Chicago Botanic Garden open Christmas Day
Freebie
Christmas at the garden
For the first time in its history, the Chicago Botanic Garden will be open to the public on Christmas Day. Visitors will have access to the garden's grounds, the visitors center and the greenhouses. The Wonderland Express exhibit, ice skating at the Esplanade, the Garden Cafe and the Garden Shop will be closed.
8 a.m. to sunset, Friday, Dec. 25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Free - no admission or parking. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org.
Today
Music of the Baroque
Music of the Baroque presents its Holiday Brass and Choral Concert. The program features music from the 17th century and earlier.
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Divine Word Chapel, 2001 Waukegan Road, Techny. Seating is limited. Tickets cost $30-$65. Visit baroque.org or call (312) 551-1414.
'A Humbug Christmas'
Meet author Tobin Fraley as he signs copies of his book "A Humbug Christmas." A life-size Humbug character from Fraley's book will also be on hand to meet and greet guests.
Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Trillium Long Grove, 223 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove. (847) 883-8867.
Opera in Focus
Opera in Focus presents its "Christmas Offering." The puppet opera performs the Act I "Love Duet" and "O souve fanciulla" and Act III (complete) from "La Boheme" along with "White Christmas Interlude," featuring three Christmas carols.
1:30 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Rolling Meadows Park District, 3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows. General admission is $7-$12. Call (847) 818-3220, ext. 186, or visit operainfocus.com.
Storytelling program
The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center hosts a Youth and Family Storytelling Program based on the award-winning children's book "Who Was the Woman Who Wore the Hat" by Nancy Patz. The event, designed for children ages 8 to 11 (accompanied by an adult), features storytelling and activities.
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. $6-$8. Seating is limited. (847) 967-4889 or ilholocaustmuseum.org.
This week
'Teddy Bear Christmas'
See cuddly teddy bears dressed for the holidays and for the winter season at the "Teddy Bear Christmas" exhibit at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum.
1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 21-23, at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Free. Note: exhibit is closed Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24-25. (815) 923-2267 or mchsonline.org.
Get in line
The Denim and Diamonds group hosts its Tuesday Night Line Dance event for dancers of all ages. Beginner's lessons are offered for those who want to brush up on their steps.
7 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the White Eagle Banquets & Restaurant, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Beginner's lessons at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $4-$6. (847) 965-6353.
One million lights!
Brookfield Zoo presents its 28th Annual Holiday Magic event, featuring a million lights illuminating the zoo's walkways. Other highlights include a Wild Lights Spectacular light show, ice-sculpting demonstrations, a model railroad display, live music and dance performances, celebrity storytellers, special zoo chats with keepers and costumed characters.
4 to 9 p.m. Saturday through Thursday, Dec. 26-31, at Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. Activities are free with paid $8-$12 zoo admission. Parking is $8 for cars. (708) 688-8000 or brookfieldzoo.org.
'The Ha-Ha-Holiday Show'
Laugh Out Loud Theater presents "The Ha-Ha-Holiday Show," the group's final show of fully improvised comedy with holiday games and themes. Features audience participation.
7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, at the Laugh Out Loud Theater, 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 171, Schaumburg. $12-$18. (847) 240-0386 or LOLtheater.com.