Prisms of Winter
Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Virtually with the OPRFHS Music Department
See a performance from the typically sold-out show safely at home, featuring the school’s choirs, orchestras and bands. Free. Access here: events.absolutepros.live/oprf-prism
Bedtime Story with Santa
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 7 to 8 p.m., Virtually with the Park District of Oak Park
Get snuggled in, open up your device and listen to some holiday stories from the jolly old elf. $5; $8, non-residents. Register: pdop.org
It’s Christmastime in the City: Chicago and its Yule Time Traditions and Contributions
Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom with the River Forest Public Library
Join historian/entertainer Clarence Goodman as he highlights Chicago’s holiday traditions from the windows on State Street to the Sears Wish Book. Brought in partnership with River Forest Township. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com
Christmas Music from Latin America
Sunday, Dec. 19, 4 to 5 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
Take a musical journey to Latin America as singer Miguel deLeón and his five-piece band play some of “the most famous and beautiful” villancicos (Christmas songs) that are sung during the holiday season. Free. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Chess Champs
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 4 to 5 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Library
Attend a chess workshop and take part in an open play chess club led by Luis Tubens. Have a chess board ready or place a hold on a Discovery Kit Chess bag, print out a board and pieces or draw your own board and pieces. Recommended for ages 5-13. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Chicago’s First Black Banker
Monday, Dec. 21, 1:30 p.m., Virtually with the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
Author Don Hayner tells the story of Jesse Binga, who came to Chicago in 1892 with $10 and became a millionaire realtor and Chicago’s first Black banker. His story traces the origins of racial change in one of the most segregated cities in America and tells how he stood as a national symbol of hope for communities isolated by racial animosity. Register: nineteenthcentury.org
Holiday Party Concert
Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Virtually with Chicago a cappella
The group that performs annually in Oak Park comes to town virtually with live solo performances of ensemble members’ favorite holiday songs, two new choir performances — “Ave Maria” by Javier Busto and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” (with lyrics on the screen to sing along) — and videos from past holiday concerts. $8. Tickets/more: chicagoacappella.org
Legal Options for Family Caregivers
Thursday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to Noon, Zoom with Oak Park and River Forest Townships
Center for Disability & Elder Law address legal services for Power of Attorney for healthcare and property as well as Living Will declarations. More: oakparktownship.org/event/legal-options-for-family-caregivers. Register: 708-636-8850.
Holiday Boutique
Through Dec 27, Expressions Graphics
Shop for art and gifts made by local artists in the gallery on online. Gallery hours: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon; Fridays, 3 to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m.; and Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m. More: expressionsgraphics.org/holiday-boutique-2020. 29 Harrison St., Oak Park.
Jazz Prayer
Friday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., and after, Virtually with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Join this third Friday of the month jazz prayer program. December’s theme is nativity prayer. Music selections include A Child is Born, a Celebration of Christ’s Birth and Cry Me a River. Tune in: facebookLive@goodshepherdlc
Holiday Storytelling
Saturday, Dec. 19, 1 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Virtually with The Actors Garden
Celebrate the holidays with magical stories. At the end of the workshop, act some of those stories out. For ages 7-10, $15. Register: theactorsgarden.com/classes.html
Try-It Thursdays & Queerios: Comic Drawing
Thursday, Dec. 17, 5 to 6 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
Join an interactive workshop with Chicago webcomic artist and game designer Ashlynn Barker, creator of Fake Gamer Girl comics. Her work covers topics including being trans and mental health. Come ready to draw with pens and sketchpad or blank paper, and be prepared to ask questions about comics, art and games. Best for grades 5 through 8. Register: oppl.org/calendar
The No Shush Salon: Zig Zag Claybourne
Thursday, Dec. 17, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
Hear from the author of The Brothers Jetstream: Leviathan and its forthcoming sequel Afro Puffs Are the Antennae of the Universe. Then, listen to performances by local creatives and share works-in-progress or newly finished endeavors. Presentations limited to 15 minutes. Spectators welcome. Register: oppl.org/calendar
