Holiday celebrations in DuPage forest preserves

Visitors can catch the holiday spirit by joining the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County at a variety of events and programs in the coming weeks.

Here's a look at some of the offerings:

• A Cast-Iron Cooking Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, in Churchill Woods. along St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn.

You can celebrate Thanksgiving by helping prepare a traditional meal over an open campfire as you learn tips for cooking with cast iron. Ages 7 and older; younger than 18 with an adult.

Cost: $10 ages 13 and older; $5 ages 7-12. Register online at dupageforest.org or (630) 933-7248.

• Holiday Sweets from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26 and 27, at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

Learn how to make bright, colorful hard candies and take home recipes to start your own holiday tradition. Programs begin on the half-hour. All ages. Free; registration not required.

For details, call (630) 876-5900.

• Christmas Memories House Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 to Jan. 2 (except Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1), on the hour, at Kline Creek Farm.

Participants can enjoy the historic 1890s farmhouse decked in festive greens, savor the aroma of holiday treats and see the table set for company. All ages. Free; registration not required.

For details, call (630) 876-5900.

• Talons and Claus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. 525 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

Visitors can have their picture taken with Santa and his wildlife friends during a holiday open house. Enjoy horse-drawn hayrides (weather permitting) and free refreshments, and then shop at Willowbrook's wildlife-themed gift shop. All ages. Free admission; $10 per photo. Registration not required.

Call (630) 942-6200 for details.

• Music at Mayslake: Acappellago from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook.

Visitors can join a cappella chamber choir Acappellago for "Escape to … Where Angels Sing," a holiday concert with a mix of familiar carols and new music for the season.

The concert includes a piece being written especially for Acappellago by New York composer Robert Convery. Ages 10 and older; younger than 18 with an adult. Cost: $12 to $15 per person.

Purchase tickets at acappellago.org or (708) 484-3797.

• Holiday Art and Craft Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Mayslake Peabody Estate.

Visitors can find original gifts for friends and family from a variety of artisan goods. Part of the proceeds benefit the restoration of historic Mayslake Hall. All ages. Free admission; registration not required.

For details, call (630) 206-9566.

• Christmas on the Farm from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11, at Kline Creek Farm.

Visitors can celebrate a Victorian Christmas by visiting the animals in winter, enjoying hot spiced cider and carols by a warming fire, and admiring the farmhouse decked in garlands and greens. Stop in the visitor center to take your picture with Santa in his sleigh. All ages. Free; registration not required.

For details, call (630) 876-5900.

• "Make a Snake" Ornament Open House from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, Willowbrook Wildlife Center.

Get in the holiday spirit Willowbrook style by crafting a colorful snake ornament and then meeting some of DuPage County's snakes face-to-face. Ages 3 and older with an adult. Free; registration not required.

For details, call (630) 942-6200.

• Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, Dec. 21 to Jan. 7, at St. James Farm Forest Preserve, along Winfield Road, between Mack Road and Galusha Avenue, Warrenville.

Visitors can enjoy cultural and natural history stories on 20-minute guided rides, weather permitting. Rides are first-come, first-served and start at 2, 2:30 and 3 p.m. Rides use sleighs if there's ample snow on the trails. All ages; younger than 13 with an adult. Cost: $5 per person ages 5 and older. Registration not required.

For details, call (630) 580-7025.