Registration is underway for the Waterman Gobbler Gallop 5K, Nov. 19 at Clinton Township Community Center, 160 W. Lincoln Hwy. (Route 30), Waterman.

Nov. 17 

Nouveau Toast & Breakfast 

9-11 a.m. 

Prairie State Winery, 217 W. Main St., Genoa 

Free 

Ring in the first vintage of the season with a toast of wine and complimentary breakfast treats. For more information, visit prairiestatewinery.com or call (815) 784-4540.

Nov. 17 

Local Lore Lecture Series: A Victorian Christmas 

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Ellwood House Museum Visitor Center, 509 N. First St., DeKalb 

Free 

From Christmas trees to Santa Claus, Christmas as we know it is a result of the Victorian era. Just in time for the opening of the decorated Ellwood Mansion, this lecture will explore how Christmas traditions became popular. All participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. For more information, contact Tricia Runzel at (815) 756-4609 or by email at trunzel@ellwoodhouse.org.

Nov. 17 

Genoa-Kingston Education Foundation Trivia Night 

7 p.m. 

Five Points Pub, 105 Main St., Kingston 

$5 

Proceeds will go into the mini-grant fund to be awarded to Genoa-Kingston teachers for items above and beyond their regular budget. Trivia teams can consist of one to six people. For more information, email member@gkedfoundation.org.

Nov 18-Nov. 20 

Jingle the Bells Holiday Open House 

6-8 p.m. Nov. 18; Nov. 19-Nov.20 regular business hours 

Downtown Sycamore 

Free 

The Merchants of Downtown Sycamore welcome the holidays with the Jingle the Bells Holiday Open House. The open house starts with Moonlight Madness on Nov. 18. Participating businesses will offer events, specials, food samplings and door prizes. The businesses are: Christian Connection, D&D Jewelers, Kramer’s Kitchen and Bath, Luxe Salon, Made Just for You, Midwest Museum of Natural History, Paulsen Appliances, STOMP, Sweet Earth Jewelry and Gifts, Sycamore Antiques, Sycamore Theatre, The Clock Shoppe and The Garden Market.

Nov 18-Nov. 20 

Hollydays 

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 20 

Downtown DeKalb 

Downtown DeKalb is hosting its annual November Hollydays. Local businesses will offer special holiday sales and activities. For more information, contact the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at (815) 756-6306 or dekalb.org.

Nov. 19 

Waterman Gobbler Gallop 5K 

7:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race start time 

Clinton Township Community Center, 160 W. Lincoln Hwy. (Route 30), Waterman 

$25 registration fee before Nov. 19; $30 day of race 

The 5K course is fast and flat and follows scenic village streets. Proceeds to benefit Waterman Lions Club programs and projects. First- through third-place prizes will be awarded to top male and female finishers in both regular and masters categories; age-category awards for male and female top three finishers. For the team competition, a team must consist of four members. Post-event festivities include refreshments and raffle prizes. Strollers are welcome. First 300 participants to register will receive an official Gobbler Gallop T-shirt. Get more race information at www.gobblergallop5k.com.

Nov. 19 

Kishwaukee Valley Art League Holiday Arts & Crafts Market 

9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Old Train Depot, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 

Free 

Come and experience the holiday ambiance of the event. The work of 30 local artisans will be featured. Some of the items that will be available for purchase are handcrafted jewelry and soaps, pottery, wood work, photography, glass painting, purses, fine art pieces, note cards and ornaments. For more information, visit kval.us or call (815) 790-6111.

Nov. 19-Nov. 20 

Christmas in the Country 

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 20 

Sandwich schools 

$3 

The 36th annual event is held at Sandwich schools south of Route 34 on Wells, Lions & Dayton Streets. Shuttle service will be provided, no strollers allowed. Admission will benefit the Sandwich School Music Association. For more information, visit sandwich-il.org or contact Jo Ann Skow at (630) 301-1789 or snowbird984@aol.com

Nov. 19-Nov. 20 

“It’s a Wonderful Life” 

11 a.m. 

Sycamore State Theatre, 420 W. State St., Sycamore 

Free

The showing of this beloved classic movie is part of Sycamore’s Jingle the Bells: Holiday Open House.