The Barrington Hills Observer

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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Lambs Farm in Libertyville will host Breakfast with Santa Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14. | Daily Herald File Photo, 2023

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Dec. 12

Santa Splash: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Wheeling Community Center Indoor Pool, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Santa, festive photos and treats. $10. Registration required. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

“Let It Snow” Showcase: 6 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 12 and 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. Fridays, Dec. 12 and 19, at Millennium Park, Wrigley Square, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Free. chicago.gov.

Gaither Homecoming Christmas Tour 2025: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington Campus, 67 Algonquin Road, South Barrington. Bill Gaither presents a Christmas celebration featuring The Gaither Vocal Band along with Mark Lowry and Jeff’s musical entourage. $47.72 -$93.02. willowcreek.org.

Judith Svalander Ballet School’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 12-21, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $25-$51. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“Nutcracker All Jazzed Up”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 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, up-tempo, family-friendly experience. $11. bartlettparkdistrict.com.

“The Christmas Star” Showcase: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the McHenry County College Planetarium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions will be discussed. $17.85, $12.51 MCC students. Register: mchenry.edu/events

Lake County Symphony Orchestra’s “Timeless Treasures”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. With guest director Jim Stephenson. $11-$32.80. lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com

Under the Streetlamp’s “Hip to the Holidays”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at ECC Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Former stars of the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys” bring a twist to favorite seasonal music. $65, $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org/events/centerstage/.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Spectacular: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A holiday performance including carols, new spins on modern favorites, and an appearance by Santa. Led by conductor Chad Goodman with the Elgin Master Chorale and Integrity School of Dance. Raue tickets: $41.30-$89; Hemmens tickets: $20-$70; call about free tickets for kids 17 and younger. rauecenter.org or elginsymphony.org

Saturday, Dec. 13

Santa Breakfast: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the American Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. The Sons of the American Legion will hold an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with Santa to raise funds for Legion Family Charities. $11 for ages 11 and older, $6 for veterans and kids 5-10, and free for kids 4 and younger. alpost690.us

Grayslake Antiques & Flea Market: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Shop for antiques, jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles, comics, memorabilia, old toys, coins and more. $8. zurkopromotions.com

Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 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/.

Breakfast with Santa at Villa Olivia: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Villa Olivia, 1401 W. Lake St., Bartlett. The special event with Santa includes a plated breakfast, holiday activities and festive music. Registration is required; see bartlettparks.org/event/breakfast-with-santa/ for registration instructions or call (630) 540-4800.

Visit with Santa in Cook Park as part of MainStreet Libertyville’s Dickens of a Holiday festival Saturday, Dec. 13. | Courtesy of MainStreet Libertyville

Dickens of a Holiday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in downtown Libertyville. Photos with Santa in Cook Park, Children’s Holiday Shoppe at the Libertyville Civic Center, and Victorian Tea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church. Free; donations of nonperishable food items appreciated. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Frostival: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Freemont St., Arlington Heights. Strolling carolers, visits with Santa, and story time, crafts, cookies and cocoa. Free. ahpd.org.

Happy Holiday Railway: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, 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.

Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Huntley Town Square. View custom-carved holiday animation-themed ice sculptures on the sidewalks. Tickets for mugs and s’mores are on sale on the Huntley Area Chamber Facebook page and website. Mugs will not be sold on the day of the event. huntley.il.us.

Lunch With the Grinch: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Dine on lunch in Rock ‘N Ravioli in the lobby. Make an ornament and help decorate the tree before the Grinch swoops in to steal it. Photo ops, raffle prizes, festive mocktails and desserts. $35 for ages 3 and older. Register: oshows.com.

Randall Oaks Zoo Winterfest: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 13-21, 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.

A German Holiday Tea: 2-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, at Colonel Palmer House, 5516 Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake. Variety of teas, German-inspired cuisine, exhibits and live storytelling. $35-$46. Register: crystallakeparks.org/colonel-palmer-house.

Lights & Flights Craft Brew Fest: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Ages 21 and older can join the park district’s winter celebration of holiday lights, craft beer tastings and food. Tickets include 15 sample pours and a commemorative glass. VIP tickets with early access: $70; general admission: $55; designated driver: $15. Tickets: genevaparks.org

Courtesy Palatine Park District

Santa Paws: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, at Clayson House Museum & Library, 224 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Price includes one souvenir photo of your pet with Santa, a stocking full of treats and a craft activity for your dog. For dogs only, no other animals permitted. Registration required. $15-$20. palatineparks.org.

Arlingtones Christmas Show: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid, Arlington Heights. $7-$20. arlingtones.net

Hot Cocoa Stroll: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Hawthorn Row, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Live reindeer, an ice-skating rink, cocoa tents, kids’ crafts, live music, a vendor market and more. Includes spiked hot cocoa, mulled wine and festive beverages from Yard House and Nirvana Kitchen & Wine Bar. Free; guests can purchase a $5 keepsake mug and goody bag. visithawthorn.com

Classical Blast’s “Dark Side of Yule”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Rock hits from Metallica to Pink Floyd to Moody Blues to Evanescence and more mixed with traditional carols, popular classical songs, holiday standards and more. For 12 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $39. rauecenter.org

Sunday, Dec. 14

Brunch With Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Drake: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at The Drake Oak Brook, 2301 York Road, Oak Brook. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during a lavish brunch. It’s $85 for adults, $40 for kids 4-10, and free for kids 3 and younger. thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com/brunch-with-santa.htm.

Breakfast With Santa: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Dine on breakfast in Rock ‘N Ravioli in the lobby before entering the theater for a visit with Santa. Each child will receive a gift. $40 for ages 12 and older and $30 for kids 2-11. Register: oshows.com.

The Elmhurst Choral Union will perform Handel’s “Messiah” Sunday, Dec. 14, at Hammerschmidt Chapel in Elmhurst. | Courtesy of Elmhurst Choral Union

Elmhurst Choral Union performs Handel’s “Messiah”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Hammerschmidt Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Handel’s “Messiah” will be sung by the Elmhurst Choral Union with an organist and soloists. Bring nonperishable food items for a local food charity. $30, $25 for seniors, and $10 for kids 17 and younger. elmhurstchoralunion.org.

A Northwest Christmas: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at St. Raymond de Penafort Church, 301 S. I Oka Ave., Mount Prospect. Holiday music, choral gems and sing-alongs. Includes a Christmas bake sale. $15-$20. Tickets: brownpapertickets.com. nwchoralsociety.org/concerts/a-northwest-christmas.

Skate with Santa: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Triphahn Center Ice Arena, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Proceeds benefit the Friends of HEParks Foundation. $7 in advance, $10 at the door, $4 skate rental. heparks.org.

Itasca Pictures With Santa: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Usher Park gazebo, 203 S. Walnut, Itasca. Bring your camera for free photos with Santa and pick up a holiday token. Donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots or a nonperishable food donation for the Itasca Food Pantry. itascaparkdistrict.com

Carriage rides on the historic Woodstock Square: 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. woodstockilchamber.com.

“Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet”: 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Features an international cast that blends world-class ballet with puppets, lavish costumes and acrobatics. Tickets start at $47.75. rosemont.com/theatre

A cappella group Voctave performs “It Feels like Christmas” Sunday, Dec. 14, at the McAninch Arts Center’s Belushi Performance Hall in Glen Ellyn. | Courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates

Voctave’s “It Feels like Christmas”: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. All-ages a cappella holiday show featuring “O Holy Night,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells of Notre Dame” and more. $69-$76. AtTheMAC.org.

Monday, Dec. 15

The Lovettes’ “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus”: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The Lovettes perform hits from The Andrews Sisters, The Ronettes, The Supremes, Darlene Love and more. Tickets start at $65. marriotttheatre.com

The Second City presents “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire”: 7:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 15-17, and Friday through Wednesday, Dec. 26-31, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. A fast-paced, interactive comedy revue featuring seasonal songs, sketches and improv comedy. $40. metropolisarts.com

Tuesday, Dec. 16

“White Christmas” sing-along: 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 16-17, and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Sing along during the screening of this 1954 Christmas classic. Concessions open one hour before. $12 for evening shows; $5 for matinee. woodstockoperahouse.com

Niles Metropolitan Chorus & Musica Lumina Orchestra perform Handel’s “Messiah”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Professional musicians perform the first part of Handel’s “Messiah” with several arias and choruses, including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” $52.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. See “Lethal Weapon,” starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 and older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

Itasca Holiday Trolley Lights Tour: 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17-18, at Itasca Waterpark, 100 N. Catalpa St., Itasca. Enjoy hot cocoa while traveling around town on the trolley to see the light displays at the Winter Wonderland and other sites. $12. Register: itascaparkdistrict.com.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Gingerbread Barn Raising: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Peck Farm Park’s Orientation Barn, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Enjoy hot cocoa and holiday music while you decorate a gingerbread barn to take home. Kids 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. $72-$92. Register: genevaparks.org

Peanuts Jazz With The Chris White Trio: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Annual tribute to the music of Vince Guaraldi. $29. gortoncenter.org.

Christmas Wizards — Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. $46.75-$78.75. desplainestheatre.com

Ongoing

Courtesy Historic Downtown Long Grove

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

Santa’s Village Magical Christmas Drive-Thru: 5-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 12-14, and Fridays through Tuesdays, Dec. 19 through 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.

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.

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 and 31, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. 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.

Yuletide Treasures: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, through Dec. 23, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24, at the DuPage Art League, 218 W. Front St., Wheaton. The DuPage Art League’s annual show features one-of-a-kind gifts, all handmade by local artists, including painting, photography, ornaments, holiday and home decor, jewelry, woodwork, pottery, wearable textiles, greeting cards, candles and more. Free parking on Front Street and in the parking garage across the street. dupageartleague.org

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 and 10 a.m. Tuesdays, through Dec. 27; plus 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17; and 10 a.m. Thursday and Monday, Dec. 18 and 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: 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.

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 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 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. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 21; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 22 through Jan. 5 (except for special holiday hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24; 4-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25; 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

“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.

“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.

“A Christmas Carol — A Live Radio Play”: Various times Fridays through Sundays, and select Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Dec. 28 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. Return to WBFR Studios on Christmas Eve in 1946 and follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey to find the true spirit of the holiday season, complete with live sound effects, radio jingles and more. $55. oillamptheater.org.

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. 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.

Joffrey Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Various times and dates through 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

“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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Costumes are welcome at Nightmare on Chicago Street happening Saturday in downtown Elgin. | Courtesy of the City of Elgin, 2024

By Luke Zurawski | Daily herald

Friday, Oct. 24

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 24-26, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway where visitors will encounter characters and can watch live pumpkin carving. $22-$27 for adults, $15-$18 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Richardson Adventure Farm: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $24, $20 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $30/$24 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine & Jukebox Show: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Antique slot machines, jukeboxes, advertising memorabilia, gumball and penny arcade machines, music boxes, pinball machines, antique video games, vinyl records and more. Friday early-bird admission: $50, Saturday admission: $10, free for kids younger than 12. chicagolandshow.com.

Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Long Grove: 3-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, near 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Kids can trick-or-treat at participating businesses. Costumes encouraged. Free. longgrove.org/festival/october-days

Boo Bash: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at North Park, 1025 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire. Family-friendly event. Free. lincolnshireil.gov.

Pumpkin Splash Spectacular: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the Community Center Indoor Pool, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Kids 3-7 can search for pumpkins scattered throughout the pools. Plus, Halloween crafts, inflatables, photo opportunities and treats. Registration required. $10. wheelingparkdistrict.com

Trick-or-Treat Trail: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Walk through the no-scare trail, where friendly characters will hand out candy to kids. Plus, games, entertainment and more. Parents must accompany kids 12 and younger during the event. Free. bgparks.org/trick-or-treat-trail

Halloween Movie in the Barn: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the village hall barn, 2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods. Screening of a seasonal movie at 6:30 p.m. Free. vhw.org.

Hayrides at Hoffman Park: 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and 5:15, 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the dog park at Hoffman Park, West Main Street, Cary. Hayride and campfire under the stars. $10. Register: carypark.com

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men’s “Twelfth Night”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, in Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Performed by an all-male cast in authentic Elizabethan costume, infused with music, song and spirited dance. $35; free for kids 12 and younger with a paid ticket. eccartscenter.org.

Penn & Teller: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. The magicians are on their 50th Anniversary Tour. Tickets start at $74.55. msg.com

Saturday, Oct. 25

Palatine’s Halloween Hustle 5K and Kids Dash takes place Saturday, Oct. 25. | Courtesy of Adrenaline Special Events

Halloween Hustle 5K and Kids Dash: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Adrenaline Special Events, 345 N. Eric Drive, Palatine. Kids Dash at 8:30 a.m., 5K at 9 a.m. Immediately following the race, runners and spectators are invited to an after-party at the Tap House Grill. 5K: $40-$60; Kids Dash: $20-$30. halloweenhustle.com

Chicago Women’s Expo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. See the latest in shopping, fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics and travel for women, plus keynote speakers and more. Tickets start at $5 per day. chicagowomensexpo.com

Great Food Expo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Sample food and beverages, shop from vendors and more. Tickets available online starting at $6.24 per day. greatfoodexpo.com/chicago.

Lake County Home Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Over 120 businesses will present the latest in home remodeling, roofing, architecture design services, lawn and tree care and more. Free. lakecountyhomeshow.com.

Great Hawthorne Pumpkin Hunt: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin. Kids can explore nature while stopping at educational stations, searching for hidden pumpkins, creating a seasonal craft and taking home a mini pumpkin. $10-$12. Register: elginil.gov/recreation.

Elgin Symphony String Quartet — Spooky Strings: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Halloween-themed concert. Costumes encouraged. $28.52, family pass for $33.85. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Halloween Walk: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in Cary and Fox River Grove. In Cary, trick-or-treating, costumes and a parade led by the 2025 Miss Cary-Grove from 11 a.m. to noon starting at Tasty Sushi and ending at Athletico in the Jewel Shopping Center. In Fox River Grove, the parade begins at Leader Ace Hardware in the Stone Hill Shopping Center and ends at Wonderland Kids Academy from 1-2 p.m. Free. carygrovechamber.com.

Tricks & Treats in the Valley: 2-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. All-ages trick-or-treat experience, with the trail beginning at Heritage Farm and continuing past the farm’s historic buildings and into the woods and fields. Wear a costume you can walk in for about half a mile. Entry is timed. Trick-or-treaters must register; free for caregivers. $5-$7. parkfun.com/event/tricks-treats-in-the-valley

Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride a spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve for family-friendly frights, including stories around the campfire with treats from Margie’s Girls’ Kitchen. A ghostly musician will lead campfire songs. Costumes welcome. $20. Register at foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.

Trick-or-Treating at McHenry Downtown Businesses: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, near 163 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake. Trick-or-treat at local businesses. Free. For a map, visit facebook.com/events/1788089675374809.

BOOs & Brews: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. This 21-and-older after-hours event features a costume contest, dance party, animal experiences, seasonal brews and cocktails and more. Tickets start at $45 for general admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BoosAndBrews.

Family Wicked Wagon Ride: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Clauss Rec Center fields, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. After the Zombie Run, take a haunted hayride around the “ball fields of doom” and through the abandoned barn. For kids 12 and younger, accompanied by an adult. $8-$10. Registration required: rparks.org.

Costumes are welcome at Nightmare on Chicago Street happening Saturday in downtown Elgin. | Courtesy of the City of Elgin, 2024

Nightmare on Chicago Street: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, on East Chicago and North Spring streets, Elgin. Annual Halloween festival with terrifying attractions, live performances, immersive environments, costume contest, photo ops, celebrities, food and apocalyptic-themed drinks. $35, $40 at the gate. Tickets: nightmareonchicagostreet.com.

Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Tribute to the music of ABBA. $45-$50. prairiecenter.org

Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in Concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. The full feature film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will be projected on the big screen with live accompaniment by the Chicago Philharmonic. Costumes encouraged. $96-$122. auditoriumtheatre.org

Sunday, Oct. 26

Day of the Dead 5K: 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Heritage Park, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. 5K run/walk, plus entertainment, awards, music and food after the race. Registration required. Ages 13 and older: $40; kids 12 and younger: $30. runsignup.com

Elgin Coin Club Fall Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. Buy, sell and trade coins, currency, and assorted numismatic items and collectibles. Kids 6-16 can join the Kids Auction at 12:30 p.m., where they get free bid money to bid on donated lots. Raffle prizes and hourly door prizes. ANACS Coin Grading Service will be on-site. Early bird from 8-9 a.m. for $20 or $2 after. coinzip.com/elgin-coin-club-coin-show.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Spooky Skate: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Triphahn Center Ice Arena, 1685 Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Public skate. Halloween costumes encouraged. $7 in advance, $10 at the event; skate rental $3. heparks.org.

Trick-or-Treat on Main Street: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, on Main Street in downtown Wauconda. Trick-or-treat at local businesses. Free. waucondachamber.org.

Trunk-or-Treat: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 932 S. McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake. My Father’s World Preschool hosts a fair with a bouncy house, selfie station, cake walk, games in the gym and trunk-or-treat in the parking lot. Free. prince-of-peace.org

Monday, Oct. 27

Halloween Spooktacular: 10-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St., Geneva. Crafts, games and a parade through the library. Costumes encouraged. Free. gpld.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

Haunted History Tours at Lincoln Park Zoo: 7 and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 28-29, at Lincoln Park Zoo, North Cannon Drive at West Fullerton Parkway, Chicago. Join Adam Selzer — author, podcaster and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours — for walks that delve into the zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly haunted history. For 16 and older. $35. lpzoo.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Mount Prospect Downtown Trick-or-Treat: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in downtown Mount Prospect. Trick-or-treat at downtown Mount Prospect businesses. Costumes encouraged. Free. mpdowntown.com/events

Wheeling’s Taste of the Town takes place Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling. | Courtesy of the Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce

Wheeling’s Taste of the Town: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. About two dozen vendors offering bite-size tastings from their menus and bars. $35 in advance, $45 at the door. wheelingareachamber.com.

Lake Park Film Appreciation Society: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Lake Park High School West Campus auditorium, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Screening of the 1933 Pre-Code sci-fi horror film “The Invisible Man,” starring Claude Rains. Free popcorn, post-show discussion and trivia with prizes. Free. facebook.com/LPHSDramaProductions/.

Thursday, Oct. 30

Pumpkin Splash: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at The Water Works, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Swim with pumpkins and pick a pumpkin, DJ entertainment and a goody bag filled with treats. Kids younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult during the event. $15-$20. parkfun.com/event/pumpkin-splash.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra Dia de los Muertos: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Commemorate loved ones at a concert featuring vocalist José Carlos Díaz. Face painting, crafts, an ofrenda, food trucks and more at 5:30 p.m. Pre-concert talk on the history of Dia de los Muertos at 6:30 p.m. $25, $5 for students, free tickets for ages 17 and younger. elginsymphony.org.

Ongoing

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s annual Boo at the Zoo event runs through Oct. 31. | Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. On weekends, there’s trick-or-treating, a magician and other activities. Included with zoo admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Thursday, Oct. 30, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on the weekends. $19 weekdays; $23 in advance online and $26 at the door on weekends; free for kids 2 and younger. Extra fees for animal rides ($8) and gem mining ($10-$25). goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 2 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3 and animal shows at 1:30 p.m. $6; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Alex Ross — Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 16, 2026, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, and free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, Oct. 26, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, shows, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1 at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Plus, kids’ Boo Fest and Oktoberfest. Tickets start at $45. sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Volo Paranormal Tours: Noon, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 2 at the Volo Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. Tour brings to life stories of paranormal encounters at the Volo museum. $3 with museum admission. Reservations recommended. volofun.com.

See a plethora of pumpkins at Jack O’Lantern World in Lake Zurich and Lemont this weekend. | Courtesy of All Community Events

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots start around 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1 at Paulus Park, 215 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, and The Forge, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont. See and explore thousands of pumpkins arranged in displays and more, plus a pumpkin patch, 30-foot inflatables, food trucks, a beer garden, mini golf and more. Tickets range from $17.99-$27.99. Thejackolanternworld.com.

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The Long Grove Pet Costume Parade steps off Sunday at noon | AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Oct. 17

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 17-19 and 22-26, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway where visitors will encounter characters and can watch live pumpkin carving. $22-$27 for adults, $15-$18 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Military Miniature Society of Illinois Show: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, 50 Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Exhibition featuring the work of modelers from around the world displaying painted miniature figures and original sculptures from historical to fantasy, armored and other vehicles, airplanes, ships, dioramas and vignettes. Vendor area offers model kits, paints, tools, books and more. $10, free for kids 12 and younger and active military with ID. military-miniature-society-of-illinois.com/about-the-show.

Boo Bash Spectacular: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Clauss Rec Center Maple Room, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Halloween party for kids 3-5 featuring a costume contest, spooky crafts and making a treat. Register by Oct. 14. $18-$23. rparks.org.

Boo Thru: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Randall Oaks Park, 750 Randall Road, West Dundee. Drive through the park for candy and surprises in a reverse trunk-or-treat. Fee is $6-$9 per vehicle. Register: dtpd.org/boo-thru

Inflatables, games and a magic show are a part of Boonanza Friday, Oct. 17, at the Community Recreation Center in Wheeling. | Daily Herald file photo

Boonanza: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Magic show, carnival games, a balloonist, inflatables and crafts for kids. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Hayrides at Hoffman Park: 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 5:15, 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the dog park at Hoffman Park, West Main Street, Cary. Hayride and campfire under the stars. $10 per person. Register: carypark.com

Zombie Fun Run: 6-8 p.m. Friday Oct. 17, at Volkening Lake, 900 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Run or walk in your Halloween costume for nearly two miles while being chased by zombies. Fee includes a hot dog or brat, chips and a drink. $10-$15. parkfun.com/event/zombie-fun-run

Teen Night “The Nightmare Before Christmas”: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Open swim, open gym, pizza and a movie for sixth to eighth graders. $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Space is limited. ahpd.org.

The Silhouettes: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Hemmens Cultural Center Main Stage Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. “LOVE Happens” is a family-friendly shadow dance story. $20-$39. Tickets: (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Hampshire Farmers and Outdoor Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Hampshire Commons, 113 W. Oak Knoll Drive, Hampshire. Farm-to-table goods, handmade items, packaged food, sweets, artisanal gifts and more. Free. facebook.com/HampshireFarmersMarket.

Boo Bash: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Costume parade, pumpkin painting, snacks and more. $20-$30. Register: carypark.com.

Reenactors fire a cannon during the Civil War Encampment and Battle at the Northbrook Sports Club in Hainesville. This year’s event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19. | Daily Herald file photo

Civil War Encampment & Battle: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, by the Northbrook Sports Club, off South Hainesville Road, Hainesville. Relive history as period-garbed reenactors re-create battles, bivouacs, battlefield surgeries and historical presentations of the American Civil War. Meet Abraham Lincoln, General Grant and others. Free. hainesville.org/civil-war-event

Haunted Hoffman Family Fest: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Fabbrini Park, 1704 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates. Live entertainment, Story-Walk Scavenger Hunt, carnival games, bounce house, mini golf, scenic hayride, pumpkin patch food drive, and meet members of the Hoffman Estates Fire and Police Departments. Register for the Trick or Treat Path to collect goodies and meet characters such as Elsa, Anna, Bluey, Chase, Big Bird and more. Free; Trick or Treat Path is $9 in advance, $12 on-site. heparks.org

Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Contest: 10:45-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Dan Schimmel Pavilion in Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. Canine costume contest and doggy egg hunt. Prizes and awards for the most unique and creative costumes. Free. bgparks.org/howl-o-ween

Frights & Delights: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Trunk-or-treating, a costume contest, hay rides and more. Dog-friendly event will feature a doggy costume contest and puppy adoptions. $8. vhparkdistrict.org

Harvest Hoot: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Oakton College, Parking Lot A, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. Live entertainment, an inflatable corn maze, a pumpkin-carving demonstration, family activities, a harvest artisan market, food trucks and more. No alcohol or pets. Free. desplaines.org

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale | Courtesy Chicago Botanic Garden

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale, Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale and Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Hundreds of varieties of daffodil bulbs will be available for purchase. Daffodil enthusiasts will be on hand to offer expert growing tips. Plus, see a display of freshly harvested fruit grown in the area by members of the Midwest Fruit Explorers, featuring apples, pears, paw paws, grapes, kiwis and more. The Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society will offer a variety of lily bulbs for sale. Free with general admission of $15.95-$25.95. chicagobotanic.org.

Trick-or-Treat Trail: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Kids and their guardians can walk the trail around the Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary and receive candy and other goodies. Scare-free. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Haunted Trail: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Scares along the one-third mile loop. Family hour from 4:30-5:30 p.m., active scaring from 7-9:30 p.m. $10, $5 for a repeat trip. Tickets in advance at the recreation center or at the trail (cash only). itascaparkdistrict.com.

Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 18 and 25, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride a spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve for family-friendly frights, including stories around the campfire with treats from Margie’s Girls’ Kitchen. A ghostly musician will lead campfire songs. Costumes welcome. $20. Register at foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The 18-piece big band performs a tribute to Tony Bennett. $45, $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org

Southern Avenue: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Blues, rock and gospel. $45-$53. prairiecenter.org

Sunday, Oct. 19

Calibre Car Show: 8-11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at The Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Themed car show season closer. Free. shopthearb.com/events.

Chicago Railroadiana & Model Train Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. 34th annual show. $6, free for kids younger than 12. rrshows.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. Free. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Pet Costume Parade: Noon Sunday, Oct. 19, at Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Registration is not required, but recommended. Free. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

Witches & Wizards of Woodstock features magic-themed activities and entertainment Sunday, Oct. 19. | Courtesy of the city of Woodstock

Witches & Wizards of Woodstock: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at historic Woodstock Square, Woodstock. All-ages event filled with mystical activities and entertainment, including The Magical Talking Hat, a fantasy-themed trivia contest, interactive scavenger hunts, live music and performances, crafts and games, food and more. Free admission; some activities have fees. witchesandwizardsevent.com.

Pumpkin Splash: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Pick a pumpkin in the pool and Halloween treats. For kids 2-7 accompanied by an adult. $13-$15. ahpd.org

Monday, Oct. 20

Adam Sandler: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. “You’re My Best Friend Tour.” Tickets start at $50.15. unitedcenter.com

Tuesday, Oct. 21

“Stars for Sara”: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Music, media and memories to honor the late Sara Janz. $37.75-$159.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Howl-A-Ween Dog Parade: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary. Costume parade and treats for dogs. $7 per dog. Register: carypark.com.

See a variety of pumpkins on display along with entertainment and activities at the annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 22-26. | Daily Herald file photo, 2017

Pumpkin Festival: Various times Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 22-26, with many activities at Main and State streets and on the courthouse lawn, Sycamore. 64th annual festival with decorated pumpkins, carnivals, nonprofit vendors, craft shows, Saturday entertainment and activities. Autumn Craft and Treasures Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Sycamore High School Fieldhouse; $1-$3 entry. The 47th annual Sycamore Chamber 10K Pumpkin Run starts at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Pumpkin Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Free; some activities have fees. sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on the weekends. $19 weekdays; $23 in advance online and $26 at the door on weekends; free for kids 2 and younger. Extra fees for animal rides ($8) and gem mining ($10-$25). goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

McHenry Stade’s Farm Market: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Free. stadesfarmandmarket.com.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 2 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3 and animal shows at 1:30 p.m. $6; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Alex Ross — Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 16, 2026, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. On weekends, there’s trick-or-treating, a magician and other activities. Included with zoo admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, through Sunday, Oct. 26, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, shows, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1 at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Plus, kids’ Boo Fest and Oktoberfest. Tickets start at $45. sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Richardson Adventure Farm: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 26 at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $24, $20 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $30/$24 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots start around 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1 at Paulus Park, 215 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, and The Forge, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont. See and explore thousands of pumpkins arranged in displays and more, plus a pumpkin patch, 30-foot inflatables, food trucks, a beer garden, mini golf and more. Tickets range from $17.99-$27.99. Thejackolanternworld.com.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience: Various times through Nov. 2 (except Oct. 20-21 and 27-28) at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Highway 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, $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

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Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns returns Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 8-26, to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. | Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Oct. 3

MainStreet Libertyville’s First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Festival of Arts & Crafts Show: 2-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Shop for handcrafted products exhibited by local and national crafters. $5. stepbysteppromotions.com

Downtown Elgin Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, on South Riverside Drive, Elgin. Farmers, makers, live music, Sip N’ Shop and kids’ activities. Dog-friendly. LINK Matching program. downtownelgin.com/market.

GT Sports Autograph & Sports Card Show: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Sports card and autograph vendors, authenticators and more. Scheduled guests include Warren Moon, Colson Montgomery, Noah Schultz, Colston Loveland and others. $5 for Friday, $10 for Saturday or Sunday. gtsportsshows.com.

The Taste of Arlington Heights returns Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3-4. | John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com, Sept. 27, 2024

Harmony Fest Featuring the Taste of Arlington Heights: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Harmony Park, Campbell Street and Vail Avenue, Arlington Heights. Concerts and food and drinks from local restaurants. Music lineup: Friday: Student Body at 5 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday: Fearless: The Taylor Tribute at 3 p.m., The Breakfast Club at 5 p.m., and Hello Weekend at 8:30 p.m. Free. vah.com/harmonyfest.

Lincoln Park Wine Fest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood, Chicago. Open-air market featuring wine tastings and food pavilions. Admission starts at $32.50. chicagoevents.com/event/lincoln-park-wine-fest.

Hayrides at Hoffman Park: 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 5:15, 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 3-25, at the dog park at Hoffman Park, West Main Street, Cary. Hayride and campfire under the stars. $10 per person. Register: carypark.com.

“Beetlejuice Jr.”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Theatre 121 students perform in this zany afterlife adventure based on the Tim Burton classic. $15-$25. woodstockil.gov

GreenRoom’s First Fridays Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Hemmens Theatre in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $15-$20. hemmens.org.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Family Fall Fest: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 4, at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace, 511 S. York St., Elmhurst. Safety Town trick-or-treating and fall festivities. Costumes encouraged. Food trucks: Brown’s Chicken, Nick’s Wood Fired Pizza Truck, Tacos El Amigazo, D’s Treats & Ice Cream and Smallcakes. Free. epd.org

The South Elgin Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival returns to SEBA Park Saturday, Oct. 4. | John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com, 2021

Pumpkin Patch Festival: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. South Elgin Parks & Rec’s annual fall event features a costume pet parade at 10 a.m., craft show, inflatable, face painting, pyramid of hay and painting station with purchase. New: pumpkin decorating contest for local businesses and service organizations. For details, email Jess Day at JDay@southelgin.com. Free. southelgin.com/pumpkin.

Algonquin Harvest Market: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Main Street in downtown Algonquin. Algonquin Rotary Club’s eighth annual event with fresh produce, artisans, crafters, food, entertainment, giveaways and more. Free. AlgonquinHarvestMarket.com.

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, Oct. 4-31, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Annual family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. On weekends, there’s trick-or-treating, a magician and other activities. Included with zoo admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

The Pet Costume Parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday during the South Elgin Pumpkin Patch Festival. | Courtesy of Village of South Elgin

South Elgin Pet Costume Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. Parade begins at approximately 10 a.m. along the sidewalk on South Water Street. Categories: scariest, cutest, funniest and best owner/pet costume. Pets must be leashed. Come early for the Pumpkin Patch Festival. On-site registration from 9:30-9:50 a.m. Free. southelgin.com/petparade.

Rolling Meadows Hometown Hoedown: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Kimball Hill Park, 3286 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Family activities and a performance by Buckle at 6 p.m. Free. cityrm.org.

Roselle Founders Day: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Claus Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Music from the Jolly Ringwalds and ’90s Pop Nation. Pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin jump, hayrides, food truck, beer garden, obstacle course, bumper cars, face painting, balloonist, giant slide, Euro bungee, zip line and rock wall. Hosted by the village of Roselle and Roselle Park District. Free. rparks.org.

Special guests, including the World’s Tallest Scarecrow, entertain visitors at Blackberry Farm during Pumpkin Weekends.

Randhurst Village Fall Fest: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Randhurst Village, off Randhurst Village Drive, Mount Prospect. Pumpkin decorating, tractor rides, face painting, balloon twisters, stilt walkers, bounce house and more. Stillman Nature Preserve will be bringing owls. Free entry and activities. No tickets required. randhurstvillage.com.

Light Up the Sky: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at James O. Breen Community Park, 3615 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles. Lighted kite show by professionals from Chicago Kite. DJ entertainment from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Treats for purchase from Sugar Mama’s Mini Donuts and Wild Fries food trucks. Free. stcparks.org/events.

Chicago Beer Fest: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Sample seasonal beers from over 65 breweries while perusing select museum exhibits. Early admission $70; general admission $55. No tickets will be sold at the door. thechicagobeerfestival.com.

Tasting booths from more than 30 local breweries will be stationed along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk and the Frost Hill walking path during the Cider and Ale Festival Saturday at Morton Arboretum. | Courtesy of Morton Arboretum

Cider and Ale Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Tasting booths offering more than 60 different ciders and ales from more than 30 local breweries will be stationed along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk and the Frost Hill walking path. Tasting tickets include 20 3-ounce samples. There will be no general admission to the Arboretum Saturday. $65-$85; designated driver: $25-$35; kids: free for members, $12 for nonmembers. mortonarb.org.

Corridos y Canciones: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Performance by BFH (formerly known as Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl). $25, $22 for seniors, and $15 for kids 10 and younger. eccartscenter.org

Classic Albums Live: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Hemmens Cultural Center Main Stage Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 multiplatinum album “Rumours” is re-created live on stage. $26-$58. Tickets: (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org.

Sunday, Oct. 5

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in Mike Rylko Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Meat, cheese, bakery, coffee, knife sharpening and more from 42 vendors, with weekly entertainment, a kids’ craft tent, and Business of the Week vendors and nonprofits. vbg.org/165/Farmers-Market.

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 110 exhibitors selling 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.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Get a look at 19th-century farm life Sunday, Oct. 5, during the Autumn Harvest Festival at Spring Valley Nature Center Heritage Farm in Schaumburg. | Daily Herald file photo, 2023

Autumn Harvest Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. Demonstrations of 19th-century farm life, kids’ crafts and games, pumpkin decorating, live music, food and beverages and more. $5 per person or $20 per family; free for kids 2 and younger. parkfun.com.

Oktoberfest: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Twin Lakes Recreational Area, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, Palatine. Games, hayrides, food and drinks, raffles and more. Live music by Die Musikmeisters. Food for purchase includes bratwurst with sauerkraut, German potato salad and Oktoberfest beer. Donate five nonperishable food items to receive a free pumpkin, or buy one for $5. Free. saltcreekpd.com

Authors Fair 2025: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Meet with local authors. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Free. gailborden.info.

“John Candy: I Like Me”: An Evening with Ryan Reynolds & Friends: 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. The 2025 documentary presented by producer Ryan Reynolds. Tickets start at $79.05. msg.com

Wednesday, Oct. 8

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 8-12, 15-19 and 22-26, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway where visitors will encounter characters and can watch live pumpkin carving. $22-$27 for adults, $15-$18 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Thursday, Oct. 9

During Witches Night Out Thursday, Oct. 9, take advantage of specials, discounts, giveaways and more at participating business in Long Grove. | Courtesy of Grimaldi Public Relations

Witches Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Downtown businesses will offer specials, discounts, giveaways and more. Check in and registration will take place at the Village Tavern, 135 Old McHenry Road. Free; registration is recommended but not required. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

John Cleese & The Holy Grail at 50: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Celebrate 50 years of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” with John Cleese. Tickets start at $75.50. geneseetheatre.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on the weekends. $19 weekdays; $23 in advance online and $26 at the door on weekends; free for kids 2 and younger. Extra fees for animal rides ($8) and gem mining ($10-$25). goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

McHenry Stade’s Farm Market: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Free. stadesfarmandmarket.com.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 2 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3 and animal shows at 1:30 p.m. $6; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, though Sunday, Oct. 26, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, shows, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 1, at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Plus, kids Boo Fest and Oktoberfest. Tickets start at $45. sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots start around 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1 at Paulus Park, 215 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, and The Forge, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont. See and explore thousands of pumpkins arranged in displays and more, plus a pumpkin patch, 30-foot inflatables, food trucks, a beer garden, mini golf and more. Tickets range from $17.99-$27.99. Thejackolanternworld.com.

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