Things to do Dec. 15-21: Holiday light shows, Wintrust Winterland, concerts, 'Messiah,' 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.

Wintrust Winterland: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays and 3-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays through Jan. 7 at Gallagher Way and inside Wrigley Field, Chicago. Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences, including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville with vendors, a 40-foot Ferris wheel and a lighted tree; an ice rink with bumper cars and skating; carnival games and rides; a lounge with fire pits, s'mores kits and refreshments; live music and more. Free admission; the Wrigley Field portion requires tickets, which are $5 in advance. gallagherway.com.

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 Santa visits from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 16-17 and 23. Free. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season.

Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 14-17, 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. Check for availability as many 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 Sunday, 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, photo 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, and Dec. 20 and 21, 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.

Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights: Through the first week of January at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The museum's annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. Museum admission. msichicago.org.

WNDR Museum's Winter WNDRland — “Iced In”: Runs through Monday, Jan. 15, at WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St., Chicago. The museum has been transformed into an icy winterscape for guests to explore the expansive chill of the winter season. General admission tickets start at $32. wndrmuseum.com.

Friday, Dec. 15

Holly Jolly Days: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Learn how reindeer shoes are made, create crafts, listen to Christmas stories, and stop by the Victorian Christmas photo stop. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. $5; free for kids younger than 4. napersettlement.org/hollyjollydays.

Swim with Santa: 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Indoor Pool at 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Swimming, treats, crafts, holiday music and more. For kids 3-8. $10. Registration required at wheelingparkdistrict.com.

“12 Dames of Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Angela Ingersoll captures the iconic voices of the holiday season, including Brenda Lee, Eartha Kitt, Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Edith Piaf and more. $42. eccartscenter.org/events/centerstage.

Handel's “Messiah”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Buchanan Chapel, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago; 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at First Presbyterian Church, 715 N. Carlton Ave., Wheaton; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at New Covenant Church, 1 Bunting Lane, Naperville. The annual family-friendly series of the “Messiah Part One,” Christmas portion, by Handel and singalong “Hallelujah Chorus” with the Camerata Chicago Orchestra and Choir and four world-class soloists. $2-$75. Cameratachicago.org.

“Merry, Merry Chicago!”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15; 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; 1 and 4: 30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22; and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Broadway star Ashley Brown joins members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to perform carols and holiday songs. Thomas Wilkins conducts. $40-$175. cso.org/performances/23-24/cso-specials/merry-merry-chicago.

“Welcome Christmas” Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Village Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods. The Lake County Symphony Orchestra performs the 16th-century music that is the inspiration for the Christmas music of “Fresh Aire — Mannheim Steamroller.” $40; free for kids younger than 5. lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com.

Electric Illumination: 9:30-11 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 29 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Adults 18 and older can enjoy a curated mix of dance-worthy music synchronized to the light displays of Illumination. Through Dec. 22, it will be progressive house music. New this year, a curated playlist of '80s hits on Dec. 29. Plan-ahead pricing starts at $39. mortonarb.org.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Santa Paws: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Sheila Ray Adult Center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Bring your dogs for a special holiday craft and receive a souvenir picture with Santa and a goody bag. Dogs must be leashed; retractable leashes are not allowed. Registration required at elkgroveparks.org.


Family holiday movies: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Glen Art Theatre, 540 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Screening of “Elf.” Free. glenellynchamber.com/holiday.

The Chicago Art Girls Holiday Pop Up Shop: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17, at Bell Elementary, 3730 N. Oakley, Chicago. More than 40 female artists and artisan food vendors will be selling handmade artwork ranging from clothing to mixed media to glass to jewelry and more. Free parking. (847) 533-7829 or chicagoartgirls.com.

Latin American Marketplace: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17, at Fox Valley Mall, 195 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora. DuPage Hispanic Alliance is hosting a Latin American Marketplace featuring more than 40 vendors selling one-of-a-kind items from a variety of countries. Plus, there will be folklore dancers, Lotería, sugar skull painting, Chicago Red Stars mascot SuperNova, alebrijes (brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of mythical creatures), bilingual story time and Santa visits. Free entry. dupagehispanicalliance.com/marketplace/.

Renegade Craft Fair: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17, at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago. Shop from more than 170 curated artists. renegadecraft.com.

A Norman Rockwell Tea: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17, at Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Two seatings each day. For ages 5 and older. $30-$39. Register at crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Santa's Cottage: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Village Plaza, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. Santa's Cottage is hosted by Mundelein Community Connection. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Christmas at the Farm: 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17, at Lyon Farm, 7935 Route 71, Yorkville. An old-fashioned Christmas on the farm with crafts and goodies for the kids, a storyteller, chestnut roasting, cookie icing and Santa Claus. lyonfarmkchs.org.

Holiday Spectacular: 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Belvidere Recreation Center, 412 S. Lewis Ave., Waukegan. Learn about winter holidays from around the world with crafts and activities. Santa will visit. $10 per resident, $12 per nonresident. waukeganparks.org/holidays.

Ravenswood Makers Market: 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at KOVAL Distillery, 4241 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago. About 25 local handmade artists and makers will be selling a variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles and more. Free entry. facebook.com.

Christmas Memories: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Wheaton College Barrows Auditorium, 500 College Ave., Wheaton. 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.

Presto! Holiday Concert: 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Schaumburg's youth orchestra teams up with the Schaumburg Choral Programs' ensembles for a concert of classical compositions, holiday pops and contemporary works. Tickets: $24 adults; $18 seniors and students. prairiecenter.org.

Pete Ellman Big Band: 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. The 18-piece band performs jazz and Big Band standards and new pieces, plus some holiday tunes, Big Band-style. Tickets include complimentary beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks) and light snacks. $30. norrisculturalarts.com.

“Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Wild & Swingin' Holiday Party”: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Pfeiffer Hall, 310 Benton Ave., Naperville. The band will perform holiday classics and Christmas originals from their two full-length holiday albums. $45-$55. northcentralcollege.edu/show/artists/voodoo-daddy.

“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas”: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from Davis' Fresh Aire series. $39.50-$95. rosemont.com/theatre.

Sunday, Dec. 17

DuPage Symphony Orchestra's “Holly Jolly Harmonies”: 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Holiday creations by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Samuel Barber and Ottorino Respighi complement a selection of popular medleys. Santa might take over the Maestra's podium. $6-$21. dupagesymphony.org.

Singalong Handel's “Messiah”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Marmion Abbey Church, 850 Butterfield Road, Aurora. The 12th annual community singalong hosted by the Fox Valley Orchestra and Chorus features a full Baroque orchestra and four guest artists — soprano Angela Presutti, alto Avery Felton, tenor Cornelius Johnson III and bass Michael Cavalieri. Music scores available for purchase in the lobby. $12 online or $15 at the door. foxvalleyorchestra.org/messiah.php.

Des Plaines Community Concert Band: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. The band performs under the direction of Dr. Al Legutki. Tickets are available at the door. Adults $10; seniors and students $8. dpparks.org.

Elmhurst Choral Union Handel's “Messiah”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, in Elmhurst University's Hammerschmidt Chapel, 190 S. Prospect, Elmhurst. The group, led by artistic director Scott Uddenberg, will be accompanied by a full professional orchestra and professional soloists. $25 or $15 for kids 12 and younger. elmhurstchoralunion.org/tickets.

“A Night of Christmas Music”: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave., Elgin. Features soprano Diva Montell and tenors Jeorge Holmes, Franco Martorana and Simon Lee, with Murna Hansemann as the accompanist. A reception will follow. Freewill donations accepted. (847) 742-6431.

Northwest Choral Christmas Concert: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at St. Raymond de Penafort Church, 301 S. I Oka Ave., Mount Prospect. The Northwest Choral Society presents its Christmas concert, “Northwest Christmas,” featuring popular Christmas chorales and singalongs with the choir. Ticket required. nwchoralsociety.org.

Monday, Dec. 18

“Celebrate Christmas”: 1:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Lyric Opera tenor John Concepcion returns with colleagues soprano Kim Jones, bass David Govertsen, mezzo-soprano Yvette Smith and pianist William Billingham. Free; donations welcome. ncca.memberclicks.net.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Bagpipes & Bonfire on Winter Solstice: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Following Winter Solstice traditions around the world, this event includes a bonfire, bagpipe show and a hot beverage. Kids must be accompanied by a registered adult. Register at genevaparks.org.

Movies at the Opera House: 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 19-21, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Dec. 19: “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation”; Dec. 20: “The Muppets Christmas Carol”; and Dec. 21: “Elf.” $8. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 20

Story of The Little Traveler Crèche: 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at The Little Traveler, 404 S. Third St., Geneva. Learn the stories and hidden meanings behind the 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity that was first displayed at The Little Traveler in the 1930s and that has been restored and preserved by The Geneva History Museum. During this presentation, a traditional English Cream Tea of tea and scones with clotted cream and jam will be served. Proceeds will be donated to the Geneva History Museum. $20. littletraveler.com.

Thursday, Dec. 21

Holiday Movie Trivia Night: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St., Unit A, St. Charles. Play solo or with a team of friends. Prizes awarded to the top three teams. Tickets must be purchased in advance. riverlandsbrewing.com.

Buddy Rich Big Band Machine's “A Groovy Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Featuring Buddy's daughter, vocalist Cathy Rich, along with drummer Gregg Potter and the Buddy Rich Band. Santa will visit. $29-$39. arcadalive.com.

Sir Andrew Conducts Handel's Messiah: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The Chicago Symphony Chorus and four soloists join Sir Andrew Davis in this holiday performance. $55-$325. cso.org/performances/23-24/cso-classical/sir-andrew-conducts-handel-messiah.

“It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Alaska ... A Christmas Show”: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 21-22, at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. $35-$249. houseofblues.com/chicago.

On Stage

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

“Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical”: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday through Dec. 22; 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18; and other times and dates through Dec. 30 at Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Chicago Kids Company-Theater for Children presents this holiday classic. Join Mrs. Claus as she teams up with the new Elf Class of 2023 to find Santa's missing list in time for Christmas. For kids 2-10. $18. apollochicago.com.

“Sing Along With Santa”: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17, at Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Steel Beam Youth Theatre production. $13-$18. steelbeamtheatre.com.

“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.

New Philharmonic and Salt Creek Ballet's “The Nutcracker”: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17, in the McAninch Arts Center's Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Salt Creek Ballet's full-scale production features live accompaniment from the New Philharmonic. $36-$46. atthemac.org/events/nutcracker-salt-creek-ballet.

Ruth Page's “The Nutcracker”: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. See the full-length production choreographed by Ruth Page. $26; $23 for ages 65 and older and military; $15 for students. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.

“A Christmas Tale”: 3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 16, and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Three wise men, led by a dream, go through the desert toward adventure in this family-friendly musical comedy presented by the Splinter Theatre Company. $15-$25. cuttinghall.org.

Dancenter North's “Magic of the Nutcracker”: 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 21-22, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. 35th anniversary performance featuring over 100 performers, elaborate sets, dancers and Tchaikovsky's score. $18-$40. geneseetheatre.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. Show tickets: $10 or $7 for students and seniors; “Cookies with Buddy & Santa” an additional $5. showtix4u.com/events/wnhsperformingarts.

LoMastro “Nutcracker”: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15; 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. LoMastro Performing Arts Academy's production of “The Nutcracker” with dancers ages 7-18. $30-$38. lomastro.com.

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-16, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Drive, Waukegan. Performance of the classic holiday play about a little girl who doesn't believe in Santa Claus. $5-$20. waukeganil.gov.

“The Nutcracker Ballet” 2023: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 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.

Studio 83 Dance Academy “Nutcracker” Performance: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. A new take on a beloved classic featuring a re-imagined land of sweets, with all styles of dance. Tickets are $15 at bgparks.org/programs/dance.

“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.

“Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Dec. 31, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Max the Dog narrates as the scheming Grinch decides to steal Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos. For ages 5 and older. $55-$150. broadwayinchicago.com/show/grinch-2023.

“It's a Wonderful Life”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-16, 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, and $7.50 for students in advance; $22.50/$20/$10 at the door. improvplayhouse.com.

“White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 14-15, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at 900 Foster Ave., Medinah. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions puts on a holiday show featuring Irving Berlin's music. $18-$25. overshadowed.org.

“Miss Bennet — Christmas at Pemberley”: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 14-16, and 3 p.m. Sunday, 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 Second City's Holiday Revue “What The Elf”: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday through Dec. 23 at Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Chicago's famed improv and sketch comedy theater skewers the holidays. $42. paramountaurora.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; children under 3 will not be permitted. For tickets, see metropolisarts.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and dates through Dec. 31 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. High-end production of Charles Dickens' classic. $25-$75. goodmantheatre.org.

“Christmas With Elvis”: Various dates and times through Jan. 7 at The Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago. The dramedy tells the story of a lonely, anxious and slightly angry woman who discovers, on Christmas Eve, that her ex-husband is getting remarried. Before she can indulge in her misery, the ghost of Elvis Presley appears in her apartment. Contains adult themes and language. $50-$75. chopintheatre.com.

“The Hip-Hop Nutcracker”: Various dates and times through Jan. 6 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. This contemporary dance spectacle is a remixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky's music together. $55-$150. broadwayinchicago.com/show/hip-hop-nutcracker.

“The Immersive Nutcracker — A Winter Miracle”: Various dates and times through Dec. 31 at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago. This 30-minute immersive experience, set to Tchaikovsky's music, weaves the classic tale of Marie and her toy nutcracker. Follow them on their magical adventure through the Land of Sweets, brought to life by renowned ballet dancers and innovative projection mapping technology. $29.99. immersive-nutcracker.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.

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

Dining with Santa

Pizza & PJs with Santa: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Wear PJs, write a letter to Santa, make an ornament, take a photo with Santa, eat pizza and watch “Polar Express.” Kids must be accompanied by an adult. $15. Registration required. parkfun.com.

Breakfast with Santa at Schaumburg High School: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 16, at Schaumburg High School, 1100 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Ticketed breakfast includes a free picture with Santa, kids' games and crafts. Plus, a raffle and bake sale by the pound. $12 for adults; $7.50 for kids 2-12; free for kids 2 and younger. eventbrite.com/o/schaumburg-high-school-girls-basketball-18115412402.

Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17, 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, get a festive temporary tattoo, make a sand art creation and get a goody bag. $18.95, $7.95 for kids younger than 2. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.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 and make doughnuts. Sip on hot chocolate from the build-your-own hot cocoa bar and dine on made-to-order omelets, doughnuts and waffles, breakfast items and more. Then see a production of “A Christmas Carol” (tickets not included). Adults: $40; kids 3-12: $30; free for kids 2 and younger. lucillerestaurant.com/holiday-events.

Holly Days Breakfast with Santa: 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Westmont administrative building, 55 E. Richmond St., Westmont. All-you-can-eat breakfast includes pancakes, sausages, juice, coffee, milk and cookies prepared by the Westmont Lions Club. Prices vary. No walk-ins. Registration required at westmont.illinois.gov.

Brunch with Santa at Drury Lane: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Lucille at Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. From eggnog and unlimited mimosas to homemade doughnuts and hand-carved prime rib, 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.