Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere

Chris Kringle Market (Saturday)
2025-12-13 11:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-06 11:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-29 11:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Ottawa
Join us under the sparkling lights of historic downtown Ottawa, Illinois for the Ottawa Chris Kringle Market by Floret Events LLC. The Chris Kringle Market takes place throughout downtown Ottawa every weekend, from November 28 thru December 21, 2025. Please stay tuned for more updates!

CRAFTER HOURS: COFFEE & CRAFT
2025-12-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Take a break from the stress of the holidays with crafts and refreshments. We’ll provide
craft supplies for a paper star, coloring materials, and light refreshments.
Registration is required as spots are limited due to the availability of supplies. To register
for this class, please call the library at (815)434-0509 or stop by the Circulation Desk.

parkrun
2025-12-13 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-06 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-29 09:00 - 10:00 | Heritage Harbor Ottawa, 2 Great Loop, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Heritage Harbor parkrun, Ottawa is a FREE weekly 5k event for participants of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 8:00 AM, May – September, & 9:00 AM, October – April, in Heritage Harbor. It offers an opportunity for all the local community, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the outdoors and get physically active. We want to encourage people to run, jog, walk and volunteer together – this event is truly open to all and best of all it really is FREE! Taking part is easy – just register before your first ever parkrun. The great thing is that you only ever need to do this once! Then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there! Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the Bluegill Boathouse & Marina Bar – please come and join us! Maybe swap stories about your parkrun that day, chat to other parkrunners over a cup of tea or coffee and just be an part of this community. So whether you’re a complete novice looking to get yourself started or a regular wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you’re welcome to come along and join us. Please register before you first come along. Only ever register with parkrun once and don’t forget to bring a scannable copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time. You can visit the event website link to register.

Chris Kringle Market
2025-12-12 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-05 16:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Ottawa

TECH TIME
2025-12-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Struggling with technology? Join us for some hands-on help from our
knowledgeable staff at our new monthly program. Whether you’re facing issues
with the internet, your phone, or tech accessories, we’re here to help.

HOLIDAY SWEATER BINGO
2025-12-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Wear your favorite holiday sweater and have a blast at bingo with chances to win
gift card prizes. This event is for adults only. Doors will open at 6:45pm.

WEDNESDAY EVENING BOOK GROUP
2025-12-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver will be discussed at this
patron-led book group.

REINDEER MARIONETTE (Grades 3-6)
2025-12-10 16:00 - 16:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Come craft a festive reindeer marionette to enjoy this holiday season.

SHAKE, RATTLE, READ!
2025-12-10 10:00 - 10:45, 2025-12-03 10:00 - 10:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us every Wednesday for stories, songs, and a craft!. Stay and play after the craft if you
have time. Find each week’s theme on the Events Calendar on our website. This event is
for children ages birth to 3 years.

READY, SET, READ!
2025-12-09 10:00 - 10:45, 2025-12-02 10:00 - 10:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us every Tuesday for stories, songs, and a craft!. Stay and play after the craft if
you have time. Find each week’s theme on the Events Calendar on our website. This
event is for children ages 3-5.

Jane Austen Party
2025-12-07 13:30 - 15:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Come celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with tea, cookies, and a movie
inspired by her work.

Chris Kringle Market (Sunday)
2025-12-07 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-30 11:00 - 16:00 | Downtown Ottawa

GIRLS WHO CODE CLUB (Grades 3-5 & 6-12)
2025-12-06 15:00 - 16:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
This club isn’t just for girls, but uses the Girls Who Code curriculum. At this month’s
gathering, we’re learning about Cyber Security. Sign up for online tutorials at
https://hq.girlswhocode.com and then come join us at the library for a fun get-together.

Manga Club
2025-12-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Hey manga and anime fans! We’re getting together to talk about our
favorite mangas (and the anime series they’ve inspired). This month we’re
talking My Hero Academia!

THE LOOP GROUP
2025-12-06 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-11-29 13:30 - 15:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Learn to knit or crochet in a friendly environment with knowledgeable people.

OTHS Overboard Choir Holiday Concert
2025-12-05 14:00 - 14:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Ottawa Township High School’s Overboard Choir will present their
annual holiday concert. This event is for all ages.

Freezin' for a Reezin'
2025-12-05 07:30 - 16:00 | WCMY Radio, 216 W. Lafayette St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Area schools will perform on WCMY.

HOLIDAY CHARCUTERIE WITH A HEALTHY TWIST
2025-12-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Learn how to make a delicious charcuterie board that’ll be perfect for
the holidays in this class with Susan Glassman, University of Illinois Extension
Nutrition and Wellness Educator.

STORY TIME @ THE WOODLAND
2025-12-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us at Nell’s Woodland for a nature themed story time. Enjoy stories, music, and
crafts followed by a short hike through the park. Please register in person at Reddick
Library or call (815) 434-0509.

Crafter Hours: Holiday Felt Garland
2025-11-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Create a festive holiday garland out of felt. Registration is required as spots are limited
due to the availablity of supplies. To register for this class, please call the library
at 815-434-0509 or stop by the Circulation Desk.

Festival of Lights 2025
2025-11-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Ottawa
Festival of Lights Parade Friday, November 28, 2025 • 6PMDowntown Ottawa, IL
Kick off the holiday season in dazzling style at Ottawa’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade! Join us in the heart of downtown as festive floats, sparkling lights, and holiday music fill the streets with cheer. This magical tradition brings families and friends together to celebrate the season, with a joyful procession that lights up the night and hearts alike.
Bundle up, bring the cocoa, and make your way downtown for a holiday experience you won’t want to miss!
Downtown Ottawa Parade starts at 6PM Special appearance by Santa Claus & Mrs Claus!
Let’s light up the Middle of Everywhere together!

The parade will begin at LaSalle Street and the 200 block of West Jackson Street.
The parade units will turn South onto LaSalle Street and end at Main Street. Entertainment by the
Friendly City Sound and Shepherd Choir, fireworks and the lighting of the tree in the Jordan Block will follow.
The parade will begin at LaSalle Street and the 200 block of West Jackson Street.
The parade units will turn South onto LaSalle Street and end at Main Street. Entertainment by the
Friendly City Sound and Shepherd Choir, fireworks and the lighting of the tree in the Jordan Block will follow.

PLEASE NOTE:
On Friday, prior to the parade “no parking” signs will be posted on the following streets:

*200 block of West Jackson Street
No parking in that block after 3 P.M.

*900 block of Clinton Street (East Side only)
No parking on that side of street after 3 P.M.

*600, 700, 800, and 900 blocks of LaSalle Street
No parking in these blocks after 4 P.M.

*100 & 200 block of West Main Street
No parking in that block after 4 P.M.

Vehicle parked in any of the above spaces will be towed at owner’s expense
NOTE: Illinois 23/LaSalle Street, from Lafayette Street to Main Street will be temporarily closed from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Friday, November 28, 2025, for the purpose of the Festival of Lights Parade.
