Bethlehem Marketplace returns to Palatine
Christmastime is here and Palatine is certainly getting into the spirit of the season.
Bethlehem Marketplace will return again to the First United Methodist Church of Palatine after a one-year hiatus last year due to a construction project.
The church at 123 N. Plum Grove Road will transform its Fellowship Hall into a marketplace from Jesus' time from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. At the marketplace you will find numerous craft booths where you can make candles, weave baskets, mix spices, bake bread and more.
If you get hungry, Rachel's Inn will have homemade lentil soup, hot fresh-baked bread and fudge for purchase.
In addition, there will be a live Nativity, which organizers said has been expanded this year. The story of the birth of Jesus will be narrated as characters enter the traditional stable scene. As the tale unfolds, at times the spectators will join in singing Christmas carols. The live Nativity will take place three times: at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission to the marketplace and live Nativity are free. Bags of Roman coins can be purchased to make crafts at the various booths. A small bag (good for five to seven crafts) is $6 and a large bag (good for nine to 10 crafts) is $9.
Swim with Santa: One of the most unusual holiday activities coming up has got to be this event from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday for those 12 and over at the Buehler YMCA. Participants will help decorate an underwater Christmas tree and have their photos taken will "Aqua Santa." Cost is $35 for members, $70 for program members. For more information, call the YMCA at (847) 359-2400.
Art reception: The Palatine/Inverness Arts Council will hold its next "First Saturday" reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Palatine's newest restaurant, Artistic Cuisine, 16 S. Bothwell St. in downtown Palatine. December's monthlong exhibit will feature oil paintings by artist Monica Stanton and acrylic paintings by artist Rolley Bateman. Throughout the reception, attendees will enjoy light refreshments and learn more about the Palatine/Inverness Arts Council.
Collecting toys: Palatine optometrist Robert Gerowitz will be collecting toys at his office at 4880 Euclid Ave. in Palatine until Dec. 10 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Illinois as part of their holiday toy drive. For more information on the toy drive, call (847) 705-7777 or visit www.allaboutorthok.net.