Holiday Happenings

Shop Hinsdale for the Holidays

Ongoing

https://villageofhinsdale.org

To encourage people to shop locally, a secret Santa will surprise shoppers in Hinsdale stores with a $25 gift card valid at any Hinsdale retailer, spa or restaurant.

Hinsdale Holiday Trees Ornament making & contest

Through Nov. 25

Village Hall

19 E. Chicago Ave.

(630) 789-7090

https://villageofhinsdale.org

Help decorate the Hinsdale holiday trees in Burlington Park by making a homemade ornament and entering it in the contest to win a prize. Ornaments should be made of weatherproof material and should not have sharp edges, pointy ends or heavy materials. A 10- to 12-inch string or twine should be attached for hanging. Submissions should not contain content that promotes foul language or discrimination or is deemed graphic, obscene or explicit. Ornaments should be delivered with the entry form, which is available online, to village hall between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. The contest deadline is Nov. 25; other ornaments will be accepted through Dec. 7. Winners will be announced Dec. 7.

Illumination: Tree Lights

Nov. 20-Jan. 3

Morton Arboretum

4100 Route 53, Lisle

https://www.mortonarb.org/illumination

The arboretum’s annual holiday event has been reimagined as driving experience featuring new displays and returning favorites. Guests will remain in their cars and tune to a synced musical soundtrack via radio while driving nearly two miles, beginning with passage through a new tunnel of lights. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance; they will not be sold on-site during the event. Times: 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays; open all holidays. Tickets: $39-$49 per vehicle. RR, MD

‘A Christmas Carol’

Nov. 27-29

https://www.atthemac.org

(630) 942-3008

This adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic was written specifically for students at the College of DuPage and performed for the first time in 2004. The 2020 production is being filmed and presented on Zoom. This 70-minute version of a heartwarming classic Christmas story is perfect for all ages. There will be post-show discussions on Zoom with members of the production team Nov. 27 and with the director and actors Nov. 28. Performances: 7 p.m. Nov. 27, 3 and 7 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29. Tickets: $16 per household.

Holiday Magic

Nov 27-Dec. 31

Brookfield Zoo

3400 31st St.

(630) 688-8400

https://www.czs.org

Brookfield Zoo is offering an expanded schedule for its 39th annual Holiday Magic, with 10 evenings added and expanded hours to allow zoogoers to enjoy the holiday lights before the zoo temporarily closes to the public Jan. 1-Feb. 28, with plans to reopen on March 1, within state restrictions. Visitors will enjoy more than 1 million twinkling LED lights, a 600-foot-long tunnel featuring lights synchronized to music, a 41-foot tree and more. Families can take a photo next to a cut-out of Santa Claus and enjoy seasonal outdoor food stands selling funnel cakes, cinnamon sugar pretzels, pizza, burgers, spiced wine, hot chocolate, beer and more. Tickets must be reserved online. Times: 3 to 9 p.m. Fridays to Sundays, Nov. 27-29, Wednesdays to Sundays, Dec. 2-20, and Saturday to Thursday, Dec 26-31. Admission: $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for ages 3-11, $19.95 for seniors 65 and older plus $15 parking. RR, MD

Holiday Movies and Music: A Virtual Celebration

Dec. 1

https://clarendonhillslibrary.org

(630) 323-8188

Take a virtual journey back over the past century of film history as the Clarendon Hills Library presents “Holiday Movies and Music.” Presenter John LeGear showcases some of the happiest and most memorable holiday moments from classic and popular films. The presentation will include songs — including a couple of sing-alongs — dances and magical movie scenes from some of the most warmly embraced holiday films of all time. Time: 7 p.m.

Photos with Santa Paws

Dec. 2 & 5

Pet Rescue and Resource Center

21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale

https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/events/santa-paws

(630) 323-5630

Hinsdale Humane Society will take family photos with Santa and family friendly pet(s) in a safe, socially distanced environment, complete with holiday vendors, reindeer food for the kids and more. Masks will be required at all times but can be removed during photos. (Santa will be socially distanced from your family). Pictures will be available for download after the event. Register and choose a time slot on the website listed above. Times: 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5. Registration: $20 per family.

Womens’ Life: A Special Christmas Gathering

Dec. 3

The Village Church

4475 Wolf Rd., Western Springs

https://www.wsbc.info/womenslife

Join in on this morning filled with beautiful Christmas music, festive decorations and a heartwarming Christmas message to celebrate the beginning of the season. Childcare (nursery to kindergarten) and remote learning stations (kindergarten to fifth grade) provided. All IDPH and CDC guidelines will be adhered to. Time: 9:30 a.m. RR

Celebrate the Season

Dec. 5

Cantigny Park

1SS151 Winfield Road, Wheaton

(630) 668-5161

https://www.cantigny.org

Families and children of all ages are invited to the park, which will be decorated for the holidays. An assortment of activities and offerings are planned to kick off the season in style. Visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots drop boxes inside the visitors center. Time: 1 to 7 p.m. Admission: $5 parking; free with toy donation.

Holidays at the Museum

Dec. 5, 12 & 19

Hinsdale History Museum

15 S. Clay St.

https://www.hinsdalehistory.org

The museum will be decorated and dressed up for the holidays. Celebrate the joy of the season and learn what Victorian Christmas traditions entailed with scheduled tours for groups of up to six people on these Saturdays. Small groups will enjoy the private tour as well as refreshments. Reservations must be made in advance. RR

A Tower Chorale Virtual Christmas

Dec. 6

https://www.towerchorale.worldsecuresystems.com

Through the magic of technology, the Tower Chorale will sing five holiday favorites: “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella,” “O Holy Night,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Still, Still, Still” and “Hope for Resolution.” Visit the website listed above for the link. Time: 3 p.m. Cost: Free; donations are appreciated.

CarolFest

Dec. 6

https://www.christchurch.us

Christ Church of Oak Brook will present virtually its annual CarolFest concert consisting of familiar carols and selections from Handel’s renowned “Messiah.” This year’s event will feature, in part, the members of the Chancel Choir along with a very small Chamber Orchestra. Invite friends and family to tune in for this most festive occasion as part of Advent preparations. Time: 3 and 6 p.m.

Family Gingerbread Houses

Dec. 15

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info

(630) 986-1976

Families can register and then stop by the library to pick up their very own “dream” gingerbread house kit starting Dec. 15. Limit one per Hinsdale family. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday or 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Saturday for curbside. RR