5 Things to Do

Joliet Junior College planetarium presents “Mars: The Ultimate Voyage” a free, one-hour presentation about ongoing efforts toward the next mission to Mars on Thursday evening.

Stay warm inside with RC racing in Johnsburg and a winter carnival in Crystal Lake this weekend in McHenry County.

The Storytellers Studio Session, a Mad Hatter Ball, dinosaur-themed activities, swing music and a painting party are some activities this weekend in the Illinois Valley.

There are several exciting upcoming events in Kendall County, including musical performances, special presentations and more.

Kane County will feature an exciting band performance by Wilson River Band, library events and more.

Trivia events, eagle-watching also on schedule of things to do.

Embrace the cold during a candlelight hike or stay warm inside for a bubble show this weekend in McHenry County.

Eagle Watch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Jan. Saturday, Forest Preserve District of Will County Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, Channahon.

Take a winter nature hike or enjoy comedy, art or Christian music, there's something for people looking to head outdoors or stay inside this weekend in the Illinois Valley.

Looking for something to do over the next few weeks in the Sauk Valley? Here is our list of five things to do in the area.

Kendall County will feature an Escape Room Adventure, breakfast fundraiser and other exciting events.

Flock to the Rock, Stupor Bowl also on slate of things to do in the next few weeks.

There will be a pottery workshop, Family Bingo Night and more in Kendall County.

There will be an Indoor Market, Sticker Swap Party and other exciting events in Kane County.

Gear up for winter sports including a 50K, ski jump and a softball tournament this season in McHenry County.

A Prairie Singers performance, disco bowling, ice skating, a wildlife trolley tour and a card and collectible show are among the activities in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

Family Fun Zone in Crest Hill will host a Winter Break Skate Night for families on Thursday.

Keep the festive spirit alive with 5 things to do in the Illinois Valley on the weekend after Christmas.

GLOW Holiday Festival will be open on select evenings through Sunday, Jan. 5 at Slammers Stadium in Joliet.

New Year’s Eve and Groundhog Day celebrations are right around the corner in McHenry County.

Woodlawn Arts Academy winter art exhibit underway, fire safety awareness event set for Jan. 11 at Sterling's Northland Mall.

Kane County will feature a holiday painting event, Scott Smith's All Animal Expo, a Free Community Supper and more.

There will be a Squishmallow Paint Party, pasta making class, Girl Pop Music BINGO and more in Kendall County.

The Joliet Drama Guild and the Playnfield Players are both presenting performances of "A Christmas Carol" this weekend.

Lee Center UCC Church and Amboy Lions Club will host chili luncheon Jan. 12.

Join in on reindeer games in Crystal Lake and celebrate Festivus in McHenry this weekend.

For those of you still looking for Christmas activities prior to the holiday, there are some weekend events and attractions to keep the spirit going in La Salle, Ottawa, Princeton and Streator.

There will be a Holiday Radio Play, Family Workshop Experience and more in Kendall County.

Kane County will feature a Christmas drive-thru light show, Cocoa With Santa, Open Studio event and more.

The 1937 MAR Theater in Wilmington will host its annual Christmas show benefiting Kuzma Care Cottage food bank and featuring holiday music favorites.

Holiday celebrations continue in McHenry County this weekend with a Flurry Fest in Lake in the Hills and a parade in Johnsburg.

Lighted parades and Christmas walks in Oglesby and Ladd part of eventful weekend that includes holiday-themed performances.

Kendall County will feature the Oswego Holiday Express, a Holiday Trivia Night and other exciting festivities.

There will be a New Year's Eve hike, Brunch With Santa and more in Kane County.

Celebrate the holiday season with festivals in Fox River Grove, Marengo and Spring Grove this weekend.

The 48th Festival of the Gnomes will be held Saturday and Sunday at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre. in Joliet.

There are a number of community holiday activities scheduled across the Illinois Valley, including events in La Salle, Peru, Princeton, Marseilles and Mendota this weekend.

Several holiday-related events are coming up in Kane County, including photo opportunities with Santa, a Winter Wonder Lights Celebration and more.

Several festive events are coming up in Kendall County, including the Oswego Christmas Walk, the Montgomery Merry & Bright event and more.

Two community theater troupes will present holiday-themed performances this weekend – one in Polo and the other in Morrison.

Live entertainment at the Joliet Public Library and the Joliet Area Historical Museum, North Pole Christmas Market at the Renaissance Center and North Pole Park at Cass and Joliet Streets, ice sculpture demos, food trucks and parade.

Plenty of holiday festivities this weekend in McHenry County including parades in Crystal Lake and Woodstock.

Here are five holiday activities to do this weekend in the Illinois Valley.

Christmas walk and visits with Santa planned in Dixon.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out Moonlight Magic Friday in Sycamore, a stage production of beloved classic 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' at the Egyptian, a holiday-themed market at Blumen Gardens Sunday, donate to Let's Talk Turkey Friday in DeKalb and more.

Shop from more than 220 crafters, artisans and makers at the 53rd Annual Christmas Crossroads in Lockport on Saturday and Sunday at Lockport East High School.

Hop on the Polar Express Pub Crawl in McHenry and clean up Sterne’s Woods this weekend in McHenry County.

There will be opportunities to holiday shop and take part in season activities this weekend during Princeton's Christmas Walk and the Holiday Market at the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center.

There will be a Taylor Swift bingo event, Holiday House Tours, holiday card making and more in Kendall County.

There will be several exciting library events, a Thanksgiving run and more in Kane County.