The Barrington Hills Observer

The 16th annual Barrington Mother’s Day 5K Run/Walk is Sunday | 2022 photo courtesy Chicago Tribune

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, May 9

The International Gem & Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, May 9; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 10; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Shop vendors for gems and jewelry and equipment and accessories for jewelry making. $6 online, $8 at the door. intergem.com.

Mother’s Day Spring Market: 3-8 p.m. Friday, May 9, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at The Quarry, 5517 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake. Shopping, food and activities for all ages. $2. thequarrycablepark.com.

Tinker Boys: 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy., Barrington. The Tinker Boys Trio meld traditional Irish, American country and folk music. Register in advance. Free. balibrary.org.

“Disaster!”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and the music of the ’70s take center stage in this homage to classic disaster films. $24-$35. bignoise.org/disaster.

GreenMan Theatre’s staged reading of “Miss Holmes Returns” runs Fridays through Sundays, May 9-18, at the Elmhurst History Museum’s Education Center. | Courtesy of GreenMan Theatre

“Miss Holmes Returns”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 9-18, at the Elmhurst History Museum’s Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. GreenMan Theatre’s staged reading based on Arthur Conan Doyle characters. greenmantheatre.org.

“Stand-Up Momedy”: 8 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. A clean(ish) standup comedy show featuring Kristen Toomey, Chastity Washington, Colleen Brennan and Bridget McGuire. $30-$45. Rauecenter.org.

Saturday, May 10

Barrington Spring Wine Walk: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 10, check-in at Neoteca, 130 S. Hough St., Barrington. Sip fine wines from local suppliers while exploring downtown shops. $45 in advance. barringtonchamber.com.

Maifest: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11, at Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove. Usher in the new season around the maypole. Free. buffalocreekbrewing.com.

Elmhurst Symphony Presents Stanger Young Artist Competition Concert: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. A competition for young musicians featuring three groups of high school musicians, each of whom is a finalist in the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 annual Stanger Young Artist Competition. $10-$12. elmhurstsymphony.org.

“The Wedding Singer”: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, May 10 and 17, and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 11 and 18, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Musical based on the hit movie. $18-$30. cuttinghall.org.

“70s FM Radio Rock: A Tribute to 70s Rock”: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Join Soundtracks of a Generation for a musical journey from 1970 to 1979 through the eyes of a DJ. $40-$49. rauecenter.org.

Sunday, May 11

16th annual Barrington Mother’s Day 5K Run/Walk: 8 a.m. Sunday, May 11, at the BMO Harris Bank Parking Lot, 212 S. Grove Ave., Barrington. Run or walk through downtown Barrington and celebrate at the finish line with a gourmet cake pop and a rose for every finisher. Race-day packet pickup from 7-7:45 a.m. Registration: $39.99 for adults, $12.99 for kids 12 and younger, free for 100-Meter Kids Dash. allcommunityevents.com/mothersday5k.

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform the “Image” concert Sunday, May 11, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater. | Courtesy of EYSO

EYSO’s “Image” concert: 1:30, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras closes its 49th season, continuing the theme of “Soundscapes,” featuring the five orchestras, brass choir, flute choir, percussion ensembles, Starter Strings program and Chamber Music Institute. $16-$27. EYSO.org.

Monday, May 12

ECC Hip-Hop Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, at Elgin Community College’s SecondSpace, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Concert of beats, rhymes and rhythm under the direction of Adam Schlipmann. $12; $10 for seniors and youth. eccartscenter.org.

Tuesday, May 13

“Thanks for the Memories: A USO Salute Encore”: 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. This USO Salute includes a tribute to artists such as the Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney and more. $35-$39. metropolisarts.com.

Amazing Taiwan Performance: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at Bartlett High School, 701 W. Schick Road, Bartlett. Blending dance, singing, music and drama, the performance highlights Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and its contemporary expressions and celebrates the 15-year relationship between Sister Cities Miaoli City, Taiwan, and the village of Bartlett. Free; registration required. artsinbartlett.org/sistercity.

ECC Jazz Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The ensemble, under the direction of Shawn Maxwell, blends smooth melodies, infectious rhythms and improvisation. $12; $10 for seniors and kids. eccartscenter.org.

Wednesday, May 14

AEW Presents Dynamite & Collision: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. All Elite Wrestling. Tickets start at $25. nowarena.com.

Craig Shoemaker: 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Standup comedy. $25. improv.com/chicago.

CLC Concert Band Spring Concert: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The ensemble performs familiar and favorite musical works. $7-$8. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.

ECC American Roots Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Elgin Community College’s SecondSpace, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Blues, country, bluegrass and folk. Directed by Adam Schlipmann. $12; $10 for seniors and kids. eccartscenter.org

Thursday, May 15

A Colorful World with Sue Briesch and Cynthia Jones: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Art Night Out featuring local works of art, light bites and conversation. Free. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Deric Cahill: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Standup comedy. $25. improv.com/chicago.

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The Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular performances are this weekend

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Dec. 13

International Gem & Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Shop directly from wholesalers, manufacturers and designers in a marketplace setting. Kids younger than 9 not permitted. $6 online, $8 at the door. intergem.com.

“Nutcracker All Jazzed Up”: Noon, 3 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, at the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Presented by the Bartlett Park District and Lisa’s School of Dance, the production includes local dancers performing to Tchaikovsky’s musical score reorchestrated into a modern, up-tempo, family-friendly experience. Tickets required. bartlettparkdistrict.com.

Sons of Serendip Christmas — Beyond the Lights: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. A finalist on Season 9 of “America’s Got Talent,” this classical crossover quartet includes a harpist, cellist, pianist and lead vocalist. $37. eccartscenter.org/events/centerstage.

Electric Illumination: 8:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A special late-night experience when ages 18 and older can enjoy a curated playlist of Diva Anthems synchronized to the light displays. A DJ will be stationed in Arbor Court. Hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages and s’more kits can be purchased in concession tents and enjoyed by the bonfires. Tickets start at $30 at mortonarb.org.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Algonquin Breakfast with Santa: Seatings every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 14, at Cucina Bella, 220 S. Main St., Algonquin. All you-can-eat breakfast buffet, crafts and a visit with Santa. $32 for residents, $42 for nonresidents 13 and older; $25/$35 for kids 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. rec.algonquin.org.

Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Brunch at the Magnolia Café & Bakery, kids’ crafts and a goody bag. $18.95, $7.95 for kids younger than 2. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.org.

Doggy Grinchmas: 9:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Sheila Ray Adult Center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Bring your dog and participate in a variety of activities. All participants will receive a souvenir picture with the Grinch. Dogs must be leashed; retractable leashes are not allowed. Registration deadline is Dec 11. elkgroveparks.org.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with kids in Cook Park during MainStreet Libertyville’s Dickens of a Holiday on Saturday, Dec. 14. | Courtesy of MainStreet Libertyville

Dickens of a Holiday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in downtown Libertyville. Photos with Santa in Cook Park, Children’s Holiday Shoppe at Petranek’s Pharmacy and Victorian Tea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Libertyville Civic Center. Free; donations of nonperishable food items appreciated. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Santa Paws: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 14, at Clayson House Museum & Library, 224 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Price includes a souvenir photo of your pet with Santa, a stocking full of treats and a craft activity for your dog. For dogs only. Registration is required. $10-$15. palatineparks.org.

Winter Frostival: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Meet a real Ice Princess and Ice Queen, plus strolling carolers, winter animals, Santa Claus, storytime, crafts, cookies and cocoa. Free. ahpd.org/event/winter-frostival-2.

Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, around the Huntley Town Square. Custom-carved holiday animation-themed ice sculptures will be on display on the sidewalks. Tickets are for sale on the Huntley Area Chamber Facebook page and website for $18 for mug and s’mores, $15 for mug only and $5 for s’mores only. Mugs will not be sold on the day of the event. huntley.il.us.

LeeWards Style Ornaments: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. For decades, LeeWards sold craft supplies and decorations from their flagship store on State Street. Kids 6 or older can make their own LeeWards-style sequin ornament to take home. $5 per ornament. elginhistory.org.

Jingle Bell Zumba: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Ave., Palatine. Dress in Christmas attire for this Jingle Bell Zumba party. $10-$15. palatineparks.org/event/jingle-bell-zumba-2.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular: 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular includes carols, new spins on modern favorites and an appearance by Santa Claus. $20-$65. elginsymphony.org.

The Arlingtones will perform Saturday, Dec. 14, at First United Methodist Church in Arlington Heights. | Courtesy of Arlington Heights Historical Society

Arlingtones Christmas Concert: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. $5.20-$12.75. arlingtones.net.

Green Oaks Holiday Chorus concert: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1151 N. St. Mary’s Road, Libertyville. Choral selections, carols and popular Christmas songs. Free. Monetary donations go to PADS. (847) 362-3809.

“Jingle Moms”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Comedy show featuring Ana Belaval, Jeanie Doogan and Chelsea Hood. $35-$45. rauecenter.org.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Christmas Concert: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. “Carols Old and New: A Celebration in Song and Scripture” features a combined choir, handbells, organ, piano and a sing-along. Freewill offering. faithlutheran-ah.org.

“Welcome Christmas” by Lake County Symphony Orchestra: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Village Hall Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods. Program features Barber Die Natalie and Alfred Reed Russian Christmas music. $40; $10 with student ID; free for kids 5 and younger. lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Elgin will hold its Living Nativity on Sunday, Dec. 15. | John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

A Living Nativity: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 40W720 Plank Road, Elgin. An outdoor Living Nativity with real people and live animals, followed by carolers, cookies, hot cocoa and coffee. Photo opportunities and seating is available for those with disabilities. Free. stpauluccelgin.org.

Northwest Choral Society — A Northwest Christmas: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Saint Raymond’s Catholic Church, Lincoln Street and Elmhurst Avenue, Mount Prospect. Holiday music and a Christmas bake sale. Cash or check only for tickets purchased at the door. $15-$20. nwchoralsociety.org/concerts/a-northwest-christmas.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

“White Christmas” sing-along: 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 17-18, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Sing along with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen at these special screenings of the 1954 Christmas classic. Concessions open at 6 p.m. $10. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Itasca Holiday Trolley Lights Tour: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18-19, starting at the Itasca Waterpark, 100 N. Catalpa St., Itasca. Sip hot cocoa while traveling around town to see the light displays at the Winter Wonderland and other sites. $10. Register: itascaparkdistrict.com.

Itasca Pictures With Santa: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Usher Park gazebo, 203 S. Walnut, Itasca. Take 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.

Ongoing

Long Grove Vintage Holidays: Through Tuesday, Dec. 24, in downtown Long Grove. Holiday walk, horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends, Santa in the village, caroling around town and more. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season.

Happy Holiday Railway: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 14-15 and 21-22, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Aboard the train you’ll meet Santa, see the light and music show, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Trips at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled trip. $25. Tickets: irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway.

Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 12-15 and 19-22, and Thursday through Tuesday, Dec. 26-31, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Features over 2 million twinkling LED lights, themed lighting areas, Santa visits through Dec. 22, Holiday Market, treats and sips and seasonal attractions. Zoo admission and parking fees apply. Advance tickets are required. brookfieldzoo.org//HolidayMagic.

Illumination Tree Lights: 4:30-9:30 p.m. select days through Saturday, Jan. 4, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. See 17 displays of lights set to music highlighting the beauty of trees in winter along a 1-mile, ADA-accessible, paved path. Roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy a hot seasonal beverage from the concession tents along the trail. The exhibition is closed select Mondays and Tuesdays and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets: mortonarb.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe hosts Lightscape through Jan. 5. | Courtesy of the Chicago Botanic Garden

Lightscape: 4:30-9:15 p.m. select dates through Jan. 5 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Take a nighttime stroll through illuminated displays. $32 for members, $34 for nonmembers for adults; $17/$19 for kids 3-12 in advance; $37/$39 for adults, $22/$24 for kids the day of. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.

Santa House: 5-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 22, in the Brink Street Market, Crystal Lake. Visit with Santa Claus. downtowncl.org/events.

Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 6 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 27; plus 2 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 19 and 26, Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. $36-$187. joffrey.org.

“The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 12-13, and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Schaumburg Dance Ensemble performs Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet. $30-$48. prairiecenter.org.

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”: 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays; 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, through Dec. 29, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Showbiz buddies and military comrades Bob Wallace and Phil Davis stage a winter pageant to save a struggling Vermont inn owned by their old commanding officer. Ticket prices start at $63. marriotttheatre.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and dates through Dec. 23 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Appropriate for ages 5 and older; kids 3 and younger will not be permitted. $20-$45. metropolisarts.com/event/christmas-carol-2024.

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By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Starts before Friday

Luminaria Walk-Lit Trail: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 4-6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, at Veterans Acres, 431 N. Walkup Ave., Crystal Lake. Stroll along a lit trail through Veteran Acres. On Saturday, there will be campfires, hot cocoa and cookies, Nature Center Candy Cane Forest and carolers and Mrs. Claus. $1; $5 max per family donation appreciated. facebook.com/VeteranAcresPark.

Friday, Dec. 6

Barrington Dance Ensemble’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Barrington High School, 616 Main St., Barrington. Guest artists from national and Chicago regional dance companies perform the lead soloist roles. Joining them will be more than 100 local performers. $25-$38. (847) 382-6333 or barringtondance.org.

Dickens in Dundee: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in East and West Dundee. In West Dundee: tree lighting ceremony, gingerbread house making, Festival of Trees, Santa’s Petting Zoo and Dundee Lions’ Christmas tree sales in Grafelman Park. In East Dundee near the Depot, 319 N. River St.: tree lighting ceremony and Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. Friday. Activities include Living Windows from 6-8 p.m., visits with Santa from 6-9 p.m. with free hot chocolate and cookies, “Those Funny Little People” Toy Making Elves, Frozen Robins Caroling Quartet, character appearances, free horse-drawn carriage rides and more. The Riverside Parade of Lights steps off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on South Lincoln Avenue in West Dundee, then heads north to cross the Main Street Bridge in Carpentersville, then south on Washington/Water Street to East Dundee, ending at Railroad Street around 7 p.m. The parade marshal is Joe Minoso, who plays Joe Cruz on “Chicago Fire.” dickensindundee.org or eastdundee.net.

International Gem & Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; ad 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg. Shop directly from wholesalers, manufacturers and designers in a marketplace setting. $6 online, $8 at the door. intergem.com.

“Nutcracker All Jazzed Up”: Noon, 3 and 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, at the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Presented by the Bartlett Park District and Lisa’s School of Dance, the production includes local dancers performing to Tchaikovsky’s musical score re-orchestrated into a modern, up-tempo, family-friendly experience. Tickets required. bartlettparkdistrict.com.

Hawthorn Woods Hometown Holiday: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Santa arrives at 4:10 p.m. Visits with Santa and photo opportunities from 4:30-6 p.m. Lighting of the community tree at 6:15 p.m. Free. vhw.org.

Merry & Bright Holiday Open House: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 415 W. North Ave., Bartlett. Holiday open house with complimentary cocoa and cookies, holiday market, Christmas trees and a live Nativity. Free. bartlettiucc.org/merry-bright.

Fox River Grove Tree Lighting: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in the village hall parking lot, 305 Illinois St., Fox River Grove. facebook.com/frgliving.

Elgin Sing-Along Messiah: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at ECC’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Annual community sing-along of selections from Handel’s “Messiah” showcasing Elgin-area musicians and vocalists from Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Midwest Opera Theatre and Elgin Master Chorale. Proceeds benefit PADS of Elgin. No experience is necessary; chorus scores available at the door. $7; free for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org.

Palatine Concert Band Holiday Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. The Palatine Concert Band, under the direction of Frederick Lowe, presents traditional and holiday tunes. $10 adults; $8 seniors and students; $3 kids 12 and younger. cuttinghall.org.

The Village Singers’ Holiday Serenade Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Peace Lutheran Church, 1050 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. $15, free for kids younger than 12. peacelutheranlz.com.

Concert Choir and SPECTRA Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Performing Arts Center at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Concert Choir and SPECTRA bring together students and community members to share their voices in song. Free for current Harper College students; $10-$15 for all others. events.harpercollege.edu.

Harmonies for the Holidays — Cantus Vocal Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. The low-voice ensemble performs holiday classics and unique seasonal pieces. $40. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Visit Santa at Barrington’s White House during the Village’s Holiday Festival for a festive, family-friendly event.

Holiday Open House: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Visit with Santa, cookies and refreshments and take photos in front of the Christmas tree. Free; registration required. barringtonswhitehouse.com/event/holiday-open-house-2.

Barrington’s Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the BMO lot and on Cook Street, downtown Barrington. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Holly Jolly Holiday: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Wauconda Park District Community Center, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Pictures with Santa, local vendor market, trolley rides, crafts, entertainment, food and more. Indoor activities from 1-4 p.m. Outdoor holiday carolers by the decorated tree at 4:45 p.m. Outdoor tree lighting with Santa and Parade of Lights at 5 p.m. Free. waucondachamber.org.

Algonquin Merry Market on Main: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, on Main Street in Old Town Algonquin. Shop from over 25 artisan vendors. algonquin.org/recreation.

Algonquin Miracle on Main: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, on Main Street plaza in Algonquin. Live holiday performances, ice-sculpting displays, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, trackless train rides, Old Town holiday displays, kids’ activities, hot chocolate and the arrival of Santa. Tree lighting at the historic village hall plaza. Free. algonquin.org/recreation.

Lambs Farm will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8 and 14-15, in Libertyville. | Daily Herald file photo

Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8 and 14-15, at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Dine on brunch at the Magnolia Café & Bakery and visit Santa’s workshop to pick out a gift, get a festive temporary tattoo, make a sand art creation and take home a goody bag. $18.95, $7.95 for kids younger than 2. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.org.

Santa’s Workshop: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Santa visits and photo ops, cookie decorating and hot cocoa. Registration required. rmparks.org.

A Very Merry Huntley: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Town Square, 11704 Coral St., Huntley. Running of the Elves 5K, Kriss Kringle Market, kids’ games and crafts, trackless train rides, and voting for your favorite decorated tree. Community dinner at the Legion Hall. At 5 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck to light the square before the holiday fireworks show and visits with Santa in the gazebo. huntley.il.us.

Dickens of a Holiday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, in downtown Libertyville. Photos with Santa in Cook Park, Children’s Holiday Shoppe at Petranek’s Pharmacy and Victorian Tea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Libertyville Civic Center. Free; donations of nonperishable food items appreciated. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Winterfest: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. HeParks’ Star Dance Academy performers, games, crafts, inflatables, dog sled demo, sleigh ride and community vendors. Free. heparks.org/event/winterfest.

Corks & Canines: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Durty Nellie’s, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Bring your dogs to A Closer Bond’s third annual event featuring wine tastings, pictures with Santa, raffles, and a dog training and tricks showcase. Free; donations benefit K9’s for Veterans. RSVP at (847) 358-7312, ext. 1.

M3 Dance’s “The Nutcracker”: Noon and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and noon Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Hemmens Exhibition Hall, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A fresh take on this classic tale featuring artists from ballet and contemporary companies. $30-$40; $5 off for those 62 and older or 9 and younger. elginil.gov.

Wayne Tree Lighting: 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Historic Depot building, off Army Trail Road, Wayne. The Citizen of the Year will light up the holiday tree. Hot chocolate and cookies, commemorative ornaments, kids’ crafts, self-tour of the historic depot, carol singing and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Take a photo with Santa. The tree will be illuminated throughout January. Free. villageofwayne.org.

“A Night of Christmas Music”: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave., Elgin. Featuring tenors Jeorge Holmes, Franco Martorana and Simon Lee; soprano Rise Jones; violinist Daniela Folker; and accompanist Murna Hansemann. A reception will follow. Donations welcome. (847) 742-6431.

A Bing Crosby Christmas with Jared Bradshaw: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at ECC’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Broadway baritone Jared Bradshaw celebrates crooner Bing Crosby. $42. eccartscenter.org/events/centerstage/.

Sunday, Dec. 8

Community Holiday Tea: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Barrington’s White House, 145. W. Main St., Barrington. Hot tea, scones, finger sandwiches, champagne, wine and more. For women 21 and older. $85. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Fest: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, along Main Street and Jandus Road, Cary. 23rd annual parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Main Street. Visit Santa and The Grinch, plus pony rides, sleigh rides, carolers, activities, music and more. Free. carygrovechamber.com.

Harper College Festival Chorus Christmas Concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. The Harper College Festival Chorus, with a professional 31-piece orchestra directed by Greg Tipps, performs its annual Christmas Concert. $20; $15 for seniors and students; free for kids younger than 12. harpercollege.edu/arts.

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Hanson String Quartet will perform Sunday, Dec. 8, at the St. Charles Public Library. | Courtesy of EYSO

EYSO Hanson String Quartet: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the St. Charles Public Library Carnegie Community Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. Sunday Concert Series features the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra’s quartet. Free. scpld.org.

The Ides of March Christmas Show: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Annual Christmas show with Grammy winner Jim Peterik and the seven-piece band, featuring two concerts in one. First, a Christmas celebration featuring each individual member of the Ides performing classic and original Christmas songs in their own way. The second set features hits of the Ides/Survivor/.38 Special. Special guest Toby Hitchcock, lead vocalist for Jim Peterik’s Pride of Lions, joins the Ides this year. $39-$69. arcadalive.com.

Monday, Dec. 9

103.5 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, at Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Jack Harlow, Teddy Swims, Jason Derulo, Benson Boone, Madison Beer, Saweetie, NCT Dream and Wonho. $25-$250; parking is $25. rosemont.com/allstate/event/103-5-kiss-fms-jingle-ball.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

ECC Jazz Ensembles: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Directed by Shawn Maxwell. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

ECC Concert Band Winter Concert: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Directed by Greg Matushek. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org.

Thursday, Dec. 12

Pentatonix’s “Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $25-$250. rosemont.com/allstate.

ECC Steel Bands: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Under the direction of Scott McConnell, the band performs calypso, reggae, rock and more. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org.

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