Shop Hinsdale for the Holidays
Ongoing
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.
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
(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
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, among them “Miracle on 34th Street,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Elf,” “Love Actually,” “Going My Way” and of course, Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” Time: 7 p.m.
Womens’ Life: A Special Christmas Gathering
Dec. 3
The Village Church
4475 Wolf Rd., Western Springs
https://www.wsbc.info/womenslife
Enjoy this morning filled with beautiful music, festive decorations and a heartwarming message to celebrate the start of the season. Childcare (nursery to kindergarten) and remote learning stations (kindergarten to fifth grade) provided. IDPH and CDC guidelines will be followed. Time: 9:30 a.m. RR
Hinsdale Holiday Trees Ornament making
Through Dec. 7
Village Hall
19 E. Chicago Ave.
(630) 789-7090
Help decorate the Hinsdale holiday trees in Burlington Park by making a homemade ornament. 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. No foul language or discriminatory, graphic, obscene or explicit content. Ornaments should be delivered with to village hall between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. The contest deadline has passed, but other ornaments will be accepted through Dec. 7.
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
