SLEIGH RIDES
WHEN: Rides at 6, 7 & 8 p.m. Jan. 2-3
WHERE: Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles
COST & INFO: Holiday sleigh rides will be offered regardless of whether there is snow on the ground. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the farm's lage-wheeled hay wagon will be pulled by a tractor. Those ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult. Cost is $10 a person for residents, $15 a person for nonresidents. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate after the ride. Information: www.primrosefarmpark.com or 630-513-4370.
WINTER EXPLORATIONS
WHEN: Noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 3
WHERE: Marengo Ridge Conservation Area Shelter No. 1, 241 N. Route 23, Marengo
COST & INFO: Outdoor family event featuring stations for exploring winter's wonders. Visitors will make homes for mice, look for animal tracks, hike the trails and enjoy hot chocolate. Hosted by the McHenry County Conservation District. Stop by anytime or stay for the whole three hours. Dress for the weather. No registration required. Information: 815-479-5779 or www.mccdistrict.org.
WINTER FARMERS MARKETS
WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 3 in Woodstock; 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 4 in Crystal Lake
WHERE: McHenry County Farm Bureau, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock; Algonquin Township Offices, Building No. 6, 3702 Route 14, Crystal Lake
COST & INFO: The Woodstock Farmers Market moves inside to offer a selection of local produce and products. Live music is included in the event. Open first Saturdays in January, February, March and April. Information: www.woodstockfarmersmarket.org/winter_market.htm. The Rotary Club of Cary-Grove Winter Farmers Market is hosted the first and third Sundays of the month in Crystal Lake. Information: 847-639-2800 or www.clubrunner.ca/carygrove.
"WIZARD OF OZ"
WHEN: Through Jan. 4
WHERE: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
COST & INFO: An enchanting musical production by The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences. After a tornado hits her family home in Kansas, Dorothy and Toto land in the magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy encounters wickendess and wonder as she sets off to meet the Wizard, who promises to make their dreams come true. Schedule: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Tickets: $15 a person. Tickets and information: 847-634-0200 or www.marriotttheatre.com.
CHRISTMAS DISPLAY
WHEN: Through Jan. 9
WHERE: McHenry County Historical Society & Museum, 6422 Main St., Union
COST & INFO: A celebration of the 75th anniversary of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's creation, courtesy of author Robert L. May. The exhibit features Rudolph-related memorabilia from collector Dave Harms, including clothes, blankets, furniture, toys and more. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with the exception of Dec. 24-26, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, or by appointment. Information: 815-923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org.
GET LIT(ERARY)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Jan. 8
WHERE: La Petit Marché, 19 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake
COST & INFO: A monthly reading series based on a theme with poetry, plays, novels and more. Come enjoy wine, cheese and dinner while you listen to favorite works. The literary selection for January and February is "The Wisdom of Serpents" by Diane Baia. Free to listen. Information: www.rauecenter.org.
THE NEW OLD CAVALRY AT MACKEY'S HIDEOUT
WHEN: 10 p.m. Jan. 2
WHERE: Mackey's Hideout, 2601 S. River Road, McHenry
COST & INFO: The New Old Cavalry, a string band based in Bloomington, Indiana, with a nontraditional bluegrass sound, performs with Miles Over Mountains, an acoustic grass-roots band based in McHenry. Information: 815-363-7040 or www.mackeyshideout.com.
"LOST VALLEY VENTURE"
WHEN: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 3
WHERE: Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood
COST & INFO: Family program based on the theme "Animal Tracking," with a nature lesson, game and short outdoor hike. All ages welcome. No registration required. Information: 815-479-5779 or www.mccdistrict.org.
ELGIN YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FACULTY RECITAL
WHEN: 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 4
WHERE: Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin
COST & INFO: The orchestra's faculty and Chamber Music Institute coaches will take to the stage for a free concert. A highlight of the program includes "Diogenes' Lantern" for solo marimba.Tickets need to be reserved in advance at tickets.elgin.edu or 847-622-0300.
"LOCAL VISIONS: SELECTIONS FROM AREA COLLECTIONS"
WHEN: Jan. 6 through Feb. 21
WHERE: Northern Illinois University Art Museum, Altgeld Galleries, 116 Altgeld Hall, DeKalb
COST & INFO: Art exhibit curated by Peter Olson and Michael Bennett about what motivates individuals to select and arrange art and objects in their private living spaces. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Public reception and curator's talk scheduled for 4:30 to 6 p.m. Jan. 15. Information: 815-753-1936 or www.niu.edu/artmuseum.
McHENRY B&B SQUARE DANCE CLUB DANCE
WHEN: 8 p.m. Jan. 2
WHERE: McHenry Township Hall, 3703 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg
COST & INFO: Square and round dancing. Kevin Bersing will be calling squares. Dancing in the Dark theme. Winter casual attire. Cost: $6 members, $7 visitors. Information: 815-353-5346.
