Sunday picks: Von Trapp Children fill Paramount with music
Doe, a deer ...
Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace may be packing them in with an acclaimed production of “The Sound of Music,” but you can see the next generation of singing descendants of The von Trapp Children Sunday at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $32.50-$38.50. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
‘Christmas on the Farm'
See the Kline Creek Farm farmhouse decked in greens, savor the aroma of holiday treats and learn what made the holidays special back in the 1890s at the “Christmas on the Farm” program at the farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Free. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.org. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
A holiday harp
Celtic harpist Patrick Ball brings to life such tales as “A Child's Christmas in Wales” in “The Christmas Rose” concert in the Thornhill Education Center at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. $28. (630) 725-2066 or mortonarb.org. 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Jingle all the way
The 14-member English handbell ensemble Chicago Bronze presents an afternoon concert at the Round Lake Area Public Library, 906 Hart Road, Round Lake. Free. (847) 546-7060 or rlalibrary.org. 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Candlelight at the Inn
Garfield Farm Museum hosts its annual Candlelight at the Inn, a candlelight reception at the 1840s inn, featuring costumed interpreters. Guests can step back in time and learn about life in the 1800s. Highlights include dulcimer music in the ballroom, refreshments in the dining room, a hearthside cooking demonstration at the Burr House and more at the Garfield Farm Museum, on Garfield Road, off Route 38, Campton Hills. Free admission; donations are welcome. (630) 584-8485 or garfieldfarm.org. 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
‘Twist-a-Carol'
Vex Theatre presents its latest holiday show, “Twist-a-Carol II: Moby-Nick” at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St. Inspired by Herman Melville's novel, about Captain Ahab's lifelong search for the elusive white whale, the musical and sketch comedy revue finds Ahab searching for “the equally elusive St. Nick.” Once again Vex will donate 10 percent of ticket sales to the Elgin Community Crisis Center. $10. (847) 991-8081 or vextheatre.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Nutcracker of the week
More than 100 dancers, singers and actors comprise Dancenter North's 23rd annual production of “The Magic of the Nutcracker” on stage this weekend at Libertyville High School's Butler Auditorium, 708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville. $15-$32. (847) 367-7970 or themagicofthenutcracker.com. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Viking Park Singers
The Viking Park Singers get into the spirit of the season with their annual holiday concert in the dance hall at Gurnee's Viking Park, Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee. Refreshments will be served following the concert. $4-$7. (847) 623-7788 or gurneeparkdistrict.com. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Sparkly zoo
Brookfield Zoo kicks off its 30th anniversary of Holiday Magic, which features twinkly lighted displays, ice sculpting, magicians and many more family activities starting this weekend. Brookfield Zoo is at First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. $13.50; $9.50 kids ages 3-11 and seniors. (708) 688-8000 or czs.org. 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4; runs weekends through Dec. 18 and Dec. 26-31
Sing lively
The local a cappella singing ensemble Acappellago brings its holiday program “Escape to ... The Christmas Story” to two locations this weekend: Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. Then at New Covenant Church, 1 Bunting Lane, Naperville. $15; $12 students/seniors. (708) 484-3797 or acappellago.org. 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Oh Florence!
Florence + The Machine, coming off an appearance on #8220;Saturday Night Live#8221; and touring in support of their new album, #8220;Ceremonials,#8221; stops at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago, for the 93XRT Holiday Concert. $50. (312) 462-6300. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Holiday harmonies
Straight No Chaser, the Internet singing sensation created at Indiana University, brings some holiday musical cheer to the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $25.50-$45.50. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Funniest in his class
Comedian, actor and Bolingbrook High School graduate Lenny Schmidt (#8220;True Blood,#8221; #8220;Joe Dirt#8221;) returns with stand-up comedy gigs this week and next at two Zanies locations. First he's at 1548 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-4027. $23. Then he goes to Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342. $24 (all prices require a two-menu-item purchase). See zanies.com. 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in Chicago; also 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 7 and 8; 7 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9; and 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in St. Charles