The iconic lion statues at Brookfield Zoo's south gate are decorated for the holiday season. Reservations are filling up fast for Holiday Magic, which runs through Dec. 31. (photo provided)
Tree of Remembrance
Nov. 22-Dec. 25
Lincoln and First streets, Hinsdale
(630) 856-6993
Amita St. Thomas Hospice once again will decorate its Tree of Remembrance outside of BMO Harris Bank. Community members are able to make a donation and have a loved one's name listed on the boards beside the tree. Envelopes will be available next to the tree. Questions? Call the number listed above or send an email to [email protected].
Virtual Santa Visits
Dec. 5-19
Holiday traditions may look a little different this year, but children can still share in the excitement of Christmas by having a virtual visit with Santa (the very same Santa that has been at our "Breakfast with Santa" events the last few years!). Although Santa is in quarantine right now (so that he can make sure he is healthy and ready for all of his work around the holidays) families can experience the joys of talking to him with a private meet and greet on Zoom, beamed directly from the North Pole. Times vary; see website listed above for full schedule. Cost: $25 RR, MD
The TWS & CTWS Snow Ball
Dec. 11
https://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
This virtual fundraising party for the Theatre of Western Springs and the Children's Theatre of Western Springs features guest starts from past shows, auction items, an exclusive trailer premiere for "It's a Wonderful (Western Springs) Life!" and more. Purchase premium tickets to enjoy the cocktail/mocktail hour starting at 6 p.m. or receive a goodie basket. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $25, $50 for VIP tickets, $150 House Party ticket.
Honor Central Teachers
Through Dec. 11
https://www.hinsdalecentralfoundation.org
During these unusual times, rather than an individual gift, consider making a donation to the Hinsdale Central Foundation. This can include a teacher, coach, sponsor, counselor, or staff member. Parents also can donate in the name of their own former teachers/coaches. The honoree will receive a letter with the donor's personal message included and a special certificate to display. Donations help support programming that benefits teachers, students, and families throughout Red Devil Nation. Send an email to [email protected] listing the personal to honor, his/her department or position, the amount of the donation and the personal message. Payment may be made at the website listed above or by Venmo to @HCHS-Foundation.
Winter Wonderland Hike
Dec. 12-13 & 19-20
Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
Families with children age 4 and older will discover the sounds of the winter landscape and then warm up with s'mores, hot chocolate and a winter-themed musical play-along. Hikes are one-half to 1 mile long and will stay on chipped, paved or mowed trails. Time: 11 a.m. to noon or 2 to 3 p.m. Cost: $17 a person.
Toys for Tots
Through Dec. 12
The Marine Toys for Tots program is collecting new, unwrapped toys and money for new toys to deliver a message of hope that will inspire youngsters in need to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Sites in Hinsdale include the Hinsdale Animal Hospital, 218 W. Ogden Ave .; Evergreen Bank, 1 Grant Square; Walgreens, 15 Grant Square; and Cody's Elves, 134 Maumell.
Blanket Drive
Through Dec. 13
Hinsdale Covenant Church
412 S. Garfield Ave.
(630) 323-2318
The church is holding its annual drive, collecting new or used blankets of any type - lap throws, baby blankets, spreads, sheets and towels. Donations may be left inside the church's main entrance or placed by the front door on the benches. Pickups also can be scheduled. The items will be passed on to needy families in the inner city on Christmas Eve.
Hinsdale Humane Society Gift Shop
Holiday ornaments are one of many items for sale at the Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Rescue and Resource Center online gift shop. Clothing, mugs, water bottles and more are available for the humans on the gift list, with bandannas for furry friends. Purchases help the organization care for the animals at the shelter.
Schools Count Adopt a Family
https://www.schoolscountcorp.org
Schools Count Corp. is sponsoring its first adopt a family initiative to make sure those in need have something to be thankful for this holiday season. Donations will be used to buy food, gift cards and coats. If donors prefer, they can send a gift card to Aldi's, Target, Walmart, Jewel or a similar store. Make a donation online or email it to Richard Flesher, 12418 S. Compass Ave., Plainfield, IL 60585.
Sponsor a Homeless Animal
https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Animal sponsorships are a great gift idea. For a minimum sponsorship of $50, recipients will help provide care for an animal of their choosing, receive a personalized gift sponsorship certificate and listing on the society's website, if desired. Sponsorships can be purchased online. Questions? Call Deborah Kraus at (630) 323-5630, Ext. 32, or email her at [email protected].
Virtual New Year's Eve Concert
Dec. 31
(630) 942-3008
Conductor Kirk Muspratt and the New Philharmonic will help viewers ring in the new year with favorite Strauss waltzes and polkas, arias, light classical, pop tunes and movie music. A duet of "Bless This House" sung by soprano, Alisa Jordheim and tenor Jesse Donner reflects on the year past while the "Power of Love" propels all into the new year. And of course, secret surprises will be part of the fun as well. Time: 2, 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $50 per household. RR
