Best Bets: Dazzling light displays usher in the holiday season

Christmas at Cantigny

This year’s Christmas at Cantigny celebration at 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, promises more magic this season. In addition to the illuminated gardens and landscapes (one inspired by the Aurora Borealis), this year’s event includes tours of the decorated McCormick House, including special guided tours on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 ($75 admission). The estate also hosts “A Wickedly Popular Christmas” theme nights on Sundays, Nov. 23 and 30 and Dec. 7 and 14. Ice skating on the outdoor rink is $7, and skate rental is $3. Passenger vehicle admission starts at $6; recreational vehicle, minibus and bus admission ranges from $30 to $90. Hours are 4:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours on weekends and during special events. cantigny.org. Friday, Nov. 21, through Dec. 23

Speaking of celebrations …

• Chicago’s Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and featuring a holiday parade and fireworks, returns for its 34th year. The parade includes floats, giant helium balloons, music and celebrities. It steps off from Oak Street on Michigan Avenue, travels south to the Chicago River, turns east on Wacker Drive and ends at Columbus Drive. Free. A free family festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. themagnificentmile.com. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22

• Rosemont welcomes the holidays with the annual tree lighting during Light Up the Park at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. In addition to meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, free activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice sculpting and carolers. parkwaybankpark.com. Family-friendly activities from 2-6 p.m.; tree lighting is at 5:30 p.m.

‘Mellon Collie’ at Lyric

Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan collaborates with the Lyric Opera of Chicago on “A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness” celebrating the 30th anniversary of the celebrated Smashing Pumpkins album. Soprano Sydney Mancasola, mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams, tenor Dominick Chenes and baritone Edward Parks join Corgan and the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus for the performances at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tickets start at $149. lyricopera.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22 and 28-29; Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 25-26; and Nov. 30

At the museums

• The American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, debuts “American Prophets: Writers, Religion and Culture.” The new exhibition examines the influence of religion and spirituality on writers and readers through interactive displays incorporating more than 100 creative works from literature to film, music, comedy and more. $16 for adults, $10 for students, teachers and seniors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. (312) 374-8790 or americanwritersmuseum.org. Opens Friday, Nov. 21

• The National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, presents “Rieles y Raíces: Traqueros in Chicago and the Midwest,” an examination of the history of Mexican and Mexican American traqueros (railroad workers) in the Midwest and the communities they built. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org. Friday, Nov. 21, through April 26, 2026

In concert

• Modern jazz guitarist Fareed Haque joins fellow guitarist Goran Ivanovic for an evening of jazz at Studio5, 1934 Dempster St., Evanston. The concert, to be recorded live for WDCB’s “Chicago Jazz Live,” is a fundraiser for the American Civil Liberties Union to support civil rights and free speech. $40, $50 cabaret seating. studio5.dance. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21

• The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, hosts a “Tribute to The Last Waltz” concert, re-creating the legendary farewell performance by The Band, which Martin Scorsese captured in his 1976 film “The Last Waltz.” Participating musicians include Corky Siegel as blues harmonica player Paul Butterfield, Nicholas Tremulis as pianist Dr. John, and Shaun Hague as Eric Clapton. Playing the members of The Band are: Sal Canzone as Levon Helm, Dennis Costis as Robbie Robertson, Rick Demski as Rick Danko, Brother John Kattke as Richard Manuel and Dan Patten as Garth Hudson. $77.55-$88.85. (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22

Performance art at the MCA

Pussy Riot co-founder, activist and performance artist Nadya Tolokonnikova performs “POLICE STATE” at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. The Russian-born Tolokonnikova will convert the MCA’s Edlis Neeson Theater into a makeshift Russian prison cell that she will occupy during museum hours, sewing garments as she did when she was incarcerated for two years following her conviction for hooliganism in 2012. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Chicago residents: $19 for adults, $10 for students, teachers and seniors. Nonresidents: $22 for adults, $14 for students, teachers and seniors. (312) 280-2660 or mcachicago.org. Tuesday, Nov. 25, through Nov. 30