Things to do Nov. 21-27: Tree lightings, Thanksgiving events and more

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Starts before Friday

Barrington Area Artists Association Art Sale: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, and 2-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Members of the Barrington Area Artists Association, both professional and amateur artists, will showcase and sell hundreds of fine art pieces. Free; registration required at barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Friday, Nov. 21

McHenry Festival of Trees: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays Friday, Nov. 21, through Dec. 28 at McHenry City Hall, 333 S. Green St., McHenry, and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays from Friday, Nov. 21, through Dec. 28 at McHenry Rec Center, 3716 Municipal Drive, McHenry. See decorated trees sponsored by local businesses and civic organizations. Vote for a favorite tree with a donation of canned nonperishable food or toiletries for Veteran’s Path to Hope. facebook.com/mchenryareachamber

Millennium Park Holiday Market: Noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Shopping, live entertainment and concessions. Free entry. choosechicago.com.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 21-23, 28-30 and Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-31 and Jan. 1-4, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Lights festival featuring 3.5 million twinkling LED lights, a giant light-up maze, interactive light displays, light tunnels, a twinkling star walk-through experience, a Holiday Dolphin Show, Santa visits on select nights and a holiday market. Sensory-friendly on Dec. 4. $20.95-$34.95. brookfieldzoo.org/HolidayMagic.

Chicago Sports Spectacular: 3:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Sports memorabilia dealers, autograph signings, grading and authentification and more. Scheduled guests include Anthony Rizzo, Charlie Sheen, Ric Flair, Brian Urlacher, Lexie Hull, Christopher McDonald, Dennis Rodman, Emilio Estevez, Rick Sutcliffe, Reggie Jackson and more. $15 for Friday, $20 Saturday or Sunday; $10 for kids 6-10; and free for kids 5 and younger. chicagosportsspectacular.com

ZooLights: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. select dates Friday, Nov. 21, through Jan. 4 at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago. Features more than 3 million lights, including hundreds of luminous LED displays and festive experiences. $7-$12; free on select Mondays. lpzoo.org/event/zoolights

Light Up Long Grove: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, in downtown Long Grove. Kick off Vintage Holidays with tractor-pulled wagon rides, holiday shopping and dining, illuminated photo stations, festive street activities and the annual Bridge Lighting Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. with Village President Bill Jacob, followed by a live performance by the Fred Astaire Dancers and an appearance by Santa Claus. Shops will stay open late. Free. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season.

City of Chicago’s 112th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Chicago’s official Christmas Tree will be lit and remain illuminated through Sunday, Jan. 11. Free. choosechicago.com

CLC Winter Dance Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in the Mainstage Theatre at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $11-$13. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu

ECC Club Cabaret “Make ’Em Laugh”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, at ECC SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Vocalist Tommy Hensel and special guests explore the playful side of Broadway’s musical theater. $35. eccartscenter.org/events/theatre/

Elgin Theater Company’s “Love, Loss and What I Wore”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., eighth floor, Elgin. The play, based on Ilene Beckerman’s book, explores women’s lives through the lens of their clothing and the memories they evoke. $23-$25. elgin-theatre.org.

“It’s A Wonderful Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 22 and 29; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23; 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Theatre 121’s world premiere of this new holiday play, written by local playwrights Joel Bennett and Jeff Cook, blends the charm of “It’s a Wonderful Life” with the spirit of “A Christmas Carol.” $17-$35. theatre121.org.

“SpongeBob SquarePants The Broadway Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Co. production. $14-$16. cteelgin.com

“A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol”: 8 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 21 and Dec. 5; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 22 and Dec. 6; 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 23 and Dec. 7; and 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. A fresh take on Dickens’ classic by Raue Center School for the Arts students and adults. $10.50-$40. rauecenter.org.

McHenry Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Friday, Nov. 21, through Dec. 12. Help Santa find his lost reindeer by looking for Dasher, Dancer and the gang at local stores in McHenry. Present your completed card at the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce by Dec. 12 to pick a treat from the treasure chest and the chance to win a door prize. facebook.com/mchenryareachamber.

Santa’s Rock N Lights: Time slots vary by day but usually start at 4:45 or 5 p.m. and end at 9 or 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 21-30, and Tuesdays through Sundays, Dec. 3-31, plus Mondays, Dec. 22 and 29, at the Kane County Cougars Stadium, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, and 3900 N. Rockwell St., Chicago. Drive-through light show featuring a mile of lights that dance in sync with music in larger-than-life displays. $29.99-$49.99 per car. santasrocknlights.com.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Island Lake Holiday Craft Fair: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23, at the village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave., Island Lake. Gifts, holiday decor, jewelry, crafts and more. Free entry. villageofislandlake.com.

Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Over 550 muscle cars, dealer-built Supercars and Corvettes, with automotive-related vendors and more. $40 in advance, $45 at the door; free for kids 12 and younger with a paid adult. mcacn.com

Christmas on the Fox arts and crafts show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23, at the Kane County Fairgrounds Prairie Events Center, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Handmade items featuring Christmas floral and candies, jewelry, photography, paper crafts, a variety of apparel and accessories, whimsical folk art with holiday themes, homemade soup and dip mixes, handmade soap, wood signs and knitting. Holiday greens for sale from Heinz Brothers Greenhouse. $5. artoftheheartland.com/christmas-on-the-fox.

Holiday Craft Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at The Club at Prairie Stone, 5050 Sedge Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Holiday items from local crafters. Free entry. heparks.org.

International Holiday Market: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Estonian House of Chicago, 14700 Estonian Lane, Riverwoods. Jewelry, local handicrafts, Scandinavian items, soaps, wellness products, baked goods, wood crafts, Estonian Christmas Sausage and more. Plus, a bonfire, grilled foods, Glogg, hot chocolate, hot cider and sweets. $5, free for kids younger than 16. chicagoeestimaja.com.

Photos With Santa: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the historic Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago St., Elgin. Book a 15-minute time block and take photos with Santa. Pets and props welcome. Craft activity and snacks in the basement. $30. Register: elginhistory.org

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The parade on North Michigan Avenue will feature Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, floats with friends from Walt Disney World Resort, marching bands from across the country, musical celebrities, Santa Claus, The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular and more. Free. themagnificentmile.com/lights-festival.

“Elf — The Musical”: 1:30 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 22 and 29, and 1:30 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 23 and 30, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Musical based on the hit movie. $13-$30. cuttinghall.org.

An Almost Winter Day: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. S’more station, cookie decorating, balloon animals, craft station, snowball slingshot, letters to Santa, tree-decorating contest, ice sculptor and concessions. Pictures with Santa from 2-4:45 p.m.; bring your camera. Village tree lighting at 5 p.m. at Panton Mill Park. southelgin.com.

Light Up The Park: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers, skating and ice-sculpting. Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens will arrive at 5:30 p.m. to illuminate the park with more than 80,000 holiday lights. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/event/light-up-the-park.

Palatine Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: 4:45-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Towne Square, Slade and Greeley streets, Palatine. Santa visits and pictures in the Towne Square gazebo, holiday music performed by the Palatine Children’s Chorus, and Santa will light the holiday tree. Free. palatine.il.us

Hoffman Estates Friendship Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the village hall, 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. The mayor will be joined by Cub Scout Troop 297 to light the tree and kick off a festive fireworks display. After the fireworks, visits with Santa, entertainment by the Choral-Aires and light refreshments inside village hall. Nonperishable food and personal care item donations accepted for local food pantries. Free. hoffmanestates.org.

Long Grove Vintage Holidays: Saturday, Nov. 22, through Wednesday, Dec. 24, in downtown Long Grove. Horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends, Santa in the village, caroling around town and more. Most events are free; reservations for carriage rides are $15 per seat. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season

Sunday, Nov. 23

Handmade Holiday Market: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Shop from over 80 artists, bubbly for the first 100 guests, cocktails, paint ’n’ sip and more. $10; buy three tickets for the price of two. amdurproductions.com.

Fair Winds Woodwind Quintet: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. The woodwind ensemble of the Navy Band Great Lakes will perform classical, military marches and patriotic compositions. Free. firstpresah.org

Tuesday, Nov. 25

“A Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Nov. 25-26 and Dec. 23-24, and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 28 through Dec. 21, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Charles Dickens’ tale of redemption, generosity and hope. $20-$49. metropolisarts.com.

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Turkey Testicle Festival: 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Parkside Pub & Grill, 11721 E. Main St., Huntley. 43rd annual festival for ages 21 and older. Music starts at 11 a.m. with Polly Says, followed by 7th heaven, Modern Day Romeos and Pino Farina Band. Four bus routes to the pub, starting at 3 p.m. Advance VIP pass: $75 or Jump the Line pass $30. $20 at the gate. parksidepub.com/ttf.

Mount Prospect Holiday Tree Lighting and Christkindlmarket: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Busse Pocket Park, Emerson and Busse, Mount Prospect. Christkindlmarket from 4-7 p.m. inside village hall and tree lighting at 5 p.m. The Prospect High School Madrigals will sing holiday songs, and there will be cookies and hot chocolate provided by the Mount Prospect Lions Club. Free. experiencemountprospect.org

Thursday, Nov. 27

Turkey Trot and Sammy Scurry: 8-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Choose a 2- or 5-mile distance or, for the young ones, the Sammy Scurry. Free snacks and beverages. Registration required. $30; $10 for the Sammy Scurry. palatineparks.org.

Wauconda Turkey Trot: 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at 118 S. Main St., Wauconda. 4-mile, chip-timed run around Bangs Lake or 2-mile fun run/walk down Main Street. Participants will receive a T-shirt and medal. Proceeds benefit the Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry. $44.79 for the 2-mile, $55.49 for the 4-mile, $23.39 for kids younger than 10. raceroster.com/events/2024/95094/2024-wauconda-turkey-trot.

Eaglewood Thanksgiving Jazz Brunch 2025: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at Eaglewood Resort & Spa, 1401 Nordic Road, Itasca. Thanksgiving Jazz Brunch with live jazz, bottomless mimosas, holiday buffet with all the fixings, carving station and dessert. Adults: $65; kids: $20; $28.52 deposit per person. eventbrite.com.

Ongoing

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Lights: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Jan. 5 at The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The museum’s annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. Museum admission: adults $25.95; kids 3-11 $14.95; free for members. griffinmsi.org

Dinovember: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Nov. 30 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Learn about dinosaurs at 1:30 p.m. daily during the Dino-keeper Chat. Plus, embark on the Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt; complete it and claim a prize at the gift shop. $6; free for kids 1 and younger or U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/dinovember.

Illumination: Tree Lights: Time slots between 4:30 and 8 p.m. through Jan. 3 at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy a hot seasonal beverage from the concession tents along the trail. Illumination Dog Admission Nights on Wednesdays, Dec. 3-17. Electric Illumination for 21 and older from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19. The exhibition is closed select Mondays and Tuesdays and on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets start at $20. mortonarb.org.

Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 30 at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Hwy. 12, Ingleside. Lights transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail offers food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $31 for kids 3-12 and $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

Lightscape: 4:30-9:15 p.m. select dates through Jan. 4 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Take a nighttime stroll through illuminated displays. Adults: $26 for members, $29 for nonmembers; kids 3-12: $14 members, $16 nonmembers; free for kids 2 and younger. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.

“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and days through Dec. 31 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story. Tickets start at $34. goodmantheatre.org.

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”: Various times most Wednesdays through Sundays and some Tuesdays through Jan. 4 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Christmas musical in which Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together to celebrate the holidays at Sun Records studio. Tickets start at $70. marriotttheatre.com

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