Keenan-Stahl Boys & Girls Club, 1949 E. Troy Ave., will host its annual Christmas dinner from 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday. The event is free and open to everyone, and all children will get a gift from Santa Claus.
Christmas Service for the Despondent
St. John’s United Church of Christ, corner of U.S. 31 and Southport Road, will hold its annual “blue” Christmas service at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The worship is designed for those who find it difficult to be in the Yuletide spirit because of an illness, unemployment, grief or loneliness. The service provides a spiritual vehicle to recognize one’s sadness, which Pastor Ross Tyler says is a rare opportunity in a season when joy seems almost socially mandated.
Garfield Conservatory Is a Winter Wonderland
All things are toasty and cheery at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 2450 Shelby St., where the tropical paradise houses Conservatory Crossing, a winter wonderland that features hundreds of showy poinsettias, running model trains and villages. As darkness falls, the conservatory is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights.
The exhibit, running through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 24 and 25), may be viewed from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, with extended hours until 8 p.m. Dec. 21-23. Admission is $4 per person or $10 per family (two adults maximum).