DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

NIU STEM Café: Holiday Foods for Health and Pleasure
2023-12-13 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Novak Room at Fatty’s, 1312 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115
Many holiday traditions revolve around food. Our favorite seasonal foods can bring us together and be the highlight of family celebrations. But for many people, holiday eating can also cause stress and anxiety. How can you enjoy holiday celebrations and eat the foods you love, while avoiding the negative feelings that often result from overeating?

Join Registered Nutritionist Dietitian Meg Burnham to learn how to enjoy holiday foods in a healthy, sustainable way. She’ll talk about reducing stress by changing your mindset toward holiday eating – reframing your nutrition thinking to an add approach, rather than a take away approach. She’ll also share some new meal ideas that are full of holiday flavors and also satisfy and nourish your body.

She says: “For those looking to lose weight, or prevent weight gain, following an intuitive eating approach and allowing yourself to eat your holiday favorites, rather than a restrictive approach, is more likely to help you reach your goals long-term.”

Speaker:

Meg Burnham, M.S., RDN, CSSD, LDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, NIU Campus Dining Services, and Nutrition Coach for Intercollegiate Athletics

Northern Illinois University STEM Cafés are part of NIU STEAM and are designed to increase public awareness of the critical role that STEM fields play in our everyday lives. They are offered in partnership with the NIU Alumni Association and made possible with support from Bayer Fund.

Holiday Mommy and Me Fashion Show
2023-12-10 16:00 - 18:00 | evsie, 2451 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Head to Evsie and join them as they show off the newest holiday trends for both Maurices and Evsie. Come into pick out an outfit then model that outfit in a fashion show. Treats afterward and some shopping with a 15% off storewide discount.

Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas 2023
2023-12-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Since bursting to national acclaim after appearing as semi-finalists on ‘America’s Got Talent’ and winning the top honors on TRU TV’s ‘Fake Off’, Lightwire Theater has gone on to enthrall audiences worldwide with their unique combination of skill and grace as told through the technological innovations of moving light characters. Follow the story of a young bird, named Max and his family, as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettia’s, light up the stage in Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. Lightwire Theater is internationally recognized for their electroluminescent artistry, poignant story telling and performs in complete darkness. Brighten your holidays this season with Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas.

Reserved Ticket Prices
$25 / $35 / $45
$5 discount available for kids, students with ID, and seniors 65+

Stage Coach Players present: The Best Christmas Pageant
2023-12-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-12-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-12-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Stage Coach Players, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Additional shows Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th at 2:00pm

Beth Bradley’s church’s Christmas pageant is predictable every year — the angel choir sings off key, the shepherds are all in their father’s bathrobes, the minister’s son is permanently cast in the role of Joseph. It is hardly “four-star entertainment.” But when seasoned and authoritative pageant director Mrs. Armstrong breaks her leg, it is up to Beth’s inexperienced mother Grace to step in. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the rambunctious Herdman children, a rough and tough group of siblings from the wrong side of the tracks, descend upon the pageant, lured by the promise of free dessert at Sunday school, and determined to win all the lead roles for themselves. The Ladies’ Aid Society members are beside themselves with disapproval, all the shepherds quit because Gladys Herdman “hits too hard”, the show is briefly re-titled “Revenge at Bethlehem,” and the church catches on fire. But Beth and her community watch in surprise as the same old Christmas story is rejuvenated by the creativity, energy, and unexpected sincerity of a misunderstood young family.
Mary Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on her novel of the same name, is a widely beloved Christmas tale, warm and incredibly funny, full of characters both relatable and utterly unique.
Cast “Ham”

Mother/ Grace Bradley – Michelle Tolliver
Father/ Bob Bradley – Jason Reed
Mrs. Armstrong – Liz Botts
Mrs. McCarthy – Adrianna Aumann-Weyenberg
Reverend Hopkins – Larry Rapach

Beth Bradley – Arabella Marruffo
Charlie Bradley – Evan Wiles
Alice Wendleken -Tessa Spengler
Maxine – Ginny Keating
Imogene Herdman – Daphne Wise
Ralph Herdman – Elijah Botts
Gladys Herdman – Ella Rittemeyer
Leroy Herdman – Logan Pollack
Claude Herdman – Oscar Boies
Ollie Herdman – Sammie Pollack
Elmer Hopkins – Drew Tolliver
Hobie – Chloe Moeller
Davie – Lily Becker
Beverly/ Shirley/ Juanita – Lucy Schenider

Cast “Halo”

Mother/ Grace Bradley – Michelle Tolliver
Father/ Bob Bradley – Jason Reed
Mrs. Armstrong – Liz Botts
Mrs. McCarthy – Adrianna Aumann-Weyenberg
Reverend Hopkins – Larry Rapach

Beth Bradley – Lorelei Storey
Charlie Bradley – Louie Boies
Alice Wendleken – Tatum Crouch
Maxine – Shelby Joyner
Imogene Herdman – Iris Wiles
Ralph Herdman – Alexa Adams
Gladys Herdman – Samantha Kudelka
Leroy Herdman – Olivia Steger
Claude Herdman – John Holler
Ollie Herdman – Kairi Burnham
Elmer Hopkins – Grayson Campbell
Davie – Mila Yates
Beverly/ Shirley – Delaney Cook
Juanita/ Doris – Iris Reed

Creative Gaming: 1,000 Blank White Cards
2023-12-09 13:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
What kind of game is 1000 Blank White Cards? Any game you want it to be! Instead of starting with premade cards and rules, 1000 Blank White Cards starts off with just that. It is up to the players to undergo a cycle of card-making and playtesting to create and refine a card game that is fun for all.
This program is intended for adults and teens age 16+. All materials will be provided, and no registration is required.
If you have any questions, please contact Matthew at matthews@dkpl.orgor call (815)756-9568 ext. 2150.

Visit with Santa’s Helper Elf 2023
2023-12-09 10:00 - 12:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Meet Santa’s Helper Elf! Enjoy caroling and an interactive story with one of Santa’s elves. Then make holiday crafts, write and mail a letter to Santa, eat a candy cane, and more, while you wait your turn for a one-on-one visit with the Elf, and get a free Autographed Keepsake Photo of your little ones with the Elf, taken and printed on the spot!
This program is free and open to all. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.orgor at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

UU Farmers' Market with Arts & Crafts, Baked Goods, Lunch Soup, Used Book Sale, and Live Music
2023-12-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb, 158 North Fourth St, DeKalb, IL, 60115
UUCD (formerly called UUFD) Winter Farmers’ markets feature organic, non-GMO, natural food products by local farmers as well as a large variety of artisan crafts by local vendors, all in a festive and fun atmosphere. They also include:
*Baked goods, beverages, and a hearty soup and bread lunch available in the commons area
*The always-popular used book sale with plenty of new inventory
*Live music by local musicians all day
Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb
At the intersection of Fourth St and Locust
When: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 9, 2023
$1.00 Admission; children are free!

Illuminate Your Creativity: Candle Making 101
2023-12-08 14:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Prepare to embark on a journey that will ignite your imagination and illuminate your creativity! Welcome to the “Illuminate Your Creativity: Candle Making 101,” where you’ll discover the mesmerizing art of crafting your very own candles.
You will have the chance to decorate the holder your candle will be poured in. Those interested in the process will get to learn how to melt the wax and add dye. All supplies will be provided.
Depending on the number of attendees and available time, your candles may need additional time to finish curing. If they do, you will receive an email or phone call when you can come pick them up.
Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Intended for adults.
For additional information, please contact Pen Novus at penn@dkpl.orgor (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.

Winter Chocolate Walk 2023
2023-12-07 16:00 - 20:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Enjoy decadent chocolate shopping stops and a chance to win one of our chocolate gift baskets filled with chocolate samplings and an array of gift certificates from our participating businesses and other fabulous prizes!
Shopping and Chocolate…. what more do you need?!?!
As you shop great deals for your Holiday gift buying, you will indulge in a vast array of fine chocolate desserts. Be sure to make as many stops as possible!
Shopping doesn’t get much sweeter than this! Tickets are limited so purchase yours today.
Your delightful evening will start at Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward Street in Sycamore. There you will pick up your chocolate walk entry card, your souvenir hot cocoa mug and be delighted with your first Chocolate treat courtesy of Blumen Gardens.
Shop till you drop and simply leave your entry card with name and phone number in the Chocolate Event Bag at your final location. Four winners will be drawn from the names of those entered to win wonderful prizes.

Brown Bag Lunch/ Local Lore Adult Lecture Series
2023-12-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Presented in partnership with the DeKalb County History Center
Once a month, a knowledgeable speaker will present an hour-long program about history relevant to DeKalb County. All programs are free of charge and open to the public.
Brown Bag Lunch/Local Lore is sponsored by the Mary E. Stevens Concert and Lecture Fund.

Sound Studio Introduction and Training
2023-12-04 15:30 - 17:00 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Explore podcasting, music creation, video production, and more!
After a brief training, attendees will be able to begin hands-on experience with multimedia programs. Once training is complete you will be authorized to book the Sound Studio for private or 1-on-1 sessions at your convenience.
This introductory training class is open to ages 12 and up. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Anthony at anthonys@dkpl.orgor at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2115.

Celebration Chorale Christmas Cantata - "Christmas Dreams"
2023-12-03 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-12-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-12-01 19:00 - 21:00 | First United Methodist Church, 2501 North Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, IL, 60115
The Celebration Chorale announces its upcoming annual Christmas cantata, “Christmas Dreams,” which will be presented at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, December 1st and 2nd, and Sunday, December 3rd at 2:00 p.m. The production will be held in the new sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, located at 2501 North Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb.

This cantata tells the Christmas story with fresh perspective. Throughout time, God has touched and motivated hearts through dreams and visions. Christmas Dreams visits these moments in scripture and connects the experiences of ancient times with our modern journey of faith. The Chorale welcomes the return of the Celebration Chorale Orchestra and is excited to add a small drama team to the production. The Celebration Chorale and Orchestra are under the direction of Christine Monteiro.

Although the Celebration Chorale practices and performs at FUMC in DeKalb, the musicians come from all over the area and include professionals and amateurs, longtime Chorale members, and those who are new to the group. The Chorale has singers representing over nine different church denominations and 10 local communities.

There is no charge for the performances at the church, but a free-will offering will be taken. Refreshments will be served after each performance. The church is a disability accessible facility with plenty of parking in front of the church.

For information about the concerts, or for information on joining the Celebration Chorale call Sally Mullis, Celebration Chorale Leadership Team President at (815) 739-6087, send an email to thecelebrationchorale@gmail.com, or visit their Facebook page at, The Celebration Chorale.

Holiday at the Homestead
2023-12-03 12:00 - 16:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The historic J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center will host its “Holiday at the Homestead” open house on Sunday, December 3, from 12-4 p.m. at the museum, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.

Events include a children’s story time and live music in the decorated historic home. “Annie’s Story Time,” in partnership with DeKalb Public Library, will be held for families at 1 p.m. Musical entertainment will begin at 2 p.m., provided by orchestra students from DeKalb High School. There will be a craft station for children and cookies provided. The museum’s gift shop will feature a variety of stocking stuffers for purchase, including hand-forged candy canes and bottle openers made onsite by the museum’s volunteer blacksmiths. The blacksmiths will also provide demonstrations during the open house

Admission is $5 per person, free for members and children 14 years and younger. All proceeds support the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the home and barn, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Joseph Farwell Glidden’s invention of one of the most widely-used types of barbed wire in 1873 helped change the history of the American West and had far-reaching impact throughout the world. His Homestead is being preserved and restored by a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995. In September 2024 the Glidden Homestead will host “Barb City’s Barbed Wire Weekend,” a nationwide barbed wire collector expo, open to the public, that will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Glidden’s “The Winner” barbed wire patent.

Holiday at the Homestead will be held on the second floor of the home, only accessible by a flight of stairs. Please contact Glidden Homestead at 815-756-7904 or email jessi@gliddenhomestead.orgfor more information.

Merry Market 2023
2023-12-03 11:00 - 15:00, 2023-12-02 09:00 - 15:00 | IL
Head to Downtown DeKalb for the 3rd annual Merry Market. Shop locally for different Christmas trinkets! Downtown is already looking like Christmas! Get the perfect gift and be part of a great community event. Visit over 30 interesting and unique dealers in our walkable downtown. Wrap up your holiday shopping with unique gifts at this special event. Saturday 9-4 and Sun 11-3

Cha Cha Night
2023-12-02 19:00 - 21:30 | Dimensions Dance Academy, 134 E Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
As part of the Adult Ballroom Series, Dimensions is hosting Cha Cha Night on December 2nd from 7:00-9:30pm. Becca Steger of Ballroom Blitz will start with energetic Cha Cha instruction, followed by social dancing to show off your new skills.
Participants will also receive 10% off their bill at The Grove-Modern American Tavern when they dine-in on the night of the event. Make your reservations by calling 815.264.2125.
$40 per couple
*This event is B.Y.O.B.
*Participants must be a able to climb a full flight of stairs to Dimensions Ballroom

Jazz in Progress Holiday Concert
2023-12-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave, Sycamore
Jazz in Progress will perform a holiday concert at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 2nd at Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave., Sycamore. Non-perishable food pantry items and a free-will offering will be taken to support the Sycamore Food Pantry.
The 18-piece community jazz band will play a great mix of old favorite Christmas and holiday season music that will be arranged in a jazz style. They will also be playing jazz selections from some of your favorite classic holiday cartoons. The band will feature several vocal and instrumental soloists from within the members of the ensemble. The concert will be live streamed on the Jazz in Progress Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JazzInProgress. Santa will be there too with gifts for the children!
This concert will be co-hosted with chapter DX of P.E.O. (Professional Employer Organization) International. P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College and motivate each other to achieve their highest aspirations.
Jazz in Progress was organized in 2012 to encourage local musicians to play jazz in support of its mission of musical, charitable, and educational purposes to advance the appreciation, performance, and history of jazz music and its related genres. Its membership includes a variety of talented musicians from the DeKalb County area. The ensemble continues the practice of inviting local high school and college jazz musicians to sit in with the band, giving young musicians an opportunity to gain more experience in playing jazz music.
An official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they put funds raised back into local community music programs, including the DeKalb, Sycamore, Genoa-Kingston, Hinckley-Big Rock, Indian Creek, Sandwich, Somonauk, Earlville, Leland, and St. Mary’s-DeKalb school districts as well as the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
The band has performed at benefit and fund-raising events and venues around the area including the St. Mary’s Lancer Legacy Ball, Sycamore Natural History Museum’s Rockin’ for the Reptiles, Stage Coach Players, Sycamore Farmers Market, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Artigras, The House Café, and Oak Crest Senior Proms. The band has also performed with the Celebration Chorale and at many other community and charity events.
For information on Jazz in Progress, call 815-751-0006, like the band on Facebook, or find their website at jazzinprogress.org.

Village of Shabbona Winter Holiday Festival 2023
2023-12-02 16:00 - 20:00 | 101 E Navaho, 101 E Navaho, Shabbona, IL
Join the Village of Shabbona in the annual Winter Holiday Festival – Craft Fair, Food, Hot Cocoa, Visit Santa, Tree Lighting, Belgian Horse Wagon rides, Games and Activities for all ages, and so much more!

Merry Little Sandwich Christmas
2023-12-02 16:00 - 19:00 | Veteran’s Park, 143 E. Raildroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548, United States
You don’t want to miss this FREE annual Christmas event. You can expect Santa, Tree Lighting, Cookie Decorating, and MUCH MORE this year.

CASA's 9th Annual Whiskey, Wine & Cheese
2023-12-01 17:00 - 21:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Support CASA’s mission to advocate for and serve as the voice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in DeKalb County by attending the 9th Annual Whiskey, Wine, & Cheese Holiday Open House. The evening will include a silent auction of live wreaths, live music, hors d’oeuvres, fine spirits and the sharing of a CASA Story.
No tickets required; donations will be accepted at the door and throughout the evening. Can’t attend but still want to support CASA? Donate online at casadekalb.org/donate.
Learn more at casadekalb.org/wwc.

Tinsel N’ Tutu’s
2023-12-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Join Dimensions Dance Academy for a magical night as Downtown DeKalb is transformed into a Wonderful Holiday Scene. . Dancers will be dancing live in the windows of 15 merchants.
Several stores and restaurants/bars will be contributing to the fun by hosting such things as Santa, pictures with the Sugar Plum Fairy, henna, refreshments, live music, merchant sales, S’more roasting, caroling, face painting, caricature drawing, write a letter to Santa, ornament making, plus more being added!
You won’t want to miss out on this memory making event this holiday season!
