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Holiday Magic (and a Little Disco Music)
Happy Holidays, Lincolway! Joining the City Lifestyle family this month are Ageless Rituals Med Spa and Nave Wellness Center. Both are located in Frankfort and we are so happy they are with us.
The holiday season is here, bringing with it the sights, sounds, and traditions that make this time of year so magical. For many of us, the holidays are a chance to recreate the joy we felt as children, whether it’s through the twinkle of festive lights, the aroma of holiday baking, or cherished family traditions.
In my family, one tradition we’ve held onto is The Bibibobka!! It's the annual creation of the pierogi and kolacky. You can probably guess my heritage. Although I am a self-proclaimed lousy cook, I make a mean pierogi and "to die for" kolacky. I'm not sure if it's creating the traditional food, hysterical aprons, blasting of the disco music or the libations that make this such a special and fun day. Even the grandkids are required to help and they love it. These moments remind me of the magic of the season and the importance of creating joyful memories with loved ones.
This month, we’ve curated a gift guide to help make your holiday shopping easier while supporting local businesses. We’ve also highlighted the best of what Lincolnway has to offer during the holidays, from events and entertainment to opportunities for giving back.
While this season is joyful for many, it can also be a difficult time for those who are grieving, lonely, or in need. In the spirit of the season, let’s come together as a community to extend kindness and compassion to those who may be struggling. Whether it’s donating to a local charity, volunteering your time, or simply checking in on a neighbor, every act of generosity makes a difference.
May your holidays be filled with love, peace, and the joy of giving.
Happy Holidays,
JANET VIANE, PUBLISHER @LINCOLNWAY_CITYLIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Janet Viane | janet.viane@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Nicole Swanberg Wright
nicole.swanbergwright@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Meg Mueller | meg@socialbutterflysocialmedia.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jean Lachat | jean@jeanlachatphotography.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
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1: Congratulations to Beth Feldman (Nothing Bundt Cakes) for receiving the Mokena Chamber Visionary Women’s Award. 2: The Frankfort Chamber recently celebrated the grand opening of The Bridge Thrift Store. 3: 2025 Citizens’ Academy participants had a great time exploring the KidsWork Children’s Museum.
CELEBRATE WITH US
LGM Balloon Party & Events is Chicagoland’s premiere balloon decor company. We bring your vision to life with stunning, custom balloon designs that turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary celebrations. Whether it’s a corporate event, private party, or milestone celebration, our balloon artistry creates unforgettable experiences across Chicagoland, the surrounding suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
MOKENA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FRANKFORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
VILLAGE OF NEW LENOX
YOUR PLACE TO BELONG, YOUR PLACE TO FLOURISH
Marian Village provides active adults with a complete continuum of care, where they can live comfortably and enjoy their individual lifestyle as part of a vibrant, connected community. A full spectrum of engaging programs, along with comprehensive health services, ensures residents are supported and their days are fulfilling and lived joyfully.
Independent Living
Embrace the convenience of maintenance-free, secure homes in a variety of floor plans including apartment and garden homes. With exceptional on-site amenities and access to nearby entertainment and dining, residents can pursue a truly remarkable retirement living experience.
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Memory Care
Experience quality care within the Ancora Memory Care neighborhood that supports residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments in a secure, home-like setting with 24-hour support from a skilled and compassionate care team.
University of St. Francis Announces New President
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D., recently became the 10th President of the University of St. Francis in Joliet. He brings more than 25 years of higher education experience, including a decade in senior leadership at Eastern Illinois University, where he served as Provost and held multiple dean roles. His priorities include advancing USF’s Catholic and Franciscan mission and enhancing student success.
Lincolnway City Lifestyle Announces Growth Grant Winners
Our Partners are excited to announce Growth Grant awards in 2026: one for a new business in the area and the other for a not-for-profit serving Lincolnway. Winners receive six months of participation on the City Lifestyle platform. Congratulations to Dana Ann Hawkins for launching Star Speech and Myo Therapy - a pediatric speech clinic in Frankfort and to Sharefest Will County which is a food pantry and so much more in New Lenox.
School Day Performances Available for “Beyond the Nutcracker”
Ballet 5:8 welcomes school and homeschool co-op groups to experience the magic of “Beyond the Nutcracker”! School day performances are scheduled for Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5, from 10:00–11:00 AM, as well as Thursday, December 11, from 10:00–11:00 AM. An open dress rehearsal with orchestra will take place on Friday, December 12 at 7:00 PM, and student groups are welcome to attend. Special pricing available. For details, call 708-329-8773 or email info@ballet58.org.
Photography by Ballet 5:8
Photography by University of St. Francis
Ancient Roots Welcomes New Staff
Ancient Roots Acupuncture has expanded its offering to include massage therapy at the clinic. Ancient Roots also welcomed two new staff members. Paul has been practicing as a licensed massage therapist in Illinois since 2011 and specializes in Tui Na (Chinese Massage Therapy). Adam is the new clinic assistant, ensuring each visit runs smoothly by assisting with scheduling, patient check-in and check-out, insurance coordination, and maintaining a clean, comfortable treatment environment.
Interiors by Diane DeCero Unveils New Website
Interiors by Diane DeCero recently launched a new website: www.interiorsbydianedecero.com. The new website features a fresh look, easier navigation, updated photos, and more!
You can always count on some unpredictability. Trust our consultants to give you the stable guidance that comes from experience. Call or visit us today.
708-326-6080
schwab.com/mokena
HOLIDAY
Magic Motion: IN
This holiday season marks an exciting artistic first for the South Suburbs, as Ballet 5:8 and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) collaborate to present Beyond the Nutcracker. The partnership brings live symphonic performance and original ballet storytelling together on one stage, offering audiences a rich and immersive approach to a seasonal favorite.
The collaboration began when Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Slager and Ballet 5:8 Executive Director Jeremy Slager connected with IPO about the idea of working together. IPO Executive Director Christina Salerno recalls the moment clearly. “When Julianna reached out to me months ago regarding the possibility of working together on ‘Beyond the Nutcracker,’ I was immediately interested,” she says. “Dance and live music go hand in hand.”
Jeremy describes the collaboration as something that aligns closely with both organizations’ missions. “From the beginning, Ballet 5:8 has been committed to bringing high-level artistry to audiences all across Chicagoland, and the Illinois Philharmonic shares that same heart,” he says. “They’re an orchestra that believes worldclass music belongs in the suburbs, and we’re a dance company that believes world-class ballet does too.”
BALLET 5:8 AND ILLINOIS
“This production is a love letter to our community. It’s proof that incredible art can grow right here, not just in big cities, but in the south suburbs.”
Beyond the Nutcracker tells a story inspired by the familiar holiday ballet but takes place in a new setting and emotional landscape. “Beyond the Nutcracker follows a young girl, Emma, in postwar England — a time when people were searching for hope again,” Jeremy explains. “Through her journey, we explore how peace and goodwill can actually take root in our hearts. It’s still magical and joyful, but the message runs deeper: Christmas isn’t about escape, it’s about transformation.”
He hopes that resonates with audiences. “My hope is that audiences leave inspired to live out the message of the season: that love and compassion have the power to change the world.”
For Christina, bringing live orchestral music to this production supports both the artistic storytelling and the experience of being present in a performance space. “Audiences love to hear an orchestra warming up when they enter a theater,” she says. “The sounds and vibrations bring a fullness and warmth to the space that digital reproductions, even very good ones, cannot compete with, and dancers get energized and inspired by live music.”
She notes that performing ballet with a live orchestra echoes the origins of the art form. “In 1892 when ‘The Nutcracker’ premiered, the music and the dance were one,” she says. “So, in some ways, ensuring that live music is a part of this production is bringing the work back to its original intention.”
For the dancers, Jeremy says the live music creates an elevated performance environment. “It’s electric. There’s an immediacy to dancing with a live orchestra that you can’t replicate with a recording. The dancers feel the energy of the musicians, and that dialogue between sound and movement becomes very alive. Every performance breathes a little differently.”
Preparing for that type of collaboration requires careful coordination. “Our rehearsal process includes working closely with the conductor to
find those shared rhythms and emotional cues,” Jeremy shares. Christina adds, “Rehearsals in advance of the performance are essential to ensure not only technical precision but also cooperation and understanding.”
Both organizations see the partnership as a meaningful cultural offering for the region. “IPO is passionate about ensuring live orchestral music is a vibrant part of the South Suburban community,” Salerno says. “Partnering with Ballet 5:8 is a wonderful way to support the ballet’s artistic vision, while increasing the availability of opportunities for area residents to experience, enjoy, and fall in love with live music.”
For Ballet 5:8, the collaboration represents growth while staying grounded in accessibility. “It’s a milestone moment,” Jeremy says. “Partnering with an orchestra of this caliber elevates everything — not only artistically, but also in how audiences experience our work.”
The experience remains deeply personal for Salerno, who previously danced professionally. “I personally performed in approximately 600 performances of The Nutcracker around the world,” she shares, making this collaboration particularly meaningful.
Both see the partnership as part of a broader vision for nurturing the arts locally. “IPO has a long history of partnering with other local arts organizations and community groups,” Salerno explains. Jeremy adds, “This production is a love letter to our community. It’s proof that incredible art can grow right here, not just in big cities, but in the south suburbs.”
More than just a performance, Beyond the Nutcracker represents a celebration of collaboration and community. By uniting the grace of Ballet 5:8 with the artistry of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, this production highlights the power of the arts to bring people together. It’s an invitation to families and neighbors alike to share in the wonder of the season, creating memories that will last well beyond the final curtain.
LINCOLNWAY Gift Guide
ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT
Give Local
When you choose local gifts, you're giving more than a present. You’re supporting neighbors, artists, small business owners, and organizations that contribute to the character and care of our community. Thoughtful, meaningful, and rooted in connection: shopping local is a gift in itself, during the holidays and all year long.
This time of year brings a cozy feeling to our neighborhoods, full of celebration and connection. Lights glow in windows, tables fill with shared meals, and family traditions take center stage. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, or simply cherish the cozy spirit of the season, this time of year invites us to reflect on what matters most: community, connection, and care. And one of the most powerful ways to nurture those values is by supporting local businesses.
When we shop local, we are doing more than selecting gifts. We are saying: I believe in this place. I believe in the people who make it special.
In towns across Lincolnway, small businesses are owned by our neighbors, classmates’ parents, and the volunteers who coach youth sports and serve on nonprofit boards. Supporting them supports all of us
This holiday season, more people are shifting toward gifts that create memories rather than clutter. Experience-based gifts (think performances, lessons, workshops, spa days, design consultations, museum admissions, and more) invite joy not just once, but again and again as the memory lingers.
There’s a special kind of magic in choosing gifts close to home. When we support local organizations, we help keep our neighborhoods vibrant, creative, and connected. We’re not just purchasing a product or service; we’re investing in the art, music, makers, and small businesses that give our community its personality. This year, we invite you to slow down, choose thoughtfully, and find joy in gifting meaningful experiences. To make that easier, Lincolnway City Lifestyle has highlighted a handful of offerings from our Partners to inspire your holiday giving.
So this season, as you light candles, decorate trees, exchange blessings, or gather with loved ones to welcome winter’s quiet and light, consider where your gifts come from and where your dollars go. When we shop local, we give gifts that are layered with meaning: joy to the recipient, support to a neighbor, and love to the place we call home.
BODY FOUNTAIN
Give the gift of relaxation. Body Fountain offers massage, facials, waxing, and restorative treatments tailored to rejuvenate mind and body. A perfect self-care treat for someone who deserves to unwind.
BALLET 5:8
Share the joy of movement with a School of Ballet 5:8 gift card. Receive one free pair of tights with every $100 gift card purchase. To redeem, email schooloffice@ballet58. org with your order confirmation and preferred size. valid through Dec. 31, while supplies last.
AGELESS RITUALS
Treat her to the gift of luxury this holiday season. An Ageless Rituals Gift Card is more than a present — it’s an experience of self-care, rejuvenation, and timeless beauty. Perfect for the woman who deserves to pause, unwind, and glow.
JEAN LACHAT PHOTOGRAPHY
Capture meaningful moments with a personalized photography session. Jean Lachat specializes in heartfelt, authentic portraits that celebrate families, pets, milestones, and everyday joy. Mention Lincolnway City Lifestyle when purchasing a gift certificate in December and receive double the value.
ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Share the magic of live music! Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra performances inspire audiences with exceptional talent and dynamic programming. Perfect for date nights, family outings, or anyone who loves the arts and memorable experiences.
INTERIORS BY DIANE DECERO
Give the gift of a refreshed, personalized space. Interiors by Diane DeCero offers in-home interior design consultations, helping clients create functional, stylish, and inspiring rooms tailored to their taste and lifestyle.
Freedom Hearing and Speech
Change YourMindset, Change Your Life
ARTICLE BY NICOLE
During the holidays, gifts often come wrapped in paper and ribbons, but some of the most meaningful presents are not things at all. For Randi Lynn Quigley, a successful real estate agent and elite business coach, coaching itself can be the greatest gift.
“I got into coaching because I know what it feels like to lose everything and rebuild from the ground up,” Randi Lynn says. “Real estate gave me financial success, but coaching gave me purpose. I realized I could take what I’ve learned, not just in real estate but in business, life, and personal growth, and help others shorten their own journey.”
Her approach is grounded in real experience. “My style is different because I do not just talk about 10X, I live it,” she explains. “I have been mentored and trained by Grant Cardone, and I have applied those principles to grow my businesses and my life by ten times. My clients get proven sales strategies paired with mindset transformation, so they learn not only how to hit goals but how to raise the standard for their entire life.”
COACHING WITH RANDI LYNN QUIGLEY
Quigley says coaching provides clarity and direction. “It is the difference between spinning your wheels and actually getting where you want to go,” she says. “Coaching gives you someone in your corner who will not let you settle. It helps you see the bigger version of yourself, the one who can achieve more than you ever believed.”
The transformations she witnesses extend far beyond revenue. “I have seen entrepreneurs who were barely surviving become confident leaders running thriving companies. Realtors who doubted themselves become top performers. Business owners double, triple, even ten times their revenue by shifting how they think and applying the right strategy,” Randi Lynn explains. “But the biggest shift is not in their income. It is in who they become. They gain confidence, they stand taller, and they start showing up as the most powerful version of themselves. That part gives me goosebumps.”
Accountability is a key part of her process. “I will push them, challenge them, and call them out when they shrink themselves,” she says. “But the ownership is theirs. I do not want to create followers. I want to create leaders who continue winning long after our time together ends.”
With the New Year approaching, Randi Lynn believes this is an ideal time to invest in personal development. “A sweater fades and gadgets get replaced. Coaching changes how you think, how you act, and what you believe is possible,” she says. “It affects your business, your confidence, your relationships, and your future. It is the gift of believing in yourself enough to grow.”
For those unsure whether they are ready, her advice is simple. “Start before you feel ready. Every breakthrough in my life came from betting on myself before I had all the answers. You will always get the best return when you invest in yourself.”
Coaching changes how you think, how you act, and what you believe is possible. It is not just business growth. It is personal transformation that lasts.
LEGACY PLANNING
A Gift That Lasts Beyond the Holidays
The holiday season often inspires reflection. As families gather, conversations naturally turn to traditions, values, and the future. For Joe Dowling of Dowling Financial Services and Wealth Management, it’s also the perfect moment to begin another kind of conversation, one that extends well beyond holiday dinners or gift exchanges. It’s the conversation about legacy.
“Legacy planning is the process of organizing how your assets, values, and wishes will be passed on after your death—ideally as easily as possible and
with the least amount of taxes. It includes estate planning, wealth transfer, charitable giving, and preserving personal values or business interests to ensure your legacy reflects your goals while reducing burdens on your loved ones,” Joe explains.
For Joe, the idea of a legacy isn’t reserved for the wealthy or those with sprawling estates. It’s something everyone can, and should, consider.
When asked why he believes a financial legacy is one of the most meaningful gifts someone can give,
ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN LACHAT
Joe doesn’t hesitate. “A financial legacy is a great gift because it provides lasting support, security, and opportunities for your loved ones or causes you care about. It helps ease financial burdens, allows future generations to build on your success, and can empower them to pursue education, start businesses, or contribute to their communities.”
While holiday gifts may be unwrapped and forgotten, thoughtful planning can support children, grandchildren, and charitable organizations for decades. For families new to legacy planning, Joe emphasizes beginning with clarity. “The first step is for families to come together and define their goals for the next generation,” he explains. These discussions might include what assets will be passed on, which charitable organizations are important to the family, or what personal values or traditions they hope to preserve.
Once goals are identified, assembling the right team is essential. “It is important to work with a professional who specializes in legacy planning, not just investment management,” Joe says. “Often, the best approach is collaborative, involving a financial advisor, CPA, and estate attorney working together on a comprehensive and tax-efficient plan.”
Tools such as trusts, insurance, and investments each play strategic roles. Trusts can help avoid probate and may protect assets from long-term care costs. Life insurance can provide tax-free benefits to heirs and help cover estate taxes. This is particularly relevant in Illinois, where the state estate tax threshold is $4 million, compared to the current federal exemption of $13.99 million per person.
On the investment side, Joe often highlights Roth IRAs as powerful vehicles for multi-generational planning. “When structured properly, they offer tax-free growth and, under current law, can continue growing tax-exempt for up to 10 years after inheritance,” he notes.
Yet, even with excellent tools available, the biggest obstacle Joe sees is silence. “One of the most common mistakes is families not talking openly about money,” he says. “Without communication, children may be unprepared to manage what they inherit, or may not understand the intentions behind certain decisions.”
He encourages families to approach these conversations gently and with reassurance. The holiday season creates a natural opportunity. “This time of year brings families together in a relaxed environment. People are more present and open to meaningful conversations. It does not have to be a formal meeting, just a thoughtful discussion about the future.”
Joe often advises clients to let their family know that their plans are in place and who to contact if needed. Over time, these conversations can help generations work together. “Many clients’ children end up working with us as well, after seeing how we supported their parents,” he says.
Ultimately, Joe reminds families that legacy planning is not only about finances. “At its core, it is about peace of mind,” he says. “It is ensuring your loved ones are cared for and your values are carried forward.”
In a season focused on giving, Joe suggests that the most lasting gift may be the conversations shared around the table, the kind that ensures love and security continue for generations.
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BUILDING HEARTS, MINDS, AND COMMUNITY
Providence Catholic
ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT
That ‘family feel’ that folks say they get here is result of these three words.
At Providence Catholic High School, the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love aren’t just ideals, they’re the foundation of everyday life. “It’s the basis for our curriculum, expectations for how we treat each other and our community and they are guiding principles for decisions that we make,” says Steve Cardamone, Director of Institutional Advancement. “Much more than what makes us different from all other schools, it is who we are. That ‘family feel’ that folks say they get here, it is a direct result of these three powerful words.”
Providence has been part of the area since the 1960s, though its roots extend more than a century. Its longevity and continued growth are evidence of the impact it has made. Yet, Providence’s influence stretches far beyond its campus. Last year alone, students logged approximately 25,000 service hours, volunteering at local events and organizations. The school also opens its doors to the community, hosting academic camps, sports clinics, and enrichment programs for students. Providence Catholic students really are boots on the ground, impacting our communities.
Inside and outside the classroom, students are encouraged to live out the values of truth, unity, and love through both character and action. Even athletic programs uphold this philosophy. Steve shares that Providence’s soccer program has made a 180-degree turnaround record-wise in the three years that Coach Taylor has been here. The turnaround didn’t come from having more practice days or better drills, but from Coach Taylor. The secret? Steve shares: “Coach Taylor instilled an attitude of excellence not from victories, but by being good people.” Recently, the soccer team dedicated their first day to volunteering at a home for children in
difficult circumstances on a tournament trip in Iowa. Players spent time playing games, offering mentorship, and building connections, demonstrating that excellence includes compassion, not just performance. “One simple example of our community spreading our values outside our sphere of influence. Truth, Unity and Love in action,” Steve says.
Providence is also known for its personalized approach to academic and college preparation. Counselors are present and accessible, supporting students not just annually or occasionally, but in real time, academically, emotionally, and socially. This support is particularly impactful for students who may not be on an AP or honors track. Providence’s structure ensures that every student, not only high achievers, receives guidance to recognize and reach their potential. Many graduates later credit this individualized mentorship as one of the most meaningful aspects of their Providence experience.
The spirit of Providence is perhaps best reflected in everyday acts of kindness. Steve shared a story about a student known for his athletic and academic achievements that was asked to look out for peers who seemed disconnected at lunch. “They ate together all year. This year, the table saw another younger student by himself, and yes, invited him to sit with them. In a nutshell, that is our community. We go together. We have a set of values that are just expectations. I’m proud of that.”
At Providence Catholic, education is not only about preparing students for college; it’s about preparing them to lead lives rooted in compassion, connection, and purpose. Truth, unity, and love don’t stay within the walls of the school. They move with each student, shaping the world beyond.
At Kids Can Do, children receive customized-to-theirneeds therapy. After a thorough assessment, our specialized pediatric therapists create an individualized therapy strategy and support plan. Our "play with purpose" therapy sessions are designed to be fun and deliver meaningful results. Working closely with families, our team approach leads to faster progress and meaningful results.
Serving Families in the South Suburbs Since 1988 www.kidscando.org | (708) 478-5400 | info@kidscando.org 19100 S. Cresent Dr., Mokena, IL 60448
Holiday Entertaining Boards
The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Tips for creating the perfect board:
• Start with the larger items first and build around those. If you are using jars on the board, place those first.
• Be sure to have enough to fill the space. It is best to overfill so that the board doesn’t look sparse. Stack, stack and stack some more.
• Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing the foods you want to use. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement.
• Be sure to place similar colors in away from each other to help give symmetry.
Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board
• Fig Jelly
• Honey
• Variety of Cheeses
• Salami or meat of choice
• Olives (provide a variety)
• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut
• Grapes, berries, persimmon
• Crackers
Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 6TH
Christmas on State - Wabash Market & Parade of Lights
Wabash Parking Lot, Manhattan | 3:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season in the Wabash parking lot with Photos with Santa (3–5 pm), festive activities, food trucks, and kids’ crafts inside the Manhattan Township building. At 6 pm, enjoy the Parade of Lights along US Route 52, followed by the Christmas tree lighting with Mayor Adrieansen and Santa at Time Square.
DECEMBER 6TH
Christmas in the Commons
New Lenox Village Commons | 4:00 PM
The Village of New Lenox is continuing its Christmas in the Commons tradition with another year of lights and holiday festivities. Stop by every Saturday and Sunday in December (until December 21) from 4-8 pm to view incredible light displays and participate in holiday activities, including visits from Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, synthetic skating rinks, and much more!
DECEMBER 6TH
Ballet 5:8: Beyond the Nutcracker
Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center | 2:00 PM
Set in 1940s England, Beyond the Nutcracker reimagines Tchaikovsky’s classic through young Emma’s eyes, offering a moving story of hope and goodwill. Featuring dazzling choreography, lavish costumes, and 300+ student performers alongside Ballet 5:8’s professional artists, this beloved holiday tradition returns. Performances run December 6–8 and December 13–15, with select shows accompanied by Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets available at www.ballet58.org
DECEMBER 13TH
Christkindl Weekend
Downtown Frankfort | 12:00 PM
The Village of Frankfort warmly invites you to celebrate the season at Christkindl Weekend on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 from 12 PM to 6 PM in charming downtown Frankfort. This free, family-friendly celebration transforms the village into a winter wonderland, offering residents and visitors alike a perfect opportunity to enjoy holiday festivities, unique shopping, and cozy dining.
DECEMBER 13TH
Momentum Dance Presents "Polar Express"
Lemont High School | 4:00 PM
Join Momentum Dance Studio for a magical evening as their dancers depict the tale of the "Polar Express". Grab your hot chocolate and get your ticket ready, we've saved you a seat on our way to the North Pole! Shows will be held on Sunday, December 14at Lemont High School. More information and tickets available at www.momentumdancestudio.com
DECEMBER 15TH
Stocking Stuffer Event
Body Fountain | 3:00 PM
Join Body Fountain for a Stocking Stuffer Event on Monday, December 15 from 3-7 pm. Find goods from macrame, books, and jewelry to candles, candy, and more. A perfect way to support local businesses this holiday season!
DECEMBER 16TH
Secure Your Legacy: Learn the Essentials of Estate Planning
Virtual | 11:30 AM
Join Murray & Regan Law for a free webinar to discover how to protect your assets, ensure your wishes are honored, and secure a brighter future for your loved ones. Visit murrayreganlaw.com to register and for more information.
DECEMBER 17TH
Kids Can Do Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Group Meeting
Kids Can Do | 5:00 PM
Join the Kids Can Do Sensory Processing Disorder parent group, Ark, for education, support, and encouragement. Meetings are organized and led by parents and are held the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of the month. Attendance is open to any caregiver of a child with a sensory processing disorder. New participants always welcome. Please call ahead to reserve your spot: 708-478-5400
DECEMBER 20TH
IPO
Holiday Festival:
A Celebration of Voice & Music
Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College | 3:00 PM
Celebrate the holidays with IPO at our long-running, family friendly tradition! Performing a collection of some of the season’s favorites, the IPO Holiday Festival is a great way to celebrate with friends and family alike. Alongside the award winning orchestra, the Chicago Community Chorus will lend their thunderous talents to the evening’s program. Tickets available at www.ipomusic.org
Happy Holidays!
Wishing you joy and cheer this holiday season and a bright new year ahead!
