Things to do Dec. 19-25: Light shows, ‘The Nutcracker,’ Christmas concerts, holiday events and more

Starts before Friday

Yuletide Treasures: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Tuesday, Dec. 23, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at the DuPage Art League, 218 W. Front St., Wheaton. The DuPage Art League’s annual show features one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from 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.

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.

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

The Hawthorn Christmas Experience: Through Wednesday, Dec. 24, on the 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.

Christmas Musical Light Show: 4-9 p.m. daily through Thursday, 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.

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park: 4:30-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 5 at Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard. Charming holiday displays light up Lilacia Park with a magical array of animated light shows, decorated trees, a gingerbread house, and more. Visit with Santa Claus and other holiday characters, free hot cocoa and cookies. Caroling and s’mores around the fire Friday, Dec. 12; Rudolph & Friends Saturday, Dec. 13; Mrs. Claus Sunday, Dec. 14; free visits with Santa with magical Elf Hunt Dec. 19 and 20; and Polar Express Night Dec. 21. lombardparks.com/holiday-lights/.

Aurora Festival of Lights: 5-9 p.m. daily through Sunday, Dec. 28, at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora. Enter on Smith Boulevard at Fifth Avenue. The largest free outdoor drive-thru holiday light display in the region returns for its 19th year with dazzling displays and merry music. Free. aurora.il.us.

Geneva Winter Wonder Lights: 5-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. The park is transformed into a display of lights and holiday cheer. Free. genevaparks.org.

Goebbert’s Drive-Thru Light Show: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 5-9:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 4 at Goebbert’s Farm, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Open 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 22-25. The apple orchard is transformed into a glowing winter wonderland filled with synchronized lights, holiday scenes and festive music. Guests remain in their vehicles for the entire drive-thru, typically lasting 12-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets: goebberts.com.

Larsen’s Light Show: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 5-9:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 4 at Goebbert’s Farm, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Open 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 22-25. A fully programmed, 30-minute show with synchronized lights, strobes, spark machines, fog effects and real fire pyro elements. Every song is choreographed to bring the entire house to life. Guests remain in their vehicles for the entire show. New this year, an outdoor viewing experience where you can watch multiple shows from the new viewing pavilions. This ticket includes character appearances at Candy Cane Lane. Combo tickets for Goebbert’s Drive-Thru Light Show available on select nights. $25-$100 per vehicle. Limited access per time slot. Tickets: goebberts.com/light-show.

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 during which he recounts the stories of his life. Tickets start at $104. chicago-theater.com.

“A Christmas Carol — A Live Radio Play”: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18-19; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27; and 3 p.m. Sunday, 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.

Christmas Tour: 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, and Friday through Monday, Dec. 19-22, 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.

Christmas at Cantigny Light Show: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 17-20, and 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 21-23. Light show features interactive elements and illuminated gardens, including a 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. cantigny.org/christmas-at-cantigny/light-show-mccormick-house/.

Joffrey Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17-18; 2 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20 and 26-27; 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21; 2 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24; and 1 p.m. Sunday, 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.

Aurora Christkindlmarket: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 22-23; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. German-style outdoor market featuring local and international vendors selling a variety of wares. Free. paramountaurora.com/events/christkindlmarket-2025.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 18-21, 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.

Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival: 5-9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 19-20, and 5-8 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 21, at Sonny Acres, 29W310 North Ave, Barn 1, West Chicago. A Christmas light show with millions of twinkling lights and larger-than-life holiday displays. $8 for 16 and older, $4 for kids 3-15; group of four adults is $30. Tickets for the Holiday Light Show and Photos with Santa are sold separately. Tickets: sonnyacres.com.

“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.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18-19; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Sunday, 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. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 18-20, and 3 p.m. Sunday, 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.

Friday, Dec. 19

“A Holly Jolly Christmas”: 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Zach Stevenson channels the rockabilly spirit of Buddy Holly in a concert featuring classic holiday tunes, golden oldies and The Lovettes. $55-$60. prairiecenter.org.

Sensory-Friendly Candy Cane Hunt: 3-3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Ave., Glen Ellyn. A festive craft followed by a structured candy cane hunt in a specific area. Registration is open to individuals of all ages with special needs and features smaller crowds, low noise levels and a quiet zone. $10 for residents, $15 for nonresidents. gepark.org/calendar.

Holiday Express: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, and 2-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, 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. Tickets: blackberryfarm.info/special-events/holiday-express.

Santa’s Village Magical Christmas Drive-Thru: 5-9 p.m. Fridays through Tuesdays, Dec. 19-30, 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.

Engage Dance Theatre’s “Nutcracker”: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 (sensory-friendly) and noon and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $20-$32. rauecenter.org.

Family Gingerbread House Decorating: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Build and decorate a gingerbread house. Materials provided. $36 per family; $26 for historical society members. ahpd.org/event/family-gingerbread-house-decorating.

“Let It Snow” Showcase: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 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. Friday, Dec. 19, at Millennium Park, Wrigley Square, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Free. chicago.gov.

Ballet Chicago’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 1 and 5 p.m. (sensory-friendly) Sunday, Dec. 21, at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. harristheaterchicago.org.

Chicago Sinfonietta’s “Holidays of Hope”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St., Hyde Park, Chicago. Conducted by Kedrick Armstrong, Chicago Sinfonietta performs Duke Ellington’s swinging take on “The Nutcracker,” transforming Tchaikovsky’s classic into a big-band celebration, along with a global program featuring a Hanukkah symphony, a piece with Latin American flair, favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and a sing-along. Before the concert, sip hot cocoa and craft a luminaria. $20-$70. chicagosinfonietta.org/holidays-of-hope.

Judith Svalander Ballet School’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $25-$51. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“I’ll Be Seeing You”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 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. Friday, Dec. 19; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, 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, as performed by Phil Timberlake. $30-$55. lifelinetheatre.com.

Matt Rogers’ “Christmas in December”: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. The actor, comedian, writer, podcaster and television host performs. $59-$71. jamusa.com.

Saturday, Dec. 20

Breakfast With Santa: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Dine on breakfast in Rock ‘N Ravioli in the lobby before entering the theater to visit Santa. Plus, festive music and meet holiday characters. Each child will receive a gift. $40 for 12 and older and $30 for kids 2-11. Register: oshows.com.

Candy Cane Hunt: 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Kies Recreation Center, 155 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. Crafts, storytime and a candy cane hunt for kids 3-8 with an adult. $16-$21. Register: epd.org.

Happy Holiday Railway: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Take a 40-minute train ride through the countryside with Santa featuring an animated light show and holiday songs. 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. Trips at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes before. $25. Tickets: irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway.

Downtown Santa House: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, in the Civic Center pedway off Main Street in Glen Ellyn. Take a photo with Santa. Free. downtownglenellyn.com/events-calendar.

American Place Casino Holiday Market: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan. Chriskindl-style market featuring photos with Santa, over 40 vendors and exhibitors, food trucks and gourmet food offerings, a beer and mulled wine garden, holiday light show, live entertainment, appearances from former Chicago Bears players, a toy drive, family activities and more. Free. americanplace.com/apc-holiday-market.

“The Christmas Star” Showcase: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the McHenry County College Planetarium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Discussion of potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions. $17.85, $12.51 MCC students. Register: mchenry.edu/events.

Illinois Vintage Fest: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Over 100 vendors selling vintage clothing, home goods, collectibles, art and more. Free. lcfairgrounds.com.

Renegade Craft Fair: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago. Shop from more than 170 curated artists. Suggested $5 entry. renegadecraft.com/fair/chicago-winter.

Randall Oaks Zoo Winterfest: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, 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.

Suzuki Ensembles — Chamber Concert: 12:45-1:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Armerding Center Recital Hall, 520 E. Kenilworth Ave., Wheaton. Performances by string students in the Community School of the Arts. Free. wheaton.edu.

Elise Flagg Academy of Dance’s “The Nutcracker”: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, in the Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $47. eccartscenter.org.

Holly Jolly Days: 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Christmas stories in the schoolhouse, crafts, roasting chestnuts over an open fire and photo opportunities. 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.

Presto! Holiday Concert: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Schaumburg’s youth orchestra is joined by the ensembles of the Schaumburg Choral Program in a concert of seasonal music. $25-$35. prairiecenter.org.

Ruth Page Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the James Lumber Center, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Featuring a cast of local and international dance artists. $17.40-$35. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.

Skate with Santa: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. $7, $4 skate rental. nbparks.org.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Nederlander Theatre Chicago, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series. Tickets start at $55.35. theatreinchicago.com.

ArtWauk: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, in the Arts & Entertainment District, 2001 Belvedere Road, Waukegan. The monthly celebration of arts in downtown Waukegan and the Belvidere Mall includes art exhibits, musicians and performances. artwauk.com.

Illinois Brass Band’s “Holiday Classics”: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. 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.

Cherish the Ladies — A Celtic Christmas: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Mayfair Theatre, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago. Irish music ensemble performs a blend of traditional Irish music, vocals and step dancing. $35. irish-american.org.

A Motown Christmas: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Salutes to Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, the Four Tops and The Supremes. $46.75-$78.75. desplainestheatre.com.

“The Holiday” in Concert with the Chicago Philharmonic: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Watch the Nancy Meyers romcom “The Holiday” with the score by composer Hans Zimmer performed by The Chicago Philharmonic. Tickets start at $48. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Holiday Revelry! with Fox Valley Opera: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. The glamour of opera meets the sparkle of a vintage Christmas TV special. $31.60, includes three beverages. foxvalleyopera.org.

Christmas Wizards’ “A Night of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Infinity”: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tribute to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. $46.75-$78.75. arcadalive.com.

Sunday, Dec. 21

Santa’s Train Ride: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, leaving from the Westmont train station for a ride to see Santa at the Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora. Includes a buffet breakfast or lunch, Christmas crafts and a visit with Santa. $55-$65. Register: westmontparks.org.

Home for the Holidays: Nancie Tobison, BHS Alumni & Friends: 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Hosted by former Barrington High School Choir Director Nancie Tobison, this event brings together BHS alumni and friends to share their journeys and perform seasonal classics. $33.85; free for youths 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Holly Jolly Family Show: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Family-friendly performance by the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra featuring selections from “The Nutcracker Suite,” classic holiday songs, a performance by the Evanston Children’s Choir singing the original music of John Williams’ “Home Alone” score, an appearance by Santa and more. $25. gortoncenter.org.

Illinois Brass Band’s “Holiday Classics”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. A family holiday performance. $15; $5 kids; $35 per family. illinoisbrassband.org.

Music of the Baroque: Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Principal Guest Conductor Nicholas Kraemer leads the ensemble in holiday music from the medieval age to the present. $51-$125. baroque.org.

Sing-along “Messiah”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Marmion Abbey Church, 850 Butterfield Road, Aurora. 14th annual community sing-along with the Fox Valley Orchestra and Chorus, plus four guest artists. Music scores ($10) available for purchase in the lobby. $13 online or $15 at the door. All proceeds benefit the orchestra and chorus programs. foxvalleyorchestra.org/messiah.php.

Holly Jolly Concert: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. The Lake Forest Civic Orchestra’s annual holiday concert featuring a performance by the Evanston Children’s Choir singing the original music of John Williams’ “Home Alone” score. $25. gortoncenter.org.

“Messiah” Sing Along: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Join Northwest Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Tim Semanik, and soloists for Handel’s “Messiah.” Free. firstpresah.org.

Sara Evans’ “Holiday Road Tour”: 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Country. $56.75-$108.75. arcadalive.com.

Bagpipes & Bonfire on the Winter Solstice: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Peck Farm Park’s picnic shelter, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Part of the monthlong Winter Wonder Lights. Bagpipes play traditional music by a winter bonfire. Kids must be accompanied by a registered adult. Kids $5-$7, adults $10-$15. Register: genevaparks.org.

“The Most Sketchiest Time of the Year”: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. A holiday sketch comedy revue. $22. steelbeamtheatre.com.

Monarch Dance’s “The Nutcracker City Lights”: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. A high-energy, jazz-forward production of the beloved classic. bataviafineartscentre.org.

Monday, Dec. 22

Movie Mondays: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. See 2004’s “The Polar Express” at 10 a.m. and 1990’s “Home Alone” at 7 p.m. $1 tickets at the door; cash only ($20 bills or less). Concessions for purchase (credit/debit cards accepted). paramountaurora.com/series/movie-mondays.

Snowflake Dance Party: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Kies Recreation Center, 155 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. Dance, music, a snack and a snowflake craft for kids 5-8. $15-$19. Register: epd.org.

Greatworks Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Ebb Scrooge is a modern American businessman, a cold fish with a cold heart and no great love for Christmas, until one fateful Christmas Eve when his past, present and future come calling. Doors open at 6 p.m. $10 general admission. arcadalive.com.

Ben Levin’s Holiday Blues Revue featuring Lil’ Ed and Candice Ivory: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Blues. $20.63-$33.90. evanstonspace.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 23

“A Winter’s Eve with Ryanhood”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. A holiday tradition returns in honor of Ed Hall with acoustic duo Ryanhood. $30-$40. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Skate with Santa: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Centennial Ice Rink, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette. Skate with Santa, plus cocoa and candy canes. $9 for adults, $8 for students, $5 with a nonperishable food donation to Wilmette Food Pantry, $4 for kids 5 and younger or free with donation; $5 skate rental. wilmettepark.org.

Mrs. Claus Storytime: Virtually at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. Mrs. Claus reads one hour of happy stories filled with fun, adventure and light conversation via Zoom. $53 for up to 10 people in one household. sites.google.com/view/mrsclausstorytime/home.

Thursday, Dec. 25

Christmas Day Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25, City Cruises at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Features a plated meal, seasonal cocktails, views of Chicago’s iconic landmarks, a DJ playing holiday music and more. Tickets start at $119. navypier.org.

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, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Closed on Dec. 25. 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.

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; and 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. Monday, Dec. 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. 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.

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 9 p.m. Dec. 22-23 and 29-30; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31; 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.

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. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 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. 22-23 and 29-30. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 23-24, and Dec. 31 and 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.

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. Electric Illumination for 21 and older from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. The exhibition is closed select Mondays and Tuesdays, and Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 24-25. 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 Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 22-24, and Dec. 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-thru 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. Friday, Dec. 19; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 21-23; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24; 4-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 28-30; 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/calendar/.

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.

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”: 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.

“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.