Budget-friendly fun for the family
Free
Holidays at the zoo
The Cosley Zoo in Wheaton showcases its Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale. Guests can see lighted displays, visit the zoo's animals, purchase holiday gifts and greenery and more. Lights go on each day at 3 p.m.
9 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 24; then 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Sunday, Dec. 26, to Thursday, Dec. 30, at the Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Free admission. (630) 665-5534 or visit cosleyzoo.org. Note: The zoo is closed Saturday, Dec. 25.
Lighting up the nights
The Promenade Bolingbrook hosts its Symphony in Lights annual holiday light show, featuring more than 250,000 LED lights embedded in thousands of feet of holiday foliage. The program is choreographed to the taped music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Show runs daily (including Friday, Dec. 24, and Saturday, Dec. 25), at dusk, through Friday, Dec. 31, at the Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Shows run every hour on the hour until 9 p.m. Free. Visit thepromenadebolingbrook.com.
Jimmy jams
Folk/blues musician Jimmy Liggett presents an afternoon concert at the Beans & Leaves Coffee & Tea Cafe in Long Grove.
3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, at Beans & Leaves Coffee & Tea Cafe, 320 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Free. (847) 821-0011.
You — in the spotlight
Do you have a hidden talent that you have been itching to show to the world? Kafein's Open Mic Night offers aspiring artists a stage to showcase their talents. The program offers everything from stand-up and sketch comedy, to singing and poetry readings.
8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at Kafein Inc., 1621 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Signup begins at 8 p.m. Free admission. (847) 491-1621.
$10 and under
Wedding Banned
The '80s and '90s rock band Wedding Banned presents a Christmas evening of rock and roll at Durty Nellie's in Palatine. Along with their music, the band makes every show into a “wedding reception” and chooses an unsuspecting “bride” and “groom” from the audience to participate.
10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 25, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $7. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.
Winter Wonderland
The Cuneo Museum and Gardens features its annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show with animals, holiday scenes and characters from children's stories lighting up the night.
6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Jan. 1, at the Cuneo Museum and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. $5 per car Monday through Thursday. $10 per car Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Visit vernonhills.org/special events or cuneomuseum.org.
A fine line
The Denim and Diamonds group hosts its holiday Tuesday Night Line Dance event for dancers of all ages. Beginner's lessons are offered for those who want to brush up on their dance steps. Santa Claus will be on hand to help with music.
7 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at the White Eagle Banquets & Restaurant, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Beginner's lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $7. (847) 965-6353.