KVPD Announces Holiday Events to Celebrate the Season in Kankakee

The River Valley Choral Ensemble, led by Bonnie Brewer, will serve as special guests for the concert, which will include audience participation and sing-alongs. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Nick LaLuna of Kankakee is celebrating the holidays cancer-free, nearly three years after being told his liver cancer was untreatable.

Meet Santa at the Airport, enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, aviation-themed fun, and other surprises.

Enjoy food, fellowship, and music at a location closest to your home, with a free Christmas Day dinner, provided by Christmas Day Inc.

Attorneys for Prime Healthcare, the company that owns St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, argues that the suit brought against them by Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe should be dismissed. The filing of the motion by the Chicago law firm of Baker and Hostetler came on Nov.

The Kankakee School Board gave its final approval Monday for the 2025 tax levy for Kankakee School District 111.

In this week’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster writes about the upcoming event at the B. Harley Bradley House featuring WVLI radio talent Mike Tomano and Rob West. The Dec. 19 event will be a fundraiser for the historic Kankakee landmark.

Kankakee School District 111 is proposing the closure of one of its 10 schools, Edison Primary, at the end of the current school year.

Monica Pizano is once again a trailblazer in Kankakee, this time as the first Hispanic parade marshal for the city's annual Christmas parade.

Someone heard this year’s Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign’s theme was Give With Joy. A gold coin was found in a kettle located in Kankakee.

Brianne Hetman is the new executive director of the Child Network, a children's advocacy and court-appointed special advocates agency serving Kankakee and Iroquois counties.

Nick Africano, Kankakee County’s treasurer and chairman of the county’s Republican Party, was issued a notice to appear for alleged disorderly conduct following a traffic incident which occurred last week in Kankakee.

Runners braved the cold for the 35th annual Jingle Bell Run at Kankakee Community College on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.

240 runners participated in the 35th annual Jingle Bell Run at Kankakee Community College, raising more than $25,000 for the Arthritis Foundation.

Kankakee property values are once again on the rise, this time by $35 million, officials reported Monday.

Local school districts have begun delving into the student achievement data reported on the 2024-25 Illinois School Report Card, including Bourbonnais, Bradley and Kankakee schools.

Ren Hess opened Gilded Flesh piercing studio in the Majestic building, 150 N. Schuyler Ave., Suite 100, in downtown Kankakee.

The performances combine a dessert show in the school cafeteria with a stage performance in Central’s Harold and Jean Miner Auditorium.

A list of recent births at Riverside Medical Center.

Family caregivers are invited to find support, understanding, and practical self-care strategies at UpliftedCare's monthly support groups

The holiday season officially arrived in Kankakee when Santa Claus came to the city depot.

No charges were filed regarding the Nov. 23 shooting death of a Chicago man along East Court Street in Kankakee.

Despite frigid temperatures, the city of Kankakee welcomed Santa Claus and guests during the 19th annual Lion Wreathing and Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.

Donovan Methodist Church will celebrate its Swedish heritage with a special service at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14.

It appears Kankakee's curbside recycling program will remain in place.

Riverside Medical Center is the only regional hospital to earn Gold Tier status on the Illinois Department of Public Health Antimicrobial Stewardship Honor Roll.

The Kankakee County Museum is officially aglow with the twinkle of Christmas lights for the 47th annual Gallery of Trees, themed "Blast from the Past." The experience kicks off Thursday, Dec. 4, and runs through December with the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

First Community Insurance & Annuity Center is now operating at 698 Armour Road.

The River Valley Wind and Choral Ensembles to perform a Holiday Concert on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University on Dec. 14.

The Kankakee County Museum held its 47th annual Gallery of Trees preview party on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. The gallery, themed "Blast from the Past," is now open through December from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

Due to the clash of seasons, Kankakee's Department of Public Works will extend its leaf pickup timeline.

In this weekend’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster remembers the life and work of local historian, Jack Klasey.

After Jan. 1, Kankakee will begin towing vehicles which remain in the city's designated snow route.

State Senator Patrick Joyce is continuing his annual holiday card drive to spread cheer to residents at local long-term care facilities.

Those attending the village’s sixth annual Rockin’ Around the Tree Lighting on Thursday, can skate free by donating to the Shop with a Cop program benefiting local children.

After being officially formed about a year ago, the not-for-profit provider of free clothing for Kankakee and Iroquois County foster children, Georgie's Closet, has found its home.

Kankakee defeated Mahomet-Seymour 74-60 victory in the Kays' season opener on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at Kankakee High School.

Author Charles Balesi, first of Corsica, France but now of Bourbonnais, has written a book depicting the forgotten history of Black soldiers fighting in wars for nations that oppressed them.

Ashley Fink and father, Curtis Luecke, become the first father-daughter duo to hold Distinguished president positions in club history.

Kankakee Community College’s “Pack the Place” basketball doubleheader is a free community event starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Let’s Ketchup is making strides to help more kids in Kankakee County.

Those seeking some snowy fun bundled up and took to the hill for some sledding at Bradley's Helgeson Park on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2025, following Saturday's large winter storm that brought upwards of 6 to 8 inches of snow locally. More snow looks to be on the way Monday.

Those seeking some snowy fun bundled up and took to the hill for some sledding at Bradley's Helgeson Park on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2025.

The 40th annual Fill the Bus Toy Drive has been rescheduled for this Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. after weekend snowfall created hazardous travel. The drive, held at the Dick's Sporting Goods parking lot on Route 50, aims to ensure every local child gets a gift this holiday season.

Riverside Healthcare is recognized for meeting the unique needs of older patients.

A list of recent births at Riverside Medical Center.

Check out this festive calendar of local events sure provide opportunities for holiday cheer in Kankakee County.

The Jingle Bell Run, which raises money for the Arthritis Foundation, is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, Kankakee Community College, 100 College Drive.

During the month of December, United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties is coordinating a community-wide Home for the Holidays Donation Drive.