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.
Hinsdale Holiday Trees Ornament making & contest
Through Nov. 25
Village Hall
19 E. Chicago Ave.
(630) 789-7090
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
(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. 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
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
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
