Budget-friendly fun: Winter wonderlands take over the 'burbs
Free
Cosley's Festival of Lights
See thousands of twinkling lights, visit with the animals, warm up with hot chocolate and purchase holiday trees and other greenery at Cosley Zoo's 32nd Annual Festival of Lights and Tree Sales at 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. On Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 and 12, guests can meet Santa Claus and make seasonal crafts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A $5 donation per family is requested for the craft/Santa event. Printed photos available for $3 each. Free admission during the festival; donations are welcome. (630) 665-5534 or cosleyzoo.org. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Lights are turned on at 3 p.m. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 24 and 31. Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Light Up the Park!
Get into the spirit of the season with outdoor ice skating, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice-carving demonstrations, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a tree-lighting ceremony, plus see more than 80,000 lights twinkling throughout the park at the Light Up the Park! celebration at MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Free admission; skate rental is $8. mbparkatrosemont.com. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. Ice skating open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Wreath season
See more than 70 seasonal wreaths, created by local residents and businesses, at the Festival of the Wreaths at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Vote for your favorite. There will be a silent auction for the wreaths on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29, along with a holiday market and entertainment. Free. (847) 255-1225 or ahmuseum.org. Vote from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. Bidding runs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29
‘Elf'
Catch a free screening of the 2003 holiday film “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. The film is rated PG. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Take a stroll
Visit with Santa Claus, hear live holiday music and dig in to seasonal treats at the Elburn Christmas Stroll, with events taking place on Main and North streets in downtown Elburn. Hayrides, a light display, a live nativity and a raffle round out the events. Raffle tickets cost $5 (or five for $20). (630) 365-2295 or facebook.com/elburnchristmasstroll. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
$15 and under
A Victorian Christmas
Experience a Christmas of long ago at the Victorian Christmas event at the Ansel B. Cook House, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society welcomes visitors to tour the 1878 Cook House to see a fully decorated Christmas tree, seven Italian marble fireplaces and holiday greenery on the home's oak staircase. Suggested donation is $2 per adult and $1 for seniors and students. (847) 362-2330 or lmhistory.org. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
A night of country
Hear top country music from the past and present when Hillbilly Rockstarz performs at Cadillac Ranch, 1175 W. Lake St., Bartlett. $5. (630) 830-7200 or cadranch.com. 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
Going folk
Folk singer and songwriter Kerry Patrick Clark performs in a Lake County Folk Club-sponsored concert at Fatman Bowl, 13860 Rockland Road, Green Oaks. $10-$12; $5 for teens (suggested donation). (847) 602-8882 for reservations or thelakecountyfolkclub.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29