5 events for $5 (or less): Santa and fireworks in Deer Park
Santa's back
The Village of Deer Park gets an early jump on the holiday season with Santa's Arrival & Fireworks at the Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Free admission. (847) 726-7755 or shopdeerparktowncenter.com. 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15
Crafty corner
Browse handcrafted works from local vendors, sample items from a bake sale and maybe win a door prize at the ACC Craft Show at Arlington Countryside Church, 916 E. Hintz Road, Arlington Heights. Free admission. (847) 255-2140 or acchurch.org/women#craftshow. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Crafts in Cary
Get great ideas for decorating at the Cary Park District-sponsored Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Free admission. (847) 639-6100 or carypark.com/rccms/holiday-craft-vendor-fair. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Free museum day
See exhibits like "Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light," "Wired to Wear" and more as part of the Illinois Free Day Monday at the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Free admission for Illinois residents. (773) 684-1414 or msichicago.org. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18
Hip-hop poetry
Northbrook native and Glenbrook North High School alumnus Kevin Coval reads from his collection of poetry as part of the Chicago Writers Series at Oakton Community College's Student Center Room 1530, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. Free admission. (847) 635-1600 or oakton.edu. 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20