McHenry County News Calendar

Friday, Dec. 18

Cross – Country Candlelight Ski will be from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Skiers of every experience level and age are welcome, but you must bring your own equipment. Trails will be groomed for skiing if there is 4” of snow or more. Not enough snow? Leave the skis at home and enjoy a candlelight hike, some hot refreshments around a campfire and the allure of the winter woods. For more information, call 815-479-5779.

Christmas Tree Walk will be now through Dec. 31 at the Woodstock Opera House at 9 a.m. The Woodstock Opera House features a month long exhibit of over 30 Christmas Trees decorated by local community groups and organizations.

Holiday Ceramic Arts Sale will be from now through Dec. 31 at the Old Courthouse Arts Center, 101 N. Johnson Street, Woodstock. Dec. hours: Daily 11 – 5 p.m., Sun. 1 – 5 p.m.

Swim with Santa will be at the Sage YMCA from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Santa will be in the pool from 7 – 8 p.m. and we will be serving cookies and hot chocolate from 8 – 8:30 p.m. A parent or guardian is required to be in the water if your child is under the age of 8. Members are free, $5 per non-member family. Registration is required; please call our front desk to register today, at 815-459-4455.

Saturday, Dec. 19

Santa’s Scavenger Hunt – All Ages will be from 3:30 – 5 p.m. at Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Come out and learn more about the many different animals that call this area home. Follow the tracks and solve the clues to find Santa and your prize! For more information, call 815-479-5779

The Nutcracker Ballet with Berkshire Ballet Theatre will be at 3 p.m. at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake. For more information, call 815-356-9010.

Cool Yule will be at Kingston Lanes, Route 47 and Lake Avenue, Woodstock at 7:30 p.m. Bring a friend or two, we’ll have trivia and snacks. For more information, contact Shannon Martin at [email protected].

Thursday, Dec. 24

Traditional Candlelight Services will be at 8 p.m. at the Historic Immanuel Lutheran Church, 178 McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake. Enjoy a time of reflection and celebration with friends and family. A more contemporary experience is offered in the afternoon at our Commons, 300 S. Pathway Campus, Crystal Lake at 2 p.m. For more information, visit http://immanuelcl.org/event/782999-2015-12-24-a-candlelight-christmas-eve/.