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District 220 Public Hearing December 16th re: “proposal to sell bonds of the District in an amount not to exceed $5,400,000”

December 7, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE INTENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 220, LAKE, COOK, KANE AND MCHENRY COUNTIES, ILLINOIS TO SELL NOT TO EXCEED $5,400,000 WORKING CASH FUND BONDS

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Community Unit School District Number 220, Lake, Cook, Kane and McHenry Counties, Illinois (the “District”), will hold a public hearing on the 16th day of December, 2025, at 6:00 clock P.M. The hearing will be held at the District Administrative Center, 515 West Main Street, Barrington, Illinois. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public comments on the proposal to sell bonds of the District in an amount not to exceed $5,400,000 for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of the District.

By order of the President of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District Number 220, Lake, Cook, Kane and McHenry Counties, Illinois.
DATED the 2nd day of December, 2025.

Diana Clopton
Secretary, Board of Education,
Community Unit School District Number 220,
Lake, Cook, Kane and McHenry Counties, Illinois

Source

Posted in 220, Board of Education, District 220 referendum, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | 1 Comment »

World War II veteran and D-Day pilot celebrates 106th birthday with major home renovation in McHenry County

December 7, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Edward “Bud” Berthold, who was a B-24 bomber pilot in World War 2, received a major home renovation at his residence in Fox River Grove to celebrate his 106th birthday. | Provided Photos

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A 106-year-old veteran of World War II has received an amazing birthday gift after supporters and donors renovated his McHenry County home to assist him with his continued care.

Edward “Bud” Berthold was a B-24 bomber pilot in World War 2 who flew over 35 successful combat missions as the pilot of the famed Fort Worth Maid B-24 Liberator at the age of 24.

The bombing runs included runs on D-Day over Utah Beach.

Edward “Bud” Berthold, who was a B-24 bomber pilot in World War 2, received a major home renovation at his residence in Fox River Grove to celebrate his 106th birthday. | Provided Photos

The goal of the Bud Project was to raise money and labor needed to renovate Berthold’s home in McHenry and to make his house wheelchair accessible, according to Mark Finnegan, the President and Co-Founder of VetsRoll, which is a veteran charity non-profit.

The work included a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system and an ADA-compliant ramp to make it easier for Berthold to get around.

The work also included new bathroom fixtures, new doors, new cabinets, updated electrical wiring, a new roof and a new driveway.

A GoFundMe account has raised almost $20,000, not including a $5,000 donation from a local business.

Read more here.

Posted in Fundraisers, Lake & McHenry County Scanner, The Greatest Generation | 1 Comment »

Illinois educators hope to tackle thorny issue of math competence

December 7, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Aaron Lefller via Unsplash

By Peter Hancock | Capitol News Illinois

Each year, the Illinois State Board of Education releases an annual report card with data showing how students are doing in the basic subjects of reading, writing and math.

And each year when those numbers come out, reporters, teachers, parents and school officials sift through the data looking for evidence to show whether scores are improving, holding steady or getting worse.

But one trend has been so consistent over the years, it rarely draws much public attention. Overall, students score lower in math than they do in English language arts.

That was true on the 2025 report card, which showed only 38.4% of Illinois students overall scored proficient or better in math, compared to 52.4% in English language arts.

Illinois students are not unique in that regard. Nationwide, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the “nation’s report card,” 59% of eighth graders in 2024 scored at or above the “basic” level in math — the achievement level most closely aligned with grade-level expectations — compared to 66% who did so in reading.

Even on the international stage, American students do not perform as well in math as their counterparts in many other industrialized democracies. Scores from the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, or TIMSS exam — a project of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics — showed eighth grade students in the U.S., on average, scored  below their peers in countries like Singapore, Japan, Sweden and Australia.

In Illinois, officials at the State Board of Education hope to close the gap through the development of a statewide, comprehensive “numeracy plan.” The document will direct not just the way math is taught in the classroom, but how math teachers are trained in the profession and math programs are administered in school districts.

Read more here.

Related: “How well are your local third graders reading?”

Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Capitol News Illinois, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture

December 5, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

I attended the Barrington 220 Board of Education meeting (Tuesday), arriving shortly after six o’clock. I expected what most engaged residents expect: the chance to be heard. Instead, I watched a familiar story unfold, one that extends far beyond the night’s agenda item and deep into the culture that now defines our district.

Residents spoke passionately about their neighborhoods, some living there for three decades or more, describing the consequences the proposed Hager Ave. parking expansion would bring to safety, congestion, character, and precedent. They offered facts, first-hand observations, alternative solutions, and historical context.

And yet, rather than engaging with the substance, district leadership defaulted to performance: head-nods, polished reassurances, carefully crafted anecdotes including the now-infamous story of a parent who bought a second home in 1999 to secure a parking spot for their child. It was more than tone-deaf; it was revealing.

As community members spoke from lived experience, Superintendent Winkelman responded with scripted confidence, as if the concerns in front of him were theoretical or uninformed. It was an extraordinary display of disconnect, one that didn’t seem to register, even as residents grew visibly upset at being spoken at instead of spoken with.

But here’s the truth:

The parking lot is not the real issue.
The levy is not the real issue.
The real issue is leadership culture.

And this culture is showing itself everywhere.

A Pattern of Selective Listening and Selective Accountability

This past year alone, I and many other residents have tried to raise concerns- not political, not personal, but about professionalism, ethics, safety, and financial responsibility.

✔ When a teacher made dismissive comments about parents in front of students
The administration reframed it as a “Back-to-School Night misunderstanding,” defended the teacher, and never addressed the core issue:
students heard an adult ridicule parent concerns.
No acknowledgment. No ownership.

✔ When a Board member launched a partisan legislative campaign while still serving on the Board
Policies 2:80-E and 2:105 were bent to their narrowest possible interpretation.
The district even used taxpayer-funded legal counsel to review campaign-related conflicts — despite policies prohibiting such use of public resources.
Again, no accountability. Only justification.

✔ When a police incident caused confusion and fear before school
Parents were left in the dark. Staff did not know whether classes were even proceeding.
My written request for communication improvements and safety prioritization received no response at all.
Across situations big and small, the message has been the same:
the district hears what’s convenient and ignores what isn’t. 

Meanwhile, the Financial Picture Raises Even More Concerns

A comprehensive review of FOIA-obtained documents — leases, contracts, amendments, utility agreements, activity fund reports — shows systemic problems in stewardship:

✔ Millions in lease-financing at 5–8% interest
Even while the district held over $100 million in reserves.
Apple leases alone contain more than $340,000 in hidden interest.
Canon, HP, Toshiba, and bus leases add far more.

✔ Architectural & engineering spending exceeding contract caps by over $2 million
Build 220 fees now exceed 9% of construction value despite a contractual limit of 7.4%.
Much of the excess came from avoidable redesigns, duplicated work, and over-scoped civil engineering packages.

✔ Electricity & natural-gas procurement without competitive bidding
Dynegy and Symmetry contracts cost $500k–$900k more than market alternatives.
No evidence of competitive evaluation exists.

✔ Student Activity Fund red flags
Thirty months of reconciliations show:

  • identical manual adjustments,
  • unusually large journal entries (up to $72,800),
  • volatile disbursements,
  • zero variances for 30 straight months — mathematically improbable without plug entries.

These are not isolated incidents.
This is a systemic pattern of weak controls and limited oversight. 

Yet the district continues asking the community for more money.

When residents raise safety issues — silence.
When residents raise ethics issues — deflection.
When residents raise spending issues — no corrective action or acknowledgment.
When residents raise neighborhood concerns — they are told stories from 1999.
But when the district wants more taxes?
Suddenly conversation becomes urgent.
This dynamic speaks for itself. 

A Community Willing to Invest — But Only in Leadership That Invests in Us

Barrington residents value education.
We value our schools.
We value our teachers.
But investment requires trust — and trust must be earned through humility, responsiveness, transparency, and accountability.
Right now, the district is asking for more money while:

  • avoiding difficult conversations,
  • dismissing legitimate community concerns,
  • overlooking internal issues,
  • and falling short of its own values.

Barrington 220 speaks often about transparency, collaboration, and respect.
It’s time for those principles to move from slogans into practice. 

The Community Showed Up. Now It’s the District’s Turn.

The public comment at the recent meeting showed a community that is informed, engaged, and deeply invested in the future of its schools.
That level of passion deserves more than nods, reassurances, and pre-scripted narrative management.
It deserves reciprocal honesty.
It deserves accountability.
It deserves leadership that listens.

Before asking for another tax levy, Barrington 220 must commit to:

  • full financial transparency,
  • competitive and responsible procurement,
  • ethical consistency,
  • genuine respect for parent and student voices,
  • and authentic partnership.

A levy may or may not be necessary.
But trust is not optional — and right now, trust is what needs rebuilding most.

Sam Mehic
South Barrington

Related: “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “Erin Chan Ding: The violations just keep piling up…,” “Erin Chan Ding starring in another episode of, ‘Rules For Thee But NOT For Me…’,”  “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Barrington High School, Board of Education, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Fools and their money, Guest Essay, Illinois Federation of Teachers, OP/Ed, Overhead, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unions | 1 Comment »

2 Day Estate Sale – 10265 Church Rd

December 5, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 6 & 7, 11AM to 5PM

“Native items sterling silver, native stone jewelry Jewelry and Watch Galore, cowgirl hats ,antique furniture ,military pins, VINTAGE Star Wars items figures also new and packaging from the ’80s and ’90s original Star Wars board game ,all kinds of jewelry ,over 200 watches Barbie Dreamhouse Barbie vintage dolls, printer fax copy all-in-one             all kinds of winter coats, clothing over 100 purses, miscellaneous new items ,receivers ,speakers, coffee table,  foyer table early 1900s military wardrobe chest original, vintage wine bottles from Italy, vintage playing cards and poker chips, picture frames curio cabinet, 2 Vintage Train set          PlayStation 3 with games, Xbox games Nintendo DS, 2 New Galaxy watches, 1940s mini bar jewelry boxes ,superhero posters. COMICS, vintage dining room set with six chairs and leafs, vintage rear seashells, secretary’s desk, Nixon Star Wars watches, vintage  superhero pocket watches, new adult Pull-Ups , lamps, Walking Dead items, framed art ,autographed pictures, all kinds of movie framed pictures , all kinds of Records , 6 drawer jewelry Furniture case”

Link here.

Posted in Estate Sale | Leave a Comment »

Residents left homeless after kitchen fire causes damage to house in Barrington Hills

December 5, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Approximately nine fire departments were called after a fire broke out at a house in the 100 block of Old Sutton Road in Barrington Hills, leaving the residents displaced Tuesday evening. | Photo: Nick Rusin

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

Numerous fire departments were called to a fire that left a house uninhabitable and displaced the residents in Barrington Hills Tuesday evening, fire officials said.

The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District responded around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to the 100 block of Old Sutton Road in Barrington Hills for a report of a structure fire.

Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Chief Scott Motisi said fire crews arrived and found a small single-story residence with smoke showing from the front door.

Approximately nine fire departments were called after a fire broke out at a house in the 100 block of Old Sutton Road in Barrington Hills, leaving the residents displaced Tuesday evening. | Photo: Nick Rusin

A further investigation showed active fire on the first floor of the home.

The incident was upgraded to a Code 4 working fire response to bring numerous fire departments from throughout the area to the scene to assist.

Firefighters worked to contain the fire and extinguish it as well as search for anyone trapped inside the home.

Approximately nine fire departments were called after a fire broke out at a house in the 100 block of Old Sutton Road in Barrington Hills, leaving the residents displaced Tuesday evening. | Photo: Nick Rusin

Fire crews also ventilated the smoke from the house and conducted overhaul operations.

More here.

Posted in BCFPD, Jewel-Osco, VBHPD | Leave a Comment »

Illinois lawmakers push retirement tax to keep spending more

December 4, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

As state lawmakers look to plug budget holes by removing limits on state income tax rates, Illinois’ spending is set to continue breaking records.

By Ravi Mishra | Illinois Policy Institute

The state budget has grown by 35% since 2020, but Illinois lawmakers want more and hope to get it by amending the Illinois Constitution so they can potentially tax retirees and target income groups of their choosing.

The proposed amendment would end Illinois’ longstanding flat income tax. Supporters claim it would relieve property tax pressures and boost school funding. But voters statewide rejected progressive tax schemes because they promised to hit retirees, family farms and small businesses hard.

The flat tax makes it painful for state lawmakers to raise taxes, because when they do all taxpayers suffer and hold them responsible at the next election. Killing the flat tax gives lawmakers the power to divide and conquer taxpayers.

Illinois has record spending

The problem is not income but rather spending: Illinois’ budget has grown at an alarming rate. An influx of federal pandemic funds marked for temporary relief allowed lawmakers to add billions into the general funds baseline spending.

Since 2020, Illinois’ annual general funds spending has increased by over $15 billion and is projected to grow another $7 billion by 2029. That would mark a 55% spending increase in just 10 years.

With the state projecting nearly $11 billion in budget deficits through 2029, this level of unchecked spending is unsustainable.  That is, unless state lawmakers can force more taxation on Illinoisans.

Read more here.

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Education Association, BOHICA, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Things to do Dec. 5-11: Tree lightings, Dickens in Dundee and more

December 4, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

The final performances for the Raue Center School for the Arts production of “A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol” will take place this weekend at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. | Courtesy of the Raue Center for the Arts

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Starts before Friday

Luminaria Walk: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 3-6, at Veteran Acres, 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake. Stroll the lit trail through Veteran Acres. On Saturday, there will be campfires, hot cocoa, cookies, Candy Cane Forest and Mrs. Claus. $1 per person or $5 per family donation appreciated. crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

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

Friday, Dec. 5

MainStreet Libertyville’s First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

International Gem and Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Jewelry, fashion accessories and gift show. $6 in advance, $8 at the door; kids younger than 9 are not permitted. intergem.com.

Santa arrives during a previous Dickens in Dundee parade. This year’s Dickens in Dundee is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6, in East and West Dundee. | Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com, 2021

Dickens in Dundee: 3-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in East and West Dundee. In West Dundee on Friday: Tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., Gingerbread House Making, Festival of Trees, holiday craft shows, A Christmas Carol: Scrooge’s Reclamation, Santa’s Petting Zoo and Dundee Lions’ Christmas tree sales in Grafelman Park. New this year in East Dundee: Santa’s East Side Market from 3-9 p.m. Friday with 15 artisan vendors at the Depot, 319 N. River St. Tree-lighting ceremony and Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. with “The Christmas Schooner” cast of the Dundee Township Park District Theater, Living Windows from 6-8 p.m., visits with Santa from 6-9 p.m. with free hot chocolate and cookies, “Those Funny Little People” Toy Making Elves, Frozen Robins Caroling Quartet, character appearances, free horse-drawn carriage rides and more. On Saturday: The Riverside Parade of Lights steps off at 6:30 p.m. at South Lincoln Avenue and North Sixth in West Dundee, then heads north to cross the Main Street bridge in Carpentersville, then south on Washington/Water Street to East Dundee, ending at Railroad Street around 7 p.m. dickensindundee.org or eastdundee.net.

Des Plaines Holiday Tree Lighting: 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Metropolitan Square, just north of Miner Street, Des Plaines. Students and community groups decorate holiday trees at 4 p.m. in the Square; food trucks and live performances from 4:30-6:15 p.m.; Santa arrives at 4:45 p.m.; and the tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, the indoor artisan market featuring local makers runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Free. desplainesil.gov

Hometown Holiday: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Visit with Santa, holiday music, tree lighting, cocoa and a cookie treat, an inflatable gingerbread bounce house and more. Free. vhw.org/223/Hometown-Holiday.

Visit With Santa: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Foxford Hills Golf Course, 6800 Rawson Bridge Road, Cary. Kids can visit with Santa. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Register: caryparkdistrict.org.

Geneva Christmas Walk: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Fourth and James streets, Geneva. The Great Tree and more will be lit on the courthouse lawn. Also, the first candy cane of the season, Santa Claus, carolers, a live Nativity, window displays, chestnuts roasted over open fires, Santa Lucia, holiday refreshments and more. genevachamber.com/events/christmas-walk.

Krampusnacht Bazaar and Market of Shadows: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Light Lounge at Vern’s Tavern, 77 S. Riverside Drive, Elgin. A bazaar featuring artisan wares and eerie oddities. After 7 p.m. Saturday, wear a Krampus costume, ugly Christmas sweater or Nightmare Before Christmas attire for a Krampusnacht Krawl through downtown businesses. facebook.com/KrampuslaufElginIL.

Blizzard Bash: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Games, crafts, pizza, hot chocolate and a goody bag. $20-$25. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Streamwood’s 41st annual Luminaria will take place Friday, Dec. 5, at Streamwood’s village hall. | Courtesy of Village of Streamwood

Streamwood’s 41st annual Luminaria: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the village hall, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. The Municipal Campus will be filled with light as luminaria line the village hall, police station and Veterans Memorial. Free. streamwood.org

Barrington Dance Ensemble’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Barrington High School, 616 Main St., Barrington. Tickets start at $25. barringtondance.org

Fourth annual Holiday Community Sing-Along: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 1492 Henry, Des Plaines. Hosted by Christ Church, First United Methodist of Des Plaines, St. Martin’s Episcopal and Trinity Lutheran Church of Des Plaines. Refreshments will be served afterward in Wobbe Hall. christchurchuccdesplaines.org.

“Nutcracker All Jazzed Up”: 7 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 5 and 12, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 6 and 13, at the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Presented by the Bartlett Park District and Lisa’s School of Dance, the production includes local dancers performing to Tchaikovsky’s musical score reorchestrated into a modern, uptempo, family-friendly experience. $11. bartlettparkdistrict.com

Palatine Concert Band Holiday Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Under the direction of Frederick Lowe, the band performs traditional and holiday music. $10 adults; $8 seniors and students; and $3 kids 12 and younger. cuttinghall.org

Village Singers’ “We Wish You A Merry Holiday” Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Peace Lutheran Church, 1050 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. The chorus sings three- and four-part harmony. Silent auction 30 minutes before each show. Free refreshments after the show. $15; free for kids younger than 12. facebook.com/VillageSingers1.

Axiom Brass Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St., Aurora; and 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. Chicago-based quintet performs classical masterpieces, new works and holiday favorites. $25 or $15 for students; Woodstock tickets $25-$30. woodstockoperahouse.com or chambermusiconthefox.org.

Holiday Brass Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at St. Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela St., Barrington; and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Worship Center, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. Elgin Symphony Orchestra brass and percussion sections perform holiday music, including arrangements of “The Nutcracker,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Joy to the World” and more. $25, $5 for students; Barrington concert is free. elginsymphony.org.

Green Room’s First Fridays Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Hemmens Theatre in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Improv comedy. $15-$20. hemmens.org.

Saturday, Dec. 6

Holiday Flower Show: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in December and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 1-17 at Wilder Park Conservatory, 225 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Free. epd.org.

Breakfast with Santa at Poplar Creek: 8:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Bring a camera for photos with Santa. $30.95 for 13 and older; $19.95 for kids 4-12; and free for kids 3 and younger. Register with Jennifer Fuller at (847) 781-3658. heparks.org.

34th annual Cookie Walk & Craft Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Journey of Hope, 751 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett. Homemade cookies sold by the box, 30 craft/vendor booths selling holiday items, cookie cookbooks for sale, lunch for purchase and Santa. Free. Johumc.org.

Breakfast with Santa at the Pavilion: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Pavilion Community Center, 1000 Wellington Drive, Elk Grove Village. Breakfast with Santa, who will be available for photos. Registration is required. $20 for kids 3-13, $23 for adults for residents; $21/$25 for nonresidents; $5 for kids 2 and younger. elkgroveparks.org.

Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Dine on brunch at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, make crafts and meet Santa. $19.95, $7.95 for kids 2 and younger. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.org.

Santa’s Workshop: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Cookie decorating, hot cocoa, and pictures with Santa. Registration required. rmparks.org.

Bethlehem Marketplace: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the First United Methodist Church of Palatine, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. Kids can make holiday crafts. Free. fumcp.org/bethlehem-marketplace.

Chilly Chili 5K/2K: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Schaumburg Golf Club, 401 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Timed 5K or 2K fun run. After the race, enjoy a bowl of chili and a beer (21 and older) or soft drink. $25 for the 2K, $60-$65 for the 5K. parkfun.com

Happy Holiday Railway: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Embark on a 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa and see an animated light show while listening to holiday music. Treats and hot chocolate will be served. Quiet car #7658 will feature traditional lights and decorations. Also, see the holiday lights throughout the campus, including the animated snowplow display and holiday light tour in Barn 6 available for viewing day or night. Rides on historic Chicago streetcars included with the ticket. Trips at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes beforehand. $25. Tickets: irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway.

Hometown Holiday Family Fun Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Elmhurst History Museum, 143 N. York St., Elmhurst. Santa and his friends will be on hand for photo opportunities, plus history games and trivia from the Elmhurst History Museum, holiday face painters, DJ, free hot chocolate, coffee and treats and more in the heated tent near the City Centre Fountain Plaza. Free. elmhursthistory.org.

Randall Oaks Zoo Winterfest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6-21, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Holiday lights, community decorated trees, Santa visits, bonfire and visit the animals in the new World of Wonders heated animal building. $6, free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/winterfest.

Running of the Elves 5K Run/Walk: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, starting and finishing at Huntley Square. 5K race at 10:30 a.m. on village paths. Dash for kids 5-12 at 10 a.m. and 1-mile walk at 10:45 a.m. $30, $20, $10. Register: portal.clubrunner.ca/2382.

Winterfest: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Horse-drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa, s’mores station, iceless skating, cookie decorating, games, vendor giveaways and more. Free. heparks.org/event/winterfest

Des Plaines Winter Fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. Indoor artisan market featuring local makers. Take a historic trolley tour of the city guided by the Des Plaines History Center. Advance registration required for the trolley tours. Free. desplainesil.gov

Holiday Open House at Barrington’s White House: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Tour the decorated historic mansion, visit with Santa, and enjoy cookies and refreshments. Free; registration is required. barringtonswhitehouse.com

Krampus Bazaar: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Presented by The World Oddities Expo, including vendors with taxidermy, insects, macabre art, jewelry, home decor and more; tattoo artists; performances; demonstrations and workshops including owl pellet dissections and butterfly pinning; and more. Tickets start at $20, free for kids with an adult. worldodditiesexpo.com/chicago-il.

Kane County Flea Market: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Over 400 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles indoors and outside. $6, free for kids younger than 12. kanecountyfleamarket.com.

M3 Dance’s “The Nutcracker”: Noon and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and noon Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Hemmens Main Stage Theater, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A fresh take on this classic tale featuring artists from well-known ballet and contemporary companies. Reserved seating. $32.50-$43. (847) 931-5900 or online at hemmens.org/tickets.

Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Wilder Mansion, 211 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Kids can purchase kid-priced and kid-friendly holiday gifts. No registration required. Free. epd.org.

A Very Merry Huntley: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Town Square, 11704 Coral St., Huntley. Running of the Elves 5K at 10 a.m., handbell concert at noon, a cookie walk from 1-4 p.m. at First Congregational, Kriss Kringle Market from 2-7 p.m., trackless train rides, hot cocoa, cookies, live reindeer and voting for your favorite decorated tree from 3-6 p.m. Pasta dinner from 4-6 p.m. at the Legion Hall. Caroling in the Square at 4 p.m. New this year, a holiday parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m., with the lighting of the square, visits with Santa in the gazebo at 5:15 p.m. and a holiday fireworks show. huntley.il.us.

Holiday Tea: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. The “Merry & Bright” program features soprano Kathleen Monson and friends performing Christmas songs with a classical twist. Dine on sweet and savory treats. Social hour at 1 p.m., with the performance at 1:30 p.m. $10. Register: elginhistory.org.

Holly Jolly Holiday: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Wauconda Park District Community Center, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Indoor holiday activities from 1-5 p.m. A one-mile fun run/walk at 2 p.m. Outdoor holiday carolers by the decorated tree at 4:45 p.m. Outdoor tree lighting with Santa at 5 p.m. near the front entrance. Plus, pictures with Santa, local vendor market, trolley rides, crafts, entertainment, food and more. Free. waucondachamber.org

Santa’s Cottage: 2-5 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Santa’s Cottage, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. Kids can visit Santa in a unique, cozy house. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Barrington’s Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Barrington. Free hot chocolate, ice-carving demonstrations, family activities, visit with Santa at Barrington’s White House and more. Performance by the BHS Madrigals at 4:30 p.m. and tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Free. barrington-il.gov

Jay & The Americans Christmas Show: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. $56.75-$88.75. desplainestheatre.com

Mundelein Winter Tree Lighting Festival: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Courtland Commons, 400 E. Courtland St., Mundelein. Santa’s Cottage opens at 2 p.m. School choirs and local musicians perform at 3 p.m. Kiddie train rides, ice sculpting, Disney Princesses, story time, letters to Santa, a Kriss Kringle Market, games, crafts, food vendors, hot chocolate and treats, the Mayor’s Seasonal Message, the Mundelein Queens, lighting of the village Holiday Tree, fireworks and a second session of Santa’s Cottage after the fireworks. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org

Algonquin Miracle on Main: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, on Main Street in Old Town Algonquin. Live holiday performances, Old Town holiday displays, live ice sculpting, live reindeer, trackless train rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids’ activities and the tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. Opening at 3 p.m., the Merry Market features over 20 artisan vendors selling handmade goods, seasonal gifts and treats on Main Street, between Washington and Madison streets. Free. algonquin.org.

Holiday in the Hollow: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in Sabatino Park, 1 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Music by Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, Circle-of-Cheer Christmas trees, Santa visits, and lighting of the trees and flagpole. Free. sleepyhollowil.org.

Merry & Bright, Lighting the Tree: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bartlett Park, Oak and North avenues, Bartlett. Cookies, cocoa, horse-drawn wagon rides, a DJ spinning holiday music, food trucks and more. Santa arrives at 5 p.m. Laser Light Show at 7 p.m. Free. bartlettil.gov

Wayne Tree Lighting: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Historic Depot building, off Army Trail Road, Wayne. Free. villageofwayne.org

Enjoy the holiday lights from your car during Santa’s Village’s Magical Christmas Drive-Through in East Dundee. | Courtesy of Ty Sierpien

Santa’s Village Magical Christmas Drive-Thru: 5-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, and Dec. 12-14, 19-23 and 26-30, at 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee. See the light displays synchronized to holiday music from your car. Visit with Santa at the end. $29.99 per vehicle, $5 discount for season-pass holders. (847) 426-6751 or santasvillagedundee.com.

The Second City’s “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire”: 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn. Interactive comedy revue. Contains adult themes and language. $32-$49. atthemac.org.

Riverside Parade of Lights: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Parade steps off at South Lincoln Avenue and North Sixth in West Dundee, then heads north to cross the Main Street bridge in Carpentersville, then south on Washington/Water Street to East Dundee, ending at Railroad Street around 7 p.m. dickensindundee.org or eastdundee.net.

Elmhurst Choral Union Handel’s “Messiah” Part 1: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. Bring nonperishable food items in support of a local food charity. $20 for adults and $10 for kids 17 and younger. elmhurstchoralunion.org.

Jim Witter’s “Christmas Memories”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Features “Winter Wonderland,” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and more. $50 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org.

MCC Ensembles Holiday Concert: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Free. mchenry.edu/events.

Nothing But Treble’s “Brightest & Best Holiday Joy in Song”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. Suggested donation: $20. nbtelgin.com.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 110 exhibitors showing new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more. $7 online or $8 at the gate; cash only. Free for kids 11 and younger with an adult. trainshow.com.

Santa is greeted by Stacy Johnson of the Schaumburg Park District as part of a previous Santa’s Flight to Schaumburg. This year’s event takes place Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Schaumburg Regional Airport. | Daily Herald file photo, 2023

Santa’s Flight to Schaumburg: 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Schaumburg Regional Airport, 905 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Buffet breakfast or lunch, holiday music and crafts while waiting for Santa in the airport’s hangar. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. $30-$35; free for kids 2 and younger. Registration required. parkfun.com/event/santas-flight-to-schaumburg.

Wheeling Santa’s Breakfast: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. Holiday breakfast and photos with Santa. $59.98, $26.95 for kids 6-17, and free for kids 5 and younger. Registration recommended. wheelingparkdistrict.com

Community Holiday Tea: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Hot tea, scones, finger sandwiches, champagne, wine and more. For women 21 and older. $92.55. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at 100 W. Main St., Cary. Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Main and Wulff streets, heads east on Main to Jandus Road. Meet Santa and The Grinch, pony rides, sleigh rides, carolers, activities, music and more. Free. carygrovechamber.com.

Holiday Hoopla: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Kids’ games, crafts and photos with Santa. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

“Christmas in The Air”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. A family-friendly, Broadway-style holiday song and dance review. $56.75-$78.75. desplainestheatre.com

Candlelight at the Museum: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Garfield Farm Museum, on Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Interpreters wearing period clothing will share what life was like for people during the height of the horse-and-wagon era. $5, $4 for kids younger than 13. garfieldfarm.org.

Fox Valley Concert Band “Home for the Holidays”: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Free; donations encouraged. fvcb.org/wp.

Voices Unlimited Chorus’ “A Christmas Invitation”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, hosted by Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Holiday concert combines sacred and secular Christmas music. $10, $5 for kids 11 and younger. Contact David Barth at davidabarth@comcast.net.

“A Bing Crosby Christmas With Jared Bradshaw”: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St., Huntley. Broadway’s Jared Bradshaw band with a trio singing the harmonies of the Andrew Sisters and hits including “Jingle Bells,” “Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive,” “Mele Kalikimaka” and “White Christmas.” Free; donations welcome. bit.ly/SOTPARTIST.

CLC Wind Ensemble Holiday Concert: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Mainstage Theatre at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $8-$9. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.

The Glory of Christmas: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Chancel Choir, Men’s Chorus, Youth Choir, Handbell Choirs and orchestra perform their annual Christmas concert featuring “The Many Moods” by Robert Shaw. Free. firstpresah.org

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ’s Living Nativity takes place Sunday, Dec. 7, in Elgin. | Daily Herald file photo, 2019

Living Nativity: 4 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 40W720 Plank Road, Elgin. An outdoor Living Nativity presentation with live animals. Free. stpauluccelgin.org

Winter’s Tales: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St., River Forest. Spirito Singers will perform holiday favorites like “Up on the Housetop” and “(Everybody’s Waitin’ for) The Man with the Bag,” Benjamin Britten’s masterwork “A Ceremony of Carols” performed with harpist Autumn Selover and more. $27, $22 for students and seniors 65 and older with ID. spiritosingers.org.

Holiday Cabaret: The Best Time of the Year: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Students and Celebration Singers from the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts will perform a variety of holiday music. $15 for adults, $12 for students. metropolisarts.com

Monday, Dec. 8

103.5 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Audrey Hobert, Jessie Murph, Nelly, Ravyn Lenae, Reneé Rapp, Teddy Swims, Shinedown, Jackson Wang, Zara Larsson and a special sing-along moment from “K-POP Demon Hunters.” Tickets start at $54.45; parking is $25. rosemont.com/allstate

Tuesday, Dec. 9

The Grammy Award-winning men’s chorus Chanticleer performs carols, Christmas songs and festive spirituals Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Chicago Symphony Center. | Courtesy of Joel Simon

A Chanticleer Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The Grammy Award-winning men’s chorus performs carols, Christmas songs and festive spirituals. $45. cso.org

ECC Concert Choir: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Under the direction of Kathi Bernhard, the choir performs classical masterpieces, contemporary works and global choral traditions. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org

A Very Merry Metropolis Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Featuring the Metropolis Children’s Choir and local musicians. $35. metropolisarts.com

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. See “Three Days of the Condor.” Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 or older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

CLC Concert Band Holiday Concert: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the Mainstage Theatre at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $8-$9. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu

A Timeless Christmas with The Lettermen: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Classic holiday carols and standards. $46.75-$88.75. arcadalive.com.

A Carpenters’ Christmas: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece band bring the music of The Carpenters’ holiday celebrations to life. Tickets start at $43. rauecenter.org.

Thursday, Dec. 11

ECC Jazz Ensembles: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Directed by Shawn Maxwell. $10-$12. eccartscenter.org

Ron Hawking Celebrates Christmas With the Legends: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Holiday show featuring hits from Tom Jones, Frankie Valli, Elton John, Neil Diamond and a birthday tribute to Frank Sinatra. $49.87; free for students 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Jingle Belles Comedy: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. “3 Funny, Festive Females” featuring Ana Belaval, Andrea Darlas and Joanna Clark and hosted by John Da Cosse. Tickets start at $34. rauecenter.org.

Ongoing

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

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

“A Christmas Carol”: 10 a.m. and noon Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 27; 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 9-23; 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 18; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 10 and 17; and 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Set in Victorian-era London, see Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirited ghosts that visit him one fateful Christmas Eve. Presented by Drury Lane Theatre for Young Audiences. $42-$62. Breakfast with Santa includes photos with Santa and Drury Lane’s Christmas tree for $50 for adults and $30 for kids 5-12. Dinner with Santa is $30-$60. drurylanetheatre.com.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic runs through Jan. 4. | Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago

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

Christmas at Cantigny Light Show: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, through Dec. 20, and 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 21-23. Third annual event adds interactive elements and more illuminated gardens, including a new Northern Lights display in the Rose Garden. Explore the first floor of Col. McCormick’s decorated mansion and the display of hundreds of poinsettias. Sip hot cocoa or a festive cocktail at the hidden bar. Add the Christmas Spirits upgrade ($40), which includes three festive cocktails, each served at stations along the walk, including a special drink in the McCormick House Freedom Hall Bar, and take home a commemorative mug. Advance tickets: $15-$25 or $19-$30. Register: cantigny.org/event/light-show-11-21.

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

Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 4; plus Dec. 22-24, 29 and 31 at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Hwy. 12, Ingleside. Lights transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail offers food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $31 for kids 3-12 and $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

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

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

“The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 14, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s 30th production of the holiday classic. Tickets: $35-$50. prairiecenter.org.

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

The Hawthorn Christmas Experience: Through Dec. 24, Lower Level, Macy’s Court, at Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Visit Santa in a festive holiday setting. Includes a sensory-friendly Santa from 9-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, and a Pet Photo Night from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. Reservations are encouraged; guests who book in advance receive a free personalized phone call from Santa before their visit. Santa photo packages start at $39.99. visithawthorn.com.

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

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

Find more here.

Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

How well are your local third graders reading?

December 3, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Illinois lowered its standards in 2025, but over half of third graders still couldn’t read at grade level. It’s a critical milestone. See how your students did.

By Hannah Schmid | Illinois Policy Institute

Even under loosened proficiency standards, over half of Illinois third graders couldn’t read at grade level in 2025.

How well did your local public school prepare children to read by the critical third-grade milestone?

Assessment data from spring 2025 shows Illinois students across grades continued to struggle to read.

But the data is particularly concerning when it comes to third graders.

If a child has not learned to read by the end of third grade, that child is likely to struggle throughout his or her education. That’s because fourth grade is when students move from learning to read to reading as their main method of learning.

Clearly, there is a literacy crisis in Illinois, and it threatens the future of Illinois’ children.

Read more here.

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Fests, sing-alongs and visits with Santa to make the Elgin-area holiday season merry

December 3, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Dickens in Dundee is an annual holiday event that will be held Dec. 6 and 7 in East Dundee and West Dundee. | Village of East Dundee

By Mike Danahey | Elgin Courier-News

Holly Days in downtown Elgin may be kicking off the holiday calendar with a slew of activities for Small Business Saturday, but there are plenty of other events in the area designed to put you in a festive frame of mind.

Here’s a list of some of them:

Friday, Dec. 5

Dickens in Dundee will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. in the downtown districts of East Dundee and West Dundee. The free event will feature an East Side market in East Dundee, tree lighting ceremonies and visits with Santa in both towns, decorated “living” windows, a raffle to benefit Shop With A Cop, carriage rides and other attractions. For more information, go to dickensindundee.org and eastdundee.net/things_to_do/village_community_events/dickens_in_dundee.php.

Saturday, Dec. 6

Dickens in Dundee continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various locations in West Dundee. Attractions include a bake sale, craft bazaar, a reading of “A Christmas Carol” and, in Grafelman Park, a Winter Wonderland with an appearance by Santa and the Lions Club tree sale. For details, go to dickensindundee.org.

Winterfest begins at 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. The fest will feature Santa visits, bonfires, holiday lights and decorations. Regular admission rates apply. For information, go to www.dtpd.org/winterfest.

Riverside Parade of Lights will step off at 6:30 p.m. along the Fox River in West Dundee, crossing the Main Street bridge in Carpentersville then heading south toward downtown East Dundee. For information, go to business.nkcchamber.com/events/Details/4th-annual-riverside-parade-of-lights-1523078?sourceTypeId=Website.

Friday, Dec. 12

Dundee Township Park District will host a “Jolly Stop” from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Adult Activities Center at the Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville. The evening will feature visits with Santa. Registration for children ages 2 to 12 is required and the cost is $6 for Dundee Township resident families and $9 for nonresident families. To register, go to www.dtpd.org/jolly-stop.

Under the Streetlamp’s “Hip to the Holidays” concert will be presented Dec. 12 at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater. | Josh Rzepka

Under the Streetlamp’s “Hip to the Holidays” concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Blizzard Theater, Building H, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive. The act is made up of former “Jersey Boys” cast members who will put their twist to holiday standards. Tickets are $65, $20 and free for children 12 or younger. For tickets and more information, go to eccartscenter.org/tickets/eventdetails.aspx#event-26CSUS.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Free visits with Santa will be held from 10 a.m. to noon for children and families and from 1 to 3 p.m. for people and pets at Platt Hill Nursery, 2400 Randall Road, Carpentersville. For more information, call 847-428-6767.

Find more here.

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Entertainment, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

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