Mayor’s Toy Drive
Weednesday, Dec. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The annual Mayor Calderone’s Community Toy Drive support families in need: Bring new, unwrapped gifts and join in free appetizers and cash bar at Cocina Lobos. Call the Community Center with questions: 708-771-7737.
Community Renewal Christmas Concert
Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m., Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church:
The Community Renewal Chorus reimagines the Christmas story in “To Certain Poor Shepherds.” Works by Charpentier and Schubert and carol arrangements from Renaissance to Gospel plus standbys like “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Admission is $20 ($15 senior citizens and students). Tickets can be purchased at the door. For additional information, please visit www.crchorus.org.
Gingerbread houses
Friday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m., Park District of Oak Park building:
The park district hosts its Gingerbread House Decorating Party (age 6-12). Build and decorate your personal gingerbread house at the administration building, 7501 Harrison St. Hot cocoa bar and cookies served. Call to register, 708-366-7500 or visit www.pdofp.org. $15 residents/$20 non-residents.
Winter Wonderland Festival
Sunday, Dec. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m., Forest Park Public Library:
Annual family event features a winter puppet show and storytime, family crafts, a gingerbread house-decorating room, and more. Families and all ages welcome. This event also kicks off the Library’s Winter Reading Program: Read to Succeed. Set a reading goal and take the challenge for a chance to win Chicago Wolves tickets, hats and official Wolves merchandise.
Wine and Cheese Tasting
Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m., Novo in Oak Park:
Novo, located in downtown Oak Park’s historic Hemingway District, hosts a one-hour tasting event that features four cheeses and eight wines. The fee to participate is $25 per person. Reservations may be made by calling the restaurant at 708-628-3454. Novo is located at 734 Lake St. For more, call 708-628-3454 or visit NovoOakPark.com.
Historic craft fair
Sunday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Church:
The Historical Society of Forest Park Craft Fair will be held this Sunday, Dec. 18 at First United Church, 1000 Elgin from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Holiday gifts from local vendors. In addition, visitors will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Forest Park Chamber of Commerce gift card and Historical Society gifts.
Dark Side of the Yule
Friday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m., Dominican University Performing Arts Center:
Classic Rock meets Christmas with Classical Blast. Admission is $15. Visit events.dom.edu/dark-side-yule. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.
Advent lecture
Wednesday, Dec. 14, reception 5:45 p.m., lecture 6:30-7:30, Q&A 7:30-8:
The St. Luke Parish Transformation team hosts a talk by one of the foremost authorities in biblical studies, Rev. James McIlhone on how the Bible and its different translations came to be, what makes up the Canon of Sacred Scripture, the concept of Inerrancy, and any questions you have. Free admission. St. Luke School Gym, corner of Lake Street and Ashland Avenue, River Forest.
District 91 holiday shows
- Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m., Winter Musical at Betsy Ross, 1315 Marengo Ave. Call 708-366-7498.
- Monday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m., Holiday Show at Garfield, 543 Hannah Ave. Call 708-366-6945.
- Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m., Holiday Evening Performance at Grant White, 147 Circle Ave. Call 708-366-5704.
- Or visit www.forestparkschools.org.
Calendar Events
As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.
