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A capella concert kicks of area holiday events
Members of Acappellago rehearse at First Presbyterian Church of Aurora for their concert at Mayslake Peabody Estate. | Ray Luna ~ For Sun-Times Media
Updated: January 28, 2013 1:58AM
OAK BROOK — A variety of holiday-related activities are planned in Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace.
Christ Church of Oak Brook is hosting Spirit village from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at the church, 31st Street and York Road.
The free event includes quaint Victorian streets with costumed shopkeepers in an alternative Christmas market, homemade cookies, a petting zoo, and musical performances.
Christ Church also presents Carol Fest, featuring Handel’s Messiah & songs of Christmas at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 in the church’s sanctuary.
The concert is presented by the Christ Church Chancel & Festival Choirs with professional soloists and orchestra conducted by Noelle Combs. Selections from the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah as well as familiar carols of Christmas will be featured.
The family-friendly event is open to the public with free admission; childcare is available. A Christmas cookie reception follows the concert.
The Oak Brook Park District offers its Polar Express event Dec. 18 with 10 different 20-minute rides.
Rides leave from the Family Recreation Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road and go to the park district’s “North Pole” at Central Park West. A meeting with Santa is a highlight of the trip, which also includes crafts, a reading of “The Polar Express” book, a bounce house, and light refreshments.
All persons traveling to the “North Pole” must register; pre-registration ends Dec. 14. The fee is $12 for residents’ $15 for non-residents.
A Dive in Movie showing of the film, “The Polar Express,” is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 27 at the Aquatic Center. The cost is $2 for residents’ $5 for nonresidents.
Participants may Float in the pool or bring their own inflatable raft on which to lay while watching the movie on a poolside big screen.
Oakbrook Terrace hosts its annual tree lighting and children’s winter party from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7 at Fik Point, just outside Stella May Swartz Elementary School, 17W160 16th St. The party, which is in the school’s gym, is open only to Oakbrook Terrace residents and is cosponsored by Qdoba Mexican Grill and Ferrara Pan Candy Company.
Children through age 12 will receive a free goodie-filled stocking from Santa.
Oakbrook Terrace residents wanting to bring grandchildren, nieces and nephews who aren’t city residents can bring them for a fee of $5 per child.
Pre-registration for the children’s party is required and must turned in by 4 p.m. Nov. 30 at City Hall, 17W275 Butterfield Road. Registration forms are available in the city’s October-November Terrace Leaves newsletter.
