Best bets: Matteo Bocelli, Johnny Mathis, Kenny G, 'Hip-Hop Nutcracker'
'Paws & Claus'
Rosemont's Sparkle Light Festival invites humans and their four-legged pals to the inaugural "Paws & Claus" event at Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont. Canines and their owners can enjoy the holiday nights and snap a photo with Santa. Tickets start at $24 for adults, $18 for kids 2-12. Dogs admitted free. sparklerosemont.com. 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
'Nutcracker' two ways
• Ballet Chicago's traditional, family-friendly "Nutcracker" takes the stage at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $20-$60. balletchicago.org/nutcracker. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
• Broadway in Chicago presents "The Hip-Hop Nutcracker," which re-imagines the ballet as a contemporary dance spectacle with hip-hop legend and rapper Kurtis "The Breaks" Blow serving as the show's MC. Performances take place at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $31.50-$136.50. broadwayinchicago.com. Various times Tuesday, Dec. 12, through Dec. 17
The Chicago Opera Theater continues its 50th anniversary season with the Chicago premiere of "The Nose," Dmitri Shostakovich's absurdist Russian opera based on Nikolai Gogol's short story about a Soviet bureaucrat who wakes up to find his nose has taken on a life of its own and has become a high-ranking government official. Performances take place at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E Randolph St., Chicago. $45-$135. chicagooperatheater.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Pop-opera Matteo
Matteo Bocelli, dynamic operatic pop star and son of Andrea Bocelli, marks his recent album release with the "A Night With Matteo World Tour" stopping at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $69-$189; a VIP Soundcheck Experience upgrade is available at arcadalive.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
ESO yuletide show
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra (with new conductor Chad Goodman) presents the ESO's Holiday Spectacular Concert at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $55-$65, $38.50-$45.50 for RaueNOW members. events.rauecenter.org. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Ides of March Christmas
Grammy winner Jim Peterik and the Ides of March celebrate 55 years with an annual Christmas show at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Tickets are $39-$69. desplainestheatre.com. 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Pete Davidson Live
Comedian Pete Davidson plays two Saturday shows at the Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave., Chicago. $38-$118. jamusa.com. 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Johnny Mathis in concert
Legendary crooner Johnny Mathis celebrates 67 years in the music industry with a show at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, that includes holiday favorites as well as jazz standards and pop hits. Grand Ole Opry veteran Gary Mule Deer opens. Tickets start at $29. (847) 671-5100 or rosemont.com/theatre. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
'Merry Christmas, Darling ...'
Debbie Taylor and her seven-piece band bring "Top of the World: A Carpenters Christmas Show" to the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., and the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39-$69. desplainestheatre.com; arcadalive.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in Des Plaines and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, in St. Charles
Doja raps
Grammy-winning rap superstar Doja Cat stops at Chicago's United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., on her "The Scarlet Tour," joined by special guest Ice Spice. $103-$195. unitedcenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
Kenny G Christmas
Instrumentalist Kenny G puts a contemporary spin on festive faves with his "Kenny G - The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour," visiting St. Charles' Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St. $79-$129. arcadalive.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14