Check Out Area Holiday Weekend Happenings

For many, Christmas weekend is all about spending time with family and celebrating the spirit of the season. There are still a few things you can do before - and some after - your holiday get-togethers get into full swing.

Did we miss something? Tell us about other happenings in the comments section.

1. PET FOOD DRIVE
When/Where: Ongoing at , 400 W. St. Charles Road
Why Go: During the holiday season, it's important to remember our furry friends also get hungry. Bow Wow Playground is holding a food drive for donation to the York Township Food Pantry. Please drop off your canned or bagged donations to help pets in need.
Cost: Free

2. HOLIDAY GETAWAY
When/Where: 10 a.m. Friday, , 150 S. College Hill Ave.
Why Go: Celebrate the season by making a holiday-themed craft at the Elmhurst Art Museum. Wrap up your morning with a visit from Santa and story time with cookies and milk led by the Elmhurst Public Library. The Museum Shop will also be open for last-minute Christmas shopping. Kids must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times.
Cost: $5 suggested donation per child.

3. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES AT FAITH EVANGELICAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
When/Where: 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday, Faith Evangelical United Methodist Church, 111 N. North Ave.
Why Go: Faith Evangelical United Methodist Church will have two services on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The first service will be a family-friendly service at 5 p.m. and a traditional worship service will be at 11 p.m. Both services will include candlelighting and carols.
Cost: Free

4. WINTER FLOWER SHOW
When/Where: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 31, , 225 S. Prospect Ave.
Why Go: Need a break from the hustle and bustle? Check out the Winter Flower Show at the Wilder Park Conservatory to take in the numerous varieties of poinsettias, as well as 13 elves hiding in the conservatory. The show offers a great opportunity to take pictures or just enjoy a quiet respite during the busy holiday season.
Cost: Free

5. YULE LOG HUNT
When/Where: 2 p.m. Monday at , 4100 Lincoln Ave., Lisle
Why Go: Teams work together deciphering eight sets of tree-related clues taking them through the tree collections, along trails, and into special, off-the-beaten-path places at the Arboretum. The goal is to find the Yule Log, a six-foot log tied with a red ribbon. The hunt takes up to an hour to complete. Festivities don’t end with the Yule Log’s discovery. A Yule Log-sawing ceremony follows, with a bonfire, live music, and “wassail,” a bowl of spiced cider. Participants should dress for hiking and cold weather. The Yule Log Hunt is open to families with children of all ages, but there is a Yule Twig Hunt for tots  from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free with admission.