From the much anticipated annual Kids Only Holiday Shop and Holly Jolly Concerts with the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra to film classics like Home Alone, Gorton is at the heart of the holidays in Lake Forest.

Gorton Center wraps up our 50th Anniversary celebration in 2024 with holiday favorites beloved by the community. The lineup includes classes, films, concerts and events for all ages.

Gorton begins the holiday celebration with the much anticipated classic John Hughes’ film Home Alone, shown before the Lake Forest tree lighting on November 29, bringing the entire community together to kick off the holiday season. Gorton’s Kids Only Holiday Shop, a community favorite, will be held December 4. This special boutique allows children ages four to ten to do their holiday shopping without mom or dad. A Santa’s helper will escort each child through the boutique, visiting local vendors and Wonder Wrappers who ensure each gift is ready for under the tree. The Chris White Trio takes the stage on December 19 with “Peanuts Jazz.” Continuing Gorton’s FaLaLa Film Festival, Little Women will warm your heart on December 11 in the beautiful John & Nancy Hughes Theater. Classic holiday music will fill the theater on December 22 with an afternoon Holly Jolly Family Concert and a full Holly Jolly Holiday Concert featuring music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker on December 22, both with the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra and a special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and audience sing-along. The grand finale of Gorton’s holiday celebration and the FaLaLa Film Fest brings the charming antics of Will Ferrell in Elf to the big screen on December 20. 

Among the many events and films at Gorton this season, we also offer holiday-themed classes for all ages. A Holiday Sewing Workshop for beginners or advanced students begins on December 5. 

Kids will learn to Draw-A-Nutracker in this after school art class on December 11 and make Ornaments and Gift Tags on December 14. Holidays aren’t just for kids though, Gorton has many classes for adults including a Holiday Sparkle & Cheer: Wine & Gifting Event on December 5 and Learn to Make Cannoli Class for families on December 12.