Budget-friendly fun: Festival of Lights brightens Promenade Bolingbrook
Free
Festival of Lights
See 250,000 LED lights dancing to the music (which changes hourly) at the annual Festival of Lights Holiday Tree Light Show at the Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Free. (630) 296-8350 or shoppingpromenade.com. Shows run on the hour from 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Saturday, Dec. 31
'The Muppet Christmas Carol'
See Kermit the frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and other Muppet characters re-create Charles Dickens' classic tale in an evening screening of the 1992 Jim Henson Productions family film "The Muppet Christmas Carol" at Village of Hawthorn Woods Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods. Michael Caine portrays Ebenezer Scrooge. Complimentary popcorn will be served. Free. vhw.org. A craft activity begins at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
Victorian Christmas
Celebrate an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas at the Christmas on the Farm event at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Visit the farm's animals, sip hot spiced cider and sing carols by the fire. Guests can also tour the farmhouse to see it decked out for the holidays and pose for a photo with Santa in his sleigh. Good for all ages. Free; no registration required. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.org. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11
Hanukkah Happenings
Celebrate the Jewish festival of light during Hanukkah Happenings in Hawthorn Mall's Carson's court, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Take part in dreidel spinning, music with singer/songwriter Jeanie B!, a photo booth, crafts and more. Open to all. Free. Reservations are suggested at jccchicago.org/hanukkahhappenings. Walk-in guests are welcome. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11
$15 and under
Dogs on parade
Calling all dog lovers to the all-breed Skokie Valley Kennel Club Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. See canine conformation, obedience and rally events. Plus, talk with dog rescue group representatives and stop by educational booths and vendors with pet supplies. $3-$7. Kids younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. skokievalleykc.org. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11
Santa's on a roll
Roller skate - or just walk around the rink in shoes - with Santa Claus at the Santa Skate at Orbit Skate Center, 615 S. Consumers Ave., Palatine. The Minions and SpongeBob SquarePants will be there, too. Enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate and candy canes. Guests can pose for photo with Santa in his sleigh. Mrs. Claus and the elves will serve refreshments. Admission is $6, which includes skate rental. Free for babies in strollers. No reservations required. Program is designed for children ages 10 and younger and their families. (847) 394-9199 or orbitskate.net. 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
'Time of Snow'
The Palatine Children's Chorus performs holiday songs like "Silent Night" and "Ding Dong Merrily on High," along with other classics with new musical twists, during its "Time of Snow" concert at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $7-$10. cuttinghall.org. 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Gingerbread houses galore
Did you get artsy with your gingerbread house this year? If so, show it off at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., during the Candlelight and Gingerbread Holiday Celebration. Make sure to have yours there by 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, for judging in the Gingerbread House Contest. Entry fee is $10. While you're there, meet Santa Claus, tour Stacy's Tavern Museum by candlelight, munch on cookies and hot chocolate and shop for holiday gifts. $5 for adults; free for kids. gehs.org. 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10