Things to do in Naperville, Lisle and Aurora
Today
A reception with Santa opens the Aurora Public Art Commission's "Winter Garden of Youth Art, 2007" exhibit from 5 to 7 p.m. at the David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora. The exhibit of work by kindergarten through high school students from 20 schools runs through Jan. 13. Hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Info: (630) 906-0654.
• The Peace Through Justice Coalition presents Just Views at 7:20 p.m. at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 4S535 Old Naperville Road, Naperville. The documentary "Phantom Victory," examining the 1980s effort to remove the Russians from Afghanistan, will be shown. Info: (630) 420-4233.
• Cloud 9 -- a student-led, nine-man a cappella group from Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora performs during Naper Settlement's Christmas Memories at 9 p.m. in Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Info: napersettlement.museum or (630) 420-6010.
Saturday 15
The Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation and city of Naperville will have a public forum to discuss transportation issues from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at city hall, 400 S. Eagle St. Panel members will include representatives of the Illinois Tollway Authority, Illinois Department of Transportation, Will and DuPage counties, Pace and Naperville and Wheatland townships. The public forum will allow audience members to ask questions.
• A Sapphyre Strings Holiday Concert is from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at St. Patrick's Residence, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville. Info: (630) 420-0743 or sapphyrestrings.org.
Sunday 16
Baseball legend Tommy Lasorda talks about and signs copies of "I Live for This: Baseball's Last True Believer," written with sports writer Bill Plaschke, at 2 p.m. at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Free. Info: (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.
• Young Naperville Singers presents its 24th annual holiday concert, "Snowy Days and Starlit Nights," at 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville. The first performance will feature the Treble Singers, the Lyric Singers and the Chamber Singers; the second concert will highlight the older choirs: the Ensemble Singers, the Concert Singers, the Boys Choir, Chamber Ensemble and Chamber Singers. Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and children.
• First Presbyterian Church in Aurora is holding its annual community Christmas Celebration at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of East Aurora High School, 779 5th Ave. The celebration will feature the cantata "The Winter Rose" as well as traditional carols by the church's choirs and a Christmas message by the Rev. Jeffrey B. Moore. Free. Info: (630) 844-0050 or firstpresaurora.org.
• The Fam-Jam Jingle-Jam event at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle invites families for an afternoon of holiday crafts, games, snacks and a participatory nativity drama. The activities begin at 4:30 p.m. at the church, 1101 Kimberly Way. Free. Info: (630) 964-1272 or trinitycyf.org.
Monday 17
Barrage, an energetic string group featuring an international cast, performs a mix of song and dance at 7 p.m. in the Neuqua Valley High School auditorium, 2360 95th St., Naperville. Students from Scullen Middle School and Neuqua Valley will join Barrage in the performance. Info: barrage.org.
Tuesday 18
Boy Scouts of America's Three Fires Council is holding a Christmas party for disabled adults from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harvest Bible Chapel, 1805 High Point Drive, Naperville. The Scouts will give out gifts and filled stockings. Info: (630) 707-0200.
Wednesday 19
Seniors can play jingle bell bingo and sample seasonal treats from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Jackson Avenue and Eagle Street, Naperville. Cost: $5 for Naperville Park District residents, $6 for others. Info: (630) 848-5000.
• Kidz Kabaret's holiday party will feature improv games and sketches from the children's theater troupes' winter show from 4 to 6 p.m. at its rehearsal studio, 1655 Quincy Ave., Suite 143, Naperville. Also, State Sen. Randy Hultren of Wheaton will present the troupe with a $2,780 grant from the Illinois Arts Council. Free. Info: (630) 355-9212 or kidzkabaret.com.
Thursday 20
Downtown Naperville merchants will offer special deals for last-minute shoppers from 4 to 9 p.m. Info: downtownnaperville.com.
• Mindy Caliguire discusses her new book, "Discovering Soul Care," during First Presbyterian Church's "Pause and Enrich" at noon at 325 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Bring a bag lunch or pre-order a sub sandwich and chips for $2.25. Info: (630) 844-0050.
• Naperville Cultural Centers has a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 55 S. Main St., Suite 211, Naperville. Info: (630) 696-4177.
Friday 21
A lunch with Santa for children ages 3 to 11 runs noon to 1:30 p.m. at Edward Health & Fitness Center at Seven Bridges, 6600 S. Route 53, Woodridge. Cost: $10 for fitness center members, $15 for non-members. Register: (630) 646-7940.
Saturday 22
Morton Arboretum in Lisle celebrates the shortest day of the year with its Winter Solstice Walk from 4 to 5 p.m. Meet in Arbor Court at the arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Info: (630) 968-0074.
• You can have breakfast with Mrs. Claus from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Activities, stories, songs and continental breakfast included. For ages 2 to 8 and their parents. Cost: $10 per child and $5 per adult. Info: (630) 420-6010.