Weekend picks: Levitations, escapes and more with 'Jamie Allan's iMagician'
High-tech illusions
There are laser levitations, death-defying water chamber escapes and more in "Jamie Allan's iMagician ... It's Magic Beyond Belief." See the famed British illusionist starting this weekend at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. $49.99-$159.99. (312) 334-7777 or harristheaterchicago.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23
Vote for trees
Time is running out for you to vote on your favorite decorated tree to benefit nonprofit organizations as part of the Community Trees event at Cantigny Park's McCormick House, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free admission, but $5 parking. (630) 668-5161 or cantigny.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23
Ugly Sweater Brunch
Grab the gaudiest Christmas sweater you can find and head to Shaw's holiday-themed Ugly Sweater Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23. Shaw's will reward all those wearing an ugly holiday sweater with a $25 gift card to use at a future visit. Brunch costs $65 for adults, $15 for kids 7-12, and free for kids 6 and younger. Shaw's Crab House Schaumburg is at 1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, (847) 517-2722 or shawscrabhouse.com/events/ugly-sweater-brunch-december-23/.
Germanic cheer
Find a last-minute gift or two at the suburban outpost of the German Christkindlmarket. Enjoy the fun and nosh on some German specialties like bratwurst, pretzels, strudel, roasted nuts and more through Monday at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Free admission. (630) 420-6010 or christkindlmarket.com. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24
Such characters
Antioch's free Dickens Holiday Village continues through Monday, Jan. 1, but this is the last weekend to experience Santa's Frozen Village complete with great photo opportunities at Antioch Village Hall, 882 Main St., Antioch. $5 admission (includes a child's gift). (847) 395-2233 or antiochchamber.org. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23
'Into the Woods'
Several familiar Grimm Brothers characters embark on a journey "Into the Woods" that alters them in profound ways in the musical by Stephen Sondheim and writer James Lapine that examines what happens when happily ever after doesn't unfold as hoped. Music Theater Works revives the show under director Rudy Hogenmiller and conductor Roger L. Bingaman. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. $34-$96. (847) 920-5360 or musictheaterworks.com.
Man's best friend
The canine residents of The Barkley, a prestigious kennel and dog-training facility, share stories about themselves and their human companions in "Dogs," a new holiday musical by Mike Sigman and Jerry Sigman. The family-friendly show comes to the Pheasant Run Resort and Spa for a brief run. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $20. (630) 584-6300 or pheasantrun.com/entertainment.
Second City sendup
The Second City returns to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre with its "Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue" featuring new sketches skewering holiday traditions, office parties, family reunions and all things Christmas. 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $30-$60. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.
Concert highlights
Dark Side of the Yule - Christmas Meets Rock with Classical Blast: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $20. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.
Better Love, Old Sol, Rare Candy, Wilmette: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago. $10. (773) 278-6600 or subt.net.
The Belvederes: 10:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 (after the "It's a Wonderful Life" screening), at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Free. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
• Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with the venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings or to add an event, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.