screening of this animated family film.
Blood Drive
Time: 3:30 – 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 6
Place: Sycamore High School
Walk With Santa
Time: 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 6
Place: Downtown Sycamore
Midwest Museum of Natural History will host children's activities from 4 to 5:30 p.m. while children await Santa's arrival. Stomp Shoes will offer children treats during the same time. Santa will arrive at the Sycamore Theater at 5:45 p.m. and will walk with children at 6 p.m. to the courthouse, where he will light the community tree at 6:30 p.m. and hear children's wishes in his house.
Ronald Klein Retirement Open House
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 6
Place: DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave.
Dorwaldt Family Benefit Dinner
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Friday, Dec. 6
Place: Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.
Tickets: $10
More information: 815-825-2349 or 815-757-0979
A spaghetti dinner to help offset the medical and related expenses of Greg Dorwaldt of DeKalb, who is battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Pancake Breakfast Benefit for Tornado Victims
Time: 6 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Place: The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John, 26555 Brickville Road
Cost: Adults $7, children 3-12 $5
Proceeds will support relief efforts in tornado-stricken areas of Illinois, through Lutheran Church Charities.
Muddy Paws Adoption Event
Time: 12:30 – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Place: Mudslingers
Animals from TAILS Humane Society will be available for adoption.
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
Enjoy free museum admission, crafts, hot chocolate and cookie decorating.
90th Anniversary Open House
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Place: Sycamore Golf Course Clubhouse
'Gloriously Simple: A Christmas Choral Celebration'
Time: 6 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 7 and 8
Place: Sycamore United Methodist Church
More information: 815-895-9113
Cookies and child care provided.
Snake Feeding
Time: 1 – 1:15 p.m.
Date: Sundays in December; next, Dec. 8
Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.
Toddler Time
Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesdays through April; next, Dec. 10
Place: Sycamore Public Library
More information: 815-895-2500
Music and stories for children aged 18 months to 3 years old.
'Angel Talk: How to Communicate With Your Guardian Angel'
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 10
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Discover your guardian angel. This program emphasizes relationships, health, prosperity, financial security and happiness.
Craft Show
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Place: Sycamore Moose Lodge, 317 W. State St.
'Christmas Vacation'
Time: 11 a.m.
Dates: Dec. 14 and 15
Place: Sycamore Theater
A free screening of the Chevy Chase comedy classic.
Masterpiece Book and Film Club
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 17
Place: Sycamore Public Library
A discussion of the short story "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern, and the movie it inspired, "It's a Wonderful Life."
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; 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.
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Time: 7 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Place: Waterman Community Building
Cost: Adults $7, children 4-12 $4.50
More information: 815-751-5751
This breakfast by the Waterman Lions Club and Boy Scout Troop 39 includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Proceeds support local charities and projects.
Waterman House Walk
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 the day of the walk
More information: 815-517-8071 or plrogers50@yahoo.com
Waterman Winery will provide a complimentary bottle of holiday spiced wine to ticket buyers 21 and older, while supplies last. There are five homes on the walk; some will offer refreshments. Horse and wagon rides will be offered from 12:30-3:30 p.m.; rides are $3 for adults and $2 for children and seniors, and begin and end at the Waterman Presbyterian Church. Advance tickets are available at Simply IRZSTBL, Waterman State Bank, 1803 Candles and Waterman Winery. Day-of tickets will be available at the Clinton Township Community Building.
