5 Things to Do: Celebrate winter at Glacial Park, ring in the new year at The Dole in Crystal Lake

Welcome winter: Celebrate the winter solstice with the McHenry County Conservation District during the Welcome Winter Celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Glacial Park Lost Valley Visitor Center, 6720 Keystone Road, Ringwood. The free, multicultural celebration will have music, dancing, storytelling, arts and crafts. Learn about indigenous peoples' connections to the winter solstice with the Trickster Cultural Center. Check out more details on MCC’s Welcome Winter Celebration at mccdistrict.org; go to “special events.”

Gingerbread junction: Catch the last weekend of Gingerbread Junction Thursday through Sunday at Niko’s Grill & Pub, at 7509 S. Grant Highway, Marengo. Enjoy festive food and cocktails, meet the Grinch, roast s’mores on an open fire, design an ornament, participate in fun photo ops and enjoy charming Christmas decor. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Thursday and Friday, and noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday. Find more information on Niko’s Grill’s Gingerbread Junction here: Facebook.com/EatatNikos.

New Year’s Eve at The Dole: Ring in the new year at The Dole Mansion starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. The celebration will have four parties under one roof with live music in each area, confetti blasters, a balloon drop, a photo booth, magicians and food. Complimentary valet parking and a champagne toast are included. Tickets cost $125. See more details on New Year’s Eve at The Dole and buy tickets at Thedole.org/events/nye-2025.

In coming weeks

Puzzles and pizza: Gather with friends for a friendly night of competition at the Puzzles, Pizza and Pitchers presented by the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Huntley American Legion, 11712 Coral St. Admission is $100 per team. Teams will compete to be the first to finish a 500-piece puzzle, a large pizza and two pitchers of beer or a soft drink. More prizes will be awarded during surprise challenges. Find more information on Huntley’s Puzzles, Pizza and Pitchers and register teams at Facebook.com/HuntleyAreaChamberofCommerce.

One thing to do this season

Groundhog Day: Gear up all the festivities during Groundhog Day season Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 in Woodstock. The city will have numerous events including a movie memorabilia open house, 5K, cocktail party, storytelling and walking tours. Celebrate the day during the prognostication starting at 6:30 a.m. Feb. 2 to see if Woodstock Willie will see its shadow. Check out more information on Woodstock’s Groundhog Days here: Woodstockgroundhog.org.

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