Animals & plants

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle: A Winter Solstice Walk runs from 4 to 5 p.m. today and features a guide sharing tales of solstice traditions from around the world. Free with paid general admission. "The Arboretum Express" model train display runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Visitor Center Events Room. Arboretum hours are 7 a.m. to sunset. The Children's Garden opens at 9:30 a.m. Admission is $4-$9; children 3 and younger admitted free. Parking is free. (630) 968-0074 or www.mortonarb.org.

"Let It Snow, Let It Grow" Flower Show, Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago: Conservatory celebrates its upcoming 100th birthday with winter flower show. Featured are more than 75 varieties of predominantly white plants including poinsettias, begonias, Caladium, plumbago and geraniums. Also featured are fir trees with holiday lights. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and parking. (312) 746-5100 or www.garfield-conservatory.org.

"Between Barack and a Hard Place," Second City Mainstage, 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago: Second City presents its 94th revue. Program takes a look at a nation divided; red state versus blue state; smokers versus non-smokers; dozens of potential presidential candidates versus each other. 8 and 11 p.m. $19-$24. (312) 337-3992 or www.secondcity.com.

Mark Curry, The Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, In Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg: The star of television's "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper" performs at 7 and 9:15 p.m. $17-$19. (847) 240-2001 or www.improv.com.

"Twisty - House Ensemble," Donny's Skybox Theatre, Piper's Alley, 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago: An ongoing and evolving show incorporating sketch, music and puppets, along with weekly guest improvisers, magicians and occasional celebrities. 9 p.m. Saturdays. $10-$12. (312) 337-3992.

Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles: John Roy; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. $22 plus a two-item food/beverage minimum. (630) 584-6342.

Zanies, 230 Hawthorn Village Commons, Vernon Hills: Patti Vasquez; 8 p.m. $23 plus a two-item food/beverage minimum. (847) 549-6030 or www.zanies.com.

Zanies, 1548 N. Wells St., Chicago: Jason Robinson; 7, 9 and 11:15 p.m. $22 plus a two-item food/beverage minimum. (312) 337-4027 or www.zanies.com.

American Bang, Luna Halo, AutoVaughn, Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace St., Chicago: Hard/pop rock. 10 p.m. $12. (866) 468-3401 or www.abbeypub.com.

"Chicago Calling IV: Another Very Special Clash Christmas" featuring London Calling, All Mods Conned and guests, Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago: Tributes to The Clash and The Jam, with guests including Jake Burns, Patti Elvis and members of The Safes, The Slugs, Abstract Giants, Skapone and Red Plastic Buddha. 10 p.m. $10; proceeds benefit the Carole Robertson Center for Learning. (773) 525-2508.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Eugene Izotov, oboe, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago: Ludovic Morlot conducts works by Dvorak, Mozart, Bizet and Strauss. 7 p.m. pre-concert conversation, 8 p.m. concert. $16-$124. (312) 294-3000 or www.cso.org.

Evil Beaver, Paper Mice, The Pussy Pirates, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago: Punk/pop/hard/experimental rock. 10 p.m. $10. (866) 468-3401.

The Gyps, Kilroy, The Wabash Cannonballs, Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago: Roots/pop/hard rock. 9 p.m. $7. (312) 559-1212.

Hello Dave, The Nadas, Domestic Problems, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago: Roots/pop/folk/jam rock. 8:30 p.m. $12-$14. (312) 559-1212.

Holiday of Horrors 2007 South featuring Macabre, Whorrid, Divorced, Thorn Fetish, The Pearl Room, 19081 Old LaGrange Road, Mokena: Death/thrash metal/punk, with acoustic performance by The Macabre Minstrels. 7 p.m. $12. (312) 559-1212 or www.pearlroomconcerts.com.

Kill Hannah, Action Action, Powerspace, DJs The Young Americans, Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago: "New Heart for Xmas V," hard/pop/industrial rock/punk. 7:30 p.m. $20. (312) 559-1212.

Lucky Boys Confusion, Simplistic Urge, Love Me Electric, Two Dollar Shoes, Dreaming in Stereo, The Geriatrics, The Frantic, Penny Road Pub, 28W705 Penny Road, South Barrington: Pop rock/ska/punk. 6 p.m. $10. (866) 468-3401 or www.pennyroadpub.com.

The Methadones, Chinese Telephones, Silent Scones, Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago: Punk/pop rock. 10:30 p.m. $8-$10. (866) 468-3401.

SSM, The Countdown, The Ivorys, The Silent Years, Alex Winston, Ezra Furman, The Decks, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago: Rock/punk/electronic/indie/pop/folk 6 p.m. $10. (866) 468-3401.

Winter Wonderfest, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago: Annual holiday festival features the Arctic Ice Rink, a 50-foot high indoor Ferris wheel, a Reindeer Express train ride, the Kringle Carousel, inflatable games, a Create-A-Cookie Cottage and entertainment on the Winter WonderStage and the Winter Cabaret Stage. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Activity wristbands are $15-$18, with unlimited single-day access to attractions. Visit www.winterwonderfest.com. (312) 595-7437.

"My Darling Clementine," LaSalle Bank Cinema, 4901 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago: John Ford's 1946 western stars Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp, who rides into Tombstone, Arizona and is confronted with a battle between local powers. Shown with the Charlie Chase comedy short "Jeffries, Jr." 8 p.m. $3-$5. (312) 904-9442.

14th Annual Hancock Holiday Railroad Exhibit, Hancock Observatory, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago: Miniature railroad exhibit runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the lower concourse level, near the observatory's entrance. The 1,400 foot model train exhibit features 12 trains with scenes including Rudolph's Island of Misfit Toys, a winter carnival and a snowman family. Free and open to public. (888) 875-8439 or www.hancock-observatory.com.

26th Annual Holiday Magic Festival, Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield: Features nearly 1 million twinkling holiday lights, visits with Santa, magicians, dancing, concerts and a "Holiday Idol" event, with nightly singing to the animals. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Admission is $6-$10. Parking is $8 per car. (708) 688-8000 or www.brookfieldzoo.org.

"Blue Nativity," St. Teresa's of Avila, 1037 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago: Quest Theatre Ensemble's sixth annual production of the Nativity play, told through large-scale puppets. 10 a.m. Free, but donations appreciated. (312) 458-0895 or www.questensemble.org.

Clay Aiken, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville, Ind. : Pop, with orchestra; holiday concert. 8 p.m. $45. (312) 559-1212.

"And Now for Something Completely Janus: The Holiday Review," Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., 8th Floor, Elgin: An irreverent holiday revue full of comedy and song. 8 p.m. $12-$15. (847) 931-0637 or www.janustheatre.org.

Berkshire Ballet Company's "The Nutcracker," Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake: Crystal Lake-based ballet company performs Tchaikovsky's classic Christmastime ballet. 1 and 7 p.m. $12-$24. (815) 356-9212.

"Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play," Goodman Theatre, Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago: Congo Square Theatre revives its critically acclaimed version of Langston Hughes African-American interpretation of the Nativity Play with gospel music. 2 and 7:30 p.m. $40. (312) 443-3800.

Charles Dickens Carolers, Glen Town Center, 2660 Valor Drive, Glenview: Christmas carols. Noon to 3 p.m. Free. www.theglentowncenter.com or (847) 724-2025.

Chicago Festival Ballet's "The Nutcracker," McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn: Kenneth von Heidecke's version of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet about a girl who helps break a curse on a prince who is a Nutcracker. Kirk Muspratt conducts the New Philharmonic. 2 and 7 p.m. $23-$33. Visit www.atthemac.org or www.cod.edu/ArtsCntr.

Christkindlmarket Chicago, Daley Plaza, Dearborn & Washington streets, Chicago: More than 50 vendors selling nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, beer steins, European chocolates, toys, jewelry, clothing and holiday ornaments. 11 a.m. to 9 Free admission. www.christkindlmarket.com.

"A Christmas Carol," Goodman Theatre, Albert Ivar Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago: Larry Yando stars as the miser Ebenezer Scrooge who learns the true meaning of Christmas. 2 and 8 p.m. $20-$70. (312) 443-3800 or www.goodmantheatre.org.

"A Christmas Carol," Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 S. Water Street Mall, Aurora: Jack Schultz's adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved Christmas story of a miser whose heart softens on Christmas after visits from ghostly apparitions. 8 $10-$15. (630) 897-9496 or www.riverfrontplayhouse.com.

"A Christmas Carol," Wishing Star Theatre, 1139 S. Milwaukee Ave., Greentree Plaza, Libertyville: A children's adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novella about a miser who learns to be generous on Christmas Eve. Runs at 3 and 7 p.m. $12-$15. (847) 816-4848 or http://wishingstartheatre.com.

"A Christmas Story," Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles: Young Ralphie Parker wishes for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas in this stage adaptation of Jean Shepherd's novel. 3 and 8 p.m. $23-$25. (630) 587-8521 or www.SteelBeamTheatre.com.

Clearbrook's Wonderland of Lights, Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights: A 1.6-mile drive-through light show of animated holiday scenes. Hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. Admission $12 per car; $25 per bus/shuttle. Discount coupon available at Web site. Proceeds benefit Clearbrook and other local charities. (847) 577-4646 or www.clearbrook.org or www.arlingtonpark.com.

Cornmeal, FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn: Bluegrass, Christmas concert. 9:30 p.m. $10. (312) 559-1212 or www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

"Ebenezer," Village Players Theatre, 1010 W. Madison St., Oak Park: A revival of a musical version of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale. 8 p.m. $20-$25. (708) 524-9892 or www.village-players.org.

"Every Christmas Story Ever Told," Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles: Three quick-witted actors put the audience to the test as they portray as many holiday traditions and stories as they can remember. 5 and 8:30 p.m. $27-$38; $49-$60 dinner packages. (630) 584-6342.

"Foiled Again," Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago: "Holiday Wish List," cabaret, holiday concert. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 22. $15 plus two-drink minimum. (773) 278-1830.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair, DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton: Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gifts handmade by DuPage County artists. Free museum admission during fair. (630) 682-7343 or www.co.dupage.il.us/museum.

Holiday Fever featuring Bob Moreen, Nan Mason, Susanne Petri, Elizabeth Doyle, Petra Van Nuis, Paul Marinaro, Allen Nichols and Audrey Morris, Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.: Tribute to late jazz vocalist Peggy Lee, including many of her holiday songs. 2 p.m. Free. (312) 744-6630.

"Insanity Claus," Improv Playhouse Studio Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville: The Improv Playhouse's improv team presents a holiday comedy satire show; includes comedy based on audience suggestions. 9 p.m. Admission is $8 at the door. Bring a canned item for the Lake County Food Pantry and take $1 off admissions. (847) 968-4529.

The Joffrey Ballet's "The Nutcracker," Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago: The 20th anniversary of the Joffrey Ballet's version of this holiday classic. Features children's choirs and young dancers alongside Tchaikovsky's score. Showtimes at 2 and 7 p.m. $25-$110. (312) 386-8905 or joffrey.com.

"The Life and Times of Santa Claus," Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine: Theatre Nebula presents Nick Izzo's stage adaptation of this Christmas novel by L. Frank Baum ("The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"). Showtimes at 3 and 7 p.m. $8-$12. (847) 359-9378 or www.theatrenebula.org.

"The Mouse Who Was Stirring," Lynn Schornick Theater at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Drive in Bowen Park, Waukegan: A holiday show for young audiences based upon "T'was the Night Before Christmas." 10:30 a.m. $4-$5. (847) 360-4740.

Music of the Baroque Chorus and Brass Ensemble, Divine Word Chapel, 2001 Waukegan Road, Techny: Edward Zelnis conducts baroque holiday carols, chants and brass works; afternoon concerts to be filmed for broadcast on WTTW Channel 11. Showtimes at 3 and 8 p.m. $30-$65. (312) 551-1414 or www.baroque.org.

"The Nutcracker," Lake Zurich High School, 300 Church St., Lake Zurich: Illinois Youth Dance Theatre's more than 60 dancers perform the classic holiday ballet about a girl who visits a magical land of sweets after helping a Nutcracker prince defeat the wicked Rat King. 2 and 7 p.m. $25. (815) 675-9359 or www.dancepasg.com or www.lz95.org/lzhs/.

"The Nutcracker on Horseback," Noble Horse Theatre, 1410 N. Orleans St., Chicago: A dinner theater horse show based upon E.T.A. Hoffmann's classic children's tale of a young girl and her magical nutcracker featuring Andalusian, Thoroughbred and Lipizzaner horses performing classical maneuvers. 2 and 6:30 p.m. $14-$28; Evening with dinner: $32-$42. (312) 266-7878 or www.noblehorsechicago.com.

Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra, Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg: "Presto! Holiday Concert," Joseph Malmquist conducts holiday music. 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. $14-$24. (847) 895-3600 or www.prairiecenter.org.

The Second City's "Dysfunctional Holiday Revue," Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights: A touring company of The Second City returns with its comic and sarcastic comedy revue. 7 and 9:30 p.m. $27-$32 (847) 577-2121 or www.metropolisarts.com.

Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan: "Do-It-Yourself Messiah," the audience participates in a performance of Handel's "Messiah." 7 p.m. $20. (312) 559-1212 or www.geneseetheatre.com.

Welcome Yule! featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and Welcome Yule! Children's and Dance Ensembles, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago: Duain Wolfe conducts holiday songs, with dance, carol sing-alongs and appearances by holiday characters. 3 p.m. $20-$84. (312) 294-3000 or www.cso.org.

Wonderland Express, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe: In a 10,000 square foot horticultural exhibit, garden scale trains wind their way over bridges, past waterfalls and by more than 80 miniature versions of Chicago's favorite landmarks. Runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Regenstein Center. Tickets are $6-$10. Parking is $15. (847) 835-5440 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Winter Flower and Train Show, Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago: Model trains wind their way through miniature Chicago landmarks set in poinsettias. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. (312) 742-7736 or www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

ZooLights 2007, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago: Annual holiday celebration transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland featuring 1.5 million lights. Event also features giant 20-foot-tall snowglobes, a Santa Safari area for visits with Santa, ice sculpting and carousel rides. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Admission to the zoo and ZooLights is free. (312) 742-2000 or www.lpzoo.org.

Cubby Bear North, 21661 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire: 16 Candles. Pop/Rock. 10 p.m. $7. (847) 541-4700 or www.cubbybear.com.

Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine: Andrew Ripp, Todd Carey, Anthony Gomes. Pop/Rock. 10 p.m. $6. (847) 358-9150 or www.durtynellies.com.

Walter Payton's Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora: 40% Steve. Pop/Rock. 10 p.m. $6. (630) 892-0034 or www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com.

"A Charlie Chaplin Christmas," Chicago Cultural Center's Studio Theater, 77 E. Randolph St.: Silent Theatre presents a vaudevillian-style production appropriate for the whole family based upon the Little Tramp character of Charlie Chaplin. 7:30 p.m. $15-$20. (312) 742-8497 or www.dcatheater.org.

"C.S. Lewis on Stage," Royal George Theatre Center, 1641 N. Halsted St.: Provision Theater presents Tom Key's one-man show about the author of "The Chronicles of Narnia." Showtimes at 5 and 8 p.m. $18-$21. (312) 988-9000.

"Ella," Northlight Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie: A new musical about the life of jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. 2:20 and 8 p.m. $38-$58. (847) 673-6300 or www.northlight.org.

"Marrying Terry," Victory Gardens Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago: Nightingale Group presents the professional area premiere of Gregg Opelka's New Year's Eve romantic comedy about a wedding proposal that gets botched due to a reservation mix-up at the Drake Hotel. 5 and 8:30 p.m. $24-$30. (773) 871-3000.

"The Mistress Cycle," Apple Tree Theatre at the Karger Center, 1850 Green Bay Road, Highland Park: A musical revue by Jenny Giering and Beth Blatt looking at the lives of famed "other women" and the powerful men they were attached to. 5 and 8:30 p.m. $33-$48. (847) 432-4335 or www.appletreetheatre.com.

"Oklahoma!" Cahn Auditorium at Northwestern University, 600 Emerson St., Evanston: Light Opera Works presents the classic 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. 8 p.m. $28-$80. (847) 869-6300.

Tovah Feldshuh in "Tea At Five," North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie: The four-time Tony Award-nominee and star of TV and films ("Kissing Jessica Stein," "Holocaust") stars as the legendary film star Katharine Hepburn as she recuperates from a car accident in Matthew Lombardo's bio-play. 2 and 8 p.m. $35-$55. (847) 673-6300 or www.northshorecenter.org.

"The Turn of the Screw," Writers' Theatre at Books On Vernon, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe: An English governess hired to take care of two children in a remote mansion starts to suspect that two ghosts are after their souls in Jeffrey Hatcher's two-character adaptation of Henry James novella. 4 and 8 p.m. $45-$58. (847) 242-6000.

-- Compiled by Laura Stewart