Hometown Christmas at Lena – Friday, December 6 from 5 to 8 pm.
Celebrate a hometown Christmas with a Christmas Lights Parade at 6 pm featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on a fire engine, followed by a lighted parade. Streets will be lit with luminaries and a tree-lighting ceremony will be held following the parade. Horse and buggy rides will be offered. Participating businesses will be open for shopping with special sales and refreshments. A map of decorated homes will be available. A Community Giving Tree will be on display at Engel’s Jewelry and Gifts, 136 Main and children will be able to take their letters to Santa to the Blown Away Framing Store, 130 Main. For more information call 815.369.5549 or go to
http://www.villageoflena.com/

Breakfast with Santa December 7 – at the Lena Fire Station, 405 W. Railroad Street, Lena. 8 am to 10:30 am. Enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Play games in a kid friendly atmosphere and get your picture taken with Santa. Fun for everyone. Ages 7 and Above: $5; Ages 4 to 6: $2.50; Ages 3 and Under: Free. For information 815.369.4512

Community Festival of Trees – Sponsored by FHN at the Freeport Public Library,100 E. Douglas, FreeportNon-profit organizations decorate trees and compete for cash prizes. A panel of judges will award prizes in a number of categories, and you can vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice competition. The trees will be on display December 8 through January 2. Hours are: Sunday 1 to 4 pm, Monday thru Thursday 9 am to 8 pm, Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.

A Tuna Christmas at Winneshiek Playhouse – December 7, 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 pm. See Good Day Illinois on December 3.

Northwest Illinois Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis – December 7, Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. Registration from 7 to 8 am, Walk/Run at 8:30 am. Enjoy this annual event which offers a competitive 5K run/walk with chip-timing, and a 1 mile Family Fun Walk that welcomes friendly dogs on leashes to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. One of the largest 5K’s in the region. Plus fun activities, family health expo and Santa. Adults: $35 (run/walk with chip) or $30 (run/walk with no chip); Youth 5 to 18: $20. For information call 815.971.6380.