Your Local Holiday Events Planner

When: Thursday, Nov. 24

Where: Legion Post 134, Morton Grove

Celebrating its 5th Navy Day,  will serve a full holiday dinner, provide entertainment and link Great Lakes Navy sailors to home via phones and computers at Legion Post 134 on Thanksgiving day at 6144 Dempster St. Morton Grove Mayor Dan Staackmann and other village officials will join in greeting the sailors.

To volunteer or contribute, contact Thanksgiving Committee chairman Casey Bachara. He can be reached at 847-299-3613. Contributions can be sent to Thanksgiving Committee, American Legion Post 134, 6144 Dempster St., Morton Grove, IL 60053.

Morton Grove Interfaith Service

When: Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. 

Where: , MEC building in Morton Grove

Morton Grove's mosque will host the traveling service for the first time this year. .

Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: Wednesday, Nov. 23

Where: Daley Plaza at Washington and Dearborn

The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held in Daley Plaza and feature entertainment, Santa Claus, and of course, a huge 50-foot high Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights.

Program begins at 4:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony is at 5:00 p.m. (subject to change).

Morton Grove Winter Farmers' Market

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 

The Morton Grove Farmers’ Market will host its first-ever Winter Market. Many of the regular market vendors and an assortment of new vendors will be on hand with foods, drinks, gifts and hand-made products. Available that day will be holiday-oriented items, gift baskets, wreaths and boughs, candles, baked goods, meats and free-range eggs, fudge, granola, hand-made crafts, greeting cards, ornaments and much more.

For more information visit www.mgfarmersmarket.com or www.facebook.com/MGFarmersMarket.

The Morton Grove Park District and the Village of Morton Grove proudly present:

Santa Comes to Town 

When: Sunday, Dec. 4

Where: Morton Grove

Santa will ride through the streets of Morton Grove from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. passing out candy for all the good boys and girls of Morton Grove. Some of these pieces of candy will be specially marked as prize winners.

Santa will be greeting children and redeeming prize candy at the , 6419 Chestnut (across from the ) until 3:30 p.m. Maps of Santas route are available on the Village’s and park district’s website. You may also have a map sent out to you by emailing us at gomgpd@mortongroveparks.com   This event is co-sponsored by the Morton Grove Family Moose Center.

Free Showing of "It's A Wonderful Life" 

When: Sunday, Dec. 4

Where: Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge

Liberty Bank is sponsoring the annual showing of "It's a Wonderful Life", a Christmas classic, at the historic Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. 

Doors open at 12 noon. Admission is free but donations to the Park Ridge Community Fund are encouraged. Raffles will include a drawing for an iPad donated by Liberty Bank and other prizes offered by the PRCF. For information call 847-825-3121.

Holiday Craze Days 

When: Sunday, Dec. 4, 11 or 18.

Where: National Park Fieldhouse

The holiday season is a busy one - let the Starbound Dance Company assist with a Sunday afternoon of activities for your child while you get last minute shopping or other tasks out of the way. Music, dancing, games, crafts and more are planned for the Craze Days! Registration Deadline: Wednesday prior (11/30, 12/7, 12/14).

Instructors: Starbound Dance Company & Staff. Fee is $15/day - $10/additional sibling       

Location: National Park Fieldhouse. You can register on-line at www.mortongroveparks.com

Letters to Santa

Deadline - December 16th

It’s time for children to mail their letters to Santa and let him know how good they have been this year and what they are hoping for under the tree on Christmas morning. Be sure to mail your letter off by Wednesday, Dec. 16 so Santa has plenty of time to reply during his busiest time of the year.

Please mail your letter (including a self-addressed stamped envelope) to:

Santa, North Pole

c/o Morton Grove Park District

6834 Dempster St.

Morton Grove, IL 60053

Holiday Craft Workshop at the Museum Education Center 

When: Saturday, December 10th 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: 

Join the park district at the Museum Education Center to create a variety of holiday crafts and ornaments. Make everything from cornhusk angels to outdoor tree ornaments for wildlife.

Take some home and leave some with us to decorate the and Education Center for the holidays. Bring stories, craft ideas and recipes to share with the group on your holiday traditions. This program is free but registration is required. Please call the Museum at 847-965-0203 to reserve your spot.

Chill Out with the Morton Grove Park District this Winter Break!

Take a day and let the kids play! The Park District will offer a childcare program Tuesday through Friday of each week during the Winter Break. Here’s a breakdown of what they’ve got planned:

Dec. 27    Marriot Lincolnshire-Suessical the Musical 

Dec. 29     Schaumburg Sports Park 

Dec. 28     Brunswick Zone

Dec. 30     New Years Eve Party at the PVCC

Jan. 3          Sunshine Crafts (Make and Take pottery)

Jan. 4          Jump Zone

Jan. 5          Pick Wick Theatre (movie TBA-includes

                         popcorn & Soda)

Jan. 6          PVCC-chilling out with various activities

All programs take place at the Prairie View Community Center, 6834 W. Dempster St. Program hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost for each day is $44 and includes our special activities and field trips. Please contact Liz Goodwin at (847) 965-1200 with any questions.

You can register in person or online at www.mortongroveparks.com

Give the Gift of Fitness this Holiday Season

30 Days of Fitness for $29.95

Where: Morton Grove Park District Club Fitness

The Morton Grove Park District is offering a special deal this December. For only $29.95 you can join for 1 month for only $29.95. The club offers cardio and strength equipment, stretching room, sauna, whirlpool and a basketball court. Other amenities available: group fitness, personal training, racquetball and childcare.

Purchasing period is Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, 2011. 30 day membership begins the day of purchase. Stop by Prairie View Community Center in December and start your workout today at our full service fitness club.  

Did you find another holiday-related event happening in Morton Grove that we didn't catch? Let us know in the comments!