June 30, 2025
News

DuPage, Will and Cook to offer family fun, holiday events, music

DEC. 26

"ILLUMINATION – TREE LIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM": Through Jan. 5, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Information: Timed tickets available at www.mortonarb.org.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT COSLEY ZOO: Various dates through Dec. 30, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Cosley Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with the light show beginning at 3 p.m. The zoo will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and will be open 9 a.m. to noon New Year’s Eve. Cost: Zoo admission is free during the Festival of Lights. Information: cosleyzoo.org, 630-665-5534.

DRURY LANE PRESENTS "MARY POPPINS": Most Wednesdays through Sundays through Jan. 19, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Information: drurylanetheatre.com, 630-530-0111.

FEATURED ARTIST DARCY BERG: December, Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive. She exhibits photography and fiber artwork. Information: woodridgelibrary.org.

CLASSES AND EVENTS AT LIZZADRO MUSEUM OF LAPIDARY ART: Varied dates, in its new location at 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook. Information: dasher@lizzadromuseum.org, 630-833-1616, www.lizzadromuseum.org.

BATTLE OF THE BULGE REMEMBERED: Events underway, First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. The museum has been commemorating the 75th anniversary of the World War II battle with exhibits, lectures and book signings. The First Division Museum is open until Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, except holidays. Cost: $5 parking fee. Information: www.fdmuseum.org.

DEC. 27

ALMOST NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH MARK DVORAK: 8:15 p.m., Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Concert organizers said "Chicago's troubadour" Mark Dvorak returns to Two Way Street to welcome the new year in style and with great songs. Cost: $10. Information: www.twowaystreet.org, 630-969-9720.

HOLIDAY BREAK UNLIMITED RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS: Weekdays through Jan. 6, Enchanted Castle restaurant and entertainment complex, 1103 S. Main St., Lombard. It offers a three-hour, unlimited attractions wristband. Cost: $25.95. Information: enchanted.com, 630-953-7860.

“COMMUNITY HOLIDAY TREES” ON DISPLAY AT ROBERT R. MCCORMICK HOUSE: Through Dec. 29, the final day of 2019 operations, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. December hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Seven area nonprofits created displays for the 10th annual holiday event for charity. Each receives a $2,500 grant from the McCormick Foundation. They also collect 100% of optional donations made by museum visitors, who are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree. The agency whose tree gathers the most votes receives an additional $2,500. The nonprofits are Diveheart of Downers Grove, which works to build confidence, independence and self-esteem in children, adults and veterans with disabilities through scuba diving, scuba therapy and related activities; Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society; Naperville Area Humane Society; Off the Street Club, Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club with Camp Mathieu in Wheaton; Student Excellence Foundation serving Wheaton-Warrenville District 200; Tuskegee NEXT, based in Wheaton, and honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by offering aviation education and career path opportunities for at-risk youth; and WINGS Program, aiming to break the cycle of domestic violence for adults and children. Cost: $5 parking. Information: cantigny.org.

DEC. 28

COUNTRY-WESTERN SING-AROUND: 2 to 4 p.m., Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. On the fourth Saturday of each month, it's time for country music. It will be like the regular sing-arounds, but with strictly classic country tunes. Songbooks are provided. Cost: $1 donation suggested. Information: www.twowaystreet.org, 630-969-9720.

MOTLEY CRUE, POISON & WHITE SNAKE TRIBUTE SHOW: Concert doors open at 6 p.m., Basecamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. Information: basecamppub.com/events.

TWO BROTHERS BREWERY TOURS: 1 and 2:30 p.m., Two Brothers Tap House, 30W315 Calumet Ave. W, Warrenville. "Come out and smell the smells, see the shiny equipment, ask questions and sample some of the luscious liquid." Tours are free and you do not need a reservation. Tours take about 45 minutes. Information: twobrothersbrewing.com.

BIRD WALKS: 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Search the woods, fields and edges of the Arboretum for birds. Learn about migrants and year-round resident birds with an expert guide. Cost: $14. Information: Register at mortonarb.org or 630-719-2468.

ART EXHIBIT: Through Jan. 4, Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St. The painter is Jennifer Oldis-Kryczka. Gallery hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday except major holidays. Cost: Free. Information: 708-442-6400, www.riversideartscenter.com.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AND SNOWSHOE RENTALS: Daily in snowy conditions, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. After 4 or more inches of snow, people can embrace the season and trek through 1,700 acres of The Morton Arboretum’s winter wonderland. Information: mortonarb.org; call first to confirm availability at 630-968-0074.

DEC. 29

WINE 101: 1 p.m., D.O.C Wine Bar, 326 Yorktown Center, Lombard. One can learn to sip like a pro in this interactive tasting experience, according to organizers. Participants will learn the ins and outs of the wine world from sommelier David Sarrett as they blind taste their way through a variety of wines and food pairings. Cost: $30. Information: docwinebarchicago.com, 630-627-6666.

HOLIDAY COVER SHOW BANDS BECOME FOO FIGHTERS, SAY ANYTHING, NEW FOUND GLORY, JOYCE MANOR, TURNOVER: 6:30 p.m., Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Cost: $10 online, $13 at the door. Information: www.wireismusic.com.

DEC. 30

"STAR WARS" TRIVIA BY ELMHURST LIBRARY PRESENTED AT RED ARROW TAP ROOM: 7 p.m., Red Arrow, 111 E. First St., Elmhurst. "These are the beers you're looking for … " Test your knowledge and compete for prizes. Kids are welcome if accompanied by adults. One can reserve a table at www.redarrowtaproom.com/elmhurst. Information: elmhurstpubliclibrary.org, 630-279-8696.

TRIBUTOSAURUS BECOMES THE EAGLES: 8 p.m. Dec. 30 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31, Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn. Information: www.wireismusic.com.

DEC. 31

ULTIMATE NEW YEAR'S EVE ADVENTURE: 5 to 9 p.m., Safari Land, 701 W. North Ave., Villa Park. Cost: $15 to $25 depending on package. Information: safarilandfun.com, 630-530-4649.

JAN. 1

NEW YEAR'S DAY COMEDY JAM: 8 p.m., Mike's Place, 6319 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Sonya "D" and Friends will be featured. Information: Tickets at givebackcomedytour.com.

JAN. 2

"MCCORMICK HOUSE – PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE" PLUS IMAGIST EXHIBIT: Through Jan. 12, Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave. Chicago Imagist fans will enjoy "What Came After – Figurative Painting in Chicago 1978-1998," while architecture enthusiasts will revel in the sophistication of the Mies van der Rohe McCormick House exhibition that for the first time portrays a full, 1950s domestic representation of the rare single-family home. Special tours are planned. Information: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: Ongoing activities, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Information: dupagechildrens.org.

SENIOR SINGERS INVITED TO JOIN LILAC TOWN SENIOR CHORUS: 10 a.m. to noon most Thursdays, Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road. It is presented by the Lombard Park District as a free, friendly and informal setting for people to sing. Information: Call Patti Plomb at 630-620-7322.

"ON THE RIGHT TRACK – BY RAIL TO CHICAGO & BEYOND" EXHIBIT: Through March 29, Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave. New exhibit explores local railroad history through artifacts including photos, maps and models of stations, locomotives and railroad cars. Cost: Free. Information: elmhursthistory.org, 630-833-1457.

JAN. 3

"CAUSELESS JOY": 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Jan. 3 to Feb. 1, Trinity Lutheran Church, 3S460 Curtis Ave., Warrenville. In response to realizing she is suffering from chronic discontent and motherhood-overload, Theresa takes a month-long hiatus, diving head-first into the vibrant culture, tradition and mystery of India. The critically acclaimed solo show is written and performed by Theresa Puskar. Cost: $15 to $20. Information: Tickets at tinyurl.com/wpb2qyl; www.causelessjoyshow.com.

CELEBRATED SONGWRITER SUE FINK AND VIOLINIST JORDI KLEINER: 8:15 p.m., Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Cost: $10. Information: www.twowaystreet.org, 630-969-9720.

JAN. 4

BONNE ANNEE – A NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: 2 to 3:30 p.m., Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville. Celebrate like it's 1759, ringing in the New Year French-Canadian fur trader style with stories and games of Illinois country. Enjoy a warm drink around a toasty fire. Make a vintage French craft to take home as a keepsake of the family-friendly event and the "Bonne Annee," or good year, to come. It's for ages 6 to 12, accompanied by an adult, and registration is required. Cost: Free. Information: 815-886-1467, www.reconnectwithnature.org.

JAN. 6

CHORAL-AIRES CHORUS GUEST NIGHTS: 7 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 345 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst. A noted a cappella barbershop harmony chorus, the Choral-Aires Chorus of Sweet Adelines International usually meets to rehearse Monday nights. Information: choral-aires.com.

ELMHURST HARMONIE REHEARSALS: 7 p.m. most Mondays, Elmhurst Elks Lodge, 711 W. St. Charles Road. Formerly the Elmhurst Men's Chorus and Elmhurst Ladies' Chorus, the group invites everyone who loves to sing to join rehearsals. Information: elmhurstharmonie.com.

JAN. 7

BINGO AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 80: 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Alexander Bradley Burns Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove. Doors open at 4 p.m. There will be a variety of games and progressive jackpots, with food and refreshments available. Cost: Free admission. Information: 630-968-9710, www.post80.org.

JAN. 10

AMERICAN LEGION BINGO: 7 p.m., 123 Main St., West Chicago. Weekly bingo, raffles and pull tabs on Fridays for ages 18 and older. Proceeds help veterans and the community. Check out additional dates. Information: wchicago.mhsoftware.com.

JAN. 11

FIELD MUSEUM CURATOR PRESENTING "FOSSIL LAKE AND OTHER CURATORIAL ADVENTURES": 2 p.m., Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook. Lance Grande is the Negaunee Distinguished Service Curator of the Field Museum. His research includes extensive work at Fossil Lake, Wyoming. His books are available in the museum shop, and a book signing will follow. Cost: $8, with reservations recommended. Information: dasher@lizzadromuseum.org, 630-833-1616, www.lizzadromuseum.org.