When out and about this morning, please be aware there will be a charity 5K run or walk starting at 9 AM starting at Presbyterian Church of Barrington, 6 Brinker Road, Barrington Hills. Click here for more information.
Archive for the ‘Resident Spotlights’ Category
Celebrate America 250 with The Land We Love Run to Support Folds of Honor
Posted in Contests, Cuba Township, Folds of Honor, Fundraisers, Guest Essay, The Land We Love Run, VBHPD on May 23, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Neighbors & Friends –
Join us as we kick off the America 250 celebration 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with the annual “The Land We Love Run” through Barrington Hills! Brought to you by the Village of Barrington Hills and Cuba Township The Land We Love Run starts at 7:30 am from Cuba Township, and offers 5k & 10k runs and a 2 mile walk. Come out to enjoy our beautiful Village and to support our Heroes!
Our 5k and 10k 🏃♂️🏃🏼♀️ courses are certified and professionally chip timed.
Compete in the Team Competition 🙌 Put together your team of 3 or more for camaraderie, bragging rights, and to compete for fun prizes!
Police 👮🏻 monitored routes with age-based awards 🥇, and water/aid stations. Stay for the award ceremony, refreshments and fun following the run.
All proceeds to benefit Folds of Honor – Chicago, a National organization with a local presence that provides scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled Service Members and First Responders. Donations are also being accepted to the Cuba Township Food Pantry, addressing Barrington-area residents’ food insecurity needs.
It’s a HILL of a RUN!
Hope to see you and your friends and colleagues on June 28th!
You don’t run? Consider volunteering or sponsorship!
Sponsorship levels are:
- America 250 Sponsor $2,500 Recognition on Website, Logo on T-shirts, Race Banner, American 250 Banner, 10 Race Entries, Space for Table/Tent
- 1776 Sponsor $1,776 Logo on T-shirts, Race Banner, 5 Race Entries
- Liberty Sponsor $1,000 Logo on Race Banner
- Freedom Sponsor $500 Logo on Water Station Signs
***SPONSORSHIP MUST BE CONFIRMED BY MAY 27th TO GUARANTEE LOGO ON T-SHIRTS***
Click for SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION & FORM
We appreciate you forwarding this invitation to any who might be interested in participating and/or sponsorship.
Village Board of Trustees meet Tuesday
Posted in Aunt Blabby, BACOG, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Board of Health, Building Department, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Data Center, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, ePacket Agendas, Ethics, Finance Committee, Folds of Honor, Fox River Valley Hunt, FRVPC, Insurance Committee, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Lennie, Massbach Hounds, Minutes, One Barrington Hills, Organizations, Plan Commission, Plum Farm development, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Resident Spotlights, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Roads & Bridges Committee, The Land We Love Run, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Tree Preservation Ordinance, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village President, Village Treasurer, Yabba Dabba Doo, Zoning Board on May 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »
The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:
- [Vote] Board of Health Appointment:
Frank Konicek – Chairman, one-year term - [Vote] Riding Club Commission Appointments:
Elaine Ramesh – Chairman & Member, each a one-year term
Mary Beth Holsteen – Member, one-year term
Susan Helenowski – Member, one-year term
Vicki Kelly – Member, one-year term - [Vote] Plan Commission Appointments:
Matthew Vondra – Chairman, one-year term & Member, 3-year term
Christopher Geier – Member, three-year term
Brent Burval – New Nominee* for Member, three-year term - [Vote] Zoning Board of Appeals Appointments:
Gina Koertner – Member, five-year term
John Gigerich – Member, five-year term - [Vote] Police Pension Board Trustees Appointments:
Christopher Krzysko, Two-year term
George Panos, Two-year term - Register Now: Land We Love Run 5K/10K Celebrating America250 on June 28, 2026
A copy of their agenda, including info on listening to the meeting, can be viewed and downloaded here.
*No bio provided
Convicted former Illinois Speaker gives Pritzker advice (from prison)
Posted in Economy, Education, Fat Bastard, Politics, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on May 16, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Rich Hein, Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
Quick Hits | The Center Square
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan – from federal prison over corruption charges – penned an op-ed this week calling on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to accept the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program.
The program, which Pritzker has been reluctant to opt the state into, would allow people to deduct up to $1,700 from their federal taxes if they donate to a qualifying K-12 scholarship granting program.
Republicans in Springfield also called on Pritzker to opt in this week.
Both Madigan and the Republicans argued the governor is putting politics over the needs of citizens.
Find more news here.
Village Board of Trustees meet tonight
Posted in Aunt Blabby, BACOG, Board of Health, Building Department, Clown Car, ePacket Agendas, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Finance Committee, Financial Reports, Insurance Committee, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Little Duck Butt, Minutes, OMA, Pension Funding, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, The Land We Love Run, Tree Preservation Ordinance, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village President, Village Treasurer, Yabba Dabba Doo, Zoning Board on April 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »
The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:
- [Vote] Minutes – March 30, 2026
- [Vote] A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Corrective Asphalt Materials LLC (CAM) for Pavement Rejuvenation Application on Select Village-Maintained Roads Resolution 26 –
- QuadCom 911 Dispatch Update
- [Vote] Ordinance Amending Section 4-6-6 of the Village’s Tree Preservation Regulations Ordinance 26 –
- Register Now: Land We Love Run 5K/10K Celebrating America250 on June 28, 2026
A copy of their agenda, including info on listening to the meeting, can be viewed and downloaded here.
Editorial: U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros should retry Anne Pramaggiore and Michael McClain
Posted in Chicago Tribune, ComEd Four, OP/Ed, Politics, Resident Spotlights, Springfield on April 16, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore walks to U.S. Dirksen Courthouse for her sentencing on July 21, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune
A 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals order to release former Commonwealth Edison CEO Anne Pramaggiore and longtime Springfield lobbyist Michael McClain from prison came as a surprise to many. We too were taken aback, we confess, at the speed at which the three-judge panel moved.
Just hours after the conclusion of their Tuesday hearing on Pramaggiore and McClain’s appeals, they sprung the two from the federal prisons that had held them for more than three months. Both were serving two-year prison sentences.
But we were far less surprised that the appellate judges ordered new trials for these two of the so-called ComEd Four defendants found guilty in 2023 of conspiring to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan in order to win highly lucrative state legislation for ComEd and its corporate parent Exelon. The other two defendants, former ComEd lobbyists John Hooker and Jay Doherty, didn’t appeal and now are serving the remainder of their time in halfway houses.
In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court upended prosecutors’ interpretation of federal law used to convict the ComEd Four. The high court’s ruling in a separate case involving former Portage, Indiana, Mayor James Snyder effectively required an explicit quid-pro-quo arrangement to find an officeholder guilty of bribery, as the ComEd Four were.
Also separately found guilty of bribery, by the way, was Madigan himself, who’s serving a 7.5-year sentence in federal prison and has appealed his 2025 conviction. This ruling may well portend a new trial for Madigan as well.
Which in part is why Andrew Boutros, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, quickly ought to green-light a retrial of Pramaggiore and McClain.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, April 3, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
For better or for worse, the Supreme Court has clarified how — and how not — to prosecute public officials caught corruptly conspiring with favor-granting and clout-heavy players, as ComEd was during that era. Best to test out now what sort of evidence and trial approach will be convincing to a jury faced with complex public-corruption charges in this new legal landscape.
Editorial continues here.
Appeals court says it will reverse convictions, orders two ‘ComEd Four’ defendants released from prison
Posted in Chicago Tribune, ComEd Four, Politics, Resident Spotlights on April 14, 2026| 1 Comment »
Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after being sentenced to two years in prison on July 21, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
By Jason Meisner | Chicago Tribune
Just hours after hearing arguments, a Chicago federal appeals court on Tuesday announced it will grant new trials to former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain and ordered them released from prison on bond.
The extraordinary development comes nearly three years after Pramaggiore and McClain were convicted as part of the landmark “ComEd Four” case alleging a conspiracy to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan.
“Both Pramaggiore and McClain are entitled to release,” the order from the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals said. “The United States must make arrangements to release Pramaggiore and McClain from federal custody forthwith.”
The appeals court said a written opinion on the order for a new trial will be filed at a later date. It’s unclear whether the U.S. attorney’s office would go forward with the case, given the new legal landscape and the age of the defendants.
A spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office had no immediate comment.
In an emailed statement, Pramaggiore’s spokesperson, Mark Herr, thanked the 7th Circuit for its swift decision to order her release pending the written opinion.
“It has never made sense that Ms. Pramaggiore has served a single day in prison, much less the three months she has served — for ‘crimes’ the Supreme Court said did not exist,” Herr said.
Report continues here.
Living Wright
Posted in Quintessential Barrington, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights on March 15, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Joyce and David McArdle were recognized for their restoration of the Louis B. Fredrick House with the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy Spirit Award
Fredrick House south view
Story By Lisa Stamos | Quintessential Barrington
Images By Linda M. Barrett Photography
Barrington Hills is home to one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s final privately-owned home commissions before his death in April 1959, and likely the only site there he visited in person. Affluent interior designer Louis B. Fredrick owned a 10-acre property west of the Village of Barrington for which Wright was hired. There was tension, as Fredrick rejected the first two house designs by Wright. Then America’s foremost architect was dropped, another architect hired, and then Wright was brought back to design and build the house, named after its first owner.
Wright’s organic approach to architectural design shifted to Usonian after his Prairie style and Japanese influences. Usonian principles feature integration into the land, use of natural materials, strong horizontal lines, and long bands of windows to capture changing light. His genius was the ability to study geological contours, vegetation, light, wind, and other elements and perfectly place the building so that it appears to grow from the site, rather than sit upon it.
The Fredrick House completion in 1957 is synonymous with the formation of the Village of Barrington Hills, which happened the same year. Both efforts recognize the importance of preserving natural settings and a reverence for the outdoors. Forward-thinking residents forming the 29-sq. mile Village of Barrington Hills incorporated with zoning that preserved open space and offered room for their equestrian and outdoor sporting lifestyles as the post-war rush to develop suburbs was underway.
A Heart for Preservation
Joyce and David McArdle met one summer while he was painting walls at his father’s Pheasant Run Resort. David grew up watching his father Edward’s vision prosper as the iconic destination in their hometown of St. Charles, Illinois. Joyce was a young teenager visiting the resort from Northwest Chicago. The rest is a family history of envisioning, developing, and preserving properties—both commercial, residential, and of note, Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses.
While dating, the couple often visited Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Oak Park and River Forest. Once married and ready to start a family, they learned that the 1901 Frank (F.B.) Henderson House was for sale in Elmhurst. Both being attorneys working for their property development firm, the two got to work restoring the home while there, from 1988 to 1994.
“In 1994, we commissioned E. Fay Jones to design and build a home for us. [Jones was a Wright protégé.] Since Fay did not design too many homes, we flew out to meet him in Arkansas. He was intrigued by the fact that we wanted to design and build a home with him after we lived in a Wright home. The home in Barrington Hills took two years to build, and we lived there for 20 years,” David said. Daughters Abigail and Amelia were raised there. The equestrian lifestyle influence evolved to developing Old Barrington Estates and successful equestrian professions for both women, who spend time in Wellington, Florida.
Deferred, not defeated: Wreaths Across America hosted Dec. 15 in Barrington
Posted in Resident Spotlights, Signal Hill NSDAR, The Greatest Generation on December 20, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Photo courtesy Bob Lee
Submitted by Jacqueline Marcus
Snow cover and single-digit temperatures conspired to postpone this year’s Wreaths Across America Day at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, but members of the Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR in Barrington were undaunted in their mission to honor all veterans there.
A much smaller, but equally enthusiastic group of volunteers arrived at noon on Monday, Dec. 15, to remember, honor and teach about the veterans interred at Evergreen. As DAR Daughters read 857 veterans’ names aloud, wreaths were secured along the cemetery’s main roadways in a modified wreath laying.
Signal Hill Chapter acknowledges the community members, Barrington firefighters, and especially those veterans who volunteered to ensure that U.S. military service was commemorated.
The chapter thanks to those corporate and group sponsors who contributed to the many wreaths needed: Palatine American Legion Post 690, UBS Financial, Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores, MotorWerks of Barrington, Leopardo Foundation, and Allstate Foundation. The chapter gives acknowledgments to recycling partners Jewel-Osco of Barrington and Groot Waste Management, and thanks the citizens of Barrington and families of Veterans at Evergreen for their personal wreath sponsorships.
Signal Hill Daughters also salute the management and grounds crew of Evergreen Cemetery for their endless patience, flexibility and innovation in staging Wreaths Across America Day for the past seven years.
Wreaths Across America Day will be held at Evergreen Cemetery next year on Dec. 19, 2026.
The Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was chartered in Barrington in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women’s service organization headquartered in Washington, DC. Membership in NSDAR is open to any woman aged 18 and over who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information, visit Signalhilldar.com.
Things to do Dec. 19-25: Light shows, ‘The Nutcracker,’ Christmas concerts, holiday events and more
Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, Topics Of Interest on December 18, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Long Grove’s Vintage Holidays continues through Wednesday, Dec. 24, in downtown Long Grove. | Courtesy of Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association
By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald
Starts before Friday
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
The Hawthorn Christmas Experience: Through Wednesday, Dec. 24, on the Lower Level, Macy’s Court, at Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Visit Santa in a festive holiday setting. 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.
Goebbert’s Drive-Thru Light Show: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 5-9:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 4 at Goebbert’s Farm, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Open 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 22-25. The apple orchard is transformed into a glowing winter wonderland filled with synchronized lights, holiday scenes and festive music. Guests remain in their vehicles for the entire drive-thru, typically lasting 12-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets: goebberts.com.
Larsen’s Light Show: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 5-9:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 4 at Goebbert’s Farm, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Open 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 22-25. A fully programmed, 30-minute show with synchronized lights, strobes, spark machines, fog effects and real fire pyro elements. Every song is choreographed to bring the entire house to life. Guests remain in their vehicles for the entire show. New this year, an outdoor viewing experience where you can watch multiple shows from the new viewing pavilions. This ticket includes character appearances at Candy Cane Lane. Combo tickets for Goebbert’s Drive-Thru Light Show available on select nights. $25-$100 per vehicle. Limited access per time slot. Tickets: goebberts.com/light-show.
Joffrey Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17-18; 2 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20 and 26-27; 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21; 2 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tony Award-winning Christopher Wheeldon’s kaleidoscopic reimagining of “The Nutcracker” set amid the spectacle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Ticket prices vary by day and start at $60. joffrey.org
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 18-21, 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.
“A Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18-19; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Sunday, 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.
Friday, Dec. 19
“A Holly Jolly Christmas”: 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Zach Stevenson channels the rockabilly spirit of Buddy Holly in a concert featuring classic holiday tunes, golden oldies and The Lovettes. $55-$60. prairiecenter.org.
Santa’s Village Magical Christmas Drive-Thru: 5-9 p.m. Fridays through Tuesdays, Dec. 19-30, 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.
Engage Dance Theatre’s “Nutcracker”: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 (sensory-friendly) and noon and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $20-$32. rauecenter.org
Family Gingerbread House Decorating: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Build and decorate a gingerbread house. Materials provided. $36 per family; $26 for historical society members. ahpd.org/event/family-gingerbread-house-decorating
“Let It Snow” Showcase: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the McHenry County College Planetarium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Animated show featuring seasonal music by Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Burl Ives, Brenda Lee and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. $17.85, $12.51 for MCC students. Register: mchenry.edu/events
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Millennium Park, Wrigley Square, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Free. chicago.gov.
Ballet Chicago’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 1 and 5 p.m. (sensory-friendly) Sunday, Dec. 21, at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. harristheaterchicago.org.
The Chicago Sinfonietta will perform “Holidays of Hope” Friday, Dec. 19, at North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville. | Courtesy of Chicago Sinfonietta
Chicago Sinfonietta’s “Holidays of Hope”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St., Hyde Park, Chicago. Conducted by Kedrick Armstrong, Chicago Sinfonietta performs Duke Ellington’s swinging take on “The Nutcracker,” transforming Tchaikovsky’s classic into a big-band celebration, along with a global program featuring a Hanukkah symphony, a piece with Latin American flair, favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and a sing-along. Before the concert, sip hot cocoa and craft a luminaria. $20-$70. chicagosinfonietta.org/holidays-of-hope.
Judith Svalander Ballet School’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $25-$51. woodstockoperahouse.com.
“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Lifeline Theater, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Tom Mula’s production is staged as a one-man show through the eyes of the shackled Jacob Marley, as performed by Phil Timberlake. $30-$55. lifelinetheatre.com.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Breakfast With Santa: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Dine on breakfast in Rock ‘N Ravioli in the lobby before entering the theater to visit Santa. Plus, festive music and meet holiday characters. Each child will receive a gift. $40 for 12 and older and $30 for kids 2-11. Register: oshows.com.
Happy Holiday Railway: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Take a 40-minute train ride through the countryside with Santa featuring an animated light show and holiday songs. 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. Trips at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes before. $25. Tickets: irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway.
“The Christmas Star” Showcase: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the McHenry County College Planetarium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Discussion of potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions. $17.85, $12.51 MCC students. Register: mchenry.edu/events
Randall Oaks Zoo Winterfest: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, 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.
Suzuki Ensembles — Chamber Concert: 12:45-1:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Armerding Center Recital Hall, 520 E. Kenilworth Ave., Wheaton. Performances by string students in the Community School of the Arts. Free. wheaton.edu.
Elise Flagg Academy of Dance’s “The Nutcracker”: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, in the Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $47. eccartscenter.org
Presto! Holiday Concert: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Schaumburg’s youth orchestra is joined by the ensembles of the Schaumburg Choral Program in a concert of seasonal music. $25-$35. prairiecenter.org
Skate with Santa: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. $7, $4 skate rental. nbparks.org
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Nederlander Theatre Chicago, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series. Tickets start at $55.35. theatreinchicago.com.
Illinois Brass Band’s “Holiday Classics”: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Traditional carols, holiday fanfares, classics and jazzy updates of Christmas favorites. $15; $5 for kids 18 and younger; $35 per family of two adults and up to four kids. illinoisbrassband.org.
A Motown Christmas: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Salutes to Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, the Four Tops and The Supremes. $46.75-$78.75. desplainestheatre.com.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Home for the Holidays | Courtesy Barrington Shite House
Home for the Holidays: Nancie Tobison, BHS Alumni & Friends: 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Hosted by former Barrington High School Choir Director Nancie Tobison, this event brings together BHS alumni and friends to share their journeys and perform seasonal classics. $33.85; free for youths 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Illinois Brass Band’s “Holiday Classics”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. A family holiday performance. $15; $5 kids; $35 per family. illinoisbrassband.org.
“Messiah” Sing Along: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Join Northwest Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Tim Semanik, and soloists for Handel’s “Messiah.” Free. firstpresah.org
Bagpipes & Bonfire on the Winter Solstice: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Peck Farm Park’s picnic shelter, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Part of the monthlong Winter Wonder Lights. Bagpipes play traditional music by a winter bonfire. Kids must be accompanied by a registered adult. Kids $5-$7, adults $10-$15. Register: genevaparks.org
Monday, Dec. 22
Greatworks Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Ebb Scrooge is a modern American businessman, a cold fish with a cold heart and no great love for Christmas, until one fateful Christmas Eve when his past, present and future come calling. Doors open at 6 p.m. $10 general admission. arcadalive.com.
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Acoustic duo Ryanhood will perform a tribute to the late Ed Hall’s legacy of bringing together guitarists to share joyful arrangements and festive favorites on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at the Woodstock Opera House. | Courtesy of Ryanhood Press
“A Winter’s Eve with Ryanhood”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. A holiday tradition returns in honor of Ed Hall with acoustic duo Ryanhood. $30-$40. woodstockoperahouse.com.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Skate with Santa: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Centennial Ice Rink, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette. Skate with Santa, plus cocoa and candy canes. $9 for adults, $8 for students, $5 with a nonperishable food donation to Wilmette Food Pantry, $4 for kids 5 and younger or free with donation; $5 skate rental. wilmettepark.org
Mrs. Claus Storytime: Virtually at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. Mrs. Claus reads one hour of happy stories filled with fun, adventure and light conversation via Zoom. $53 for up to 10 people in one household. sites.google.com/view/mrsclausstorytime/home.
Thursday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25, City Cruises at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Features a plated meal, seasonal cocktails, views of Chicago’s iconic landmarks, a DJ playing holiday music and more. Tickets start at $119. navypier.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
Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 30, except 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 24, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Closed on Dec. 25. Thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery and hot chocolate for sale. Proceeds benefit Cosley Zoo. Free. Lights turn on at 3 p.m. cosleyzoo.org/festival-of-lights-tree-sale.
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; and free for members. griffinmsi.org
“A Christmas Carol”: 10 a.m. and noon Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. Tuesdays, through Dec. 27; plus 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. drurylanetheatre.com.
The Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights runs through Jan. 3 in Lisle. | Courtesy of The Morton Arboretum
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. Electric Illumination for 21 and older from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. The exhibition is closed select Mondays and Tuesdays, and Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 24-25. Tickets start at $20. mortonarb.org.
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
Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 21-23; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24; 4-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 28-30; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1; plus 4-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, Monday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 25. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/calendar/.
“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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