[New] WINTER TO-DOS

IMAGE BY ANNIE SPRATT OF UNSPLASH

'Tis the Season. It’s time to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family. Downers Grove Magazine has curated a to-do list of for those young and old to enjoy.

Elf The Musical

Drury Lane │www.drurylanetheatre.com │ 11/9/22-1/8/23

When Buddy discovers that he’s a human raised as an elf, he embarks on a journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth father. Elf The Musical is based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum. Showtimes vary by date.

Grove Express 5K

Main & Grove St, Downers Grove │ www.groveexpress.com │ 11/24/22

The Grove Express Foundation is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk to benefit education and youth programs. Participants will make their way through the heart of downtown Downers Grove on a USA Track and Field certified course. Start time is 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 24, by Main & Grove Street, Downers Grove. Photo courtesy of Grove Express 5K

Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Lyric Opera House │ www.joffrey.org │ 12/3/22-12/27/22

The Joffrey Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is an annual holiday tradition. This critically acclaimed performance takes place from December 3-27 at the historic Lyric Opera in Chicago. Showtimes vary by date.

The Morton Arboretum www.mortonarb.org │ 11/19/22-1/7/23

Enjoy 50 acres of the Arboretum’s trees during its tenth annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Also experience The Electric Illumination, a new late-night experience for adults 18 and older. Enjoy a mix of trance and progressive house music, synchronized to the light display. Be the first to experience this limited run December 16, 23, and 30 from 9:30-11:00 p.m. Photo courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

Visits with Santa Downtown Downers Grove │ www.downtowndg.org │ Saturdays and Sundays in December 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Swing by downtown Downers Grove to visit with Santa! Visits are complimentary thanks to the Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation.

Candy Cane Lane

Lincoln Center │ www.dgparks.org│ 12/3/22 at 9:00 a.m.

Candy Cane Lane is a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss. Kids can enjoy holiday crafts, pictures with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, and more. This event will be held in an open house format at the Lincoln Center. Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the holiday fun!

Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas Downers Grove Museum │ www.dgparks.org │ 12/10/22 at 3:00 p.m. Stop by the Downers Grove Museum to learn all about Victorian Christmas traditions. You can tour the holiday-decorated Victorian Blodgett House, visit with Santa, and enjoy Victorian-era carolers while you warm up by the fire. This event is free for all ages.

Village of Rosemont

www.rosemont.com │ Holiday Events & Activities

Rosemont is the ultimate destination to capture the magic of the season! From saving up to 75% while shopping for gifts at Fashion Outlets, to enjoying ice skating and spectacular light displays, Rosemont offers festive and memorable activities for the whole family. Visit Rosemont.com to learn more! Photo courtesy courtesy of the Village of Rosemont. ■