Make plans to spend a day exploring the historic city of Galena during the holiday season.

'It's a Wonderful Christmas Carol' runs on select dates through Nov. 30 at the Woodstock Opera House.

Here are the winners for the best coffee shops in the Best of the Fox, Best of the Illinois Valley, DeKalb County's Finest and Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

Check out these theaters across northern Illinois that are bringing holiday classics like "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol" to life this season.

The Festival of Lights Parade is Friday, Nov. 28.

“A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol” will run Nov. 21–Dec. 7 at Raue Center for the Arts in downtown Crystal Lake.

The annual Christmas Tree Walk, opens Friday, Nov. 28, following the Lighting of the Square.

Woodstock native Daniel Rausch will perform with The 4 C Notes at the Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 6.

This festive spin on the Tony-nominated hit brings together four legendary voices – Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley – for a one-of-a-kind holiday jam session at Sun Records.

"Exes of Christmas Past" was filmed mostly in Woodstock, with some scenes shot in Lake County. The film is making its streaming debut.

The Milwaukee County Zoo's brilliant holiday display, Wild Lights, returns Nov. 21.

Huntley will open its retail incubator, Shops on Main, on Saturday with 10 small retailers selling everything from clothing to candy to kitchen gadgets and pastries.

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov. 27 in 2025. Make your dinner reservations now and leave the cooking and clean up to someone else!

Stroll along the downtown area’s Treat Trail and marvel at the decorated windows while sipping hot cocoa and seasonal treats.

810 Billiards & Bowling is expected to open in early 2026.

The Frostmoon Faire is Saturday, Nov. 15 at The Dole in Crystal Lake. The McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes Holiday Market runs on Saturdays through Dec. 6.

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.

Check out this list of national chains and locally-owned restaurants offering specials to service members on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Fans will sing and dance along to chart-topping hits, including “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” “Love Story” and many more.

The Holiday Trolley Adventure will feature free carousel rides, a Christmas courtyard and a concert from the Rock-aFire Explosion animatronic band.

Explore the fine wines of Italian winery Tenuta Luce as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The historic Dole mansion will host the first Indoor Winter Market for the season on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Dolores Catania, star of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and Sonja Morgan of “The Real Housewives of New York City” will host a live, no-holds-barred conversation.

Led by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman, the concert features works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Clara Schumann, and Felix Mendelssohn.

National Sandwich Day is Monday, Nov. 3 Check out these award-winning sandwich shops in DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties, Illinois Valley and Sauk Valley.

Check out this list of the best bakeries and donut shops in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties, the Sauk Valley and the Illinois Valley.

Make the end of summer more memorable by planning a getaway at a unique resort or bed & breakfast in northern Illinois

Woodstock's Halloween on the Square Trick-or-Treating is 4-5 p.m. Friday, while Crystal Lake's Halloween Handout is 3-5 p.m. Friday.

In addition to his acclaimed acting career, Daniels is also a celebrated singer-songwriter.

The band is touring to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its debut album 'Sparkle and Fade.'

Check out these delightfully frightening haunted houses in northern Illinois, guaranteed to bring the scares this season.

Guests will hear accounts of unexplained occurrences experienced not only by the Grams family, who own the museum, but also by employees and visitors over the decades.

Check out these award-winning pizza places in Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties, as well as the Sauk Valley and Illinois Valley, to celebrate National Pizza Month during October.

Installation is underway on "Whorled," by local Artist Bobby Joe Scribner at the Lake Avenue/South Street/Madison Street roundabout.

Enjoy trick-or-treating in McHenry and Crystal Lake, while the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum presents 'Murder and Mayhem: The Stories of Historic Murders in McHenry County" on Friday.

Hear the timeless music of The Beatles, Wings and Paul McCartney during this tribute concert on Friday, Oct. 24.

Woodstock’s Theatre 121 will produce the world premiere of the script, “It’s a Wonderful Christmas Carol” for several shows in November at the Woodstock Opera House.

The Woodstock Opera House will show the film at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.

American Nightmare Scream Park, located next to Richardson Adventure Farm, has five themed haunted attractions in the cornfields.

The restaurant features a menu of small plates, shareables, pizzas and entrees, with most of the hot food prepared in a wood-fired oven. They favor clean, seasonal ingredients.

These northern Illinois pumpkin farms are ready to welcome guests for a day of family-friendly fall fun.

Sample more than 30 wines at 16 stops in downtown Woodstock on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The concert will feature vocalist José Carlos Díaz, BFH dance ensemble, cultural activities and more.

Harvard's population is over 50% Hispanic, and the city's Day of the Dead event honors that autumnal tradition

Watch football and baseball playoff games at one of these lively sports bars in northern Illinois.

Actors Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan and Elijah Wood will reunite with fans for "An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years," at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.

Richmond Family Fall Fest is Saturday Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19.

This live concert experience pays tribute to the iconic music and personalities that defined the golden age of FM radio.

Enjoy an enchanting afternoon or magic, wizards and witches at the historic Woodstock Square.

Take a ghost tour of the historic building on Wednesdays in October, and enjoy craft beer and spirits at McHenry Brews & Barrel Fest Oct. 18.