Long Grove Confectionery Factory sets open house
Freebie
Bring your sweet tooth
The Long Grove Confectionery Factory opens its doors for a Christmas Open House. Visitors can tour the factory to see how many of the confectionery's specialty treats are made. Other highlights include a coloring contest, face painting, warm chestnuts, singing carolers, apple cider and doughnuts and chocolate samples.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Long Grove Confectionery Factory, 333 Lexington Drive, Buffalo Grove. Free. (888) 459-3100 or longgrove.com.
Today
Holiday in Harmony
The Fox Valley Men of Harmony and several barbershop quartets perform holiday choral music in the "Holiday of Harmony" program. Santa Claus himself will make an appearance at the event. Refreshments will be served following the concert.
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave., Elgin. $3-$7. Children under age 5 are free. (630) 837-1417.
An 1800s holiday
Step back in time to experience Christmas as it was in the 1880s at the "Christmas in the Valley" program. Event features crafts for both children and adults, hayrides, traditional holiday treats, barn chores and a visit from Father Christmas.
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. $2 per person; $8 per family; children ages 3 and younger are free. (847) 985-2100 or parkfun.com.
Holiday concert
The Arlington Heights Community Concert Band performs holiday favorites and music selected by its members in the Holiday Traditions concert.
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Admission is free, but seating is limited. For tickets, call (847) 718-7702. Visit arlingtonheightsband.org.
This week
An evening with Mary and Abe
Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln re-enactors Max Daniels and Donna Daniels present a "Presidential Press Conference with the Lincolns" at the College of Lake County. CLC students, posing as Civil War-era reporters, will ask the Lincolns about Civil War topics. After the students ask their questions, the audience may pose their own. The public is invited to attend this history presentation.
7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, in the C-wing auditorium at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Free. (847) 543-2047 or clcillinois.edu.
Author Shepherd
Actress, comedian, co-host of ABC's "The View" and now author Sherri Shepherd signs copies of her new book "Permission Slips."
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Borders Books and Music, 830 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 573-0564.
'The Ha-Ha-Holiday Show'
See "The Ha-Ha-Holiday Show," a night of fully improvised comedy with holiday games and themes. Features audience participation.
Runs 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, at Laugh Out Loud Theater, 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 171, Schaumburg. $12-$18. (847) 240-0386 or LOLtheater.com.
Spot of tea for your doll?
Doll lovers are invited to partake in a the elegant Holiday Tea with Dolls, which includes tours of the Martha Mills doll collection and Lorraine Korenthal dollhouses at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum. Fare includes sandwiches, sweets and punch. Dolls are welcome at the event. Open to adults and children ages 6 and older.
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the 100-year-old Banta House on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum and Heritage Gallery, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Admission is $19 for Arlington Heights residents; $24 for nonresidents. Children must be accompanied by a paid adult. Reservations are required. Visit ahmuseum.org.
A Window Wonderland
Elgin welcomes in the holiday season with its 11th annual Window Wonderland. Guests can see live reindeer and take free pictures with Santa. Other highlights include a live Nativity, trolley rides, dog-sledding demonstrations, chestnut roasting and more. And don't forget to look in and judge the windows of downtown businesses that are decorated for the holidays.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Douglas Avenue in downtown Elgin. (847) 488-1456 or downtownelgin.com.