Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic continues through Tuesday, Dec. 31, with new experiences this year. See Page 18 for details. (photo provided)
ARTFULLY DONE
Origami - Folding in the New Year
Jan. 4
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Learn from the Chicago Area Origami Society the basic folds of origami to transform flat paper into 3-D masterpieces. Finish the program with a paper crane origami which represents luck, health and peace. Time: 2 to 4 p.m. RR
Mayslake: A Sanctuary for Refreshment and Renewal
Jan. 7-Feb. 22
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Through his camera lens, William North reveals how the architecture and design of Mayslake Hall highlights and amplifies its bucolic setting, creating space for contemplating and enjoying nature. Meet the artist and enjoy signature mocktails at a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15. Hours: noon to 3 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
FOR A CAUSE
Bernie's Book Bank Drive
Through Jan. 7
http://www.berniesbookbank.org
Donate new or gently used children's books to increase book ownership among underserved children throughout Chicagoland. Hinsdale drop-off locations are 400 Pamela Circle, 608 E. First St., Hinsdale Bank & Trust at 25 E. First St. and CorePower Yoga at 34 S. Vine St.
GAME ON
Chicago Elite Youth Volleyball
Tuesdays, Dec. 31-Jan. 28
The Community House
415 E. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids in first through fifth grade will be introduced to the game of volleyball or coached to improve their individual skill development in passing, setting, attacking, blocking, serving, defense and movement. Players will be divided according to skill level and age. Time: 5 to 6 p.m. Cost: $120. RR, MD
GREAT OUTDOORS
Winter Bird Watch
Dec. 27
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Walk to discover which birds are winter residents and then get warm by a cozy fire. Hot cocoa will be provided. The program is for ages 14 & up. Time: 9 a.m.
Winter Mammals Drop-In
Jan. 6
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Learn about the mammals of Cook County by examining the center's skins and skulls collection. Time: 11 a.m. to noon.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Fitness Hike
Jan. 4
Brezina Woods
La Grange Road south of Cermak Road, near La Grange Park
(312) 533-5751
These 6-mile hike will be faster paced with little to no stopping or interpretation. Time: 9:30 a.m.
Self-Care Saturday
Jan. 11
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 933-7248
Use organic lavender to create an eye pillow, moisturizing salt scrub and lavender sachets to use at home. The program is for ages 18 and up. Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $64. RR
Holiday Happenings
Christmas Chamber Concert
Dec. 28
Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church
201 N. Oak St.
Julia Tsien on piano and Steven Song on violin will present this concert. A free will offering will be collected. Time: 6 p.m.
Winter Holidays in the 1890s
Through Dec. 30
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
http://www.facebook.com/klinecreekfarm
(630) 206-9576
Join a guided tour of the 1890s farm house focusing on winter holiday traditions. Learn how farm families decorated the tree, exchanged gifts, and prepared food for the holidays. All ages are welcome and registration is not required. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free, $5 suggested donation per person ages 3 and up.
Holiday Magic
Through Dec. 31
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/holidaymagic
Visit this light festival featuring more than 2 million twinkling LED lights. Enchanting scenes come to life with giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, Santa and walk-through displays. Some activities have additional fees. See website for hours and full schedule. Tickets: $20.95 to $34.95 plus parking.
n Illumination
Through Jan. 4
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
New this year at the arboretum's annual light show spectacular is a vibrant display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments in the Grand Garden. Along the one-mile walking trail, a concession tent will serve hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages and s'mores kits to be enjoyed at warming bonfires. Hours: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $13.80 to $30.40.
Christmas at Cantigny
Through Jan. 5
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
Explore a dazzling array of experiences while strolling a half-mile, fully ADA- and stroller-accessible path. Enjoy music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations, larger-than-life flower sculptures and a towering 28-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy a scenic outdoor skate at the rink adjacent to Le Jardin. Visit the website listed above for a full schedule. Tickets: $12 to $38, with discounts for advance purchases.
JUST FOR KIDS
January Scavenger Hunt
Jan. 1-31
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Kids of all ages can stop by the library any time and find the woodland animals hiding around the Youth Services Department, learning fun facts about them along the way. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Improv Class
Thursdays Jan. 9-Feb. 13,
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Stage Door Fine Arts will introduce students ages 7-16 to the basics of acting as taught at programs like Second City and iO Chicago, including expressing emotions by using their bodies, gestures and facial expressions and creating characters and situations of all shapes and sizes. Time: 5 to 6 p.m. Cost: $230. RR, MD
NOTEWORTHY
Donna Herula Trio
Jan. 11
Unitarian Church of Hinsdale
11 W. Maple St.
(630) 941-7797
This Chicago-based folk blues group performs fun, lively and heartfelt versions of traditional blues songs as well as creating original songs that tip the hat to the tradition. Streaming tickets also are available. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $20.
ON STAGE
'Disney's The Little Mermaid'
Through Jan. 12
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com/the-little-mermaid
(630) 530-0111
Dive beneath the waves with Ariel, a young mermaid with a captivating voice and an insatiable curiosity, as she defies her father and makes a daring deal for the chance to create the world of her dreams on land. Times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: start at $52.95.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Lake View Open House
Dec. 28
Lake View Nature Center
17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 941-8747
Learn more about the Lake View Nature Center's programs and events and visit some cool critters at this open house, complete with nature-themed activities. All ages are welcome. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
TEENS & TWEENS
Teen Self-Defense Workshop
Jan. 5
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Ages 11-17 will participate in a series of discussions and be introduced to basic physical self-defense skills and techniques focusing on mindset, skill set and planning. Attendees must have a signed electronic waiver on file in advance of the event. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $47. RR, MD
Money Smarts Lunch & Learn
Jan. 11
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Financial advisors Nora Hernandez and Clare Nawrocki will equip teens with knowledge about savings and checking accounts, vital financial terms and budgeting to make well-informed financial decisions and effectively manage money. A pizza lunch is included. Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. RR
WINTER BREAK
Kids Open Art Studio
Dec. 27, Jan. 2 & 3
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids ages 5-12 will work with a different set of materials each day and either follow along with the project of the day or make their own. Oversized T-shirts are recommended as smocks. Time: 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: $36 per day. RR, MD
HHS Winter Camps
Dec. 27, 30 & Jan. 2-3
Hinsdale Humane Society
21 Salt Creek Lane
http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
(630) 323-5630
The humane society invites kids in grades one through six to dive into the world of animals through engaging hands-on activities, creative crafts, fun games and up-close interactions with furry friends, learning valuable lessons in animal care, advocacy and kindness. Each day of camp will have the same lesson and activities. Parents should sign up their child for one day during each week. Times: 9 to 11:30 a.m. for grades one to three, 12:30 to 3 p.m. for grades four to six. Cost: $60 per day.
Winter Break Camp
Weekdays through Jan. 3
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids in kindergarten through middle school will enjoy arts and crafts, group games, cooking projects and STEM activities along with a field trip on Wednesday of each week. No camp Dec. 24, 25, 31 or Jan. 1. Register for one day or all seven. Extended care is available for an additional fee. Time: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $90 per day, $510 for all six days. RR. MD
Pee Wee Sportsters Camps
Dec. 30 & Jan. 2-3
The Community House
415 E. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids ages 3-5 will be introduced to football, basketball, soccer, baseball, floor hockey, kickball, running games and more, with an emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. Cost: $52. RR, MD
5 Star Winter Soccer Camp
Jan. 2-3
Hinsdale Central Fieldhouse
5500 S. Grant St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
This co-ed program for ages 5-12 presents a curriculum focused on developing fundamental technique while creating an atmosphere that unlocks the game within each child. T-shirts are included, and participants should bring a ball. Time: 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $114, RR, MD
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
