December 7

Pearl Harbor: A Day That Will Live in Infamy
1 p.m.
Harvard Diggins Library, 900 McKinley St., Harvard
Free

Historian Jim Gibbons will present a special program detailing the story of Pearl Harbor on the 76th anniversary of the surprise attack by Japanese forces that thrust the United States into World War II. Registration is required. To sign up, and for more information, call (815) 943-4671 or visit www.harvard-diggins.org.

Santa’s Workshop
6-7:30 p.m.
Rec Center Theater, 12015 Mill St., Huntley
$5

In this Huntley Park District holiday program, parents will work with their children while following step-by-step instructions to create neat crafts to keep or give away as presents. Staff will be on hand to help, and Santa Claus will stop by for photos during the last half of the event. Pre-registration is required. To register, and for more information, call (847) 669-3180 or visit www.huntleyparks.org.

December 8

Zumba Dance Party & Toy Drive
6-8 p.m.
Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary
$5 (in advance), $8 (walk-ins)

Enjoy this holiday-themed Zumba party — and bring a toy for donation to the Cary Park District’s toy drive. To register, and for more information, call (847) 639-6100 or visit www.carypark.com.

Owl Prowl
7-9 p.m.
Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake
$3 (residents), $5 (non-residents)

In this McHenry County Conservation District program, adults and kids (ages 6 and up) can meet live owls, view an owl video, share stories and folklore, examine owl diets by dissecting owl pellets, and go for a short hike in search of owls. Please be prompt and dress for weather conditions. To register, and for more information, call (815) 338-6223 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.

Holiday Pops Concert
8 p.m.
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake
$52, $57

The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra returns to Raue Center for its traditional Holiday Pops concert. The 75-piece orchestra, under the leadership of director/conductor Kirk Muspratt, will perform a combination of contemporary and classical holiday hits. To purchase tickets, and for more information, call (815) 356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org.

December 9

Winter Wellness Event
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Algonquin Area Public District Main Library, 2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin
Free

Get helpful advice on staying healthy during the winter months in this special community event. Nurses from Mercy Health Systems will be on hand to offer on-the-spot, free blood pressure screenings and provide information about Mercy’s services and facilities. For more information, call (847) 458-3150 or visit www.aapld.org.

Fledgling Artists
10 a.m.
Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills
$5 (per child), $10 (3 children)

Kids (ages 7-11) can meet an animal and become inspired to create a work of art in a program that blends artistic discovery and nature education. Registration is required (no refunds). To sign up, and for more information, call (847) 381-6592 or visit www.fpdcc.com.

Six To Midnight
10 p.m.
Sideouts Sports Tavern, 4018 Roberts Road, Island Lake
$5

See pop/dance/country/disco/rock/R&B cover band Six To Midnight perform in concert at this popular area bar and eatery. For more information, call (847) 526-7174 or visit www.sideouts.com.

December 9-10

The Nutcracker Ballet
2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (each day)
Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock
$25 (adults), $18 (students)

Enjoy opening-weekend performances of Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday classic, brought to life on stage by the Judith Svalander Dance Theatre. The show also runs Dec. 15-17. For tickets, and more information, call the box office at (815) 338-5300 or visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

December 11

Matinee Mondays
1 p.m.
Johnsburg Public Library, 3000 N. Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg
Free

Enjoy a screening of the 2017 survival drama film, “Jungle” (rated R), starring Daniel Radcliffe. Snacks will be provided. To register, and for more information, call (815) 344-0077 or visit www.johnsburglibrary.org.

December 12

STEM Kits Introduction Party
5-7 p.m.
Fox River Grove Memorial Library, 407 Lincoln Ave., Fox River Grove
Free

The library’s new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) kits (designed for ages 3-8) will be available for preview and play in the Youth Services Department during this intro party. The library will begin circulating the kits Dec. 13. For more information, call (847) 639-2274 or visit www.frgml.org.

–McHenry County Calendar of Events Dec. 7 – Dec. 12–