The final performances for the Raue Center School for the Arts production of “A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol” will take place this weekend at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. | Courtesy of the Raue Center for the Arts
By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald
Starts before Friday
Luminaria Walk: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 3-6, at Veteran Acres, 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake. Stroll the lit trail through Veteran Acres. On Saturday, there will be campfires, hot cocoa, cookies, Candy Cane Forest and Mrs. Claus. $1 per person or $5 per family donation appreciated. crystallakeparks.org/special-events.
“A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4; 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 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.
Friday, Dec. 5
MainStreet Libertyville’s First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.
International Gem and Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Jewelry, fashion accessories and gift show. $6 in advance, $8 at the door; kids younger than 9 are not permitted. intergem.com.
Santa arrives during a previous Dickens in Dundee parade. This year’s Dickens in Dundee is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6, in East and West Dundee. | Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com, 2021
Dickens in Dundee: 3-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in East and West Dundee. In West Dundee on Friday: Tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., Gingerbread House Making, Festival of Trees, holiday craft shows, A Christmas Carol: Scrooge’s Reclamation, Santa’s Petting Zoo and Dundee Lions’ Christmas tree sales in Grafelman Park. New this year in East Dundee: Santa’s East Side Market from 3-9 p.m. Friday with 15 artisan vendors at the Depot, 319 N. River St. Tree-lighting ceremony and Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. with “The Christmas Schooner” cast of the Dundee Township Park District Theater, 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. On Saturday: The Riverside Parade of Lights steps off at 6:30 p.m. at South Lincoln Avenue and North Sixth 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. dickensindundee.org or eastdundee.net.
Des Plaines Holiday Tree Lighting: 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Metropolitan Square, just north of Miner Street, Des Plaines. Students and community groups decorate holiday trees at 4 p.m. in the Square; food trucks and live performances from 4:30-6:15 p.m.; Santa arrives at 4:45 p.m.; and the tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, the indoor artisan market featuring local makers runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Free. desplainesil.gov
Hometown Holiday: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Visit with Santa, holiday music, tree lighting, cocoa and a cookie treat, an inflatable gingerbread bounce house and more. Free. vhw.org/223/Hometown-Holiday.
Visit With Santa: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Foxford Hills Golf Course, 6800 Rawson Bridge Road, Cary. Kids can visit with Santa. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Register: caryparkdistrict.org.
Geneva Christmas Walk: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Fourth and James streets, Geneva. The Great Tree and more will be lit on the courthouse lawn. Also, the first candy cane of the season, Santa Claus, carolers, a live Nativity, window displays, chestnuts roasted over open fires, Santa Lucia, holiday refreshments and more. genevachamber.com/events/christmas-walk.
Krampusnacht Bazaar and Market of Shadows: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Light Lounge at Vern’s Tavern, 77 S. Riverside Drive, Elgin. A bazaar featuring artisan wares and eerie oddities. After 7 p.m. Saturday, wear a Krampus costume, ugly Christmas sweater or Nightmare Before Christmas attire for a Krampusnacht Krawl through downtown businesses. facebook.com/KrampuslaufElginIL.
Blizzard Bash: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Games, crafts, pizza, hot chocolate and a goody bag. $20-$25. wheelingparkdistrict.com.
Streamwood’s 41st annual Luminaria will take place Friday, Dec. 5, at Streamwood’s village hall. | Courtesy of Village of Streamwood
Streamwood’s 41st annual Luminaria: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the village hall, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. The Municipal Campus will be filled with light as luminaria line the village hall, police station and Veterans Memorial. Free. streamwood.org
Barrington Dance Ensemble’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Barrington High School, 616 Main St., Barrington. Tickets start at $25. barringtondance.org
Fourth annual Holiday Community Sing-Along: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 1492 Henry, Des Plaines. Hosted by Christ Church, First United Methodist of Des Plaines, St. Martin’s Episcopal and Trinity Lutheran Church of Des Plaines. Refreshments will be served afterward in Wobbe Hall. christchurchuccdesplaines.org.
“Nutcracker All Jazzed Up”: 7 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 5 and 12, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 6 and 13, 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 reorchestrated into a modern, uptempo, family-friendly experience. $11. bartlettparkdistrict.com
Palatine Concert Band Holiday Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Under the direction of Frederick Lowe, the band performs traditional and holiday music. $10 adults; $8 seniors and students; and $3 kids 12 and younger. cuttinghall.org
Village Singers’ “We Wish You A Merry Holiday” Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Peace Lutheran Church, 1050 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. The chorus sings three- and four-part harmony. Silent auction 30 minutes before each show. Free refreshments after the show. $15; free for kids younger than 12. facebook.com/VillageSingers1.
Axiom Brass Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St., Aurora; and 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. Chicago-based quintet performs classical masterpieces, new works and holiday favorites. $25 or $15 for students; Woodstock tickets $25-$30. woodstockoperahouse.com or chambermusiconthefox.org.
Holiday Brass Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at St. Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela St., Barrington; and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Worship Center, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. Elgin Symphony Orchestra brass and percussion sections perform holiday music, including arrangements of “The Nutcracker,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Joy to the World” and more. $25, $5 for students; Barrington concert is free. elginsymphony.org.
Green Room’s First Fridays Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Hemmens Theatre in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Improv comedy. $15-$20. hemmens.org.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Holiday Flower Show: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in December and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 1-17 at Wilder Park Conservatory, 225 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Free. epd.org.
Breakfast with Santa at Poplar Creek: 8:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Bring a camera for photos with Santa. $30.95 for 13 and older; $19.95 for kids 4-12; and free for kids 3 and younger. Register with Jennifer Fuller at (847) 781-3658. heparks.org.
34th annual Cookie Walk & Craft Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Journey of Hope, 751 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett. Homemade cookies sold by the box, 30 craft/vendor booths selling holiday items, cookie cookbooks for sale, lunch for purchase and Santa. Free. Johumc.org.
Breakfast with Santa at the Pavilion: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Pavilion Community Center, 1000 Wellington Drive, Elk Grove Village. Breakfast with Santa, who will be available for photos. Registration is required. $20 for kids 3-13, $23 for adults for residents; $21/$25 for nonresidents; $5 for kids 2 and younger. elkgroveparks.org.
Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Dine on brunch at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, make crafts and meet Santa. $19.95, $7.95 for kids 2 and younger. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.org.
Santa’s Workshop: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Cookie decorating, hot cocoa, and pictures with Santa. Registration required. rmparks.org.
Bethlehem Marketplace: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the First United Methodist Church of Palatine, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. Kids can make holiday crafts. Free. fumcp.org/bethlehem-marketplace.
Chilly Chili 5K/2K: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Schaumburg Golf Club, 401 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Timed 5K or 2K fun run. After the race, enjoy a bowl of chili and a beer (21 and older) or soft drink. $25 for the 2K, $60-$65 for the 5K. parkfun.com
Happy Holiday Railway: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Embark on a 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa and see an animated light show while listening to holiday music. Treats and hot chocolate will be served. Quiet car #7658 will feature traditional lights and decorations. Also, see the holiday lights throughout the campus, including the animated snowplow display and holiday light tour in Barn 6 available for viewing day or night. Rides on historic Chicago streetcars included with the ticket. Trips at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes beforehand. $25. Tickets: irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway.
Hometown Holiday Family Fun Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Elmhurst History Museum, 143 N. York St., Elmhurst. Santa and his friends will be on hand for photo opportunities, plus history games and trivia from the Elmhurst History Museum, holiday face painters, DJ, free hot chocolate, coffee and treats and more in the heated tent near the City Centre Fountain Plaza. Free. elmhursthistory.org.
Randall Oaks Zoo Winterfest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6-21, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Holiday lights, community decorated trees, Santa visits, bonfire and visit the animals in the new World of Wonders heated animal building. $6, free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/winterfest.
Running of the Elves 5K Run/Walk: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, starting and finishing at Huntley Square. 5K race at 10:30 a.m. on village paths. Dash for kids 5-12 at 10 a.m. and 1-mile walk at 10:45 a.m. $30, $20, $10. Register: portal.clubrunner.ca/2382.
Winterfest: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Horse-drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa, s’mores station, iceless skating, cookie decorating, games, vendor giveaways and more. Free. heparks.org/event/winterfest
Des Plaines Winter Fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. Indoor artisan market featuring local makers. Take a historic trolley tour of the city guided by the Des Plaines History Center. Advance registration required for the trolley tours. Free. desplainesil.gov
Holiday Open House at Barrington’s White House: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Tour the decorated historic mansion, visit with Santa, and enjoy cookies and refreshments. Free; registration is required. barringtonswhitehouse.com
Krampus Bazaar: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Presented by The World Oddities Expo, including vendors with taxidermy, insects, macabre art, jewelry, home decor and more; tattoo artists; performances; demonstrations and workshops including owl pellet dissections and butterfly pinning; and more. Tickets start at $20, free for kids with an adult. worldodditiesexpo.com/chicago-il.
Kane County Flea Market: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Over 400 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles indoors and outside. $6, free for kids younger than 12. kanecountyfleamarket.com.
M3 Dance’s “The Nutcracker”: Noon and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and noon Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Hemmens Main Stage Theater, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A fresh take on this classic tale featuring artists from well-known ballet and contemporary companies. Reserved seating. $32.50-$43. (847) 931-5900 or online at hemmens.org/tickets.
Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Wilder Mansion, 211 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Kids can purchase kid-priced and kid-friendly holiday gifts. No registration required. Free. epd.org.
A Very Merry Huntley: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Town Square, 11704 Coral St., Huntley. Running of the Elves 5K at 10 a.m., handbell concert at noon, a cookie walk from 1-4 p.m. at First Congregational, Kriss Kringle Market from 2-7 p.m., trackless train rides, hot cocoa, cookies, live reindeer and voting for your favorite decorated tree from 3-6 p.m. Pasta dinner from 4-6 p.m. at the Legion Hall. Caroling in the Square at 4 p.m. New this year, a holiday parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m., with the lighting of the square, visits with Santa in the gazebo at 5:15 p.m. and a holiday fireworks show. huntley.il.us.
Holiday Tea: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. The “Merry & Bright” program features soprano Kathleen Monson and friends performing Christmas songs with a classical twist. Dine on sweet and savory treats. Social hour at 1 p.m., with the performance at 1:30 p.m. $10. Register: elginhistory.org.
Holly Jolly Holiday: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Wauconda Park District Community Center, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Indoor holiday activities from 1-5 p.m. A one-mile fun run/walk at 2 p.m. Outdoor holiday carolers by the decorated tree at 4:45 p.m. Outdoor tree lighting with Santa at 5 p.m. near the front entrance. Plus, pictures with Santa, local vendor market, trolley rides, crafts, entertainment, food and more. Free. waucondachamber.org
Santa’s Cottage: 2-5 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Santa’s Cottage, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. Kids can visit Santa in a unique, cozy house. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.
Barrington’s Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Barrington. Free hot chocolate, ice-carving demonstrations, family activities, visit with Santa at Barrington’s White House and more. Performance by the BHS Madrigals at 4:30 p.m. and tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Free. barrington-il.gov
Jay & The Americans Christmas Show: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. $56.75-$88.75. desplainestheatre.com
Mundelein Winter Tree Lighting Festival: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Courtland Commons, 400 E. Courtland St., Mundelein. Santa’s Cottage opens at 2 p.m. School choirs and local musicians perform at 3 p.m. Kiddie train rides, ice sculpting, Disney Princesses, story time, letters to Santa, a Kriss Kringle Market, games, crafts, food vendors, hot chocolate and treats, the Mayor’s Seasonal Message, the Mundelein Queens, lighting of the village Holiday Tree, fireworks and a second session of Santa’s Cottage after the fireworks. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org
Algonquin Miracle on Main: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, on Main Street in Old Town Algonquin. Live holiday performances, Old Town holiday displays, live ice sculpting, live reindeer, trackless train rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids’ activities and the tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. Opening at 3 p.m., the Merry Market features over 20 artisan vendors selling handmade goods, seasonal gifts and treats on Main Street, between Washington and Madison streets. Free. algonquin.org.
Holiday in the Hollow: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in Sabatino Park, 1 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Music by Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, Circle-of-Cheer Christmas trees, Santa visits, and lighting of the trees and flagpole. Free. sleepyhollowil.org.
Merry & Bright, Lighting the Tree: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bartlett Park, Oak and North avenues, Bartlett. Cookies, cocoa, horse-drawn wagon rides, a DJ spinning holiday music, food trucks and more. Santa arrives at 5 p.m. Laser Light Show at 7 p.m. Free. bartlettil.gov
Wayne Tree Lighting: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Historic Depot building, off Army Trail Road, Wayne. Free. villageofwayne.org
Enjoy the holiday lights from your car during Santa’s Village’s Magical Christmas Drive-Through in East Dundee. | Courtesy of Ty Sierpien
Santa’s Village Magical Christmas Drive-Thru: 5-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, and Dec. 12-14, 19-23 and 26-30, at 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee. See the light displays synchronized to holiday music from your car. Visit with Santa at the end. $29.99 per vehicle, $5 discount for season-pass holders. (847) 426-6751 or santasvillagedundee.com.
The Second City’s “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire”: 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn. Interactive comedy revue. Contains adult themes and language. $32-$49. atthemac.org.
Riverside Parade of Lights: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Parade steps off at South Lincoln Avenue and North Sixth 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. dickensindundee.org or eastdundee.net.
Elmhurst Choral Union Handel’s “Messiah” Part 1: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. Bring nonperishable food items in support of a local food charity. $20 for adults and $10 for kids 17 and younger. elmhurstchoralunion.org.
Jim Witter’s “Christmas Memories”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Features “Winter Wonderland,” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and more. $50 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org.
MCC Ensembles Holiday Concert: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Free. mchenry.edu/events.
Nothing But Treble’s “Brightest & Best Holiday Joy in Song”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. Suggested donation: $20. nbtelgin.com.
Sunday, Dec. 7
Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 110 exhibitors showing new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more. $7 online or $8 at the gate; cash only. Free for kids 11 and younger with an adult. trainshow.com.
Santa is greeted by Stacy Johnson of the Schaumburg Park District as part of a previous Santa’s Flight to Schaumburg. This year’s event takes place Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Schaumburg Regional Airport. | Daily Herald file photo, 2023
Santa’s Flight to Schaumburg: 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Schaumburg Regional Airport, 905 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Buffet breakfast or lunch, holiday music and crafts while waiting for Santa in the airport’s hangar. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. $30-$35; free for kids 2 and younger. Registration required. parkfun.com/event/santas-flight-to-schaumburg.
Wheeling Santa’s Breakfast: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. Holiday breakfast and photos with Santa. $59.98, $26.95 for kids 6-17, and free for kids 5 and younger. Registration recommended. wheelingparkdistrict.com
Community Holiday Tea: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Hot tea, scones, finger sandwiches, champagne, wine and more. For women 21 and older. $92.55. barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at 100 W. Main St., Cary. Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Main and Wulff streets, heads east on Main to Jandus Road. Meet Santa and The Grinch, pony rides, sleigh rides, carolers, activities, music and more. Free. carygrovechamber.com.
Holiday Hoopla: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Kids’ games, crafts and photos with Santa. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.
“Christmas in The Air”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. A family-friendly, Broadway-style holiday song and dance review. $56.75-$78.75. desplainestheatre.com
Candlelight at the Museum: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Garfield Farm Museum, on Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Interpreters wearing period clothing will share what life was like for people during the height of the horse-and-wagon era. $5, $4 for kids younger than 13. garfieldfarm.org.
Fox Valley Concert Band “Home for the Holidays”: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Free; donations encouraged. fvcb.org/wp.
Voices Unlimited Chorus’ “A Christmas Invitation”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, hosted by Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Holiday concert combines sacred and secular Christmas music. $10, $5 for kids 11 and younger. Contact David Barth at davidabarth@comcast.net.
“A Bing Crosby Christmas With Jared Bradshaw”: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St., Huntley. Broadway’s Jared Bradshaw band with a trio singing the harmonies of the Andrew Sisters and hits including “Jingle Bells,” “Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive,” “Mele Kalikimaka” and “White Christmas.” Free; donations welcome. bit.ly/SOTPARTIST.
CLC Wind Ensemble Holiday Concert: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Mainstage Theatre at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $8-$9. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.
The Glory of Christmas: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Chancel Choir, Men’s Chorus, Youth Choir, Handbell Choirs and orchestra perform their annual Christmas concert featuring “The Many Moods” by Robert Shaw. Free. firstpresah.org
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ’s Living Nativity takes place Sunday, Dec. 7, in Elgin. | Daily Herald file photo, 2019
Living Nativity: 4 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 40W720 Plank Road, Elgin. An outdoor Living Nativity presentation with live animals. Free. stpauluccelgin.org
Winter’s Tales: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St., River Forest. Spirito Singers will perform holiday favorites like “Up on the Housetop” and “(Everybody’s Waitin’ for) The Man with the Bag,” Benjamin Britten’s masterwork “A Ceremony of Carols” performed with harpist Autumn Selover and more. $27, $22 for students and seniors 65 and older with ID. spiritosingers.org.
Holiday Cabaret: The Best Time of the Year: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Students and Celebration Singers from the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts will perform a variety of holiday music. $15 for adults, $12 for students. metropolisarts.com
Monday, Dec. 8
103.5 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Audrey Hobert, Jessie Murph, Nelly, Ravyn Lenae, Reneé Rapp, Teddy Swims, Shinedown, Jackson Wang, Zara Larsson and a special sing-along moment from “K-POP Demon Hunters.” Tickets start at $54.45; parking is $25. rosemont.com/allstate
Tuesday, Dec. 9
The Grammy Award-winning men’s chorus Chanticleer performs carols, Christmas songs and festive spirituals Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Chicago Symphony Center. | Courtesy of Joel Simon
A Chanticleer Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The Grammy Award-winning men’s chorus performs carols, Christmas songs and festive spirituals. $45. cso.org
ECC Concert Choir: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Under the direction of Kathi Bernhard, the choir performs classical masterpieces, contemporary works and global choral traditions. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org
A Very Merry Metropolis Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Featuring the Metropolis Children’s Choir and local musicians. $35. metropolisarts.com
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. See “Three Days of the Condor.” Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 or older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.
CLC Concert Band Holiday Concert: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the Mainstage Theatre at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $8-$9. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu
A Timeless Christmas with The Lettermen: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Classic holiday carols and standards. $46.75-$88.75. arcadalive.com.
A Carpenters’ Christmas: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece band bring the music of The Carpenters’ holiday celebrations to life. Tickets start at $43. rauecenter.org.
Thursday, Dec. 11
ECC Jazz Ensembles: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Directed by Shawn Maxwell. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org
Ron Hawking Celebrates Christmas With the Legends: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Holiday show featuring hits from Tom Jones, Frankie Valli, Elton John, Neil Diamond and a birthday tribute to Frank Sinatra. $49.87; free for students 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Jingle Belles Comedy: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. “3 Funny, Festive Females” featuring Ana Belaval, Andrea Darlas and Joanna Clark and hosted by John Da Cosse. Tickets start at $34. rauecenter.org.
Ongoing
McHenry Festival of Trees: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 28 at McHenry City Hall, 333 S. Green St., McHenry, and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays 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
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
“A Christmas Carol”: 10 a.m. and noon Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 27; 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 9-23; 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 18; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 10 and 17; and 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Set in Victorian-era London, see Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirited ghosts that visit him one fateful Christmas Eve. Presented by Drury Lane Theatre for Young Audiences. $42-$62. Breakfast with Santa includes photos with Santa and Drury Lane’s Christmas tree for $50 for adults and $30 for kids 5-12. Dinner with Santa is $30-$60. drurylanetheatre.com.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic runs through Jan. 4. | Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 21, and Friday Dec. 26 through Sunday Jan. 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. $20.95-$34.95. brookfieldzoo.org/HolidayMagic.
Christmas at Cantigny Light Show: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, through Dec. 20, and 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 21-23. Third annual event adds interactive elements and more illuminated gardens, including a new Northern Lights display in the Rose Garden. Explore the first floor of Col. McCormick’s decorated mansion and the display of hundreds of poinsettias. Sip hot cocoa or a festive cocktail at the hidden bar. Add the Christmas Spirits upgrade ($40), which includes three festive cocktails, each served at stations along the walk, including a special drink in the McCormick House Freedom Hall Bar, and take home a commemorative mug. Advance tickets: $15-$25 or $19-$30. Register: cantigny.org/event/light-show-11-21.
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 through Dec. 17. Electric Illumination for 21 and older from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 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. Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 4; plus Dec. 22-24, 29 and 31 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.
ZooLights: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. select dates 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
“The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 14, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s 30th production of the holiday classic. Tickets: $35-$50. prairiecenter.org.
“A Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 21; and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 23-24, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Charles Dickens’ tale of redemption, generosity and hope. $20-$49. metropolisarts.com.
The Hawthorn Christmas Experience: Through Dec. 24, Lower Level, Macy’s Court, at Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Visit Santa in a festive holiday setting. Includes a sensory-friendly Santa from 9-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, and a Pet Photo Night from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. Reservations are encouraged; guests who book in advance receive a free personalized phone call from Santa before their visit. Santa photo packages start at $39.99. visithawthorn.com.
Long Grove Vintage Holidays: 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
“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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