Mark your calendar: Dec. 30-Jan. 5

Submit your event listing at dailyherald.com/share; deadline is two weeks prior to event date or registration deadline. Note: Things are shifting rapidly with the onset of the omicron COVID variant, so keep an eye out for updates, cancellations and vaccine/mask requirements.

Ongoing

"It's a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play": Runs through Dec. 30 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. Embrace the season and watch everyone's favorite classic performed live on stage. Seven actors bring the entire town of Bedford Falls to life in a 1946 radio play - complete with sound effects - to tell the story of George Bailey, whose troubles lead him to wish he had never been born. For information and tickets, visit oillamptheater.org.

Take and Make Craft - Gingerbread People: Through December, at Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. Pick up a gingerbread person to decorate during the month of December. Return your creation to the KidSpace Desk and the library will display them for winter. Limited supplies. No registration necessary. (847) 663-1234 or nileslibrary.org.

Willow Hill's Winter Magic - a drive-through Christmas lights experience: Open nightly from 4:30-10:30 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 2, at Willow Hill Golf Course, 1350 Willow Road, Northbrook. Willow Hill Golf Course presents its first Willow Hill's Winter Magic drive-through Christmas lights event. This family holiday event features over one million lights adorning displays of characters like snowmen and penguins, beautifully lit Christmas trees, drive-through light tunnels and more. One ticket is good for one car-full, so load up the entire family for this one. $40; WillowHillsWinter Magic.com.

"Mr. Dickens' Hat": Runs through Jan. 2 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. In a cozy Victorian shop sits the hat of Charles Dickens, who once used it to carry water to the victims of a train wreck (that's true). When a pair of bumbling thieves plots to steal it (that's imaginary), young Kit sets out to foil their plan, save the hat, and free her father from debtors' prison. This warm winter's tale is filled with original music, lovable characters, and loads of good cheer. Approximately 90 minutes, no intermission. Recommended for ages 8 and older. northlight.org.

Actor's Training Center's 15th Anniversary: Actor's Training Center, 1159 Wilmette Ave., Suite 8, Wilmette. Actor's Training Center of Wilmette continues its 15th Anniversary this winter with its College Audition Clinic; Fall Musical Theatre Intensive: Little Women; and Arts in Action: Ensemble events and performances. actorstrainingcenter.org.

Vivid Art Gallery December Group Exhibit: Gallery hours through December at Vivid Art Gallery, 895 Green Bay Road, Winnetka. This month, the gallery will be displaying the work of several of its represented artists in a group exhibit entitled "Water and Ice." The art in this exhibit will serve to reflect the endlessly changing season of winter, with both representational and abstract works present in the show. vividartgallery.net.

Wilmette Local Legends Audio Tour: Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Road, Wilmette. Stop outside the homes of some Wilmette notables. Explore by car, bicycle or on foot to hear the audio on your phone. Get maps from the webpage or pick up at the Museum during open hours. (847) 853-7666 or wilmettehistory.org.

Dec. 30

School Days Out Camp: 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook. When school is out, the Y is in. Work without worry with Y camp - fun field trips, swimming, creative activities, arts and crafts and more are in store for your kids while they are out of school. Cost is $60/day for Y members; $75/day for nonmembers. For information and registration, (847) 272-7250 or nsymca.org.

Noon Year's Eve: 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Join for this fun holiday program. Can't or don't want to stay awake until midnight? Ring in the "Noon Year" early with activities, dancing and of course, a countdown. (847) 446-7220 or winnetkalibrary.org.

BOOMBOX Circuitry Challenge Takeover: 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. Learn the basics of circuitry while making a simple robot with a coin battery and vibrating motor. Supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This drop-in event is designed for ages 6 and older. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must follow the library's pandemic safety guidance. (847) 673-7774 or skokielibrary.info.

Public Skating: 2:50 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. Admission is $6 adults 18 and older; $5 for ages 5-17; $3 for ages 4 and younger. Skate rental is $3. nbparks.org.

Sticks and Pucks: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. Full equipment is required for this practice-only session. Game play is not permitted, which allows for the participants to enhance their hockey skills while enjoying the company of their friends. For ages 5-12; parents/guardians are welcome at the same fee with full equipment. Pay at the front desk. nbparks.org.

Youth Open Hockey: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. For ages 12-17. Bring your friends for open hockey. Full equipment is required. Pay at the front desk. nbparks.org.

Bobby Lewis & Petra van Nuis Jazz Concert: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Welcome back Wilmette library favorites Bobby Lewis and Petra van Nuis for the annual New Year's Eve Eve concert. (847) 256-5025 or wilmettelibrary.info.

Adult Open Hockey: 7:10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. For ages 18 and older. New players are always welcome at this recreational but competitive open hockey time. Session fees apply. nbparks.org.

Dec. 31

Public Skating: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, at Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. Admission is $6 for adults, 18 and older; $5 for ages 5-17; $3 for ages 4 and younger. Skate rental is $3. nbparks.org.

New Year's Mini Bash: 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive, Northbrook. Ages 3 and older with an adult can celebrate New Year's Eve and count down to noon. Entertainment from a DJ, games, crafts, prizes, snacks, balloon drop and a sparkling cider toast. $15 for residents; $19 for nonresidents. nbparks.org.

Noon Year's Eve Storytime: Virtually at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, Morton Grove Public Library. Ring in the "Noon Year" with friends on Zoom. Read stories, sing songs, and count down to 2022 with cheer. Pick up your bag of Noon Year's Eve goodies before the program from the Youth Services desk. mgpl.org/events or (847) 965-4220.

Noon Year's Rocking Eve: 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. Ring in the "Noon Year" with music, dancing, and a countdown and festivities for the whole family. Drop-in event for all ages. Please dress appropriately for the weather. All participants must follow the library's pandemic safety guidance. (847) 673-7774 or skokie library.info.

Jan. 3

Tai Chi: Virtually at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, Morton Grove Public Library. Certified tai chi instructor Erica Bough demonstrates Shibashi body movements, breathing exercises and meditation to help restore balance, flexibility and reduce stress. All experience levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. mgpl.org/events or (847) 965-4220.

Family Storytime: 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Singing, dancing and stories for the whole family. Ages 0-5 with parent/caregiver. Tickets for storytime will be available on Jan. 3 on a first-come, first-serve basis. (847) 446-7220 or winnetka library.org.

Alliance Française du North Shore Café Conversation Matin: Virtually at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3. Join online for relaxed French conversation, facilitated by native or fluent speakers. Listening in French is encouraged; all levels are welcome. For information and the meeting link, RSVP at Meetup.com/afnorthshore or write to info@ AFnorthshore.org. Visit www.AF northshore.org.

Wiggleworms Party: Virtually at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, Wilmette Public Library. During the storytime break, tune in with your little ones for music and dancing with teacher Tisa Batchelder from the Old Town School of Folk Music. (847) 256-5025 or wilmettelibrary.info.

Messy Mondays: 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Drop-in for a messier craft and leave the cleanup to the library. (847) 446-7220 or winnetkalibrary.org.

Teen After-School Space: 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Join weekdays after school in the Winnetka Community Room for a space just for students in grades 7 and up. winnetkalibrary.org.

Your Space: 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Welcome to a new week. Drop-in to the Teen Room Monday nights for board games, Nintendo Switch games, music, crafts and more. Hang out and relax before the week gets away from you. (847) 256-5025 or wilmettelibrary.info.

Learn to Use the Embroidery Machine (Youth): 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Learn how to use The Studio's embroidery machine to add some flair to your clothing and fabrics. (847) 446-7220 or winnetka library.org.

Intro to 3D Printing (ages 11 and older): 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Dive into the world of 3D printing. You will learn how to find print-ready files, design your own files, and how to submit files to be printed in the Innovation Center. Registration required. glenviewpl.org.

All American Speakers Toastmasters Club: 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. The friendly storytellers of District 30 Toastmasters provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment and a theme at every meetup to uplift your spirit. Meetings are hybrid on the first, third and fifth Mondays of each month. For an invite to the meeting, email vpm-5577@toastmastersclubs.org or call (312) 884-9673. allamerican speakers.toastmastersclubs.org.

Jan. 4

Preschool Storytime: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Join for an energetic and interactive storytime, complete with stories, songs, and more that are perfect for preschoolers, ages 3-5. This is an in-person storytime. Tickets will be available the morning of storytime on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be retrieved at the Youth Services Desk. winnetkalibrary.org.

Wiggleworms Party: Virtually at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, Wilmette Public Library. During the storytime break, tune in with your little ones for music and dancing with teacher Julie Helenius from the Old Town School of Folk Music. (847) 256-5025 or wilmette library.info.

Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Join us for singing, dancing, and stories for your toddler, ages 18 months-3-years, with parent/caregiver. Tickets for storytime will be available Jan. 4, on a first-come, first-serve basis. winnetkalibrary.org.

Family Storytime: Virtually at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, Glenview Public Library. Join for a weekly storytime with Youth Services librarians. Program presented virtually via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with an invitation to join the webinar. glenviewpl.org.

Rotary Club of Glencoe: 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Takiff Community Center, 999 Green Bay Road (2nd Floor), Winnetka. Rotary Club of Glenview meets from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2376.

Teen After-School Space: 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Join weekdays after school in the Winnetka Community Room for a space just for students in grades 7 and up. winnetkalibrary.org.

State Services: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Drop by to ask questions and get help from constituent advocates from the offices of State Sen. Laura Fine (8th District) and State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (17th District). glenviewpl.org.

Knit and Crochet with Fiber Friends: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. If you're curious about knitting and crochet, drop in to learn, work on your latest project, or help a beginner develop their skills. All skill levels are welcome at this drop-in event. Bring your own project and yarn or participate in a group effort. You can also bring yarn to contribute to community projects. All participants must follow the library's pandemic safety guidance. skokielibrary.info.

Read It, Make It: Virtually at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, Glenview Public Library. For ages 3-6 with an adult. Listen to a favorite children's book and then make a craft inspired by the story. Kit Pickup begins one week before program date. Email a photo of your finished creation to youthdesk@ glenviewpl.org. glenviewpl.org.

Minecraft Party: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Play Minecraft with other experts and make some Minecraft-themed crafts. Bring your iPad to play pocket edition or play on the library's Switch on the big screen. (847) 446-7220 or wilmette library.info.

Senior Polka Association Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Lone Tree Manor, 7730 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Senior Polka Association meets the first Tuesday of each month. Live music at 5 p.m., followed by cake, coffee and bingo. Yearly membership $10. Contact Richard at (847) 209-1385.

"One Museum, One Book" Book Club Author Talk: Virtually at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Illinois Holocaust Museum, Skokie. Inspired by a real-life incident, "The Assignment" is a riveting novel that explores discrimination and antisemitism and reveals their dangerous impact. Liza Wiemer, author of "The Assignment," will moderate this book club discussion. Register for the virtual program at https://ihm.ec/theassignmentbookclub. For information, (847) 967-4800 or ihm.ec.

How to Declutter Your Home and Get Organized for 2022: Virtually at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. Ali Wenzke, author of "The Art of Happy Moving," will help you declutter and get organized for the new year. Known as the "Marie Kondo of Moving," Ali offers tips on how to make your home feel simplified and fabulous. (847) 446-7220 or winnetkalibrary.org.

Jan. 5

Linkage Leads Group: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at North Shore Community Bank & Trust, 576 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. Linkage Group members meet the first Wednesdays of each month to share and exchange business ideas, information and business leads. To join in this group, please contact Therese Weaver at membership@wngchamber.com or (847) 446-4451.

Estate Planning 101: Virtually at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, North Suburban YMCA. Elder Law Attorney Matt Margolis will teach you about the importance of estate planning, no matter your level of wealth. Free and open to the public. Visit www.nsymca.org/yes-speaker-schedule to register for this virtual program. For information, contact Pam Racansky at NSYMCAinfo@nsymca.org or (847) 272-7250.

Bright Beginnings: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Let's read some stories and sing some songs with your little one. This is the perfect story time for infants and toddlers. For information, (847) 446-7220 or www.winnetkalibrary.org.

Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Join for singing, dancing and stories for your toddler, ages 18 months-3-years, with parent/caregiver. Tickets for storytime will be available Jan. 5, on a first-come, first-serve basis. winnetkalibrary.org.

YMCA Preschool Art: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Join the YMCA Art Academy for a monthly opportunity for preschool-aged children (3-5 years with an adult) and their families to create art. Registration required. glenviewpl.org.

Learn About Chicago Murals: Virtually at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, through Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation. A Zoom program focusing on Chicago murals will be presented by art historian, Beth Sair. Sair, a highly experienced educator and a member of Chicago Tour Guide Professional Association, will give a virtual tour of the city's newest and most interesting murals. There will also be information regarding the artists and their projects which feature Chicago communities and celebrities. Register at (847) 675-4141.

What is a VPN and Do You Need One?: Virtually at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. If you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service you can substantially improve your privacy and internet security. This class will explore how VPNs work and which services to consider. This is an online course hosted on the ZOOM app. winnetkalibrary.org.

Making Digital Thank You Cards: Virtually at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. This class will cover the numerous ways you can make greeting and thank you cards - either from scratch or using available software. Sending Thank You notes has never been easier. This is an online course hosted on Zoom. (847) 446-7220 or winnetkalibrary.org.

Teen After-School Space: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Join weekdays after school in the Winnetka Community Room for a space just for students in grades 7 and up. winnetkalibrary.org.

Craft Hour: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Adults and teens can drop in the Innovation Center for craft hour to explore creative techniques in each session. glenviewpl.org.

Kid Citizen: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Let's talk about where we live! Read stories, draw pictures, and share your favorite things about Illinois and Winnetka, Northfield, and Kenilworth. Ages 5-8. winnetkalibrary.org.

Alliance Française du North Shore's Brush Up Your French Class: Virtually from 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 5 through March 9. Virtual Alliance Française du North Shore's Brush Up Your French Class begins. This intermediate French class is led by Mme Ann Koller. Class fee: $150-$165. afnorthshore.org/courses.htm; email education@AFnorthshore.org; or call (847) 858-1274.

Craftin' Around: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. Join for an evening of craft-tastic fun. This month: Pom-pom bookmarks. Grades 4-8. mgpl.org/events or (847) 965-4220.

True Story: Nonfiction Book Club: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. This event will take place on Zoom and in person as a hybrid program. Explore critically acclaimed nonfiction books. Find out for yourself that sometimes fact truly is stranger than fiction. This month's selection: "Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty" by Patrick Radden Keefe. winnetkalibrary.org.