From the sounds of a Peanuts Christmas from the Chris White Trio to continued traditions like the Kids Only Holiday Shop and film classics like Home Alone, Gorton is the heart of the holidays in Lake Forest.

Gorton Center celebrates the 2022 holiday season with an array of joyful events. The lineup includes various events that reflect our community’s broad interests.

“Gorton Center is proud to be our community’s home for the holidays – a place where guests of all ages can come together to experience the magic of the season through the power of the arts,” said Amy Wagliardo, Executive Director of Gorton Center. “From cherished traditions like our Kids Only Holiday Shop and screening of Home Alone before the Lake Forest tree lighting to the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra’s Holly Jolly concert, the holiday season comes to life at Gorton.”

Gorton begins the seasonal celebration as usual with the classic John Hughes’ film Home Alone, shown before the Lake Forest tree lighting on November 25 and the first movie in the annual FaLaLa Film Fest. Gorton’s Kids Only Holiday Shop, a community favorite held December 7, 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 in the beautiful John & Nancy Hughes Theater on December 8 with “Peanuts Jazz,” the holiday music of composer Vince Guaraldi. On December 10 and 11, Ballet Makkai Youth Company once again brings The Nutcracker to the stage in the John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton. On December 11 Gorton’s annual Gingerbread House Decorating event takes place along with Christmas music, hot cocoa and treats in Gorton’s cozy Stuart Community Room. LoMastro Performing Arts Academy brings The Nutcracker back to the stage at Gorton on December 16 and 17.  The FaLaLa Film Fest continues with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on December 13. The Holly Jolly Family Concert on December 18 with the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra wraps up the 2022 holiday musical celebrations. The FaLaLa Film Fest continues with the magical and hilarious Elf on December 20 and finishes with the nostalgic and heartwarming A Christmas Story on December 22. 

Among the many events and films at Gorton this season, we also offer holiday-themed classes for all ages. A Holiday Sewing Workshop for beginner or advanced students begins on December 1. Painting a Poinsettia adult art class is scheduled for December 9, and kids can try their hand at painting a Snowman on December 10 or making Ornaments and Gift Tags on December 17. Don your holiday hat or fascinator for the Mother-Daughter Holiday Tea on December 17. We round out the season, and the year, with three Cooking Classes for Kids: Christmas Sweets on December 19, Red & Green on December 21, and Christmas Cake & Bread on December 22.