Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum continues through Jan. 3
What better way to break up a cold winter evening than with millions of lights featured at Illumination: Tree LIghts at the Morton Arboretum? It continues from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 3.
Light, color and recorded music transform the arboretum’s trees into a festival display. Participants view the lights from a fully accessible trail that winds through the arboretum’s tree-filled landscapes and gardens at 4100 Ill. 53 in Lisle.
New this year are four colorful animal sculptures from the facility’s newest exhibit, Vivid Creatures, by artists Fez BeGaetz and Heather BeGaetz. Hot chocolate and hot cider, water and alcoholic beverages, as well as sweet treats, will be sold in tents set up along the trail.
Arboretum members save 20% on tickets. Prices vary depending on the date and how far in advance tickets are bought. Children 3 and younger are admitted free. The display will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. Parking is free. Tickets are at mortonarb.org or 630-968-0074.
Franklin Park library seeks clothing, toiletries
The Franklin Park Public Library is accepting donations of toiletries and winter clothing for American Legion Post 974’s Stand Down 2026.
Items will be taken until early 2026 at the Patron Services desk at the library, 10311 Grand Ave. in Franklin Park.
Winter items include hats, mittens, blankets, scarves, jackets and sweaters. New and unopened toiletries needed are lotion, facial tissue packets, soap, bath gels, hand sanitizer, shampoo, antiseptic wipes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, lip balm, feminine products and baby wipes.
Details are at 847-455-6016, ext. 1, or by emailing ps@fppld.org.
Elmhurst plans candy cane hunt
The Elmhurst Park District invites children 3 to 8 years old to a candy cane-filled morning Dec. 20 at Kies Recreation Center, 155 E. St. Charles Road. Two sessions are planned, 10 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.
Activities include an outdoor candy cane hunt, indoor crafts and story time. Dress to be outside. Registration is required at the park district website, www.epd.org, or by calling 630993-8900.
Sing along to classic holiday music in La Grange
Fans of Handel’s “Messiah” can join a sing-along version at 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church of La Grange, 203 S. Kensington Ave. in La Grange.
Mary Hopper will conduct the performance, which features musicians, soloists and the audience, which acts as the chorus. Everyone is welcome.
The event is presented by Friends of Casavant 3062. Admission is $30. Purchase tickets online at emmanuel-lagrange.org.
Youth garden club meets in Burr Ridge
Winter Solstice Celebration is offered from 3 to 4 p.m. Dec. 20 at Studio B Art, 302 Burr Ridge Parkway in Burr Ridge.
The DGC Sprouts youth garden club, sponsored by the Darien Garden Club, will learn about changing seasons, astronomy for this time of year and make a lantern. Space is limited, and adults must attend with their children. Register at Eventbrite or call 630-601-6755.
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