Waukegan E-News - December 2022

Waukegan E-News is emailed once a month and contains information about city services and upcoming events sponsored by the City of Waukegan and/or local partners. Subscription is free and recipients may unsubscribe at any time.

From the Desk of
Mayor Ann B Taylor

We are in the home stretch of 2022. December has arrived, and with it comes a period for gratitude, to be with family, and to reflect on the last year.

I am grateful for everyone who has worked to make this year a success for our city, and I hope all of our residents are proud to call Waukegan home. Waukegan is one big family. We lean on each other in times of hardship, and we celebrate our successes together.

The Waukegan family is especially important during the holiday months, as we know there are many in our community who have lost family and friends during the pandemic and beyond. I encourage you to reach out to anyone in your life who might be lonely or grieving this holiday season and let them know that they are loved and appreciated.

We still have quite a few events coming up to get you in the holiday spirit. If you need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, our monthly ArtWauk on the 17^th and the Belvidere Mall Holiday on the 18^th are great options to wrap up your holiday to-do list while supporting local artists and businesses. Also on the 17^th, I will be at the Waukegan Public Library in the Bradbury Room for a very special reading of “The Polar Express."

For the daredevils among us, the Waukegan Park District and the City will host the 24^th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Waukegan Beach to ring in the new year with a splash on January 1^st.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone celebrate throughout the rest of the month, and I again encourage you to check in on people in your life who are struggling this month. Happy holidays!

Building Department Contractor Renewal

Building Department Contractor registration expires on December 31st. Renew through the City's Portal. Questions? Call the Building Department at 847-625-6868.

COOL's Veterans Outreach

Every year the City hosts a COOL Food Pantry Veterans Assistance Box to collect items off the veterans' needs list. The most requested items are bar soap, shampoo, and toilet paper, but other basics we sometimes take for granted are also welcome. The box will be in City Hall's lobby until December 31st. COOL Food Pantry Veterans Outreach

Keeping Families Covered - Huggies for the Holidays

Keeping Families Covered provides diapers and other basic needs to families through community partners and direct service. One in three families struggles to afford diapers. Until December 31st, the City Hall lobby will have a diaper drop box for donations. Sizes 4, 5, and 6 are most needed.

New Water Billing System is Live

The New Water Billing System is live! You're encouraged to skip the line by signing up today! The system is a 'one stop shop' for paper and electronic billing, online payments, and account information. If you have questions, email water@waukeganil.gov

The City is Hiring!

The City has openings for: Planner, Assistant Planner, Civil Engineer, Plumbing Inspector, Laborers, and Public Work Intern. Make your move to City Hall today!

Explore Waukegan's Arts & Entertainment District

Downtown Waukegan is the artistic and cultural hub of Lake County. Join us, with partners Waukegan Arts Council and Waukegan Main Street, in celebrating the arts on the third Saturday of every month. This month's ArtWauk on Saturday the 17th features Dandelion Gallery & Studio's Holiday Gift Event, Horsefeathers Black Friday sale, and many more venues offering specials!

The Magic of the Nutcracker - two nights - at the Genesee Theatre!

The Magic of the Season at the Genesee Theatre

Dancenter North's The Magic of the Nutcracker is the largest production in Lake County and will be at the Genesee for two nights! Featuring over 100 performers, elaborate sets, and Tchaikovsky's score, this 34th anniversary performance will delight audiences, young and old. Other holiday shows are also at the Genesee Theatre

Family Holiday at Three Brothers Theatre

I Want a Sketchopotamus... from the Masters of Sketch Comedy at Three Brothers Theatre

Holiday Fun at Three Brothers Theatre

Three Brothers Theatre gifts you laughs for the holidays with two fun-filled shows. Secrets are revealed at the fast-paced holiday farce for modern times Family Holiday. The Masters of Sketch Comedy bring you I Want a Sketchopotamus... with a smorgasbord of comedy to lighten up these dark months. Details at Three Brothers Theatre.

Mariachi Estrellas performs at A Belvidere Mall Holiday

Jade Moon Jazz Band at the Belvidere Mall on Sunday, December 18th

Frank Sinatra as portrayed by Jack Miuccio at the Belvidere Mall

A Belvidere Mall Holiday

The Belvidere Mall is pulling out all the stops to bring joy and good cheer to our city. On Sunday, December 18th, take photos with Santa, listen to Mariachi Estrellas then Jade Moon Jazz and, last but certainly not least. Jack Miuccio as Frank Sinatra. With all the stores in the mall and the artist pop-ups, finishing holiday shopping will be a breeze, too! Find out more at Belvidere Mall!

City of Waukegan Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party at the Genesee Theatre

Waukegan Chamber Holiday Party

The City of Waukegan Chamber of Commerce invites to you to their Holiday Soiree at the Genesee. The evening includes networking, live music, open bar, finger foods, and a seat to watch a Million Dollar Quartet Christmas at 7:30pm.

24th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge

It's almost here - the 24th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge! Proceeds from the Plunge benefit the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County, helping individuals with disabilities participate in camps, athletics, health and fitness programs, and much more. Splash into the New Year!