Hot cocoa stroll on Hawthorn Row in Vernon Hills

Hawthorn shopping center in Vernon Hills is hosting a free holiday-themed event featuring live ice sculpting and more from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The event, to be held along Hawthorn Row, 122 Hawthorn Center, also will feature a DJ playing holiday tunes; a winter market with more than 30 vendors selling holiday favorites including ornaments and gift baskets, hot cocoa stations, fun photo ops that include the leg lamp from “A Christmas Story,” a lively elf or a beautiful snow globe, and an ice-skating rink (skates provided with signed waiver). A swag bag with a cocoa mug, surprise give card and gift card to a Hawthorn Row retailer and festive goodies is available for $5 per ticket, limited to the first 150 people. For information, visithawthorn.com.