Free holiday events in Winfield, Lombard
Fa-la-la on the farm
Step back in time to the Victorian era to learn about the origins of some Christmas traditions in the "Christmas on the Farm" program. Guests can visit with an old-fashioned Santa Claus and get their photo taken in a sleigh. Hear the music of holiday carolers while you sample some hot cider.
Facts: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, Winfield. Free. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.com.
'Blue Nativity'
Quest Theatre Ensemble tours with "Blue Nativity," its seventh annual big puppet production of the Nativity play. "
Fact: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Lexington Square of Lombard, 555 Foxworth Blvd., Lombard. Free admission, but donations are appreciated. (312) 458-0895.
A one-in-a-million coin
Clean out your pockets and check under those sofa cushions for lost coins - and you could find a treasure. Coin collecting enthusiast and numismatist Ron Beckstrom will review single coins and coin collections from the public in one-on-one consultations during this free event. Those with large coin collections or special coins can make an appointment with Beckstrom for a more in-depth meeting. No reservations are necessary.
Facts: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, at The People's Bank of Arlington Heights, 1104 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Free. (847) 670-0909.
$10 and under
Dave digs the holidays
Family entertainer Dave Rudolf, known for his interactive shows, showcases his holiday parodies including "Frosty the Slow Man" and "Candy Cane Twist." Guests attending the show - especially little ones - might end up on the stage as part of the act.
Facts: Noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Footlik Theater at Oakton Community College, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. $5-$7. (847) 635-1900.
'It's a Wonderful Life'
Riverview Theatre Company presents "It's a Wonderful Life - The Radio Play," a stage adaptation of Frank Capra's classic 1940s Christmas film about a man who gets to find out what life would have been like if he was never born. The program is presented as a live radio play.
Facts: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13 and again at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Memorial Hall, 10308 Main Street, Richmond. $8-$10. (815) 354-7796 or riverviewtheatre.org or Richmond-il.com.
Get ready to Rumba
The Chicago-area chapter of USA Dance hosts a "Romantic Rumba" social dance. The evening for both singles and couples features dance music for swing, Latin and ballroom dancers. Rumba dance lessons are offered for those who want to brush up on their dancing skills. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Facts: 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at The Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison, Franklin Park. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 members; $10 nonmembers; $6 students with ID. (847) 426-7978 or usadancechicago.org.
Now that's a coat!
The Improv Playhouse Showstoppers company presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's musical based upon the Biblical story of Joseph and his jealous brothers.
Facts: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Improv Playhouse Studio Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. $7-$10. (847) 968-4529 or improvplayhouse.com.
Jazzy at FitzGerald's
Rob Parton's Jazz Tech Big Band headlines at FitzGerald's. Members of the Oak Park - River Forest High School Jazz Ensemble will join the big band as part of the performance.
Facts: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $5-$10. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.