Hot tickets

Things worth checking out this week …

1. Caroline Kennedy discusses and signs her book, "A Family Christmas," a compilation of holiday memories from sources such as sermons, famous authors, politicians and more, at 11 a.m. Thursday at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Free. Info: (630) 355-2665.

2. DanceWest Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" at 7 p.m. Friday and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Tickets: $29 for adults, $23 for seniors and children 12 and younger. Info: (630) 637-SHOW.

3. A reception with Santa opens the Aurora Public Art Commission's "Winter Garden of Youth Art, 2007" exhibit from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora. The exhibit, which includes works by students in kindergarten through high school in 20 area schools, runs through Jan. 13. Hours: 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Info: (630) 906-0654.

4. Make crafts, then go on an ourdoor Candy Cane Hunt from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Barn Recreation Center, West Street and Martin Avenue, Naperville. For ages 3 to 5. Register by Wednesday. Cost: $12 for Naperville Park District residents; $18 others. Info: (630) 848-5000.

5. Young Naperville Singers presents its 24th annual holiday concert, "Snowy Days and Starlit Nights," at 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville. The first performance will feature the Treble Singers, the Lyric Singers and the Chamber Singers; the second will highlight the Ensemble Singers, the Concert Singers, the Boys Choir, Chamber Ensemble and Chamber Singers. Tickets: $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors, students and children.