The Plano Public Library has announced its upcoming January programming for families and adults.

The title of first baby of the new year, went to baby Aaron L. of Joliet, who was born to parents Lisbeth and Carlos at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1.

Groot Industries asks residents not to place their tree in a plastic bag. Waste stickers are not required for this free collection.

The Salvation Army encourages Illinoisans to consider post-holiday giving. “As the year comes to a close, the need in our communities does not,” said Lt. Colonel Jonathan Rich,

Foam should not be dropped off at the church before Jan. 3, as the church does not have the required storage facilities.

Sharing food with family and friends over the holidays makes great memories, but no one wants to remember getting sick from old leftovers.

It is important to know how credit can change your spending power as well as know how you can recognize the danger signs of credit misuse.

The program will be held 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 27 at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Register by Friday.

Police from local communities hosted Shop With a Cop events in Lockport, Plainfield, and Bolingbrook over the past week allowing children in need to shop for Christmas.

Kendall County residents can celebrate the holidays safely by keeping these guidelines in mind when doing food prep and hosting parties.

Forest preserve visitor centers also will be closed starting at noon on Wednesday and all day on Friday.

Hufford Junior High Orchestra

Leave the cooking and clean up to someone else on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Before you run out the door this Christmas — whether it’s to buy last-minute gifts or simply get out of the house — it’s wise to double-check operating hours, which can differ depending on their location.

The Salvation Army Kankakee has collected 36% of its $75,000 goal in the annual Red Kettle campaign.

“These times can be difficult, but also finding a way to help others can help us, too. Accepting the loss can be the most difficult," says hospital chaplain Darla Fernandez Draus.

Silver Cross Hospital issued a warning about rising cases of norovirus this holiday season and shared tips to avoid getting sick or spreading germs.

The month-long initiative took place from Oct. 24 through Nov. 24 at both the Bank’s Main Branch in Morris and its Wilmington Branch.

The Plano Methodist Church collected over 125 items to be donated to the Kendall County Food Pantry.

The house, now uninhabitable, was without electricity, and the candle was being used for light, according to the Plainfield Fire Protection District.

Downtown Joliet is dressed into holiday style, despite continued work on the Chicago Street Streetscape and city square projects. But despite ongoing construction, businesses still decked themselves out with plenty of good holiday cheer.

"To support students and families while our staff is away, we’re sharing mental health resources that will be available throughout the break,” Joliet Township High School District 204 said.

Now the FIT Foundation – a meal prep company is seeking donations for Christmas dinners for Joliet and Crest Hill police officers who are working on Christmas Day.

The Blue Christmas service will be held at the Chapel on the Green, 107 W. Center St., Yorkville.

Drive or stroll through these magnificent holiday light displays in Kane County.

Check out this list of upcoming holiday concerts, shows and family-friendly events at the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles.

Visit these spectacular light shows and displays this Christmas season.

There are three days left to donate to the United Way’s “Home for the Holidays” drive.

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 832 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.

The United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties has been hard at work addressing the area’s housing needs.

The drive-thru event runs from 4-5:30 p.m. at Romeoville Village Hall parking lot, 1050 W. Rodeo Road.

Each year since 2007, Westyn Genens's parents celebrated Westyn’s short life with an annual holiday toy drive for Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

While wanting to help is commendable, it’s important to prioritize food safety. Those relying on food pantries often face higher risks of severe illness due to chronic health conditions, age or other factors.

"Driving impaired isn’t just dangerous; it’s unacceptable. We’ll be out in full force, and no excuses will be accepted," said Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans.

The city of Joliet is kicking off its holiday season with two community traditions – the annual Santa Send-Off and the 49th Festival of the Gnomes.

The mission of the Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club is to build camaraderie.

The tours run on select days through Dec. 15.

The Plano confectioner's holiday-themed candies include peppermint bark, mint chocolate bars, chocolate shaped Santas and more.

The display of beautifully decorated trees nestled in the heart of Town Square Park. 301 N Bridge St., Yorkville.

Experience a Victorian Christmas as the Reddick Mansion in Ottawa.

Families can meet Santa's reindeer and get photos with the magical animals at the Christmas Town event, which runs through Dec. 23 on select dates.

Celebrate the holidays with a family brunch at these locations in northern Illinois.

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.

Downtown Manteno was bustling with holiday cheer for the annual Christmas in Manteno celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.

The award-winning American Legion Band will hold its annual Christmas concert at the Rialto Square Theatre on Dec. 14 to benefit Catholic Charities.

Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist in Oswego held its 21st annual display of 60 nativity sets from around the world. There were exhibited Friday evening, Dec. 5, 2025 during the annual Oswego Christmas Walk.

Plainfield kicks off the holiday season by handing out free hot cholocate and lighting the Christmas tree with guest Santa and the Grinch on Saturday evening, Dec. 6, 2025.

Joliet Township High School CEO students are hosting a community Christmas event at Joliet Central on Dec. 12.

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

The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra will perform its Holidays Pops: Winter Wonderland concert Dec. 12 and 14.