Things to do Dec. 8-14: Seasonal concerts, Nutcrackers, light shows, markets and more

Ongoing

Holiday Flower Show: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Dec. 30 at Wilder Park Conservatory, Church Street and Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst. A seasonal display of holiday flowers. epd.org/facilities/wilder-park-conservatory.

Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery and hot chocolate for purchase. Lights come on at 3 p.m. Free admission; donations appreciated. cosleyzoo.org.

Dickens Holiday Village: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 at Kringle's Christmas Village, 510 Orchard St., Antioch. Public art exhibit featuring lifelike figures representing scenes from the Dickens era. Free. antiochchamber.org.

“Downton Abbey — The Exhibition”: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through March 31 at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. See never-before-seen elements from the show, including original costumes, production-used props and exclusive footage from “Downton Abbey.” $27-$64. downtonexhibition.com.

Aurora Christkindlmarket: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 24 at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. German-style outdoor market featuring international and local vendors selling a variety of wares. Free. paramountaurora.com/events/christkindlmarket.

Chicago Christkindlmarket: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays through Dec. 24 at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. German-style outdoor market featuring international and local vendors selling a variety of wares. Free. christkindlmarket.com/daleyplaza.

Light Up The Lake: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays through Dec. 31 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Outdoor ice skating, ax throwing, outdoor firepits, light displays, live music, a holiday artisan market, fireworks on Saturdays and more. Free, some activities require tickets. navypier.org.

Rosemont's Chicago Wolves Ice Rink: Noon to 10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21. Free. Bring skates or rent them for $8. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Long Grove Vintage Days: Through Dec. 23 in downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Carriage rides Fridays through Sundays; holiday caroling; merchant open houses and promotions; and Santa visits from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 9-10. Free. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season.

Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 7-10, and other dates through Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See more than two million twinkling LED lights, plus entertainment from 5-8 p.m. at the North Pole at The Pavilions featuring Those Funny Little People, Juggling Elves, pictures with Santa, roaming carolers and ice carving at the Nature Stage. Advance tickets are not required for North Gate entry, but are required for South Gate entry. $20.95-$29.95. czs.org/HolidayMagic.

Christmas at Cantigny: 4-11 p.m. daily (except Mondays) through Dec. 23 at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. See specially designed light installations throughout the gardens and grounds. The newly renovated McCormick House, lavishly decorated for Christmas, will be open for the first time since 2019. Seasonal food and beverage options available. Skating rink will stay open all winter. $5 per car; $15 on weekends. cantigny.org.

Christmas Musical Light Show: 4-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 25 at the Bandshell on Skidmore, Antioch. Stay in your car and listen to 20-minute shows running continuously from your radio. Free. antiochchamber.org.

Sonny Acres Farm Holiday Market: 4-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4-9 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago. Hayrides, petting zoo, specialty food vendors, entertainment and more. Free entry. sonnyacres.com.

Illumination, Tree Lights: Time slots from 4:30-8 p.m. daily through Jan. 6 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Holiday light display featuring 18 lighted installations, including two new and four returning favorites with enhanced experiences. $12.80-$39. mortonarb.org.

Lightscape: 4:30-9:15 p.m. select days through Jan. 7 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Take an after-dark stroll through an array of illuminated displays from new installments to favorites like the Winter Cathedral. In advance: $30-$34 for adults, $17-$19 for kids 3-12; day of: $33-$37 for adults, $19-$21 for kids 3-12. Some dates are sold out. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.

Sparkle Light Festival: Various times and days through Dec. 31 at Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont. Stroll through five illuminated villages, visit Santa, ice skate, take a free train ride on the Holly Trolley train and go tubing down the Alpine Slide. Festive food and beverages for purchase. Admission is $18-$70. Parking is $5 at Impact Field's parking garage. For a schedule of hours and tickets, see sparklerosemont.com.

Winter Lights: 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 7 at Central Park, Jorie Boulevard and Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. A free half-mile illuminated walk along paved pathways. Path will be closed during inclement weather. obparks.org/winterlights.

ZooLights: 4:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4:30-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, through Jan. 7, at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago. Lighted displays, photo ops and interactive programming. $10 Fridays and Saturdays, $7 most weekdays, free on Mondays. lpzoo.org/event/zoolights.

Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival: 5-9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 31 at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago. Holiday lights show includes Christmas Market, photos ops, fire pits, s'mores, hot chocolate, adult specialty drinks and more. $10-$15. sonnyacres.com.

Santa's Naperville Workshop: 5-8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 8 p.m. weekends through Dec. 21 at the Paddleboat Quarry Rentals, 441 Aurora Ave., Naperville. Visit with Santa. There will be no on-site registration or walk-ups available. $10-$15. Register at napervilleparks.org/santasworkshop.

Santa's Rock 'N' Lights: 5-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 at the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Drive-through animated lights show. $29.99-$36.99. santasrocknlights.com.

Santa's Village Drive-Thru Holiday Attraction: 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5-9 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 at Santa's Village, 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee. Drive through over 3 million lights synchronized to holiday music and lights displays. Meet-and-greet Santa Claus at the end. Funnel cakes and hot chocolate for purchase. $35 per vehicle; $25 for season pass holders. Reservations required. SantasVillageDundee.com.

Santa House Visits: 6-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 at Williams and Brink streets, Crystal Lake. Bring your camera for a visit with Santa in his Santa House. Free. downtowncl.org.

“'Twas the Night Before ... by Cirque du Soleil”: Various dates and times through Friday, Dec. 28, at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Features acrobatics set to a holiday soundtrack reinvented by Cirque du Soleil. $46-$96. chicagotheatre.com.

Friday, Dec. 8

Christmas Concert with the Galway Gals: 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at St. Mark's Historic Chapel, 320 Franklin St., Geneva. Christmas songs through the decades performed by classically trained musicians Liz Berg McNichols and Anna Gillan. Optional 9 a.m. breakfast in the Atrium cafe of The Little Traveler, 404 S. Third St. $25-$35. Register at littletraveler.com.

Holly Jolly Days: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Learn how reindeer shoes are made, create crafts, listen to Christmas stories and more. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. $5; free for kids younger than 4. napersettlement.org/hollyjollydays.

Grinchmas: 4:45-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9, at Coyote Crossing Mini Golf, 27W650 North Ave., West Chicago. Walk around Whoville, play games and collect treats from the Whos. Photos with Santa and the Grinch. $12-$22. Register at csparks.org.

Frozen Flurry Fest: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Lake in the Hills Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills. Take a self-guided walk through a snow and ice walkway inspired by “Frozen” with lights, character encounters and a visit with Santa. Free for preregistered residents or $2 for nonresidents; at the gate: $2-$4. lith.org/Home/Components/News/News/1253/16.

Candy Cane Hunt: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Park Place Family Recreation Center. 550 S. Park Blvd., Streamwood. Scavenger hunt throughout Streamwood. Prizes for the top three finishers. $25-$30 per group. Register at streamwoodparks.org.

Movie in the Barn: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at the Village Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods. See “The Santa Clause.” Doors open at 6 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m. Includes a free bag of popcorn. Free. vhw.org.

Santa Visits Lollipop Lane: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, at Chamber Park Community Center, 131 N. Wolf Road, Wheeling. Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for free photos. Cookies and commemorative ornaments for sale. Free. wheelinghistoricalsociety.com.

'Tis the Season 2023 Annual Dance Concert: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Artistry in Motion Dance Company's annual dance concert. DPParks.org.

Christmas Vocal Jazz with Cheryl Wilson: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Barrington's White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Jazz vocalist Cheryl Wilson performs holiday music. $30. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

“The Big 4-0, ho, ho!”: 8-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Chicago Gay Men's Chorus celebrates its 40th anniversary with a celebration of holiday favorites over the last 40 years. $34-$93. cgmc.org/2023-events/holiday.

Elgin Symphony's Yuletide concert: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Seasonal music led by conductor Chad Goodman. $55-$65. elginsymphony.org.

Electric Illumination: 9:30-11 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 8-29, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Adults 18 and older can enjoy a curated mix of progressive house music synchronized to the light displays of Illumination. Plan-ahead pricing starts at $39. mortonarb.org.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Antique Vintage Flea Market and Holiday Market: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Antiques, vintage estate jewelry, clothing, collectibles, furniture, decor, old toys, advertising, coins and more. Admission: $8, good for both days; free for kids 12 and younger with an adult. Free parking. zurkopromotions.com.

Christmas Cookie Walk: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9, at Zion Lutheran Church, 11007 Book Road, Naperville. Variety of homemade cookies to choose from. zionnaperville.org/upcoming-events.

Elk Grove Park District Holiday Gift Show: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Community Center at Rainbow Falls, 200 Rev. Morrison Blvd., Elk Grove Village. About 30 crafters, vendors and small business owners will be selling home decor, jewelry, accessories and one-of-a-kind gifts. Free. elkgroveparks.org.

Fremd Viking Booster Club Holiday Craft Fair: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at William Fremd High School, 1000 S. Quentin Road, Palatine. Art and craft vendors in a variety of media, concessions and more. fremdboosterclub.org/craft-fair.

Holiday Pop-up Shop: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Arts in Bartlett, 215 S. Main St., Bartlett. Local artisans and crafters will be selling unique items. Free. artsinbartlett.org.

Santa's Hampshire JingleFest Parade: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in downtown Hampshire. Visits with Santa from 1-5:15 p.m. at the Copper Barrel; make an ornament for the village tree at Ella Johnson Memorial Library from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; singing with Musical Owl at 5 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., the Holiday Lights Parade will proceed down State Street and end with Santa lighting the tree. facebook.com/hampshirevillage.

Zion Concord Lutheran Christmas Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 865 S. Church Road, Bensenville. Homemade crafts from a variety of vendors, including ornaments, jewelry, ceramics and more. Proceeds benefit Zion Concord Lutheran School. Free entry. zionconcord.org/christmas-bazaar.

Dickens of a Holiday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in downtown Libertyville. Photos with Santa in Cook Park, the Children's Holiday Shoppe at Petranek's Pharmacy, and Victorian Tea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Libertyville Civic Center. Free, donations of nonperishable food items appreciated. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Last Chance Craft & Art Fair: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, at the College of DuPage Athletic Arena, northwest corner of College Road and Park Boulevard, Glen Ellyn. Strollers welcome, free parking. Admission fee. craftproductionsinc.com.

Santa Paws: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9, at Clayson House Museum & Library, 224 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Snap a photo of your pooch with Santa. $15-$20. Register for a time slot at palatineparks.org.

Santa's Craft Corner: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Cosley Zoo Kiebler Room, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Visit Santa, make a craft and tour the zoo. Advance registration not required. $20 per household at the door. cosleyzoo.org/santas-craft-corner-2.

Winter Fest: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Family photo opportunities, iceless skating, s'mores making, Festival of Fun, Gingerbread House Making contest (preregistration required), sled dogs, carnival games and more. Free entry. heparks.org.

Winter Frostival: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Visit with the Ice Princess, Ice Queen and Santa Claus, plus cookies, cocoa, carolers, story time and more. Free. ahpd.org.

Family holiday movies: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Glen Art Theatre, 540 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn. See “Polar Express.” Free. glenellynchamber.com/holiday.

Christmas in the Valley: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. Experience an 1880s holiday with traditional treats, kids' crafts, marshmallows and warm beverages around a bonfire and a visit from Father Christmas. Park at St. Matthew Parish and follow the signs to Spring Valley. $3 per person; $12 per family. Register at parkfun.com.

Santa's Cottage: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Village Plaza, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

WinterFest: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Wild Meadows Trace Park gazebo, 487 Spring Road, Elmhurst. Sleigh rides, reindeer on parade, visit with Santa, meet Anna and Elsa, cookies and hot chocolate, and Christmas carols. Event concludes with the tree lighting. springroad.com/our-events.

Elgin Symphony's Holiday Spectacular: 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Elgin Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Chad Goodman, is joined by Integrity School of Dance and Elgin Master Chorale. $20-$65; free for kids 17 and younger with a paid adult. elginsymphony.org.

A Very West Towns Christmas: 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, at Timothy Christian Schools Huizenga Auditorium, 188 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst. West Towns Chorus hosts its annual Christmas show, joined by local groups Chicago Bronze Handbells, Affinity Strings and Village Vocal Chords. $25 or $30 for preferred seating. westtowns.org/events/a-very-west-towns-christmas.

Holiday Tour of Homes: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Haines House Museum at Bowen Park, 1917 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan. Stroll some of Waukegan's most historic homes. $25 in advance, $30 the day of. waukeganparks.org/holidays.

Candlelight & Gingerbread, A Victorian Holiday Celebration: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Make Victorian-themed ornaments, snacks and hot chocolate, and listen to the Canterbury Carolers. $10; free for kids with a paid adult. gehs.org.

Addison Christmas Parade: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Santa winds his way through Addison neighborhoods on a fire engine. For a map, go to ithappensinaddison.com.

Boston Brass, “Christmas Bells are Swingin'”: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. Christmas concert with the All-Star Brass Big Band. $40. ravinia.org.

Let It Snow planetarium shows: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Festive full-dome video images choreographed to classic Christmas music. $12. mchenry.edu/events/index.html

The Christmas Star planetarium show: 7-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and learn about common modern-day misconceptions. $12. mchenry.edu/events/index.html.

Do-It-Yourself Messiah and Carol Sing-Along: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Orlin Trapp Auditorium on Waukegan High School's Brookside Campus, 2325 Brookside Ave., Waukegan. The Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus will perform the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah with the Hallelujah Chorus. $10-$20. waukeganparks.org/wsocc.

Chicago Master Singers Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. Traditional carols, favorites and new works under the direction of John C. Hughes. $15-$50. chicagomastersingers.org/concerts.

“Holidays and Harmonies, Handel to Jazz”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 Chicago Ave., Naperville. Naperville Chorus' winter concert featuring special guest the Pete Ellman Big Band, playing selections from Handel's Messiah juxtaposed with holiday classics with the band. $25-$30. napervillechorus.org.

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico — “A Very Merry Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. The Latin Grammy-nominated group Mariachi Herencia de México performs Mexican and American holiday favorites. $28-$38. dom.edu/arts-minds.

Jane Lynch's “A Swingin' Little Christmas”: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. A twist on the Christmas specials of the 1950s and '60s with Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and The Tony Guerrero Quintet. $50-$70. rauecenter.org.

Johnny Mathis Christmas Concert: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $39-$125. rosemont.com/theatre/event-calendar.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Bulgaria Christmas Bazaar — European Arts and Crafts: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Bulgarian Center Bulgarica, 1120 S. Elmhurst Road, Mount Prospect. Handcrafted gifts for Christmas and special occasions. bulgarica.org/events.

Artisans Market Winter Arts & Crafts Fair: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Wild Onion Brewery and Banquets, 22221 N. Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Handmade works of local juried artists, crafters, bakers and chefs. Free. artisan-markets.com.

Sing, Spin & Shine: 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Northbrook Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. The Community Hanukkah Celebration, in collaboration with Congregation Beth Shalom, features stories, songs, cookie decorating and crafts. $15-$19. Register at nbparks.org/events/sing-spin-shine.

“The Big 4-0, ho, ho!” with the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Chicago Gay Men's Chorus celebrates its 40th anniversary with a celebration of holiday favorites over the last 40 years. $27-$52. cgmc.org/2023-events/holiday.

Christmas Memories: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. Featuring the Harmony Alliance, made up of singers from the Arlingtones, Aurora Lamplighters, Brotherhood of Harmony, Chorus of DuPage, Chicago Metro Chorus, Fox Valley Harmonizers, Rockford Barbershop Chorus and the Will-Cook Knights of Harmony. $25; $15 for kids 5-18. chorusofdupage.com.

Winterfest — A Christmas Concert: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Crimi Auditorium in the Institute for Collaboration, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora. alumni.aurora.edu.

“Top of the World, A Carpenters Christmas”: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Singer Debbie Taylor, backed by a seven-piece band, performs the Carpenters greatest hits. $39-$69. arcadalive.com.

Voctave, “The Spirit of the Season”: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn. Voctave's 11-member a cappella group returns with holiday favorites from their newest album. $65-$75. atthemac.org.

The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Show: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. A new edition of the internationally acclaimed show, which may contain adult themes and language. $90-$500. auditoriumtheatre.org/events.

Monday, Dec. 11

Holiday Movie Night: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. See “Disney's A Christmas Carol” (2009). Doors open at 6:15 p.m. $1, cash only at the door. paramountaurora.com.

Schaumburg Youth String Ensemble Winter Concert: 7 p.m. Monday Dec. 11, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Tickets: $9 adults, $5 for kids 18 and younger in advance; $11 adults, $7 for kids 18 and younger at the door. prairiecenter.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Holiday Trolley Express: 4-7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 13-14, at Gary Morava Recreation Center, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. The trolley tours past houses decorated for the season, plus hear a story from one of Santa's helpers, sing Christmas carols, visit with Santa, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. $15-$17. Register at phparks.org.

Pictures with Santa: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Hoosier Grove Barn, 700 W. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. Bring a camera to take photos with Santa. $15-$20. Register at streamwoodparks.org.

Pictures With Santa: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Usher Park gazebo, 200 S. Walnut St., Itasca. Bring your camera to take photos with Santa. Itasca Park District will collect toys for Toys for Tots and nonperishable goods for the Itasca Food Pantry. Free. itasca.com.

On Stage

“A Christmas Carol”: 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. and noon Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 30 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The 31st anniversary of Drury Lane Theatre's production of Charles Dickens' holiday tale. drurylanetheatre.com/Theatre-for-Young-Audiences.

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”: 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 30, at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The inspiring true story of Carole King's journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Ticket prices start at $55. marriotttheatre.com.

“The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 7 and 8, and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet follows courageous young Clara on her journey through an enchanted land of dancing snowflakes to the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy. $26-$38. prairiecenter.org.

“Absurd Person Singular, A Christmas Farce”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 at Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Alan Ayckbourn's comedy follows three couples, in three kitchens, on three successive Christmas Eves. $22-$28. steelbeamtheatre.com.

The Second City's Holiday Revue “What The Elf”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 at the Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Chicago's famed improv theater skewers the holidays. $42. paramountaurora.com.

“White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 16 at 900 Foster Ave., Medinah. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions puts on a holiday show featuring Irving Berlin's music. Additional show at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. $18-$25. overshadowed.org.

“Miss Bennet-Christmas at Pemberley”: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 17 at the McAninch Arts Center Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents this sequel to “Pride and Prejudice” about Mary Bennet, the bookish, unmarried middle sister, who yearns for more in life when an expected guest joins the Christmas festivities at Pemberley. $42-$44. atthemac.org.

“The Day Before Christmas”: 7 p.m. Friday Dec. 8, and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. It's the day before Christmas and all the usual characters have been busy at the North Pole getting ready for the big day. That is, until Jack Frost decides to throw in a little chaos and calamity. Proceeds benefit Susannah's Gift, a cultural arts scholarship fund. $12. cuttinghall.org.

“The Naperville Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8; 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton, Naperville. Elise Flagg Academy of Dance's holiday production. $30-$40. eliseflagg.com.

“Nutcracker All Jazzed Up”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and noon, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Presented by the Bartlett Park District and Lisa's School of Dance, the production includes local dancers performing to Tchaikovsky's musical score reorchestrated into a modern, up-tempo, family-friendly show. Tickets required. bartlettparks.org.

“The Nutcracker Ballet” 2023: 7 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 8 and 15; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 10 and 17, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Judith Svalander School of Ballet transforms the Opera House stage into a realm of fantasy. $20-$45. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“It's a Wonderful Life”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9 and 15-16, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Improv Playhouse Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Improv Playhouse Radio Theatre will present a live staged radio play to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the movie. $20 for adults, $17.50 for seniors, $7.50 for students in advance; $22.50/$20/$10 at the door. improvplayhouse.com.

Rhythm of the Dance Christmas special: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Irish dance show featuring festive songs and dance. $41-$58. bataviafineartscentre.org.

“The Nutcracker”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Albright Community Theatre, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Holiday production of the legend of the Nutcracker now presented as a play. $18-$23. albrighttheatre.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and dates through Dec. 24 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. For ages 5 and older. For tickets, see metropolisarts.com.

“The Snow Queen”: Various times through Dec. 31 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the Disney movie “Frozen.” Tickets starts at $15.75. MarriottTheatre.com.

“Elf the Musical Jr.”: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, and 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Taylor Auditorium at Wheaton North High School, 701 W. Thomas Road. Wheaton North High School Performing Arts production includes “Cookies with Buddy & Santa,” after the Saturday morning performance with cookie decorating and photos with Buddy and Santa. Show tickets are $10 and $7 for students and seniors; “Cookies with Buddy & Santa” is an extra $5. showtix4u.com/events/wnhsperformingarts.

Dining with Santa

Breakfast with Santa at Poplar Creek: 8:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Adults: $23.95; kids 4-12: $14.95; free for kids 3 and younger. Reservations are required. (847) 781-3658 or heparks.org.

Algonquin Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Cucina Bella, 220 S. Main St., Algonquin. Breakfast, crafts and a visit with Santa. $27 for residents, $32 for nonresidents 13 and older; $20/$25 for kids 4-12; free for kids 3 and younger. rec.algonquin.org.

Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, at Lambs Farm 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Dine on brunch at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery and visit Santa's workshop to pick out a gift. $18.95, $7.95 for kids younger than 2. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.org.

Bartlett Breakfast with Santa: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Villa Olivia, 1401 W. Lake St., Bartlett. Visit from Santa, a plated breakfast, holiday crafts, festive music and more. Must preregister. Fee. bartlettparks.org.

Breakfast with Santa at Drury Lane: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays through Dec. 23 at Lucille at Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Meet Santa, make doughnuts and dine on breakfast. Adults: $40; kids 3-12: $30; free for kids 2 and younger. lucillerestaurant.com/holiday-events.

Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Ronald J. Gunter Administration Building, 55 E. Richmond St., Westmont. Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolf and dine on a breakfast of pancakes, sausages, juice, coffee, milk and cookies. Each child will receive a gift. Registration required. $18-$22; free for kids 2 and younger. westmontparks.org.

Streamwood Breakfast with Santa: 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Hoosier Grove Barn, 700 W. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. Join Santa for breakfast, coloring, crafts and goodies. $20-$30 for ages 11 and older; $20-$25 for kids 10 and younger; free for kids younger than 2, if they are sitting on a parent's lap. Registration required. streamwoodparks.org.

Brunch with Santa at Drury Lane: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 17 at Lucille at Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Dine on brunch with Santa and then see a production of “Cinderella” (tickets not included). Adults: $85; kids 5-12: $30; and free for kids 4 and younger. lucillerestaurant.com/holiday-events.

St. Charles Breakfast with Santa: 8:45 and 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at Alexander's Cafe, 1650 W. Main St., St. Charles. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, play reindeer games and create a special craft. Santa will stop by each table to visit and take photos. Geared toward kids 6 and younger, who must be accompanied by a registered adult. $18. Registration required. stcparks.org.