Cheap stuff: Holiday catch-all, storytelling, Teddy Bear Christmas
$10 and under
'Winter Tales'
Roscoe the Elf and a magical reindeer dance are part of the "Winter Tales" program, a culturally diverse presentation blending old and new folk tales. Youngsters will help tell holiday stories, including "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," "The Chanukah Tree" and "Celebrating Kwanzaa with Umoja (Unity)."
10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $5. (847) 202-5222 or palatineparks.org/boxoffice.htm.
Family storytelling program
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center presents storytelling and activities based on the award-winning children's book "Who Was the Woman Who Wore the Hat" by Nancy Patz. The event is designed for children ages 8 to 11 who are accompanied by an adult.
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. $6-$8. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. (847) 967-4889 or ilholocaustmuseum.org.
A fine line
The Denim and Diamonds group hosts its weekly Tuesday Night Line Dance. All ages are welcome; beginner's lessons are offered.
7 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the White Eagle Banquets & Restaurant, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Beginner's lessons at 7:30 p.m. $6; $4 for ages 17 and younger. (847) 965-6353.
Drive-through light show
Cuneo Museum and Gardens in Vernon Hills hosts its annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show. See thousands of twinkling lights, featuring holiday displays and familiar cartoon and holiday characters.
6 to 10 p.m. nightly through Saturday, Jan. 2, at the Cuneo Museum and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. $5 per car Mondays through Thursdays; $10 per car Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25. (847) 362-3042 or cuneomuseum.org.
Free
A 'beary' merry Christmas
See an estimated 35 handmade and collectible teddy bears in woodsy and snowy settings with sleds, sleighs and Christmas trees in the "A Teddy Bear Christmas" exhibit.
1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, and Monday Dec 21, through Wednesday, Dec. 23, at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Free. (815) 923-2267 or mchsonline.org.
Santa the skater
Santa Claus will hit the ice - on skates, that is - at the Hoffman Estates Community Center's "Skate with Santa" open-skate program. Join the jolly old elf for some turns around the rink - then bring your camera to the party room where Santa will pose for photos with guests. Cameras are not allowed on the ice.
Santa takes to the ice at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Hoffman Estates Community Center, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Santa will then pose for photos in the center's party room from 10:40 to 11:40 a.m. Bring a camera. Free. (847) 781-3642.
Christmas crafts galore!
Shop for unique holiday gifts for family and friends at Knupper Nursery's Christmas Craft Fair. Local crafters will display and sell their works with everything from jewelry and woodworking to ceramics and jams and jellies.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Admission is free. (847) 359-1080.
Strolling carolers
The Hersey High School Dickens Carolers stroll through downtown historic Long Grove with their own brand of musical holiday cheer. Santa Claus will also stroll through town, greeting shoppers. The appearances are part of Long Grove's Countryside Christmas.
Dickens Carolers at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20, beginning in the Apple Haus Square, in downtown Long Grove, at Old McHenry Road and Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove. Santa will also be strolling through town from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20. Admission and parking are free. Free. Visit longgroveonline.com.