Weekend picks: Comedian John Heffron plays Improv for NYE
Standing comedy
John Heffron, the winner of the second season of "Last Comic Standing," performs New Year's Eve shows on Wednesday and then returns for regular sets on Friday and Saturday at the Improv Comedy Showcase at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $27 show only on Dec. 31, $57 with dinner; $22 regular run. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com. 7:30 and 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31; 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Brrrrr!
Dare your family and friends get wet and raise funds for a scholarship program with the 16th annual Waukegan Park District Polar Bear Plunge on Thursday at Waukegan Beach, 201 Seahorse Drive, Waukegan. $10-$15. (847) 360-4700 or waukeganparks.org. 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1
Happy birthday, Elvis
The Original Mother's, at 26 W Division St., Chicago. hosts the 15th Annual Elvis Fest on Thursday, Jan. 8, the date that would have been the late Presley's 80th birthday. Radio Hall of Fame member Dick Biondi hosts. A number of Presley tribute artists will perform. Guests can also participate in the Elvis Look-Alike Contest or sing along with Elvis karaoke and more. A free peanut butter-and-banana sandwich buffet and birthday cake are included. Free admission; a $5 suggested donation will benefit the Chicago Red Cross. originalmothers.com. 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8
FRIDAY
Lights to dim
Time is running out to catch the luminous high-tech displays of Illumination: Tree Lights. The lights will be gone after Saturday at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. $17; $11 kids ages 2 to 17. (630) 725-2066 or mortonarb.org. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 2 and 3
Dickens Village
See the England of Charles Dickens' classic tales at the Dickens Holiday Village in downtown Antioch. Start your outdoor tour at the Visitors Center on Lake Street, and then stroll the downtown streets to see lifelike figures in scenes from the Dickens era. Free. antiochchamber.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2 (final day of event)
Camper collection
Start sizing up camper vans for next summer at the Camping World RV Show & Super Sale this weekend at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. No admission charge. (866) 885-7621, (847) 680-7200 or lcfair.com. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 2 and 3; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Jan. 4 and 5
Winter Wonderland
Drive through a 97-acre area of colorful lights, holiday scenes and decorations at the annual Winter Wonderland holiday light show at the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. Enter on Lakeview Parkway. $10 (cash only) per car. (847) 362-3042 or visit luc.edu/cuneo. 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3
Jersey boy
Actor and comedian Russ Williamson ("Live at Gotham," "Chicago Fire") is a native of New Jersey, but he now calls Chicago home. Catch him this weekend at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $22 plus a two menu-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
SATURDAY
Diamond family
If you're a lover of all things Neil Diamond, then don't miss Denny Diamond & The Diamond Trio Band in a tribute concert on Saturday at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $30-$40. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Ask Your Folks
The DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, at 1828 Old Naperville Road, Naperville, welcomes the Appalachian Funk trio Ask Your Folks. The trio performs jazz, funk, bluegrass and Appalachian folk selections. Tickets are $10 and are available at dupageuuevents.com or at the door. 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Eagles tribute
Experience the music of The Eagles in an intimate setting when the tribute band Heartache Tonight performs Saturday at the Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $32. (630) 584-6342 or foxvalleyrep.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Big bout
See the UFC World Light Heavyweight Championship matchup of Jones vs. Corimer on the big screen this Saturday at select suburban movie theaters live and in high definition. Prices vary by venue, but largely $20. For exact locations, visit fathomevents.com. 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2
Rock on
Hear the local band Semple & Gooroots perform Saturday at Austin's Fuel Room, 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville. $8. (847) 549-1972 or fuelroom.com. 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
SUNDAY
Last train
Today is your last chance to see the elaborate miniature trains and buildings of the Wonderland Express at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe. $12; $10 seniors and kids ages 3 to 12; $25-$30 parking per car or van. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4
Opera excerpts
Soprano Solange Sior and baritone Aaron Wardell star in the Soirée Lyric performance of "To Thee I Sing" today at the First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. $10-$30. (224) 595-1526 or soireelyrique.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4