The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 in Pere Marquette park. Featuring live music, fireworks and the ceremonial lighting of the downtown lights. The light festival features thousands of lights and holiday displays.

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can traverse the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville or the 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Starting Sunday, Nov. 4, the trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 .m. daily until March 9.

Kick-off to the Christmas season and the annual Red Kettle campaign. Celebration includes musical performances by cast members of the Goodman Theatre's "A Christmas Carol" and the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble and culminates in the lighting of an 18-foot-tall Christmas tree.

Play, eat a special lunch of a slice of pizza or hot dog and a small drink get 10 game credits, then listen to a story read by Claudia Freeman, Superintendent of Cultural Arts for the Waukegan Park District. After the story, paint a masterpiece with Claudia.

A new respite care program offers free childcare for children with special needs. The program is free for all families. No affiliation with the church or any church is required.Facilities specific to children with special needs include: wheelchair access, quiet room, sensory wall, playroom, nursery, accessible restroom and changing table.Volunteers are trained with sensitivity and knowledge to care for children with autism, Down syndrome, behavioral disorders, cerebral palsy, speech and language impairments, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and developmental/cognitive disabilities. There is a place for any child affected by special needs, as well as their siblings. Childcare is provided from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Children may be dropped off and picked up at any time during this period. Parents are welcome to spend time in the facilities to observe, meet other parents, or connect with volunteers. To register, email or call Amy Giacalone, churchinroscoevillage@gmail.com.

Write and decorate letters to those in service to our community, and our country, during the holiday season.

Gather a team of your favorite Diary of a Wimpy Kid fanatics and battle for a chance to win copies of The Third Wheel. Call (847) 376-2839 to register your team today.