Bird painting workshop
Get step-by-step instruction on how to paint the iconic Northern Cardinal at this class hosted by the Trailside Museum of Natural History on Friday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 3:45 p.m.
Beginners and more experienced artists will get the chance create the bird with acrylic paints on a 9-inch by 12-inch canvas. The event is open to those age 15 and older at acost of $5 per person. All materials are provided.
The museum is located at 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest. Preregistration is required by calling 708-366-6530. Face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.
Comic book club reunion
The Forest Park Public Library’s Dog Man & Friends Book Club is set to gather for the first time in a long time at the library on Monday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 5 p.m.
The featured comic this time is Donut the Destroyer, but guests are invited to bring whatever their favorite comic or graphic novel is to share with the club. And, since the library’s in the giving spirit this holiday season, every guest will go home with a free book.
While the event will be held in person at the library’s youth services program room, a remote option is available by emailing sfarnum@fppl.org or calling 708-689-6126.
All in-person guests are required to wear a face covering, regardless of vaccination status.
Crafts and cocoa
There’s no better time to drink hot chocolate than on a cold winter evening, although cocoa on an unseasonably mild night still hits the spot.
At this one-hour event at the Forest Park Public Library on Monday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 5 p.m., guests can sip hot chocolate in the young adult lounge regardless of the weather and put together some fun and creative crafts at the same time.
All guests are required to wear masks — when not sipping their drink, of course — regardless of vaccination status.
Festival of trees
Bring the family and check out the well-decorated flora lining Triton College’s circle drive on Thursday, Dec. 9 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at this year’s Festival of Trees.
The trees, outside the college’s A and B buildings at 2000 Fifth Ave. in River Grove, are only part of the attraction, with holiday treats, music, hot chocolate and a healthy dose of cheer also part of the show.
There is no cost to attend.
Holistic holiday gifts
Create something truly unique this holiday season at this virtual event hosted by the Forest Park Public Library on Monday, Dec. 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The experts from Grounded Goodwife will be your guides to making pistachio, coffee, chocolate, lavender and coconut extracts that don’t contain “creepy ingredients like their supermarket cousins,” according to the library. The extracts are great for gift-giving or at home, where that can be used as a delicious addition to your next baked or homecooked dish.
Guests must preregister for the event in order to receive a Zoom invite and a link to the recipes. Supplies are not provided by the library.
To register, visit fppl.org.
Holiday hip-hop dance class
Dust off those dancing shoes for a holiday-themed edition of Mr. Sidney’s hip-hop dance class at the Roos Recreation Center, 7329 Harrison St,. on Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 5:15 to 6 p.m.
This high-energy class featuring the most dance-worthy holiday jams is only for kids between 6 and 14 years old, and costs $10 per resident or $15 for nonresidents. The Park District of Forest Park is sponsoring the class.
Participants are required to wear face coverings, regardless of vaccination status.
