See what’s happening this weekend and plan your upcoming week. Email nweditor@buglenewspapers.com to submit your event.
DECEMBER 12
Handmade Holidays. 9 a.m. at the Lyman Woods Nature Center, 901 31st St., Downers Grove. Children are invited to create nature-inspired gifts while their parents get a handle on the holiday hustle. Bring a gift list for as many as six people and the park district will supply the project ideas and supplies. For children ages 4 to 10. For more information and to register, visit www.dgparks.org.
Open House. 3 to 6 p.m. at Lisle Library, 777 Front St., Lisle. The Lisle Library District is wrapping up their year-long 50th Anniversary celebration with an open house. Residents are invited to stop in for the chance to win prizes; as well as enjoy snacks, drinks and cake. In addition to library tours and a “retro” photo booth, attendees can enjoy a special performance by the Lisle High School Jazz Band. For more information, call 630-971-1675 or visit lislelibrary.org.
Holiday Movie: The Polar Express. 2 to 4 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Warm up inside with a movie on the big screen. Popcorn provided. For more information, visit www.downersgrovelibrary.org.
Lunch with Santa. noon at the Westmont Park District’s Administrative Building, 55 E. Richmond St., Westmont. Attendees will enjoy delicious pizza, soda, juice, milk and a yummy dessert. After lunch, a merry afternoon is planned, with singing, audience participation and lots of surprises. Take family pictures in front of the Christmas tree and enjoy the spirit of the season. Registration is required. Lunch starts promptly at Noon. Children under 2 are free. For more information, visit www.westmontparks.org or call 630-969-8080.
Westmont Winter Wonderland. 5 to 8 p.m. at the Westmont Community Center, 75 E. Richmond St., and the Westmont Park District’s Administrative Building, 55 E. Richmond St. Visit Santa and his elves in Santa’s Workshop, learn about dog sledding and meet some real huskies from Z-Team and board the Trackless Train for a ride around the park (nominal fee). Bundle up as most activities will be outdoors. For more information, visit www.westmontparks.org or call 630-969-8080.
A Colonial Christmas. 5 to 8 p.m. at the Gregg House Museum. 117 S Linden Ave., Westmont. Holly, ivy, mistletoe, fruit and fox hunts! Come learn about holiday customs and traditions of our founding fathers. The museum will be beautifully decorated with lots of fresh greenery and fruit to celebrate a colonial Christmas. Children are invited to make a small holiday craft to take home.
DECEMBER 12-13
West Towns Chorus. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Tivoli Theatre, 5201 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Chicagoland’s premier men’s four-part harmony group, the West Towns Chorus, will once again grace the historic Tivoli Theatre’s newly-expanded stage for their annual holiday show, entitled ”The Heart of Christmas.” This year’s program features traditional holiday favorites as well as new tunes. Tickets for premium seating are $27 per person; discounts available for groups of 10 or more, students with ID and children 12 and under. All seating is reserved. To purchase tickets, call 630-201-5544 or visit www.westtowns.org/Christmas.
DECEMBER 15
Woodridge Jaycees – Networking Night and Membership Night. 7 p.m. at Shanahan’s Food and Spirits, 1999 75th St., Woodridge. Network and have fun! The Jaycees meet on the third Tuesday of the month. Come to network, share your fundraising ideas or community concerns. The Jaycees love to make an impact in the community and would love to hear from you.
DECEMBER 16
Jefferson Singers present Holiday Favorites. 6:30 to 7 p.m. at Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive, Woodridge. Community members are welcome to enjoy the sounds of the season as the Jefferson Singers fill the lobby, and the library, with favorite carols and holiday music. This is a free program, open to the public. Registration requested online at woodridgelibrary.org or by calling 630-487-2577.
DECEMBER 17
Holiday Movie: The Santa Clause. 4 to 6 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. For more information, visit www.downersgrovelibrary.org.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Opening. 7 p.m. at Classic Cinemas Tivoli Theatre, 5201 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is a continuation of the Action, Fantasy film series created by George Lucas set thirty years after “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.” Tickets for this special engagement are now on sale at the Tivoli Box Office and www.classiccinemas.com. Continuing the Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker aims to restore the Jedi Order while Leia and Han Solo work with the New Republic against the remnants of the Galactic Empire and a new potential threat. This seventh installment in the Star Wars saga is the first in a planned trilogy continuing George Lucas’ epic adventure.
DECEMBER 18
Two Way Street Christmas Show. Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, features live folk and acoustic musical entertainment. For more information, call 630-969-9720 or visit www.twowaystreet.org.
DECEMBER 19
A Colonial Christmas. 5 to 8 p.m. at the Gregg House Museum. 117 S Linden Ave, Westmont. Holly, ivy, mistletoe, fruit and fox hunts! Come learn about holiday customs and traditions of our founding fathers. The museum will be beautifully decorated with lots of fresh greenery and fruit to celebrate a colonial Christmas. Children are invited to make a small holiday craft to take home. Free wagon rides will be available.
Victorian Christmas. 1 to 3 p.m. at the Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. Come to the Downers Grove Museum for a special tour of the Victorian Blodgett house. Learn about Victorian Christmas traditions, while touring the holiday-decorated home with a warm cup of apple cider. This is a free event. All ages are welcome.
Holiday Movie: Elf. 2 to 4 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. For more information, visit www.downersgrovelibrary.org.
Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph. 9 a.m. at the Westmont Park District’s Administrative Building, 55 E. Richmond St. Enjoy a delicious all you can eat breakfast of pancakes, sausages, juice, milk and cookies. Hosted by the Westmont Lions Club, this morning is a special holiday tradition combining the young and the young at heart, with a show that’s filled with fun, laughter and memorable moments for the entire family. Children under 2 are free. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.westmontparks.org or call 630-969-8080.
A Grinch Whobilation Workshop. 5 to 8 p.m. at the Westmont Park District’s Administrative Building, 55 E. Richmond St. The Grinch returns to Westmont. Attendees can play Grinch Games in Whoville like the Snowball Toss, Grinch Bowling, Grinch Gift Towers, the Grinch Slither and making Grinch treats and crafts. Play games inside, then bundle up and take a ride around the Whomont neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights on the Long Eared Mules Wagon. For more information, visit www.westmontparks.org or call 630-963-7538
DECEMBER 20
Santa’s Bedtime Story Hour. 6 to 6:45 p.m. or 7:15 to 8 p.m. at the Woodridge Park District Community Center, 2600 Center Drive. Dress in your pajamas and slippers and join Santa and his elves for some holiday fun. Attendees will enjoy a bedtime snack of cookies and milk, and Santa will have time to listen to all their Christmas wishes and pose for a family picture. Each child attending must be registered. Age: 1-8 years old. Fee: $9 resident/$13 nonresident. For more information and to register, visit www.woodridgeparks.org.
Holiday Movie: A Christmas Carol. 2 to 4 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. For more information, visit www.downersgrovelibrary.org.
DECEMBER 21
Zentangled Critters Art. 1 p.m. at Downers Grove Public Library. Illustrator Terri Murphy introduces you to the art of zentangle. After looking at patterns in nature, create a unique animal from checkerboards, spirals, weaves, and geometric shapes. For ages 8-13. Registration is required at www.dglibrary.org/events