Weekend Planner: Santa, Carols, Nature, Jazz, Pancakes, Amahl

Jazz Vespers 

When/Where: Sunday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. at ; 8450 N. Shermer Rd., Niles. 

Why Go: The program features Chicago jazz musician Lady T. There will be a brief liturgy of evening prayer, readings from the Bible, a brief meditation, a devotional reading, poem or poetic prayer,  and selected Psalms read by the congregation and up to two hours of jazz music. The vespers will end with an hour of coffee and refreshments in the church basement. 

Pricing: Free

Pancake Breakfast

When/Where: Saturday, December 3 from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Park Ridge Senior Center; 100 S. Western Ave., Park Ridge. 

Why Go: Bring family and friends to socialize and enjoy all you can eat pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee.

Pricing: $4.50 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under.

Breakfast with Santa At Golf Mill

When/Where: Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m., Golf Road and Milwaukee Avenue, Niles.

Why Go: Enjoy brunch and take a photo with Santa. It's followed by an interactive activity of crafts, story time and dancing in partnership with the Niles Public Library. Each child who attends gets a free elf hat and coloring book. All attendees have a chance to win one of ten free 5'x7' picture with Santa at his Depot in Center Court.

Pricing: $6 per person.

Nature Ornaments

When/Where: Thursday, December 1 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Wildwood Nature Center; 529 Forestview Avenue, Park Ridge. 

Why Go: Deck your tree with some fun and eco-friendly ornaments made out of seeds, pine cones, and other natural supplies. 

Pricing: $12 for residents, $16 for non- residents.

Candy Cane Lane Shoppe

When/Where: Friday, December 2 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Maine Park Leisure Center; 2701 W. Sibley St., Park Ridge. 

Why Go: Bring your kids to a kids-only store where your child will be able to buy that special gift for mom, dad, brother, sister, grandma, grandpa, pet or friend. Elves will be on hand to assist young shoppers with their purchases and help the shoppers wrap their gifts. Parents are invited to wait in the Reindeer Room next door while the children shop.

Pricing: Free admission

Amahl and the Night Visitors 
When/Where: December 2, 3, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m., December 3 matinee at 2:00 p.m., December 11 matinee at 4:00 p.m. at the Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, 306 S. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge. 
Why Go: See Petite Opera's production of the Gian Carlo Menotti opera about the Three Kings, who follow the star to Bethlehem and stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor shepherd boy who lives with his mother. Amahl and his mother are touched by the wonders of the Christ child, and a miracle occurs.
Pricing: $25 for adults (ages 18-61), $22 for seniors (age 62 and up), $15 for students (ages 6-18), kids ages 5 and under are free.

Bethlehem Walk 
When/Where: Saturday, December 3, from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Lutheran Church; 260 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge.
Why Go: Walk through St. Andrews Church, which has been transformed into the streets and hills of Bethlehem. Along the walk you can interact with characters dressed in costumes from the Christmas Story. See live animals, and enjoy refreshments and music once you have arrived in Bethlehem.
Pricing: Donation.

Breakfast With Santa
When/Where: Saturday, December 17 in three sessions: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 10:00-11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Howard Leisure Center; 6676 W. Howard Street, Niles. 
Why Go: Join Santa at the to take pictures, visit, and enjoy a breakfast buffet.
Pricing: Children: Residents $8, Non-Residents $10. Adults $8

Chicago Chamber Choir At Niles Library
When/Where: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy the choir's seasonal music, as well as refreshments at the  Holiday Open House. Kids 3 to 7 can also enjoy a winter storytime.
Pricing: Free, but register in advance at nileslibrary.org