Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation events

Registration for all programs takes place at Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills or call (847) 960-7460. Check out the Web site lith.org.

For all

Festival of Trees/Santa Ride-In: Would you like to help the Parks & Recreation Department of Lake in the Hills transform the Village Hall into a winter wonderland this holiday season? Local businesses are being sought to sponsor a tree for $75 and not-for-profit organizations to decorate them. All trees will be on display throughout the month of December.

Residents and spectators at the Santa Ride-In scheduled at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, are encouraged to "vote" for their favorite tree in the form of nonperishable food or household item donations. The collection will be donated to the Lake in the Hills/Algonquin Food Pantry.

The decorating group of the tree receiving the most "votes" wins a Lou Malnati's pizza party. All sponsors and not-for-profit organizations interested in being a part of this communitywide celebration can call the Parks & Recreation Department at (847) 960-7460.

Holiday Lights Decorating Contest: Spice up the holidays with lights and other festive decorations. The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department will be touring all registered Lake in the Hills homes on Thursday, Dec. 18, to determine which the winners of an area restaurant gift certificate. Categories include: Best Overall Display and the "Clark Griswold" Award. Call in your own creation or elect your neighbor's efforts. Free registration accepted by telephone through Dec. 17; call the Parks & Recreation Department at (847) 960-7460. Only Lake in the Hills homes are eligible.

Family Open Gym: Looking for something fun to do as a family that doesn't require a lot of money? Check out Family Open Gym night. For $5 per every adult/child combo ($2 per additional child), you can enjoy a variety of indoor sports in the Chesak Elementary gym from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. Register at the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department. Parents are required to stay. Open gym is available Thursdays through Dec. 18, except Nov. 27.

For youth

LITH Letters to Santa: Capture the spirit of the Christmas season by having your child receive a letter from Santa himself. Send a self-addressed and pre-stamped, business-sized envelope to Santa Claus, c/o Lake in the Hills Recreation Department, 600 Harvest Gate, and it will be forwarded it to Santa. Requests must be received by Dec. 5. Sorry, Santa can only deliver to Lake in the Hills residents.

Magic Class for ages 5-12: Children are guaranteed a great time learning a collection of fascinating and mesmerizing tricks! Amaze family and friends with a variety of tricks including: cards, ropes, coins, mind-reading, and much more. All materials for class are provided by instructor Gary Kantor, and each child receives a magic kit to take home. Children are grouped together by age and always learn age-appropriate tricks. Each class offers new and exciting tricks, so sign up for more than one.

The next class is from 6:30 to 7:25 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Village Hall Community Room. Registration is being accepted at the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department. Resident fee is $18, and nonresident fee is $22.

Preschoolers - On the Bus we Go: Catch the holiday spirit with Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the rest of the cast in Theatreworks' heartwarming musical based on the Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol." Jump on the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department mini bus for a trip to Hemmens Auditorium in Elgin on Tuesday, Dec, 9, and enjoy this 60-minute performance. The bus departs from the Village Hall at 8:45 a.m. and returns at approximately 11:30 a.m. Resident fee is $15, nonresident fee is $18. Fee includes ticket and transportation. Don't forget your child's car seat if needed.

Holiday Painting Party: Join the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Handmade on Main, 320 S. Main St., Algonquin, for a creative way to celebrate the holidays. You can paint a special plate to give as a gift or to leave out with treats for Santa and his reindeer. All supplies are included. Resident rate is $14; nonresident rate is $17.

Mom & Tot Gift Making: Create a one-of-a-kind mug for Dad. Tots paint a mug any way their little hearts' desire, and the instructors from Handmade on Main will help them add that special touch - their handprint! Class is held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, at Handmade on Main, 320 S. Main St., Algonquin. Registration is accepted through the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department. Resident rate is $19, nonresident rate is $23. All supplies are included just bring your creativity.

Dad & Me Painting Pottery: Kids, team up with Dad to make a special, one-of-a-kind gift for Mom. Instructors from Handmade on Main will provide all the supplies you need to paint and decorate a beautiful frame. You'll also receive a gift tag to write a special message to Mom. Class is held from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Handmade on Main, 320 S. Main St., Algonquin. Resident fee is $24, nonresident fee is $29.