Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park

Festival of the Gnomes
December 3, 2005, Shows 1:00pm and 3:30pm.
29th Festival of the Gnomes celebrates the lore of the "wee folk," who do good works for man and nature. All seats $3. Crafts, homemade cookies and music.

Reservations recommended.
For further details, please call 724-3760 www.bicentennialpark.org

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park

"A Christmas Carol"
December 6 & 7, 2005
Shows each day at: 9:30am, 11:00am and 1:00pm.
Presented by Crosslight Productions, whose hilarious version is based on audience participation: making sound effects, singing, using goofy props, saying bit parts, filling in key words, etc. Great exercise of imagination for preschool through junior high. All seats $3. Discount for groups of 10 or more. Show is about one hour. Advance reservations required. Please call for availability and form.

Reservations recommended.
For further details, please call 724-3760 www.bicentennialpark.org

Broadway's Spirit of Christmas
December 1 - 3
The grandest Christmas extravaganza this side of New York! This perfect holiday show for the entire family takes you on a magical sleigh-ride through Broadway’s greatest shows and the most popular Christmas songs of all time. Together with a dazzling cast of Broadway singers, Christmastime characters, wonderful costumes and the most beautiful high kicking girls this side of the North Pole, this enchanting holiday spectacular makes the miracle of Christmas come alive!

To purchase tickets or to view a full schedule visit: www.rialtosquare.com

Rialto Square Theatre

Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker
Sunday, December 4
The holiday tradition continues as The Nutcracker returns to the Rialto Square Theatre. This holiday favorite fairy tale is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish costumes, a growing Christmas tree, a battle between mice and soldiers, a journey through the land of whirling snowflakes and a joyous visit to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Keep the holiday spirit alive and enjoy this breathtaking performance.

To purchase tickets or to view a full schedule visit: www.rialtosquare.com

Joliet Public Library

Celebrate the Holiday with the American Girls
Wednesdays,
Dec. 7
@ 4:30 pm - Black Road Branch
Thursdays,
Dec. 1, 8, & 15
@ 4:30 pm - Main Library

Students in Grades 1 and up are invited to join us as we celebrate a different girl from the American Girl Book Series. Meetings may include stories, games, contests, crafts, snacks and prizes.

Registration is required; Call 815-740-2663 or register online at www.joliet.lib.il.us

Joliet Public Library

Meet Santa Claus
(All Ages) Wednesday,
Dec. 14
6:00 pm Black Road Branch Joliet Public Library and Will County Reading Council invite children to hear Santa and his helpers read some seasonal stories. Each child will have an opportunity to meet Santa and receive a Holiday treat.

Registration is required; Call 815-740-2663 or register online at www.joliet.lib.il.us

Barolo Restaurant
Annual new Years Eve bash
Saturday, December 31
The package includes live entertainment,  fabulous menu to choose from, personal size bottle of sparkling wine, party favors and the most elegant and romantic atmosphere in Will county. 

For further details, please call 722-1744
www.barolofinedining.com

Photo by: Charles Farris Photography

Chicago St. Pub
New Years Eve with
Backyard Tire Fire
Saturday, December 31, 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale at the pub for $10.00 and include a Champagne Toast. 21 and over show.

For further details, please call 727-7171 www.chicagost.com

Joliet Historical Museum
Ring in the New Year Celebration
Thursday, December 29, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Ring in 2006 with an afternoon of New Years fun. We’ll play games, read stories, make a 2005 time capsule, and have a New Years snack before we bring in the New Year with a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne. Please bring a small shoe box or container with a tight lid to make the time capsule. The cost of the program is $4 for Museum members and $7 for non-members.

Advance registration and payment is required by Friday, December 23 and can be made by calling the Museum at 815-723-5201, ext. 235 or ext. 226.
www.jolietmuseum.org

An elegant and intimate setting mixes with great music, marvelous dining, and exciting prizes to provide a spectacular evening. This unsurpassed package value includes a three-hour sponsored bar, tantalizing hors d’oeuvres, and an extraordinary meal. Group reservations available.

For further details, please call 815-280-1404 www.rencen.info

Joliet Historical Museum

Feast Your Eyes: The Unexpected Beauty of Vegetable Gardens
Saturday, November 19, 2005 through Sunday, January 15, 2006
Centuries ago vegetable gardens were the “belles of the floral ball,” designed to be productive and pleasing to the eye. Over time, they shed their ornamental finery and became hardworking wallflowers. Today, vegetable gardens are taking center stage in many an American yard, and vegetables themselves proudly strut their stuff in flowerbeds. Feast Your Eyes: The Unexpected Beauty of Vegetable Gardens traces this transformation across centuries, continents, and cultures. This exhibit is made available by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

Joliet Historical Museum

100th Anniversary of St. Joseph’s Church
Currently on display
through December 31
Built by Slovenian immigrants 100 years ago, St. Joseph Church stands on Chicago Street in Joliet. This exhibit features historical vestments, prayer books, photographs, and artifacts on loan from church members.

For registration, costs and additional information on the above programs please visit www.jolietmuseum.org

Rialto Square Theatre

Willy Wonka
Saturday, December 10
Join Willy Wonka and his band the Oompa Loompas as they lead Charlie, the spoiled-rotten Veruca Salt, gluttonous Augustus Gloop, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde, and television junkie Mike Teavee through a labyrinth of lemon drops, life lessons and giggles galore. Featuring live actors, puppets, plenty of surprises and many memorable songs including “The Candy Man,” “I Want It Now!,” and “Pure Imagination,” Willy Wonka is a scrumptious musical theatre treat for the entire family. Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

To purchase tickets or to view a full schedule visit: www.rialtosquare.com

View Rialto Square Theatre's 2006 Spring Season schedule
Tickets on sale Friday, Dec. 2, 2005