Community Calendar

Now through Jan. 3

Penguin scavenger hunt. Presented by the Elmhurst City Centre and recurring daily, there are 100 plush penguins hidden in City Centre Merchant Windows this holiday season. Come explore the heart of downtown Elmhurst, find the penguins and see what City Centre is all about—great shopping, delicious dining and top notch, hometown service. Player cards available at all participating merchants and online at elmhurstcitycentre.com. For more information, call 630-993-1600 or email: [email protected]

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Memory care support group. On the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30-11:30 a.m., a support group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia will be held at Epiphany Church,, 314 W. Vallette. Connect with us for care and understanding. There is no cost. For more information, call 630-832-1788 or email: AdultChristianCareElmhurst.org

Thursday, Dec. 5

Tree lighting at Wilder Park. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the park, 175 S. Prospect, join the Elmhurst Park District as it kicks off the holiday season. We’ll count down to the lighting of the community trees surrounding the park and enjoy holiday festivities. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and say hello to reindeer. There also will be holiday carnival games and holiday performances. Sponsored by Kelly Stetler Real Estate. Free.

Friday, Dec. 6

Festival of Lessons and Carols. Presented by Elmhurst University at Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, the annual Elmhurst University Festival of Lessons and Carols draws together the campus and community to welcome a joyful and spiritual season. Held since 1961, the festival consists of nine Scriptural readings that tell the story of the birth of the Messiah. The university will offer two services, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Doors will open half an hour before each start time. For those who are unable to attend in person, the 7 p.m. service will be livestreamed at elmhurst.edu/bluejaytv. The event is free and all are welcome. For more information, email [email protected].

Saturday, Dec. 7

Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion. From noon-3 p.m. at the mansion, located at 211 S. Prospect Ave., join Elmhurst Park District for Santa’s Workshop—a special place just for children where they can purchase inexpensive holiday gifts for those they love. Items are kid-priced and kid-friendly.No registration required; items are available to purchase.

Sunday, Dec. 8

A Classic Hollywood Christmas (lecture). From 2-3 p.m. presented by the Elmhurst History Museum, 209 N. York St., join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of several beloved holiday classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood, such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, and Holiday Inn, memorable performances, and the legacies of these films today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. The lecture is free to Elmhurst History Museum members, $15 for nonmembers. For more information, call 630-833-1457 or email: [email protected]

Wednesday, Dec. 11

GreenMan Theatre presents: Seasonal Stories. From 7-8:30 p.m. at the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave., get in the holiday spirit as storytellers from GreenMan Theatre perform. Free. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration is required. For more information, call 630-279-8696 or email: [email protected]

Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 12-14

Christmas in Elmhurst. Starting at 7:30 p.m. each night and presented by the CityView Community Church, 343 S. York St., the Elmhurst Community Choir and Orchestra, under the baton of Dennis Criser, invite you to celebrate “Christmas in Elmhurst.” Admission is free. All are welcome! For more information, call 630-530-5018 or email: [email protected]

Elmhurst History Museum

Info: elmhursthistory.org.

Elmhurst Art Museum

Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.