Submit your event listing at dailyherald.com/share; deadline is two weeks prior to event date or registration deadline.
Ongoing
Winter Expo 2021: Runs 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20, at Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St., Evanston. The Winter Arts & Crafts Expo includes original, handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed media, more. The expo is free and open to the public. (847) 475-5300 or evanstonartcenter.org.
NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital Holiday Toy Drive: Runs through Dec. 20, at Wilmette Fire Department, 1304 Lake Ave., Wilmette. Holiday Toy Drive to benefit the children at NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital. Please donate new, unwrapped toys. (847) 570-2831 or email [email protected].
‘It’s a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play’: Runs through Dec. 30, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. Embrace the season and watch everyone’s favorite classic performed live on stage. Seven actors bring the entire town of Bedford Falls to life in a 1946 radio play — complete with sound effects — to tell the story of George Bailey, whose troubles lead him to wish he had never been born. oillamptheater.org.
Take and Make Craft — Gingerbread People: Through December, at Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. Pick up a gingerbread person to decorate during the month of December. Return your creation to the KidSpace Desk and the library will display them for winter. Limited supplies. No registration necessary. (847) 663-1234 or nileslibrary.org.
Willow Hill’s Winter Magic — a drive-through Christmas lights experience: Open nightly from 4:30-10:30 p.m. through Jan. 2, at Willow Hill Golf Course, 1350 Willow Road, Northbrook. Willow Hill Golf Course presents its first Winter Magic drive-through Christmas lights event. This family holiday event features over one million lights adorning displays of characters like snowmen and penguins, beautifully lighted Christmas trees, drive through light tunnels, and more. One ticket is good for one car-full, so load up the entire family for this one. $40. WillowHillsWinterMagic.com.
‘Mr. Dickens’ Hat’: Runs through Jan. 2, at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. In a cozy Victorian shop sits the hat of Charles Dickens, who once used it to carry water to the victims of a train wreck (that’s true). When a pair of bumbling thieves plots to steal it (that’s imaginary), young Kit sets out to foil their plan, save the hat, and free her father from debtors’ prison. This warm winter’s tale is filled with original music, lovable characters, and loads of good cheer. Approximately 90 minutes, no intermission. Recommended for ages 8 and older. northlight.org.
Actor’s Training Center’s 15th Anniversary: Actor’s Training Center, 1159 Wilmette Ave., Suite 8, Wilmette. Actor’s Training Center of Wilmette, continues its 15th Anniversary this fall and winter with its College Audition Clinic; Fall Musical Theatre Intensive: Little Women; and Arts in Action: Ensemble events and performances. actorstrainingcenter.org.
Vivid Art Gallery December Group Exhibit: Gallery hours through December, at Vivid Art Gallery, 895 Green Bay Road, Winnetka. This month, the gallery will be displaying the work of several of its represented artists in a group exhibit entitled “Water and Ice.” vividartgallery.net.
Wilmette Local Legends Audio Tour: Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Road, Wilmette. Stop outside the homes of some Wilmette notables. Explore by car, bicycle or on foot to hear the audio on your phone. Get maps from the webpage or pick up at the Museum during open hours. (847) 853-7666 or wilmettehistory.org.
Dec. 16
International Film Screening: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. The third Thursday of the month brings international film screenings. Films begin at 9:30 a.m. Film Dec. 16 is: “In Between” (Israel). Three Palestinian women living in an apartment in Tel Aviv try to find a balance between traditional and modern culture. Presented in Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles. wilmettelibrary.info.
Compassionate Communication: For some, the joyful holidays bring unwelcome guests — stress and depression. But for families and loved ones struggling with dementia, the yuletide season can be even more difficult. A Glenview memory care community will host a zoom webinar on Tips for Compassionate Communication During the Holidays. Emerald Place, an Anthem Memory Care community in Glenview, will host the free zoom webinar from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Occupational therapist Amy Cohen, a certified dementia practitioner and care manager with ACE Senior Care Navigators, will discuss positive communication tips and strategies designed to help families have more meaningful interactions with loved ones with dementia. For details and to RSVP for the zoom link, email [email protected].
Book Chat: Virtually at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, Morton Grove Public Library. Looking for something more casual than a traditional book discussion? Chat over the phone or via Zoom with your fellow book lovers about whatever you’re reading, listening to, and otherwise enjoying. mgpl.org/events or (847) 965-4220.
Armchair Travels: 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Join travel pro John Lynn in exploring the Santa Fe Trail, a 19th-century route through central North America that connected Franklin, Missouri, with Santa Fe, New Mexico. wilmettelibrary.info.
Folk and Fairy Tales Storytime: 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. An entertaining storytime focused on a traditional folk or fairy tale, then all mixed up with silly, exciting, or wacky versions of the tale. mgpl.org/events or (847) 965-4220.
History of Popular Christmas Carols and Songs: 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. Barbara Barrett describes the difference between a Christmas carol and a Christmas song, why they were written, and what they mean. Register: nileslibrary.org or (847) 663-1234.
Teen Thursdays: 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. For children in grades nine-12. Drop in and bring your friends to get creative after school with art supplies and making equipment. glenviewpl.org
Virtual Panel Discussion — Beyond Borders; LGBTQ Refugees, Immigrants and Human Rights Today: Virtually at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, Illinois Holocaust Museum, Skokie. Immigrants and refugees have unique experiences, routinely facing discrimination, persecution and violence due to their identities. Same-sex relationships are criminalized in certain countries and are sometimes punishable by death, leaving many with no choice but to seek refuge elsewhere. Join for a virtual panel discussion and hear personal stories from LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees, as well as from legal experts. Reservations are required. $5 for nonmembers. Register for the virtual program at ihm.ec/lgbtqimmigration. Call (847) 967-4800 or visit ihm.ec.
Holiday Cocktails from around the World: Virtually at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. For ages 21 and older. Join local mixologist Cheryl Heisler of Mixed metaPours as she offers up cocktail/mocktail cheer originating from various venues across the globe. Ingredient lists will be provided one week in advance for those who want to experiment with the group. (847) 446-7220 or winnetkalibrary.org.
33⅓ — Public Enemy’s ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’: Virtually at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, Glenview Public Library. Christopher Weingarten provides an account of how the Bomb Squad produced a singular-sounding record, using production techniques that have never been duplicated. Weingarten details a compelling and thoroughly researched investigation that tells the story of one of hip-hop’s most essential albums. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with an invitation to join the webinar. glenviewpl.org.
Virtual Alliance Française du North Shore Café Conversation Soir: Virtually at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Join online for relaxed French conversation, facilitated by native or fluent speakers. Listening in French is encouraged; all levels are welcome. For the meeting link: RSVP at Meetup.com/afnorthshore or email [email protected]. (847) 858-1274 or AFnorthshore.org.
TED Circles: Virtually at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, Glenview Public Library. Engage in thought provoking conversations concerning social issues and current events. This group comes together virtually to watch and discuss a TED Talk on a different topic each month. Share big ideas, connect, and consider each other’s perspectives. No preparation necessary. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with an invitation to join the webinar. glenviewpl.org.
Film Discussion — ‘The Bishop’s Wife’: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. Watch “The Bishop’s Wife” at home via Kanopy or borrow it from the library, then join librarian film buffs for a lively discussion. Register at nileslibrary.org or call (847) 663-1234.
Dec. 17
Chair Yoga: Virtually at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. Join instructor Isabel Raci for a session of gentle chair yoga and guided meditation. Tune in to stretch, breathe, gain flexibility, and strengthen the body in an accessible way with seated poses. Perfect for beginners, students will leave class feeling relaxed and grounded. winnetkalibrary.org.
Yoga Storytime: 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Children, ages 3-5 with an adult, learn fun yoga poses with music and a story. Register for only one session per month. Registration required. glenviewpl.org.
GlenViewings Holiday Classic — ‘The Shop Around the Corner’: 2 or 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Alfred and Klara work at Matuschek and Company, a general store in Budapest. Constantly at odds with each other, they disagree on almost everything until both became enamored with their respective pen pals, serving as welcome distractions in their lives. Drop in, no tickets required. Audience-led discussion to follow screening. glenviewpl.org.
Mad Scientists — Snow Globes: 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Children in grades four-eight use simple materials to create a DIY winter wonderland. Register for either the in-person program or the DIY at Home Kit pickup. Kit Pickup: Dec. 17-24. Email a photo of your finished creation to [email protected]. Registration required. glenviewpl.org.
Dec. 18
Festive Farmhouse: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 19, at Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview. Drop by the farmhouse and discover holiday traditions from the 1920s. Listen to music, smell chestnuts roasting and goodies baking and try your hand at some historic holiday crafts. Tickets are $5 per person, free for children 2 and younger, and can be purchased in the Heritage Center at the gift shop. glenviewparks.org/facilities/historic-wagner-farm.
Mandarin-English Bilingual Storytime: Virtually at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, Wilmette Public Library. Join for stories, songs, and fun in Mandarin and English. Presented by local educator Ling Liu. wilmettelibrary.info.
Dungeons & Dragons (Virtual): 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Welcoming experienced and new players alike, you will be playing (virtual) Dungeons and Dragons 5E. Go on adventures with an intrepid crew of heroes. For grades 7-12. wilmettelibrary.info.
Holiday Concert with Melinda Alberty: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. Enjoy Christmas favorites with jazzy arrangements as well as classical treasures. Sponsored by AgeOptions. Free; register at nileslibrary.org or (847) 663-1234.
Music of the Baroque — Holiday Brass and Choral Concerts: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Church, 191 Linden St., Winnetka. The most enduring tradition in Music of the Baroque’s history. Celebrate the season with inspiring music in beautiful spaces as Andrew Megill, conductor of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Carmel Bach Festival Chorale, leads joyful carols, solemn chant and jubilant works for brass. Tickets: $40-$100. (312) 551-1414 or baroque.org.
Toy-ful Celebration! Concert: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. Bring your family to the Toy-ful Celebration concert benefiting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots. Join the Toy Choir, the Joy-ful Ringers bell choir and the Glenview Community Church Children’s Choir for a festive evening of holiday music and fun. Masks required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Christmas carol singalong 6:45 p.m. The concert is free; please bring a new unwrapped toy. gccucc.org or (847) 724-2210.
Callipygian Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1024 Lake Ave., Wilmette. Singers and instrumentalists from the period performance ensemble Callipygian Players will offer a concert of Baroque holiday favorites. Free. (847) 251-7333 or trinitywilmette.com.
Live music with Croozin the Loop!: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Whiskey River Bar & Grill, 1850 Waukegan Road, Glenview. Celebrate the holiday season with music and dancing! Croozin’ the Loop plays your favorite tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s, mixing in some Christmas songs and recent hits. Croozintheloop.com or facebook.com/CroozinTheLoopBand.
Dec. 19
Job fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. Come join JCC Chicago’s amazing Early Childhood team. No appointment necessary, and offers will be made to qualified candidates at time of interview with a $500 sign-on bonus. FT and PT positions are available. Great pay and benefits! jccchicago.org/jobfair.
Meet Us at the Manger: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1024 Lake Ave., Wilmette. The Christmas story, complete with live animals, is told in ways families will adore. Live animals in the manger at 3 p.m. and Christmas Story at 4 p.m. Masks are required for everyone 2 and older. (847) 251-7333 or trinitywilmette.com.
Dec. 20
Tai Chi: Virtually at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, Morton Grove Public Library. Certified tai chi instructor Erica Bough demonstrates Shibashi body movements, breathing exercises, and meditation to help restore balance, flexibility and reduce stress. All experience levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. mgpl.org/events or (847) 965-4220.
‘Grand Jeté and Me’ Storytime, Dance and Draw: 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. Wear your fanciest ballerina attire and join for a special reading of “Grand Jeté and Me” by bestselling Fancy Nancy illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser. Read, dance, and draw. nileslibrary.org or (847) 663-1234.
Virtual Alliance Française du North Shore Café Conversation Soir: Virtually at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20. Join online for “L’influence francophone au Vietnam” (“Francophone Influence on Vietnam”). Gigi Olmstead will share her experience growing up in Vietnam and being immersed in both Vietnamese and French languages and cultures to this day. RSVP at Meetup.com/afnorthshore or email [email protected]. (847) 858-1274 or AFnorthshore.org.
3D Design with Tinkercad — Interlocking Star: Virtually at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, Wilmette Public Library. Make a two-piece interlocking star decoration. Use Tinkercad, a free 3D design software program that runs in your browser. (847) 256-5025 or wilmettelibrary.info.
Soup, Eggroll and Stir Fry — Chinese Food Meanings: Virtually at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, Wilmette Public Library. Join Yvonne Wolf in a presentation on the hidden meanings of Chinese food. (847) 256-5025 or wilmettelibrary.info.
Minecraft Mania: 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. For children in grades two-five. Minecraft Mania allows participants of all experience levels to complete challenges within Minecraft. Registration required. glenviewpl.org.
Auditions for Purim Play: 5:30-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation, 4500 Dempster, Skokie. All you talented actors, singers and dancers, come show your outstanding ability at the auditions for “Shushan, Incorporated” — the Purim play which will run at Ezra-Habonim this spring. Rehearsals for the play start Jan. 6. Show dates are March 12-13 and 19-20. To schedule an audition, call Bill Gerber at (847) 675-4141.
Dec. 21
School Days Out Camp: 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook. When school is out, the Y is in. Work without worry with Y camp — fun field trips, swimming, creative activities, arts and crafts, and more are in store for your kids while they are out of school. Cost is $60 per day for Y members; $75/day for others. Register: (847) 272-7250 or nsymca.org.
Financial Planning Appointments: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Do you have questions about how to invest, budget, or safeguard your finances? Schedule a free one-hour consultation with a Certified Financial Planner. Register online or call (847) 729-7500, ext. 7700. Appointments are in person. Preference given to Glenview Public Library cardholders. glenviewpl.org.
SCORE Counseling Appointments: Virtually 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, Glenview Public Library. SCORE North Cook and Lake Counties provides mentoring to local small business owners and entrepreneurs. Current and potential entrepreneurs can benefit from the experience of retired volunteer executives to develop business plans and grow businesses. Meet virtually with a mentor. Register and schedule your appointment at northchicago.score.org/find-mentor-726.
Desktop Vision Board: Virtually at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, Wilmette Public Library. Make a vision-board collage using the four surfaces of a CD jewel case to express your identity, your goals, your hopes, and your wishes for the new year. (847) 256-5025 or wilmettelibrary.info.
Escape Room: Virtually at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, Morton Grove Public Library. Join in the Zoom Room of Doom for a virtual locked-room challenge. The only escape is to conquer all the puzzles. Together, use STEAM skills to problem-solve your way to freedom. Be sure to have scratch paper and pencil handy. Grades 4-8. mgpl.org/events or (847) 965-4220.
Knit and Crochet with Fiber Friends: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. If you’re curious about knitting and crochet, drop in to learn, work on your latest project, or help a beginner develop their skills. For all skill levels. Bring your own project and yarn or participate in a group effort. You can also bring yarn to contribute to community projects. All participants must follow the library’s pandemic safety guidance. skokielibrary.info.
Walking Tour of St. Petersburg, Russia: Virtually at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. Explore St. Petersburg with Olga Cardamone, a licensed tour guide from Russia. Olga grew up in St. Petersburg and has been enchanted by museums and Russia’s rich history since she was a young girl. Today, she and her husband run Eagle Travel, a company that provides tours of Russia to guests from the United States. On this virtual tour, you will have an opportunity to see all the highlights of this gorgeous city of glorious royalty, majestic canal views, and onion-shaped domes. winnetkalibrary.org.
Dec. 22
School Days Out Camp: 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook. When school is out, the Y is in. Work without worry with Y camp — fun field trips, swimming, creative activities, arts and crafts, and more are in store for your kids while they are out of school. Cost is $60 per day for Y members; $75/day for others. Register: (847) 272-7250 or nsymca.org.
Gnome Hunt: 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie. There are 26 hidden gnomes along the trails, and the QR code at the trailhead will help you keep track of all of them. Want your very own gnome to take home? Gnome kits available for $3 each. (847) 677-7001 or skokieparks.org.
Winter Wonderland Crafts: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Glencoe Public Library, 320 Park Ave., Glencoe. All ages; kids younger than 8 with an adult. Drop in at the library to create a giftable masterpiece. glencoepubliclibrary.org.
Mini Masterpieces: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. Use the artwork of well-known artists as inspiration to create your own. Grades 1-3. mgpl.org/events or (847) 965-4220.
Smarty Pants Big Balloon Holiday Show: Noon and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Skokie Theater, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Smarty Pants presents the Big Balloon Holiday Show, a theatrical-style balloon stage show featuring magic, all-ages comedy and Smarty’s oversized balloon props. (847) 677-7761 or skokietheatre.org
Family Cooking Class — Candy Cane Cupcakes: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. With interactive instruction from the Kids’ Table, young chefs chop, mix and roll their way to a different delicious dish in each class. One registration per family/group. glenviewpl.org.