Cheap stuff: Holiday art show, loads of Legos
Free
‘Christmastime at the Fine Line'
Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles presents its 23rd annual members' show and sale, “Christmastime at Fine Line,” in the center's Kavanagh Gallery. More than 75 member-artists present their work in this juried show, featuring a wide range of one-of-a-kind handmade items. See everything from pottery, glass and jewelry to paintings and personal accessories. Proceeds will benefit the center's artistic programs.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 6N158 Crane Road, St. Charles. Free admission. Visit fineline.org for information.
Loads of Legos
Cantigny hosts its 9th annual Holiday Lego Train Show, featuring creations by the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club. View thousands of Legos that have been put together to build everything from freight trains to skyscrapers.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, at Cantigny Park and First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free admission with paid $5 parking fee. (630) 260-8162 or cantigny.org.
‘Blue Nativity'
Quest Theatre Ensemble performs its ninth annual production of “Blue Nativity,” a holiday tradition that tells the story of Christmas and the birth of Christ using large-scale puppetry and accompanying live music. The show is appropriate for all ages.
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road. Schaumburg. Free and open to the public. (847) 895-3654 or visit christcommunitymennonite.org.
Buffalo Grove Singers
The traveling vocal ensemble of the Buffalo Grove Singers presents a holiday show at the Mount Prospect Public Library. Selections include favorites like “Baby, It's Cold Outside,” “Let It Ring, Let It Swing, Let It Snow” and a medley of Christmas songs from Broadway shows.
7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, at the Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Free, but registration is required. Call (847) 353-5675 or visit mppl.org/events.
$10 and under
Music and stories for families
The Music Institute of Chicago presents musician and storyteller Susan Reed in a program designed for families and children, ages 4 to 12. Reed, a classical violinist, folk musician, singer and storyteller, encourages her audience members to join her in song. Subjects such as protecting the planet, learning math facts and bridging cultural differences are discussed. The event also includes a musical instrument petting zoo for youngsters and refreshments.
10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Music Institute of Chicago's Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Admission is $10 per family. (847) 905-1500, ext. 108, or visit musicinst. org.
Candlelight Open House
The Durant House Museum hosts its Candlelight Open House, with costumed docents guiding guests through the prairie homestead, adorned in authentic period and holiday decor. Stories and music will take visitors back to a simpler time. Light refreshments will be served. The Pioneer Sholes School on the grounds will also be open for tours.
2 to 6 p.m. Saturday Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, at the Durant House Museum, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W370 Dean St., St. Charles. For all ages. $2 adults; $1 ages 3 to 12 years. (630) 377-6424 or ppfv.org.
Holiday dance
The Dance World organization invites the public to its holiday dance party. An assortment of festive hors d'oeuvres will be served. Open dancing features Latin, swing and hustle dance styles. The dress code is holiday dressy casual. No jeans or athletic shoes. Adults of all ages and dancing abilities are welcome.
Open dancing begins at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Hoffman Estates Park District, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Admission is $5 for members; $10 for guests. (847) 622-3622 or visit ballroomchicago.com/dance_world.htm.
Funky MojoDaddy
The musical blues group Funky MojoDaddy headlines at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
What a Dickens!
Actor Terry Lynch portrays Charles Dickens, the 19th century author who wrote the beloved classic “A Christmas Carol,” in the Naper Settlement's History Speaks Lecture Series program, “Charles Dickens.” As Dickens, Lynch reflects on the famed author's life and looks closely at some of his best-loved stories.
4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Tickets are $5-$6 in advance; $6-$7 at door. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.museum.