Get into the spirit with holiday events in McHenry County
Nov. 27 — Christmas of Yesteryear, Historic downtown Richmond, Route 12, Richmond, 12 p.m. Celebrate the season amid the quaint shops and restaurants in Richmond’s antique district. Visit with Santa, strolling carolers, food and entertainment. For information, call 815-678-4040 or visit www.richmond-il.com.
Nov. 27 — Festival of Lights Parade, downtown Crystal Lake, Alexander Commuter Parking Lot at the corner of Woodstock St. and Walkup Ave., Crystal Lake, 7 p.m. Join Downtown Crystal Lake for Santa’s arrival from the North Pole. Decorated floats, marchers, and music make this an evening of enchantment. The weather outside might be just a bit frightful, but a little chill won’t stop the 60-plus parade entries or thousands of spectators. When Santa comes through at the end of the parade, his horse-drawn carriage will stop at the corner of Williams Street and Crystal Lake Avenue to light the Downtown Christmas Tree. After lighting the tree, Santa will visit with children at the Santa House in Brink Street Market.
Nov. 27 — Lighting of the Square, historic Woodstock Square, corner of Cass St. and Benton St., Woodstock, 7 p.m. With a flip of the switch Woodstock ushers in the Holiday season with thousands of lights illuminating the Victorian architecture and trees of the square. For information, visit www.awaketowoodstock.com.
Nov. 27-29 — A Christmas Carol, Woodstock Opera House, 121 West Van Buren St., Woodstock, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. The Woodstock Musical Theatre Co. presents the classic holiday tale. The show also will be presented Dec. 4 at 8 p.m., Dec. 5 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 1 and 6 p.m. Tickets are $23 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. For information and tickets, call 815-338-4212 or online at www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
Nov. 29 — Christmas Parade, Woodstock Square, corner of Cass St. and Benton St., Woodstock, 2 p.m. The Parade around the Square at 2 p.m. officially heralds Santa’s arrival. Call the Woodstock Opera House at 815-338-4212 for special holiday program information and visit the Christmas Tree Walk set up in the Opera House’s Community Room. After the Christmas Parade, come over the the Dial-a-Ride Garage behind City Hall to have cookies and milk with Santa Claus.
Dec. 1 — Holiday Party with Mrs. Claus, Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock St., Crystal Lake, 4:40 to 5:30 p.m. Mrs. Claus and her elves are coming to visit the Crystal Lake Public Library. They will tell stories, sing songs and share holiday treats. Everyone needs a ticket to attend; pick tickets up at the Youth Services Desk. For information, call the Crystal Lake Public Library at 815-459-1687.
Dec. 3 — Senior Holiday Party and Gift Swap Exchange, Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come share the holidays with old and new friends as we get together with other Park Districts for lunch and an afternoon that will sure leave you laughing. Everyone should bring a wrapped ($5) gift for the exchange. Registration deadline is Nov. 20. Cost is $15. Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org.
Dec. 4 — A Christmas Carol, Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, 6:30 p.m. Produced by Theatreworks USA, this children’s play is a perfect way to kick off the holidays. Tickets are $25, $22, $19. For information and tickets, call 815-356-9212 or www.rauecenter.org.
Dec. 5 — Christmas at the Hooved Animal Humane Society, 10804 McConnell Road, Woodstock, 12 to 4 p.m. Bundle up the little ones for some Christmas Cheer. Hot beverages, baked goodies, a craft table and pictures with Santa Claus. Indoor pony rides for kids. Enjoy HAHS Christmas lights by carriage ride. Visit our horses in need of new homes for the holiday. Free admission. For information, visit www.hahs.org or call 815-337-5563.
Dec. 5 — The Lakeside Singers Christmas Concert, Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, 7:30 p.m. Twenty-four Chicago-area professional singers singing everything from contemporary to classic holiday choral songs. Tickets are $35, $32 and $29. For information and tickets, call 815-356-9212 or www.rauecenter.org.
Dec. 11 — Northwest Indian Symphony Orchesta Holiday Pops Concert, Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, 8 p.m. A festive combination of contemporary and classic holiday music. Watch for a special guest appearnce by Santa! For information and tickets, call 815-356-9212 or www.rauecenter.org.
Dec. 12-13 — The Nutcracker Ballet, Woodstock Opera House, 121 West Van Buren St., Woodstock, Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 and 6 p.m. The Judith Svalander Dance Theatre transforms the Opera House stage into a realm of fantasy. Performances also will be held on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m., Dec. 19 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $16 for students and seniors. For information and tickets, call 815-338-4212 or online at www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
Visit www.planitnorthwest.com for more events and information.
