Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
Music lovers have two chances to take in Bach’s holiday masterpiece, Friday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St. in River Forest.
The Chicago Choral Artists will perform the piece for chorus, orchestra and soloists, and the evening begins with a pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are $45, seniors are $40 and students are $25. Tickets are available at the door or online at chicagochoralartists.org. Masks are required for all in attendance.
Winter card-making workshop
Forest Park artist Kimberly Adami-Hasegawa hosts this in-person art class at Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 8:45 p.m.
There is no advance registration required, and while supplies are provided, they are also limited. Rubber stamps, origami and more will be on the table to create unique, winter-themed cards for someone on your list this holiday season.
Drop-in anytime to participate. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
Light-up holiday cards
Take crafting to the next level at this illuminating just-for-kids class at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., on Friday, Dec. 17 from 4 to 4:30 p.m.
This class is available for youngsters age 8 to 10, and kits are available upon request to those who are unable to attend in-person.
Those who are there in person will learn how circuits can create a light-up card just in time for the holidays. Kids will also make their own celebration cracker that can be filled with anything they like, perhaps a small figurine, inspirational message or a joke.
In-person guests are required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. Call 708-689-6126 or email ys@fppl.org if you have any accessibility needs the library can accommodate.
Kwanzaa celebration
The Forest Park Public Library is hosting an in-person and recorded virtual event to highlight the symbols and principles of Kwanzaa on Sunday, Dec. 19 from 2 to 3 p.m.
The hourlong event is hosted by storyteller Baba Tony Brown and Kucha Brownlee, and will teach attendees about Nguzo Saba, including unity, self-determination, collection work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
The presentation will be accompanied by African drumming, shekere playing, and will include audience participation, like singing and playing instruments of your own.
Children of all ages and their families are invited to attend. A recording of the event will be available online following its conclusion. Attendees are asked to wear a mask, regardless of whether they are vaccinated.
The Forest Park Public Library is located at 7555 Jackson Blvd.
Winter Solstice hike
Make the most of one of the darkest days of the year thanks to the Trailside Museum of Natural History at 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest.
This hike with a Forest Preserves of Cook County naturalist is Saturday, Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m. Hot snacks will be provided and a campfire will be burning to warm your hands and hearts after the hike concludes.
Unvaccinated participants are asked to mask at all times, when physical distancing is not possible.
