DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Glidden Patent Party
2024-11-24 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Stop by the Glidden Homestead on the 150th anniversary of Joseph F. Glidden receiving his patent for “The Winner” barbed wire — November 24, 1874!– FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY– House tours at 12:30 and 2:30 pm– Desserts– Door prizes– Barbed Wire items in the gift shop

Slow Flow Yoga
2024-11-26 09:00, 2024-11-28 09:00, 2024-12-03 09:00, 2024-12-05 09:00 | Midwest Sportsplex, 212 W Woodlawn Street, Hinckley, IL, 60520, United States
Yoga classes at Midwest Sportsplex every Tuesday and Thursday at 9am. Childcare is available for $3/child.

2024 Shop Small Crawl
2024-11-29 08:00 - 2024-12-02 17:00 | IL
Get ready for a shopping adventure like no other!

Join Blumen Gardens and so many others for the Shop Small Crawl and discover the hidden gems of DeKalb County!

Lace up your shopping shoes and explore a world of local treasures as you hop from one unique business to another!

Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit, and let’s make this season one to remember. Support our local businesses and create lasting memories.

Ready to crawl with us?

November 29th- December 2nd Sycamore | DeKalb | Genoa-Kingston

How it works?

Each participating business will receive Shop Small Crawl punch cards with a list of all businesses participating this year. Shoppers are encouraged to visit as many businesses over the course of the four days for a chance to win gift cards. For every 5 businesses you visit and get a “punch” on your punch card is one raffle entry for a gift card. Leave your punch card at the last business you visit.

Participating Businesses

Sycamore:

1809 Evergreen Boutique– 1225 E State Street FRIDAY- 12PM-5PM SATURDAY- 11AM-3PM SUNDAY- 11:30AM-3PM MONDAY- 4PM-7PM

35:35 Makers Collective & Vurr Lont Candle Co.– 265 W Peace Rd. FRIDAY- 10AM-5PM SATURDAY- 10AM-4PM SUNDAY- 10AM-2PM MONDAY- CLOSED

Bella Boutique– 2180 Oakland Drive, Unit D FRIDAY- 10AM-3PM SATURDAY- 10AM-3PM SUNDAY- CLOSED MONDAY-5PM-8PM

Blumen Gardens– 403 Edward Street FRIDAY- 9AM-4PM SATURDAY- 9AM-4PM SUNDAY- 9AM-4PM MONDAY- 9AM-5PM

Cesaroni’s Café & Deli-219 W State Street FRIDAY- 7AM-3PM SATURDAY- 7AM-3PM SUNDAY- 7AM-3PM MONDAY-7AM-3PM

Christian Connection– 337 W State Street FRIDAY- 9:30AM-6PM SATURDAY- 9:30AM-5PM SUNDAY-CLOSED MONDAY- 9:30AM-5PM

Empower Wellness– 352 W State Street FRIDAY- 9AM-5PM SATURDAY- 10AM-2PM SUNDAY- CLOSED MONDAY- CLOSED

The Greenhouse in Sycamore– 265 W Peace Rd. FRIDAY-8AM-9PM SATURDAY- 8AM-9PM SUNDAY- 8AM-2PM MONDAY- 8AM-5PM

Kar-Fre Flowers– 1126 E State Street FRIDAY- 9:30AM-4PM SATURDAY- 9:30AM-2PM SUNDAY- CLOSED MONDAY-CLOSED

Made Just For You– 338 W State Street FRIDAY-9:30AM-5:30PM SATURDAY- 9:30AM-5:30PM SUNDAY- 12PM-4PM MONDAY-9:30AM-4PM

Nina’s Taco Shop– 122 E Page Street FRIDAY- 10AM-9PM SATURDAY- 10AM-9PM SUNDAY- CLOSED MONDAY-10AM-9PM

The Regale– 124 1/2 S California St. FRIDAY- CLOSED SATURDAY- 9AM-2PM SUNDAY-CLOSED MONDAY-CLOSED

Seven Out Cards & Collectibles– FRIDAY-8AM-6PM SATURDAY- 10AM-5PM SUNDAY-CLOSED MONDAY-CLOSED

S.I.S.- Shop In Style– 355 W State Street FRIDAY-10AM-5PM SATURDAY- 10AM-3PM SUNDAY- CLOSED MONDAY- CLOSED

Sycamore State Theater– 420 W State Street FRIDAY-5:30PM-10:30PM SATURDAY- 11:30AM-10:30PM SUNDAY- 11:30AM-8:30PM MONDAY-5:30PM-8:30PM

DeKalb:

The Balloon Bar– FRIDAY-12:00PM-6:00PM SATURDAY- 10:00AM-3:00PM SUNDAY- CLOSED MONDAY-CLOSED

Barb City Bagels– FRIDAY-CLOSED SATURDAY- 7:00AM-2:00PM SUNDAY- 7:00AM-2:00PM MONDAY-7:00AM-2:00PM

Cast Iron Coffee– FRIDAY-8:00AM-1:00PM SATURDAY- 8:00AM-8:00PM SUNDAY- 8:00AM-6:00PM MONDAY-7:00AM-8:00PM

Cracker Jax– FRIDAY-10:00AM-6:00PM SATURDAY- 9:00AM-6:00PM SUNDAY- 10:00AM-6:00PM MONDAY-10:00AM-6:00PM

DeKalb Tattoo Company– FRIDAY-1:00PM-7:00PM SATURDAY- 1:00PM-7:00PM SUNDAY- 1:00PM-6:00PM MONDAY-1:00PM-6:00PM

Fargo Skateboarding– FRIDAY-12:00PM-9:00PM SATURDAY- 9:00AM-9:00PM SUNDAY- 12:00PM-8:00PM MONDAY-12:00PM-8:00PM

The Herbal Oracle– FRIDAY-9:00AM-7:00PM SATURDAY- 9:00AM-7:00PM SUNDAY- 1:00PM-4:00PM MONDAY-CLOSED

Hidden Treasures & More– FRIDAY-10:00AM-6:00PM SATURDAY- 10:00AM-6:00PM SUNDAY- 10:00AM-3:00PM MONDAY-CLOSED

Jubilee– FRIDAY-11:00AM-7:00PM SATURDAY- 11:00AM-7:00PM SUNDAY- 12:00PM-4:00PM MONDAY-CLOSED

Kid Stuff– FRIDAY-12:00PM-5:00PM SATURDAY- 9:00AM-5:00PM SUNDAY- 11:00AM-3:00PM MONDAY-9:00AM-5:00PM

Found Home & Vintage– FRIDAY-12:00PM-5:00PM SATURDAY- 10:00AM-5:00PM SUNDAY- 11:00AM-3:00PM MONDAY-CLOSED

Perchance– FRIDAY-10:00AM-5:00PM SATURDAY- 10:00AM-4:00PM SUNDAY- 11:00AM-4:00PM MONDAY-12:00PM-6:00PM

Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe– FRIDAY-9:00AM-6:00PM SATURDAY- 9:00AM-6:00PM SUNDAY- 11:00AM-5:00PM MONDAY-10:00AM-6:00PM

Tapa La Luna- FRIDAY-11:00AM-2:00PM, 4:00PM-11:00PM SATURDAY- 11:00AM-2:00PM, 4:00PM-11:00AM SUNDAY- CLOSED MONDAY-11:00AM-2:00PM, 4:00PM-10:00PM

This & That Collectibles– FRIDAY-9:00AM-5:00PM SATURDAY- 9:00AM-5:00PM SUNDAY- 10:00AM-4:00PM MONDAY-9:00AM-5:00PM

Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.– FRIDAY-1:30PM-8:30PM SATURDAY- 1:30PM-8:30PM SUNDAY- 1:30PM-5:30PM MONDAY-CLOSED

Willrett Flower Company– FRIDAY-12:00PM-6:00PM SATURDAY- 10:00AM-5:00PM SUNDAY- CLOSED MONDAY-CLOSED

Genoa-Kingston:

The Enchanted Valley Farm– FRIDAY-CLOSED SATURDAY- 9:00AM-5:00PM SUNDAY- 9:00AM-4:00PM MONDAY-CLOSED

Open Door Coffee– FRIDAY-7:00AM-2:00PM SATURDAY- 8:00AM-3:00PM SUNDAY- 8:00AM-3:00PM MONDAY-7:00AM-2:00PM

Free Movie: The Muppet Christmas Carol
2024-11-29 11:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join the Egyptian Theatre for a free showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol on Friday, November 29th, at 11 AM! Enjoy the heartwarming classic featuring your favorite Muppets as they bring Charles Dickens’ tale to life. Doors open at 10:30 AM, and no ticket or RSVP is required. This special holiday event is sponsored by Thrivent. Bring the whole family and kick off the holiday season with a fun morning at the movies!

Christmas on the Farm
2024-11-29 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-11-30 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-01 11:00 - 15:00 | Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch, 2792 Shabbona Grove Rd., Shabbona, Illinois, 60550, United States
Come visit with Santa and his reindeer, pick out the perfect pine, and gift shop from small businesses! Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch is offering pre-cut and u-cut trees.

They will also be open for tree sales Dec. 8th 11am-2pm.

Merry Market
2024-11-30 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-01 11:00 - 15:00 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Merry Market – Vintage, Artisan & Gift Market Saturday, November 30th: 9 AM – 4 PM Sunday, December 1st: 11 AM – 3 PM Inside Downtown DeKalb Storefronts

Join Downtown DeKalb for a festive weekend of shopping small and supporting local businesses during Shop Small Weekend! The Merry Market brings together a curated selection of vintage treasures, unique artisan creations, and hand-crafted gifts—all hosted within the charming storefronts of downtown DeKalb.

Whether you’re hunting for the perfect holiday gift or something special for yourself, you’ll find plenty to explore. From one-of-a-kind home décor to handmade jewelry, there’s something for everyone.

On Saturday and Sunday DeKalb will offer all our lovely stores PLUS 40 more wonderful vendors featuring great holiday gifts and sweet treats. But that’s not all! Saturday DeKalb C.A.R.E.S. is hosting a horse drawn sleigh ride taking you off to some VIP events. Your ticket will get you a sleigh ride, photo ops including a family sized snow globe, Olaf, Story time with Elfie, and more. Crafts for kids, Hair Tinsle and a gourmet cocoa bar also included. Support a great cause and create great memories! Purchase your tickets here Holiday Sleigh Rides Tickets | DeKalb County C.A.R.E.S..

NIU vs Central Michigan
2024-11-30 14:30 | Huskie Stadium, 1245 Stadium Drive South, DeKalb, 60115, United States
Pack the stadium for the season finale of the NIU Huskies as they face Central Michigan University at the Huskie Stadium on Saturday, November 30th at 2:30 p.m. Find tickets at Football Tickets – NIU Athletics (niuhuskies.com).

DeKalb Basketball Charity Game
2024-12-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Huntley Middle School, 1515 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, Illinois, 60115
DeKalb’s annual charity & toy drive basketball game, where DeKalb Police and Fire will face off against DeKalb District 428 faculty and staff. Head to Huntley Middle School for the 7pm tip-off. Doors will open at 6pm. Admission is $5 or one NEW, unwrapped toy worth $5+Toys an proceeds will benefit DeKalb County children in need.

Cortland Candy Cane Lane and Tree decoration/lighting
2024-12-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Cortland Community Library, 63 S Somonauk Rd., Cortland, Illinois, 60112, United States
The Town of Cortland and Cortland Community Library will be decorating and creating an inviting space in-between both buildings this year for the holiday season!

All ages event with holiday music, a Christmas movie, craft, hot chocolate, cookies, and of course candy canes!

The event is free, so save the date for a fun celebration and kick off of the lighting of Cortland’s Town Tree and decorations!

After the season, work will be done to make the space between the two buildings more inviting and a place where people can relax and read a book or where an outdoor gathering can happen.

NIU STEAM STEM Café
2024-12-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Fatty’s Pub and Grille, 1312 W Lincoln Hwy,, DeKalb, IL, 60115
Don’t miss these STEM Cafés this fall!
Sept. 11, 2024 – Critical Minerals: The Hidden Materials Required for Green Energy
Many of the technologies we need for green energy – such as advanced batteries and solar panels – are made from materials that exist in incredibly small proportions within the Earth. These critical metals and minerals are difficult to find, and often we know little about their processes of formation.
We’re now facing urgent questions: do we have enough of these critical materials to support a shift to green energy sources in a timely manner? Or do we risk having found an answer to climate change but not being able to implement it in time?
Speaker: Mark R. Frank, Ph.D. Professor and Chair, NIU Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Oct. 9, 2024 – Supercomputing to Change the Course of American Science
Nov. 6, 2024 – Artificial Intelligence in Sales and Pricing
Dec. 4, 2024 – The Fast-Moving World of Electric Vehicles
Find details and descriptions on the STEM Café webpage.

50th Anniversary Christmas Craft Walk
2024-12-05 09:00 - 2024-12-07 15:00 | IL
Shop for handcrafted treasures at the 50th annual Genoa-Kingston Christmas Craft Walk on Dec. 5 – Dec. 7, 2024! Visit each home, business, and organization on the map to discover one-of-a-kind holiday décor, gifts, and tasty treats.

Over 100 local crafters, artisans, and bakers will be at 17 locations throughout Genoa and Kingston. Visit at least ten stops on the map to be entered for a chance to win a giveaway basket!

Once Upon a Tutu
2024-12-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
DeKalb, IL — This December, the heart of Downtown Dekalb will transform into a magical winter wonderland for one special evening! On Friday, December 6th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, the storefront windows of downtown businesses will be brought to life with the enchanting performances of Dimensions Youth Ballet dancers for ‘Once Upon a Tutu’. Local merchants will also open their doors, inviting families and friends to enjoy a festive evening filled with activities, holiday cheer, and community spirit.
The streets of Downtown DeKalb will glimmer as Dimensions Youth Ballet dancers perform, capturing the magic of the season. Passersby will be able to watch these young artists as they gracefully embody the spirit of winter through dance. Local music groups will also bring festive cheer and capture the warmth and magic of the Holiday season. Each performance of dance and live music will bring joy to onlookers of all ages.
In addition to the mesmerizing ballet and musical performances, shops throughout Downtown DeKalb will offer a variety of holiday activities. Children can enjoy holiday-themed crafts and S’more making, and adults can savor seasonal refreshments, shop seasonal sales, and stroll downtown with a drink-to-go from participating establishments.

Whiskey, Wine and Cheese Holiday Open House
2024-12-06 17:30 - 21:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
CASA’s Whiskey, Wine and Cheese is a holiday open house that includes an auction of live wreaths, a variety of hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie, fine wine & spirits, holiday treats and more! Everyone is welcome; there is no RSVP needed. During the event, donations will be accepted at the door and throughout the evening in lieu of tickets.

Holiday Dreams
2024-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 | IL
Get ready for some holiday magic at the NIU Convocation Center! Holiday Dreams: A Spectacular Family Cirque show is gearing up to make your season bright on Friday, Dec. 6!

Holiday Dreams , A Spectacular Holiday Cirque! is a ground-breaking holiday show that incorporates acrobats, aerialists, comedians, daredevils and award-winning specialty acts performing incredible feats using the latest in visual and technological “magic” such as holograms, projection mapping and interactive lasers.

Breakfast with Santa
2024-12-07 09:00 | River Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Dr, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Santa Claus is making a special stop in DeKalb this holiday season! Bring your family and holiday spirit to the DeKalb Park District’s Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 7, at 9:00 am!

Held at the charming River Heights Golf Course Clubhouse, 1020 Sharon Drive, this festive morning will feature a light buffet breakfast, holiday crafts, and enchanting holiday stories. The highlight of the day? A visit with Santa himself! Each child will receive a special gift from the man in red, making it a memorable experience for kids and families alike.

Cost

$15 R / $19 NR per person

Children 2 and younger are FREE!

Santa Visit in Genoa
2024-12-07 10:00 - 13:00 | IL
Free visits withSANTA!Santa’s house has amail slot in the door.Write your letter to Santaand drop it off today!

Santa’s House is located on the corner of Route 72 and Monroe St. next to Heartland Bank & Trust

Holiday Lane Craft Show
2024-12-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Sandwich High School, 515 Lions Rd., Sandwich, Illinois, 60548, United States
This weekend will get you in the Holiday spirit! Join Sandwich Park District for a festive shopping experience. Find a gift for your loved ones at the Holiday Lane Craft show and home business market. There is no admission charge for this show.

Winter Holiday Market
2024-12-07 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-08 10:00 - 15:00 | Jonamac Orchard, 19412 Shabbona Rd, Malta, IL, 60150, United States
Join Jonamac Orchard in the Cider House from 10am-3pm for the annual Winter Holiday Market holiday sip & shop featuring local artisans, apple wine & hard cider, cider donuts, gourmet caramel apples, and so much more!

Holiday Open House at DeKalb County History Center
2024-12-07 12:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
The DeKalb County History Center is saying thank you to the community with a free Holiday Open House!

On December 7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Open House will feature free tours of the exhibit “FOOD: Gathering Around the Table.” Along with free tours, visitors will find hot chocolate, snacks, and crafts to enjoy.

“FOOD: Gathering Around the Table” hosted in collaboration with the Smithsonian is one of five displays throughout the country. Stories about agriculture, food and technology, local festivals, and everyday cooking are all included, plus a hand-on section for the younger visitors to play “grocery store.”

Village of Shabbona Winter Holiday Festival
2024-12-07 16:00 | Village of Shabbona, Shabbona, Illinois, 60550, United States
Join the Village of Shabbona for the Winter Holiday Festival and craft show, featuring a lighting of the tree, Santa Claus, children’s crafts and games!

Ellwood House Museum Holiday Traditions
2024-12-07 16:00 - 19:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
With a long history of hosting holiday magic, the Ellwood House museum is pleased to announce the 57th annual Holiday Traditions celebration. The Ellwood House will be open for self-guided tours of the beautifully decorated rooms. This year, they are also thrilled to offer tours of the fully decorated 1st floor of Ellcourt, the second historic home on the property. During the event, Santa will be available for photos in the Patience Ellwood Towle Visitor Center, alongside a desserts table. Musicians will play throughout the evening in both houses.
Rooms are decorated with the help of organizations, groups, individuals, and Ellwood House Staff.

Merry Little Sandwich
2024-12-07 16:30 - 17:30 | Veteran’s Park, 143 E. Raildroad St, Sandwich, IL, 60548, United States
Tree Lighting ceremony at 4:30 pm followed by a variety of family fun activities.

Celebration Chorale Christmas Cantata
2024-12-07 19:00 - 20:00 | First United Methodist Church of DeKalb, 317 N 4th Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The Celebration Chorale announces its upcoming annual Christmas cantata, “The Song of Bethlehem” which will be presented at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 p.m. The production will be held at First United Methodist Church, 2501 North Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb.
“The Song of Bethlehem” is a celebratory collection of new songs and familiar carols that culminate with the adoration of the newborn baby. Also included in the cantata is a collection of three seasonal favorites from the “Home Alone” movie series. The Celebration Chorale is 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. The church is an accessible facility. Parking is available adjacent to the church building.
For information about the concerts, or for information on joining the Celebration Chorale, email thecelebrationchorale@gmail.com; call Sally Mullis, Celebration Chorale Leadership Team President at (815) 739-6087 or visit their Facebook page at The Celebration Chorale.
