You don’t have to go over the river and through the woods to include nature in your holiday celebrations.
Many towns have their own tree-lighting, cocoa-sipping, gift-shopping events in their downtowns. There are holiday concerts and plays, and opportunities to arrange an early sit-down with Santa.
More Top Picks Mixing Bowls
For those looking for a little touch of nature while they soak in the season, here are a few ways to bring nature indoors or take the celebration outside.
*Crafts at Sugar Creek Administrative Center, 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m., Dec. 5; 17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet; 708-534-8499, reconnectwithnature.org.
Kids and adults can create holiday decorations and crafts from natural items, while listening to carols and drinking hot chocolate. For ages 5 and older; free, but registration required. The adjacent Sugar Creek Preserve has trails open for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
*Illumination at the Morton Arboretum, 5 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 2; 4100 Route 83, Lisle; 630-968-0074; Mortonarb.org/events
Stroll the mile-long path through forest and past a lake amid interactive tree lights that respond to touch and voice. Several fire pits and concessions that warm the insides (including adult beverages) are located along the path. Allow an hour or 90 minutes to enjoy the different features. Tickets range from $12 to $20 for non-member adults; children less. Last entry begins at 8:30 each evening. See website for special programs including strolling carolers and indoor musical performances.
*Live Nativity at Faith Christian Reformed Church, 1 to 6 p.m, Dec. 5 and Dec. 6; 8383 W. 171st. St., Tinley Park; 708-532-8300, faithtinley.org
An indoor and outdoor guided tour through the story of the nativity, with live actors and animals beginning with the angel appearing to Mary and including live sheep and other animals near the manger. The tour lasts about 40 minutes. Admission is free, but collections for the interchurch organization Love Inc. are accepted.
*Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo, 4 to 9 p.m, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, and 26 through 31; 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield; 708-688-8400; czs.org/events
The zoo’s holiday light extravaganza continues to grow. Check the website for specific times and locations for carols and choir performances; photos with animals; a chance to sing to the reindeer, big cats or bears; and more. Restaurants, shops and most outdoor exhibits are open during Holiday Magic. Indoor exhibits will close at 8 p.m. Regular zoo admission and parking fees apply, staring at $16.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 11 and younger.
*Celebrate the Season Holiday Festival, Cantigny Park, 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5; 1S151 S. Winfield Road, Wheaton; 630-668-5161, Cantigny.org
The festival at the 500-acre estate park features live reindeer, sleigh rides ($2 per person), children’s crafts, and carolers. Inside the visitors center, a marketplace (opens at 1 p.m.) sells locally made crafts. Inside the McCormick Museum, a holiday open house features the annual display of Christmas trees decorated by local nonprofits. Admission is free; parking is $5, or $2 after 4 p.m.
*Christmas Past at Sand Ridge Nature Center, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6; 15891 S. Paxton Ave., South Holland; 708-868-0600, fpdcc.com/event
Within the 235-acre forest preserve are reproduction log cabins, an appropriate setting to experience a time when Christmas toys were handmade and didn’t require batteries. Popcorn will pop and chestnuts will roast on an open fire. A make-and-take craft stations is also on hand. Admission is free.
*Pilgrimage to the Creche at The Center, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6; 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park; 708-361-3650, thecenterpalos.org
Begin at the Center’s lodge, and cross the bridge to the farm, following “Mary” and “Joseph,” accompanied by shepherds with their sheep and Magi on horseback. At the farm, a reverend will lead scripture readings. Carols follow. For adults and children; free will donation accepted.
*Woodland Carols, Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, Noon to 2 p.m., Dec. 12; Monee Road north of Stuenkel, Park Forest; 708-747-6320; tcwoods.org
Listen to performances of carols and dine on all-you-can-eat soup during this annual benefit for the food pantry. Register in advance by Dec. 10; $10 per person or free for participants who bring a bag of groceries to donate to the Rich Township Food Pantry.
*Oak View Candy Cane Hunt at Stony Creek Golf Course, 10 to 11 a.m., Dec. 23; 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn; 708-857-2200, Olparks.com;
The annual candy cane hunt has moved from the Oak View recreation center to the picturesque Stoney Creek Golf Course. Kids ages 2 to 12 (and parents) can head outdoors to hunt for candy canes, then warm up indoors with crafts and cookies. Register in advance; $8; $4 residents.
Paige Fumo Fox is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
More Top Picks Tire Inflators