Things to do Dec. 12-18: Tom Arnold, ‘Nutcracker’ variations, Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ Santa events and more

Starts before Friday

“Elf The Musical”: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10; plus 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 14, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Tickets start at $55.35. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 11-13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Bring a donation of household or personal items for Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. $25. wheatondrama.org.

“The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 11-12, and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s 30th production of the holiday classic. Tickets: $35-$50. prairiecenter.org.

Friday, Dec. 12

The International Gem & Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Diamonds, beads, pearls, precious and semi-precious gemstones, jewelry, watches, supplies and more. $8, $6 in advance, free for military members; kids younger than 9 not permitted. intergem.com.

Camerata Chicago performs Handel’s “Messiah”: 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago; 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at New Covenant Church, 1 Bunting Lane, Naperville; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Union Church, 137 S. Garfield St., Hinsdale. The Camerata Chicago Orchestra and Choir will perform Handel’s “Messiah” (Part I Christmas) with the Hallalujah Chorus. The choir performs it twice — the second time for the audience to join in. $50, $40 for seniors, $10 for students with ID, and $2 for kids 14 or younger with a paying adult. Cameratachicago.org.

Christmas at the Tivoli: Friday through Wednesday, Dec. 12-17, at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. See “The Polar Express” (2004) at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; “Elf” (2003) at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14; “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14; “A Christmas Story” (1983) at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; “The Holdovers” (2023) at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, and 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16; “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) at 4:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16; and “White Christmas” (1954) at 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 and older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

Holiday Express: 5-8 p.m. Fridays and 2-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 12-21, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Twinkly lights, holiday music, hay wagon rides and steam engine train rides that run a three-quarter-mile loop around Lake Gregory for “Destination: Virtual North Pole.” The train and hay wagon are ADA-accessible. $10 for ages 1 and older. Tickets: blackberryfarm.info/special-events/holiday-express.

Santa Splash: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Wheeling Community Center Indoor Pool, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Santa, festive photos and treats. $10. Registration required. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Community School of the Arts Jazz and Pop Festival: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in Edman Memorial Chapel, Room 102, 401 E. Franklin St., Wheaton. CSA piano students will perform in jazz trios accompanied by Wheaton College students, featuring blues, jazz, pop, rock, contemporary Christian music and more. Free. wheaton.edu/calendar-of-events.

“Let It Snow” Showcase: 6 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 12 and 19, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the McHenry County College Planetarium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Animated show featuring seasonal music by Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Burl Ives, Brenda Lee and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. $17.85, $12.51 for MCC students. Register: mchenry.edu/events.

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs: 6 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 12 and 19, at Millennium Park, Wrigley Square, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Free. chicago.gov.

Second Fridays in the Arts District: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St., Batavia. Art, live music, food, drinks and shopping. Hosted by Water Street Studios, Kiss the Sky and Soul Studio. facebook.com/waterststudios.

Hampshire’s annual Jingle Fest Parade: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in downtown Hampshire. Staging at 6 p.m. The tree lighting will happen at the start of the parade. hampshireil.org/santaparade.

Ballet Chicago’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $30-$60. athenaeumcenter.org.

A Creole Christmas: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. Presented by Preservation Hall Jazz Band. evanstonspace.com.

Gaither Homecoming Christmas Tour 2025: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington Campus, 67 Algonquin Road, South Barrington. Bill Gaither presents a Christmas celebration featuring The Gaither Vocal Band along with Mark Lowry and Jeff’s musical entourage. $47.72 -$93.02. willowcreek.org.

Judith Svalander Ballet School’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 12-21, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $25-$51. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“Nothing Means Anything,” An Evening of Comedy with Chris Ryan: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. Naperville native Chris Ryan performs stand-up in his all-new show. $25. northcentralcollege.edu/show/calendar.

“Nutcracker All Jazzed Up”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the 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 experience. $11. bartlettparkdistrict.com.

“The Christmas Star” Showcase: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the McHenry County College Planetarium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions will be discussed. $17.85, $12.51 MCC students. Register: mchenry.edu/events.

Lake County Symphony Orchestra’s “Timeless Treasures”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. With guest director Jim Stephenson. $11-$32.80. lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com.

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Albright Community Theatre, 100 N. Island Ave., 3rd floor, Batavia. By chance, Kriss Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. $18-$23. albrighttheatre.com.

Under the Streetlamp’s “Hip to the Holidays”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at ECC Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Former stars of the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys” bring a twist to favorite seasonal music. $65, $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org/events/centerstage/.

“Who Brought the Humbug?”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Rhythm Street Movement blends tap dance, infectious beats and reimagined holiday classics. $20-$77. bataviafineartscentre.org.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Spectacular: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A holiday performance including carols, new spins on modern favorites, and an appearance by Santa. Led by conductor Chad Goodman with the Elgin Master Chorale and Integrity School of Dance. Raue tickets: $41.30-$89; Hemmens tickets: $20-$70; call about free tickets for kids 17 and younger. rauecenter.org or elginsymphony.org.

Tom Arnold: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan. The comedian will perform at the Lighthouse. Tickets start at $36.31. americanplace.com.

“Nutcracker” Performances: Friday through Sunday, Dec. 12-14, at Hyde Park School of Dance, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago. For tickets, see hydeparkdance.org.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Arctic Express: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, at the Grayslake Train Station, Lake and St. Paul streets, Grayslake. Join the Gurnee Park District for a holiday train ride with an interactive story featuring music, singing, dancing and more. Registration required. $26-$32. gurneeparkdistrict.com.

Santa Breakfast: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the American Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. The Sons of the American Legion will hold an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with Santa to raise funds for Legion Family Charities. $11 for ages 11 and older, $6 for veterans and kids 5-10, and free for kids 4 and younger. alpost690.us.

Grayslake Antiques & Flea Market: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Shop for antiques, jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles, comics, memorabilia, old toys, coins and more. $8. zurkopromotions.com.

Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa: 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Dine on brunch at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, make crafts and meet Santa. $19.95, $7.95 for kids 2 and younger. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.org/.

Breakfast with Santa at Villa Olivia: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Villa Olivia, 1401 W. Lake St., Bartlett. The special event with Santa includes a plated breakfast, holiday activities and festive music. Registration is required; see bartlettparks.org/event/breakfast-with-santa/ for registration instructions or call (630) 540-4800.

Dickens of a Holiday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in downtown Libertyville. Photos with Santa in Cook Park, Children’s Holiday Shoppe at the Libertyville Civic Center, and Victorian Tea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church. Free; donations of nonperishable food items appreciated. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Frostival: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Freemont St., Arlington Heights. Strolling carolers, visits with Santa, and story time, crafts, cookies and cocoa. Free. ahpd.org.

Happy Holiday Railway: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Embark on a 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa and see an animated light show while listening to holiday music. Treats and hot chocolate will be served. Quiet car #7658 will feature traditional lights and decorations. Also, see the holiday lights throughout the campus, including the animated snowplow display and holiday light tour in Barn 6, available for viewing day or night. Rides on historic Chicago streetcars included with the ticket. Trips at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes beforehand. $25. Tickets: irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway.

Holiday Party for the Animals: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Red Oak Nature Center, 930 N. River Road, North Aurora. Self-guided craft stations for kids to create decorations for the wildlife room. Adults must accompany children. $10-$14. Register: redoaknaturecenter.info/special-events.

Santa Paws: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, at Clayson House Museum & Library, 224 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Price includes one souvenir photo of your pet with Santa, a stocking full of treats and a craft activity for your dog. For dogs only, no other animals permitted. Registration required. $15-$20. palatineparks.org.

Santa’s Craft Corner: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Admission includes crafts, refreshments, a zoo tour and a visit with Santa. Santa’s Craft Corner is held in the Kiebler Room, located on the second floor of the large barn, accessible by stairs. No advanced registration required. $20 per household at the door (cash and credit card accepted). cosleyzoo.org/santas-craft-corner.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Bimonthly show featuring vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Sports and Fun with Santa: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. Festive games, sports, arts and crafts, photo opportunities and a pizza lunch. For kids 3-12 accompanied by an adult. $30 for residents, $45 for nonresidents. gepark.org/register.

Strings Christmas Concert: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Edman Memorial Chapel, Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Presented by Community School of the Arts. Free. wheaton.edu.

Downtown Santa House: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 13-21, in the Civic Center pedway off Main Street in Glen Ellyn. Take a photo with Santa. Free. downtownglenellyn.com/events-calendar.

Holly Jolly Trolley: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard. Lombard Park District event starts with crafting, coloring, hot cocoa, cookies and storytelling with Ms. Claus before the Winter Wonderland ride. The trolley heads to the log cabin, where Santa will greet each child and give them a holiday gift. Bring a camera. $25-$35. Seats on the trolley are limited. lombardparks.com/holly-jolly-trolley.

Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Huntley Town Square. View custom-carved holiday animation-themed ice sculptures on the sidewalks. Tickets for mugs and s’mores are on sale on the Huntley Area Chamber Facebook page and website. Mugs will not be sold on the day of the event. huntley.il.us.

Lunch With the Grinch: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Dine on lunch in Rock ‘N Ravioli in the lobby. Make an ornament and help decorate the tree before the Grinch swoops in to steal it. Photo ops, raffle prizes, festive mocktails and desserts. $35 for ages 3 and older. Register: oshows.com.

Pizza Party With Santa: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Dine on pizza and desserts and take photos with Santa. Each child will receive a gift. $25 per person; free for kids 2 and younger. oshows.com/.

Randall Oaks Zoo Winterfest: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 13-21, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Holiday lights, community-decorated trees, Santa visits, bonfire and visit the animals in the new World of Wonders heated animal building. $6, free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/winterfest.

Holly Jolly Days: 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 13-21, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Christmas stories in the schoolhouse, crafts, roasting chestnuts over an open fire, and take a family photo at the Victorian Christmas photo stop. The Weed Ladies will be selling handmade floral arrangements. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Last entry at 5 p.m. $6; free for kids younger than 4. napersettlement.org/hollyjollydays.

A Black Ensemble Holiday Spectacular: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago. A musical celebration featuring classic and contemporary holiday hits. Tickets start at $47. blackensembletheater.org.

A German Holiday Tea: 2-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, at Colonel Palmer House, 5516 Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake. Variety of teas, German-inspired cuisine, exhibits and live storytelling. $35-$46. Register: crystallakeparks.org/colonel-palmer-house.

Lights & Flights Craft Brew Fest: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Ages 21 and older can join the park district’s winter celebration of holiday lights, craft beer tastings and food. Tickets include 15 sample pours and a commemorative glass. VIP tickets with early access: $70; general admission: $55; designated driver: $15. Tickets: genevaparks.org.

Arlingtones Christmas Show: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid, Arlington Heights. $7-$20. arlingtones.net.

“Home for the Holidays”: 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, at Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Road, Naperville. Northern Illinois Harmony Alliance production featuring a chorus of 75-plus singers from across the suburbs, including The Arlingtones, Aurora Lamplighters, Chicago Metro Chorus, Chorus of DuPage, Fox Valley Harmonizers and the South Cook Knights of Harmony. The first half features secular Christmas songs performed by the combined chorus, small groups and chapter quartets, and the second half is a more solemn, reverential presentation of the “Christmas Story.” $25, $15 for ages 5-18. Limited tickets at the door. chorusofdupage.com/events.

Merry & Bright, A Victorian Christmas: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. Learn about Victorian Christmas traditions, tour the decorated Blodgett houses and visit with Santa. Take a luminary walk, view decorated trees and warm up around a campfire with Victorian-era carolers. Free. dgparks.org.

Hot Cocoa Stroll: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Hawthorn Row, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Live reindeer, an ice-skating rink, cocoa tents, kids’ crafts, live music, a vendor market and more. Includes spiked hot cocoa, mulled wine and festive beverages from Yard House and Nirvana Kitchen & Wine Bar. Free; guests can purchase a $5 keepsake mug and goody bag. visithawthorn.com.

Illinois Brass Band’s “Holiday Classics”: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at First United Methodist Church, 100 W. Cossitt Ave., LaGrange. Traditional carols, holiday fanfares, classics and jazzy updates of Christmas favorites. $15; $5 for kids 18 and younger; $35 per family of two adults and up to four kids. illinoisbrassband.org.

Classical Blast’s “Dark Side of Yule”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Rock hits from Metallica to Pink Floyd to Moody Blues to Evanescence and more mixed with traditional carols, popular classical songs, holiday standards and more. For 12 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $39. rauecenter.org.

Chicago a cappella presents “Holidays a cappella”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Holiday classics and rare discoveries. $50-$60, pay-what-you-can and $10 student tickets available. chicagoacappella.org.

Chicago Master Singers Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. “O Radiant Dawn” features carols, popular sing-alongs and choral favorites. $19-$49. chicagomastersingers.org.

The Midtown Men’s “Holiday Hits”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Stars from Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” perform a Christmas concert featuring classics and renditions of 1960s music by The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons and more. $62-$72. AtTheMAC.org.

Naperville Chorus “Christmas With a Flourish”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 Chicago Ave., Naperville. The Pete Ellman Big Band performs jazz and traditional arrangements of seasonal music and Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols.” $25-$30. northcentralcollege.edu.

WT Productions’ “Seasonal Stars”: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at The Bit Theater, 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora. This new collection of six short plays looks at Christmas and the winter holidays from different perspectives. For PG-13 audiences. $25. wtproductions2.weebly.com.

Sunday, Dec. 14

Brunch With Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Drake: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at The Drake Oak Brook, 2301 York Road, Oak Brook. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during a lavish brunch. It’s $85 for adults, $40 for kids 4-10, and free for kids 3 and younger. thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com/brunch-with-santa.htm.

Breakfast With Santa: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Dine on breakfast in Rock ‘N Ravioli in the lobby before entering the theater for a visit with Santa. Each child will receive a gift. $40 for ages 12 and older and $30 for kids 2-11. Register: oshows.com.

Skate with Santa: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Triphahn Center Ice Arena, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Proceeds benefit the Friends of HEParks Foundation. $7 in advance, $10 at the door, $4 skate rental. heparks.org.

Itasca Pictures With Santa: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Usher Park gazebo, 203 S. Walnut, Itasca. Bring your camera for free photos with Santa and pick up a holiday token. Donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots or a nonperishable food donation for the Itasca Food Pantry. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Santa’s Workshop: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Lakefront Park Building, 10 Riverview Ave., Fox Lake. Visits with Santa, cookie decorating and holiday crafts. foxlake.org.

Society Holiday Open House: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake. Santa will be available for photos in the society’s vintage sleigh from 1-3 p.m. Music by the United Protestant Church bell choir at 3 p.m. Includes gallery tours, light refreshments and crafts. Free. grayslakehistory.org.

Carriage rides on the historic Woodstock Square: 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. woodstockilchamber.com.

“Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet”: 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Features an international cast that blends world-class ballet with puppets, lavish costumes and acrobatics. Tickets start at $47.75. rosemont.com/theatre.

DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Magic”: 3 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Features medleys and orchestral arrangements celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah, a special guest narrator and a guest leading Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride!” $5-$26. dupagesymphony.org.

Elmhurst Choral Union performs Handel’s “Messiah”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Hammerschmidt Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Handel’s “Messiah” will be sung by the Elmhurst Choral Union with an organist and soloists. Bring nonperishable food items for a local food charity. $30, $25 for seniors, and $10 for kids 17 and younger. elmhurstchoralunion.org.

Fox Valley Brass Band’s “Brassy & Bright”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St., Aurora. Carols and festive favorites. $12-$15. foxvalleybrassband.org.

A Northwest Christmas: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at St. Raymond de Penafort Church, 301 S. I Oka Ave., Mount Prospect. Holiday music, choral gems and sing-alongs. Includes a Christmas bake sale. $15-$20. Tickets: brownpapertickets.com. nwchoralsociety.org/concerts/a-northwest-christmas.

A Wickedly Popular Christmas Light Show: 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. This special light show features music from a favorite wicked witch and her bubbly best friend. Advance tickets: $25 for adults, $15 for kids 3-15; at the gate: $19-$30. Tickets: cantigny.org.

Holly Jolly Trolley: Tours start at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in downtown Glen Ellyn. Hop aboard the classic Victorian trolley for a 30-minute, narrated tour of the festive downtown and decked-out homes. Tickets required. downtownglenellyn.com/events-calendar.

“The Most Sketchiest Time of the Year”: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. A holiday sketch comedy revue. $22. steelbeamtheatre.com.

Voctave’s “It Feels like Christmas”: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. All-ages a cappella holiday show featuring “O Holy Night,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells of Notre Dame” and more. $69-$76. AtTheMAC.org.

Monday, Dec. 15

The Lovettes’ “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus”: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The Lovettes perform hits from The Andrews Sisters, The Ronettes, The Supremes, Darlene Love and more. Tickets start at $65. marriotttheatre.com.

Movie Mondays: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. See 2000’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” $1 tickets at the door; cash only ($20 bills or less). Concessions available (credit/debit cards accepted). paramountaurora.com/series/movie-mondays.

The Second City presents “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire”: 7:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 15-17, and Friday through Wednesday, Dec. 26-31, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. A fast-paced, interactive comedy revue featuring seasonal songs, sketches and improv comedy. $40. metropolisarts.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Holiday Hoedown with Miss Jamie’s Farm: 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Ave., Glen Ellyn. Lively, interactive holiday concert with sing-alongs. For kids 2-13 accompanied by an adult. Registration required for children only. $10 for residents, $15 for nonresidents. gepark.org/register.

Sixpence None The Richer’s “O’Night Divine: A Sixpence Christmas”: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. A family-friendly evening of Christmas classics. Tickets start at $66.63. thaliahallchicago.com.

Christmas With C.S. Lewis: 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 16-18; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. It’s Christmas in 1962, and C.S. Lewis is hosting a group of American scholars for the holidays. He recounts the stories of his life and his feelings toward the season. Tickets start at $104. chicago-theater.com.

“White Christmas” sing-along: 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 16-17, and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Sing along during the screening of this 1954 Christmas classic. Concessions open one hour before. $12 for evening shows; $5 for matinee. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Niles Metropolitan Chorus & Musica Lumina Orchestra perform Handel’s “Messiah”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Professional musicians perform the first part of Handel’s “Messiah” with several arias and choruses, including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” $52.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. See “Lethal Weapon,” starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 and older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

“The Thin Man”: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the York Theatre, 150 N. York St., Elmhurst. The 1934 American pre-Code comedy-mystery with William Powell and Myrna Loy. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 and older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

Itasca Holiday Trolley Lights Tour: 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17-18, at Itasca Waterpark, 100 N. Catalpa St., Itasca. Enjoy hot cocoa while traveling around town on the trolley to see the light displays at the Winter Wonderland and other sites. $12. Register: itascaparkdistrict.com.

Aurora Film Society: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora. Featuring the 2002 Graham Moore film “The Outfit,” with Mark Rylance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $10. themusicvenue.org.

But Seriously, Folks … Zaborgafu: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Batavia High School improv troupe’s annual holiday show. bataviafineartscentre.org.

Pink Martini’s All-Stars present “A Season of Stars”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Thomas Lauderdale’s globe-trotting “little orchestra” Pink Martini is back with an all-new holiday show. $49-$189. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Irish Session: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson, Naperville. A casual gathering of musicians playing traditional Irish music on traditional Irish instruments. wsirish.org/content.aspx.

“Spending Christmas with Alicia Witt”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. A classically trained, award-winning pianist, Alicia Witt performs Christmas music. $33.90-$47.17. evanstonspace.com.

Thursday, Dec. 18

The Colonel’s Christmas Tour at the McCormick House: 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the McCormick House, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Guided by McCormick House director Will Buhlig and a horticulture staff member, the hourlong tour begins in the Colonel’s hidden bar in Freedom Hall, where guests can sip a festive beverage. Arrive by 3:30 p.m. at the Visitors Center. $75, includes light show admission. Register: cantigny.org/event/colonels-christmas-12-4.

Gingerbread Barn Raising: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Peck Farm Park’s Orientation Barn, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Enjoy hot cocoa and holiday music while you decorate a gingerbread barn to take home. Kids 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. $72-$92. Register: genevaparks.org.

“The Magic Of The Nutcracker” presented by Dancenter North: 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18-19, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The 37th anniversary performance features over 100 performers, elaborate sets and Tchaikovsky’s score. $25.75. geneseetheatre.com.

Craft by Beer: Holiday Music Bingo: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Play a festive twist on the classic bingo game, where the calls are favorite holiday songs. 21 and older. $20. Register: napersettlement.org.

Peanuts Jazz With The Chris White Trio: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Annual tribute to the music of Vince Guaraldi. $29. gortoncenter.org.

Christmas Wizards — Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. $46.75-$78.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Ongoing

Holiday Flower Show: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in December and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 1-17 at Wilder Park Conservatory, 225 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Free. epd.org.

McHenry Festival of Trees: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 28 at McHenry City Hall, 333 S. Green St., McHenry, and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 28 at McHenry Rec Center, 3716 Municipal Drive, McHenry. See decorated trees sponsored by local businesses and civic organizations. Vote for a favorite tree with a donation of canned nonperishable food or toiletries for Veteran’s Path to Hope. facebook.com/mchenryareachamber.

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 30, except 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 24 and 31, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery and hot chocolate for sale. Proceeds benefit Cosley Zoo. Free. Lights turn on at 3 p.m. cosleyzoo.org/festival-of-lights-tree-sale.

Yuletide Treasures: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, through Dec. 23, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24, at the DuPage Art League, 218 W. Front St., Wheaton. The DuPage Art League’s annual show features one-of-a-kind gifts, all handmade by local artists, including painting, photography, ornaments, holiday and home decor, jewelry, woodwork, pottery, wearable textiles, greeting cards, candles and more. Free parking on Front Street and in the parking garage across the street. dupageartleague.org.

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Lights: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Jan. 5 at The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. 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: adults $25.95; kids 3-11 $14.95; free for members. griffinmsi.org.

Alex Ross — Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 16 at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, and free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

“A Christmas Carol”: 10 a.m. and noon Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. Tuesdays, through Dec. 27; plus 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17; and 10 a.m. Thursday and Monday, Dec. 18 and 22, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Set in Victorian-era London, see Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirited ghosts that visit him one fateful Christmas Eve. Presented by Drury Lane Theatre for Young Audiences. $42-$62. Breakfast with Santa includes photos with Santa and Drury Lane’s Christmas tree for $50 for adults and $30 for kids 5-12. Dinner with Santa is $30-$60. drurylanetheatre.com.

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

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. Special hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 22-23; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24. Free. paramountaurora.com/events/christkindlmarket-2025.

Winterland at Gallagher Way: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays, 3-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays through Dec. 31, at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. Holiday hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 22-23 and 29-30; closed Dec. 25. Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences, holiday rides, ice skating, visits with Santa and live music. Ride the Holiday Train along the Wrigley Field Concourse, with pricing starting at $5 per ride through Dec. 31. Gallagher Ice Rink open through Feb. 15; skating starts at $8, skate rentals start at $16, with Discount Nights on Mondays and Tuesdays. Free entry. gallagherway.com.

Christmas Tour: 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 20; plus Sunday and Monday, Dec. 21-22; and noon and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, at the Victorian Cottage Historic House Museum, 23 W. Maple St., Lombard. Take a 45-minute guided tour of the Victorian Cottage Historic House Museum decorated for the holidays. $5, free for kids 12 and younger. Tickets: lombardhistory.org.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 21, and Friday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 4, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Lights festival featuring 3.5 million twinkling LED lights, a giant light-up maze, interactive light displays, light tunnels, a twinkling star walk-through experience, a Holiday Dolphin Show, Santa visits on select nights and a holiday market. $20.95-$34.95. brookfieldzoo.org/HolidayMagic.

Christmas Musical Light Show: 4-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 25, at the Bandshell on Skidmore, Antioch. Stay in your car and watch the lights on the band shell synchronized to holiday music playing on your car radio. The 20-minute shows run continuously. Free. antiochchamber.org.

Naper Lights: 4-10 p.m. through Jan. 1 in downtown Naperville. Display of holiday lights and music along Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and the Riverwalk. Live Santa/Kriss Kringle by the big tree from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 12-14 and 19-21, weather dependent. Free. naperlights.com.

Noël Lounge at the McCormick House: 4-10 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, through Jan. 4, in the Noël Lounge at the McCormick House at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Also open 4-10 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, Dec. 22-30. Closed Dec. 23-24 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1. Experience the pop-up lounge in the elegant second-floor rooms with artisanal, shareable small plates and a curated wine list and signature craft cocktails. $20 booking deposit per person. Christmas at Cantigny Light Show purchase required. Tickets: cantigny.org/event/noel-lounge-11-21.

Christmas at Cantigny Light Show: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, through Dec. 20, and 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 21-23. Third annual event adds interactive elements and more illuminated gardens, including a new Northern Lights display in the Rose Garden. Explore the first floor of Col. McCormick’s decorated mansion and the display of hundreds of poinsettias. Sip hot cocoa or a festive cocktail at the hidden bar. Add the Christmas Spirits upgrade ($40), which includes three festive cocktails, each served at stations along the walk, including a special drink in the McCormick House Freedom Hall Bar, and take home a commemorative mug. Advance tickets: $15-$25 or $19-$30. Register: cantigny.org/event/light-show-11-21.

Illumination: Tree Lights: Time slots between 4:30 and 8 p.m. through Jan. 3 at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy a hot seasonal beverage from the concession tents along the trail. Illumination Dog Admission Nights on Wednesdays through Dec. 17. Electric Illumination for 21 and older from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19. The exhibition is closed select Mondays and Tuesdays and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets start at $20. mortonarb.org.

Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 4; plus Dec. 22-24, 29 and 31 at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Hwy. 12, Ingleside. Lights transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail offers food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $31 for kids 3-12 and $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

Lightscape: 4:30-9:15 p.m. select dates through Jan. 4 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Take a nighttime stroll through illuminated displays. Adults: $26 for members, $29 for nonmembers; kids 3-12: $14 members, $16 nonmembers; free for kids 2 and younger. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.

ZooLights: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. select dates through Jan. 4 at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago. Features more than 3 million lights, including hundreds of luminous LED displays and festive experiences. $7-$12; free on select Mondays. lpzoo.org/event/zoolights.

Santa’s Rock N Lights: Time slots vary by day but usually start at 4:45 or 5 p.m. and end at 9 or 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, through Dec. 31, plus Mondays, Dec. 22 and 29, at the Kane County Cougars Stadium, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, and 3900 N. Rockwell St., Chicago. Drive-through light show featuring a mile of lights that dance in sync with music in larger-than-life displays. $29.99-$49.99 per car. santasrocknlights.com.

Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park: 5-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 21; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 22 through Jan. 5 (except for special holiday hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24; 4-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1); plus 4-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, Monday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 25. Free. rosemont.com/thepark.

Home for the Holidays Lighted Christmas Trail: 5-9 p.m. through Jan. 2, in Shiloh Park, starting at Port Shiloh Pool parking lot, 1501 Shiloh Blvd., Zion. Drive through a lighted trail with over 50 displays and 100,000 lights. zionparkdistrict.com.

Santa’s Village Magical Christmas Drive-Thru: 5-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 12-14, and Fridays through Tuesdays, Dec. 19 through 30, at 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee. See the light displays synchronized to holiday music from your car. Visit with Santa at the end. $29.99 per vehicle, $5 discount for season-pass holders. (847) 426-6751 or santasvillagedundee.com.

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays, and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Jan. 11 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets start at $31. paramountaurora.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 21; and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 23-24, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Charles Dickens’ tale of redemption, generosity and hope. $20-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21 at Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. In Buffalo Theatre Ensemble’s final installment in the Christmas at Pemberley trilogy, secrets are revealed and arranged engagements and meddlesome siblings come together for the holidays. $43-$45. atthemac.org.

“I’ll Be Seeing You”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, through Dec. 20, at Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, 900 Foster Ave., Medinah. An Overshadowed original production about heroes who fought for freedom. $21-$32. overshadowed.org.

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 21, at Lifeline Theater, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Tom Mula’s production is staged as a one-man show through the eyes of the shackled Jacob Marley performed by Phil Timberlake. $30-$55. lifelinetheatre.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and days through Dec. 31 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story. Tickets start at $34. goodmantheatre.org.

“A Christmas Carol — A Live Radio Play”: Various times Fridays through Sundays, and select Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Dec. 28 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. Return to WBFR Studios on Christmas Eve in 1946 and follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey to find the true spirit of the holiday season, complete with live sound effects, radio jingles and more. $55. oillamptheater.org.

Glen Ellyn Holiday Decorated Windows: Through Dec. 25 in downtown Glen Ellyn. Walk through downtown to see the decorated windows. Free. downtownglenellyn.com/events-calendar.

The Hawthorn Christmas Experience: Through Dec. 24, Lower Level, Macy’s Court, at Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Visit Santa in a festive holiday setting. Reservations are encouraged; guests who book in advance receive a free personalized phone call from Santa before their visit. Santa photo packages start at $39.99. visithawthorn.com.

Joffrey Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Various times and dates through Dec. 28 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tony Award-winning Christopher Wheeldon’s kaleidoscopic reimagining of “The Nutcracker” set amid the spectacle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Ticket prices vary by day and start at $60. joffrey.org.

Long Grove Vintage Holidays: Through Wednesday, Dec. 24, in downtown Long Grove. Horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends, Santa in the village, caroling around town and more. Most events are free; reservations for carriage rides are $15 per seat. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season.

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”: Various times most Wednesdays through Sundays and some Tuesdays through Jan. 4 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Christmas musical in which Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together to celebrate the holidays at Sun Records studio. Tickets start at $70. marriotttheatre.com.