Things to do Dec. 22-28: Christmas concerts, shows, celebrations and more

If you haven’t had time to take advantage of all the holiday events happening across the suburbs, now is your chance to catch a seasonal concert, light show, “Christmas Carol,” ice skating and much more.

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.

Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily 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.

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 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 22-23; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 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. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 22-23, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 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. An array of new free and ticketed activities, including outdoor ice skating, ax throwing, outdoor firepits, light displays, live music, a holiday artisan market, fireworks on Saturdays and more. Free admission, some activities require tickets. navypier.org.

Rosemont’s Chicago Wolves Ice Rink: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 22 through Jan. 8. Special hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24; 4-10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, which includes a midnight fireworks display; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1. Free admission. Bring skates or rent skates on-site for $8. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, through Dec. 31, except Sunday, Dec. 24, as well as Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 26-27, 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. Parking fees. $20.95-$29.95. czs.org/HolidayMagic.

Wintrust Winterland: 3-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 7 on 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 and s’mores kits; live music and more. Free admission; the Wrigley Field portion requires tickets, which are $5 in advance. gallagherway.com.

Christmas at Cantigny: 4-11 p.m. daily (except Mondays) through Saturday, Dec. 23, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. See specially designed light installations throughout the gardens and grounds. Seasonal food and beverages offered daily. 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 Monday, Dec. 25, at the Bandshell on Skidmore, Antioch. Stay in your car and listen through your radio to 20-minute shows running continuously. Free. antiochchamber.org.

Sonny Acres Farm Holiday Market: 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 22-23, at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago. Vendors, hayrides, petting zoo, specialty food, entertainment and more. Free entry. sonnyacres.com.

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

Illumination, Tree Lights: Time slots from 4:30-8 p.m. daily through Jan. 6 (except Sunday and Monday, Dec. 24-25) 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. 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. 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. Friday and Saturday and 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday through Jan. 7 at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago. Lighted displays, photo ops and interactive programming. Closed Sunday and Monday, Dec. 24-25. $10 Fridays and Saturdays, $7 most weekdays, free on Mondays. lpzoo.org/event/zoolights.

Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival: 5-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 31, (closed Monday, Dec. 25) 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 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. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 22-23, at Santa’s Village, 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee. Drive through over 3 million lights synchronized to holiday music. Funnel cakes and hot chocolate for purchase. $35 per vehicle, $25 for season pass holders. Reservations required. SantasVillageDundee.com.

Willow Hill Lights: 5-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 6 at Willow Hill Lights, 1350 Willow Road, Northbrook. A drive-though holiday experience featuring 2.5 miles of displays including the Abominable Snowman and the 12 Days of Christmas. $40 per car/SUV; $60 per bus/limo. willowhilllights.com.

Santa House Visits: 6-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 21-22, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at Williams and Brink streets, Crystal Lake. Bring your camera for a visit with Santa in his Santa House. Free. downtowncl.org.

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. Plan-ahead pricing starts at $39. mortonarb.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.

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 favorite. $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.

EXCISION concert: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, in the Festival Hall at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. EXCISION will headline a night of high-energy entertainment featuring lasers, immersive visuals and supporting artists such as Sullivan King, DJ Crankdat, Emorfik, Lizzy Jane and Dogma. Ages 18 and older. General admission $79.99; VIP $109.50. navypier.org.

Candlelight Holiday Special: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave., Evanston. The Metropolis String Quartet will perform a program including Christmas classics such as “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” “Carol of the Bells” and more. $30. eventvesta.com/events/53433/t/tickets.

“A Carpenter’s Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Lisa Rock and her six-piece band perform hits of The Carpenters. Doors open at 7 p.m. $30-$40. rauecenter.org.

“Steam Irish Quartet — A Celtic Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Acoustic combo performing traditional Irish music. $25-$30. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“Polar Express”: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. See the 2004 holiday classic. $1, cash only at the door. paramountaurora.com.

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

“For Kids From 1 to 92”: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. A holiday extravaganza for all ages featuring Christmas music favorites. $30-$40. rauecenter.org.

Green Velvet La La Land X-Mas ’23: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Chicago native Green Velvet DJs along with performers Claude VonStroke, Curtis McClain, Dajae, DJ Heather and DJ E-Clypse. Ages 18 and older. General admission: $34.50-$49.99; VIP: $99.99. navypier.org.

“Ed Hall’s Woodstock Christmas Guitar Night”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Edgar Cruz, Arkadiy Yushin and Mark Anthony Cruz perform. $30-$35. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“Christmas Wizards, A Salute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra with Infinity”: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. A tribute to Trans Siberian Orchestra and the classic rock holiday experience. $25-$45. arcadalive.com.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”: 3 and 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. The group performs Christmas favorites. $49.75-$109.75. rosemont.com/allstate.

“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. The 31st anniversary of Drury Lane Theatre’s production of Charles Dickens’ holiday tale. drurylanetheatre.com/Theatre-for-Young-Audiences.

“Mrs. Claus”: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays through Dec. 22; 11 a.m. Saturdays, Dec. 23 and 30; 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday through Friday through Dec. 29; and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Presented by Chicago Kids Company. $18. apollochicago.com.

“Beautiful, The Carole King Musical”: 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 7 (no show Dec. 24) as well as 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21, 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.

“Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish”: 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 20-21; 3 and 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, and Tuesday through Friday, Dec. 26-29; and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 23 and 30, and Sunday, Dec. 31, at Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. A holiday musical telling the story of a rag doll who lives at the North Pole and wishes for a best friend and home of her own. $20. citadeltheatre.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.

The Joffrey Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20; 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 21-23, and Tuesday, Dec. 26; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago. The Joffrey Ballet celebrates the return of Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s magical production of “The Nutcracker,” set in Chicago’s World Fair in 1893. Single tickets start at $36. (312) 386-8905 or joffrey.org.

“Absurd Person Singular, A Christmas Farce”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 21-23, 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 through 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.

The Second City’s Holiday Revue “What The Elf”: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 22-23, 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”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 23-24, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. For ages 5 and older. 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 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 and dates 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 Thursday, Dec. 28, at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters and a soundtrack including holiday classics reinvented by Cirque du Soleil. $46-$96. chicagotheatre.com.