DECEMBER 2010

November 28 to end of December
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.
Vote for your favorites. Cash prizes will go the the "Best Displays".
815-965-0768

December 2
CHRISTMAS TEA AT THE LASALLE CANAL BOAT
754 First Street, LaSalle
Take a break from the hectic holidays for some "Me Time" with your best friends at a Christmas themed tea from 2-4 p.m. Reservations required.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 20
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 3
MENDELSSOHN CHAMBER ORCHASTRA - ENGLISH CHRISTMAS
Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 North Court Street, Rockford
The Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra, Rock Valley College Concert Choir, and Rockford College Vocal Collective celebrate the holiday season with a lovely selection of works by Vaughan Williams and orchestrated English carols by John Rutter and Donald Fraser.
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

December 3-4
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 3-4
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 3-4
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 3-4
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
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
MISTLETOE BALL: A VICTORIAN HOLIDAY DINNER & DANCE
Turner Hall, 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.
815-776-9200
www.visitgalena.org

December 4
LAKESIDE SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
The Lakeside Singers are a unique ensemble of 24 Chicago-area professional singers who perform the very best in vocal music. Their Christmas concert is an exciting, eclectic program of great singing that will thrill you!
815-356-9212
www.rauecenter.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 4-5
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

December 4-5
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

December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
CHRISTMAS ON THE RAILROAD
Illinois Railway Museum, Union
Meet Santa at the Illinois Railway Museum.
800-BIG-RAIL
www.irm.org

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

December 7
DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Coronado PAC, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
Broadway show at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.
815-968-0595
www.coronadopac.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 11
WINTER WONDERLAND - HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT
Egyptian Theatre, 135 North Second Street, DeKalb
Enjoy music of the holiday season as the KSO presents its annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Pops Concert. An audience sing-a-long and other holiday favorites are included in this family-oriented program.
815-756-3728
www.kishorchestra.org

December 18
NIGHT OF LUMINARIA
Various Streets of Galena
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 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 to 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.
815-776-9200
www.visitgalena.org

December 18-19
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 18-19
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 2009

December 5
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 2012




BACK TO TOP