Go guide
Freebie
Grab your flashlight!
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is hosting a "Night Hike" for hikers ages 8 and older. Participants can finish off the year of 2008 by taking a nighttime hike through woodlands and meadows.
7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, on Butterfield Road, one and a half miles west of Naperville Road in Wheaton. Free admission. Call for information. (630) 850-3722.
This afternoon
This train keeps on a rollin'
The "Enchanted Railroad" is the Morton Arboretum's annual holiday display, featuring a multilevel, G-gauge indoor railroad that twists and turns though a wintry kingdom of frosted trees and snow in the Snow Queen's forest. A life-size queen overlooks the trains and guests, and ushers the guests around her magic land.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Guests can get free timed tickets for the exhibit in the Visitor's Center. General arboretum admission is $4-$9. Those under age 3 are free. (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org.
Military tribute
See "The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute," an exhibition of photographs that captures the essence of American soldiering over more than 150 years.
1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at the Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Drive, Wauconda. $2.50-$6. (847) 968-3400 or lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org.
This evening
Jazzy night at FitzGerald's
Jazz vocalist Brienn Perry stars with his own Brienn Perry Orchestra. Perry, a bass baritone, is also know for his selections on the trombone.
6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $15. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
This week
Jeff and his puppet pals come to Rosemont
Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his cast of puppet characters present an evening of comedy at the Rosemont Theatre. Dunham, best known for his popular television specials on the Comedy Central network and for his best-selling comedy DVDs, will share the stage with puppet friends such as Bubba J., Peanut and the always popular Jose Jalapeno on a Stick.
7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, and 7 and 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $49.50. (312) 559-1212.
Welcome in '09 with Christopher Titus
The Improv Comedy Showcase and Restaurant will host a "New Year's Evening" event featuring a performance by comedian Christopher Titus. Before the show, guests can dig into a prime rib buffet.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at The Improv Comedy Showcase and Restaurant, 5 Woodfield Road, in Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg. Comedy show begins at 10 p.m. Admission is $120 per person. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com.
A little bit country
Willowbrook Ballroom hosts its "Country and Western Dance" evening with dance lessons for those who want to brush up on their dance steps.
7:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Lessons run from 7:30 to 9 p.m. $8. (708) 839-1000 or willowbrookballroom.com.
'Aladdin'
Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences presents "Disney's Aladdin," a stage adaptation of Disney's 1992 animated feature about a boy who discovers a magical lamp.
11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. $12 (excludes tax and handling fees). (847) 634-0200 or marriotttheatre.com.