By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald
Starts before Friday
Luminaria Walk-Lit Trail: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 4-6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, at Veterans Acres, 431 N. Walkup Ave., Crystal Lake. Stroll along a lit trail through Veteran Acres. On Saturday, there will be campfires, hot cocoa and cookies, Nature Center Candy Cane Forest and carolers and Mrs. Claus. $1; $5 max per family donation appreciated. facebook.com/VeteranAcresPark.
Friday, Dec. 6
Barrington Dance Ensemble’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Barrington High School, 616 Main St., Barrington. Guest artists from national and Chicago regional dance companies perform the lead soloist roles. Joining them will be more than 100 local performers. $25-$38. (847) 382-6333 or barringtondance.org.
Dickens in Dundee: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in East and West Dundee. In West Dundee: tree lighting ceremony, gingerbread house making, Festival of Trees, Santa’s Petting Zoo and Dundee Lions’ Christmas tree sales in Grafelman Park. In East Dundee near the Depot, 319 N. River St.: tree lighting ceremony and Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. Friday. Activities include Living Windows from 6-8 p.m., visits with Santa from 6-9 p.m. with free hot chocolate and cookies, “Those Funny Little People” Toy Making Elves, Frozen Robins Caroling Quartet, character appearances, free horse-drawn carriage rides and more. The Riverside Parade of Lights steps off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on South Lincoln Avenue in West Dundee, then heads north to cross the Main Street Bridge in Carpentersville, then south on Washington/Water Street to East Dundee, ending at Railroad Street around 7 p.m. The parade marshal is Joe Minoso, who plays Joe Cruz on “Chicago Fire.” dickensindundee.org or eastdundee.net.
International Gem & Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; ad 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg. Shop directly from wholesalers, manufacturers and designers in a marketplace setting. $6 online, $8 at the door. intergem.com.
“Nutcracker All Jazzed Up”: Noon, 3 and 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, at the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Presented by the Bartlett Park District and Lisa’s School of Dance, the production includes local dancers performing to Tchaikovsky’s musical score re-orchestrated into a modern, up-tempo, family-friendly experience. Tickets required. bartlettparkdistrict.com.
Hawthorn Woods Hometown Holiday: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Santa arrives at 4:10 p.m. Visits with Santa and photo opportunities from 4:30-6 p.m. Lighting of the community tree at 6:15 p.m. Free. vhw.org.
Merry & Bright Holiday Open House: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 415 W. North Ave., Bartlett. Holiday open house with complimentary cocoa and cookies, holiday market, Christmas trees and a live Nativity. Free. bartlettiucc.org/merry-bright.
Fox River Grove Tree Lighting: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in the village hall parking lot, 305 Illinois St., Fox River Grove. facebook.com/frgliving.
Elgin Sing-Along Messiah: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at ECC’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Annual community sing-along of selections from Handel’s “Messiah” showcasing Elgin-area musicians and vocalists from Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Midwest Opera Theatre and Elgin Master Chorale. Proceeds benefit PADS of Elgin. No experience is necessary; chorus scores available at the door. $7; free for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org.
Palatine Concert Band Holiday Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. The Palatine Concert Band, under the direction of Frederick Lowe, presents traditional and holiday tunes. $10 adults; $8 seniors and students; $3 kids 12 and younger. cuttinghall.org.
The Village Singers’ Holiday Serenade Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Peace Lutheran Church, 1050 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. $15, free for kids younger than 12. peacelutheranlz.com.
Concert Choir and SPECTRA Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Performing Arts Center at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Concert Choir and SPECTRA bring together students and community members to share their voices in song. Free for current Harper College students; $10-$15 for all others. events.harpercollege.edu.
Harmonies for the Holidays — Cantus Vocal Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. The low-voice ensemble performs holiday classics and unique seasonal pieces. $40. barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Visit Santa at Barrington’s White House during the Village’s Holiday Festival for a festive, family-friendly event.
Holiday Open House: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Visit with Santa, cookies and refreshments and take photos in front of the Christmas tree. Free; registration required. barringtonswhitehouse.com/event/holiday-open-house-2.
Barrington’s Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the BMO lot and on Cook Street, downtown Barrington. Free. barrington-il.gov.
Holly Jolly Holiday: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Wauconda Park District Community Center, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Pictures with Santa, local vendor market, trolley rides, crafts, entertainment, food and more. Indoor activities from 1-4 p.m. Outdoor holiday carolers by the decorated tree at 4:45 p.m. Outdoor tree lighting with Santa and Parade of Lights at 5 p.m. Free. waucondachamber.org.
Algonquin Merry Market on Main: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, on Main Street in Old Town Algonquin. Shop from over 25 artisan vendors. algonquin.org/recreation.
Algonquin Miracle on Main: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, on Main Street plaza in Algonquin. Live holiday performances, ice-sculpting displays, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, trackless train rides, Old Town holiday displays, kids’ activities, hot chocolate and the arrival of Santa. Tree lighting at the historic village hall plaza. Free. algonquin.org/recreation.
Lambs Farm will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8 and 14-15, in Libertyville. | Daily Herald file photo
Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8 and 14-15, at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Dine on brunch at the Magnolia Café & Bakery and visit Santa’s workshop to pick out a gift, get a festive temporary tattoo, make a sand art creation and take home a goody bag. $18.95, $7.95 for kids younger than 2. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.org.
Santa’s Workshop: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Santa visits and photo ops, cookie decorating and hot cocoa. Registration required. rmparks.org.
A Very Merry Huntley: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Town Square, 11704 Coral St., Huntley. Running of the Elves 5K, Kriss Kringle Market, kids’ games and crafts, trackless train rides, and voting for your favorite decorated tree. Community dinner at the Legion Hall. At 5 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck to light the square before the holiday fireworks show and visits with Santa in the gazebo. huntley.il.us.
Dickens of a Holiday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, in downtown Libertyville. Photos with Santa in Cook Park, Children’s Holiday Shoppe at Petranek’s Pharmacy and Victorian Tea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Libertyville Civic Center. Free; donations of nonperishable food items appreciated. mainstreetlibertyville.org.
Winterfest: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. HeParks’ Star Dance Academy performers, games, crafts, inflatables, dog sled demo, sleigh ride and community vendors. Free. heparks.org/event/winterfest.
Corks & Canines: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Durty Nellie’s, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Bring your dogs to A Closer Bond’s third annual event featuring wine tastings, pictures with Santa, raffles, and a dog training and tricks showcase. Free; donations benefit K9’s for Veterans. RSVP at (847) 358-7312, ext. 1.
M3 Dance’s “The Nutcracker”: Noon and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and noon Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Hemmens Exhibition Hall, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A fresh take on this classic tale featuring artists from ballet and contemporary companies. $30-$40; $5 off for those 62 and older or 9 and younger. elginil.gov.
Wayne Tree Lighting: 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Historic Depot building, off Army Trail Road, Wayne. The Citizen of the Year will light up the holiday tree. Hot chocolate and cookies, commemorative ornaments, kids’ crafts, self-tour of the historic depot, carol singing and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Take a photo with Santa. The tree will be illuminated throughout January. Free. villageofwayne.org.
“A Night of Christmas Music”: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave., Elgin. Featuring tenors Jeorge Holmes, Franco Martorana and Simon Lee; soprano Rise Jones; violinist Daniela Folker; and accompanist Murna Hansemann. A reception will follow. Donations welcome. (847) 742-6431.
A Bing Crosby Christmas with Jared Bradshaw: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at ECC’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Broadway baritone Jared Bradshaw celebrates crooner Bing Crosby. $42. eccartscenter.org/events/centerstage/.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Community Holiday Tea: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Barrington’s White House, 145. W. Main St., Barrington. Hot tea, scones, finger sandwiches, champagne, wine and more. For women 21 and older. $85. barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Fest: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, along Main Street and Jandus Road, Cary. 23rd annual parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Main Street. Visit Santa and The Grinch, plus pony rides, sleigh rides, carolers, activities, music and more. Free. carygrovechamber.com.
Harper College Festival Chorus Christmas Concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. The Harper College Festival Chorus, with a professional 31-piece orchestra directed by Greg Tipps, performs its annual Christmas Concert. $20; $15 for seniors and students; free for kids younger than 12. harpercollege.edu/arts.
Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Hanson String Quartet will perform Sunday, Dec. 8, at the St. Charles Public Library. | Courtesy of EYSO
EYSO Hanson String Quartet: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the St. Charles Public Library Carnegie Community Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. Sunday Concert Series features the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra’s quartet. Free. scpld.org.
The Ides of March Christmas Show: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Annual Christmas show with Grammy winner Jim Peterik and the seven-piece band, featuring two concerts in one. First, a Christmas celebration featuring each individual member of the Ides performing classic and original Christmas songs in their own way. The second set features hits of the Ides/Survivor/.38 Special. Special guest Toby Hitchcock, lead vocalist for Jim Peterik’s Pride of Lions, joins the Ides this year. $39-$69. arcadalive.com.
Monday, Dec. 9
103.5 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, at Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Jack Harlow, Teddy Swims, Jason Derulo, Benson Boone, Madison Beer, Saweetie, NCT Dream and Wonho. $25-$250; parking is $25. rosemont.com/allstate/event/103-5-kiss-fms-jingle-ball.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
ECC Jazz Ensembles: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Directed by Shawn Maxwell. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
ECC Concert Band Winter Concert: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Directed by Greg Matushek. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Pentatonix’s “Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $25-$250. rosemont.com/allstate.
ECC Steel Bands: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Under the direction of Scott McConnell, the band performs calypso, reggae, rock and more. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org.
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