Make plans to take advantage of free days at Shedd Aquarium, plus Erica Rhodes’ stand-up comedy at Zanies in Rosemont, the Women’s Jazz Festival at Hey Nonny, the Chicago RV Show in Schaumburg, ice skating and Cocoa Cabanas at Cantigny in Wheaton and more.

Make plans for variations of “The Nutcracker,” Tom Arnold at American Place Casino, Under the Streetlamp’s “Hip to the Holidays,” the International Gem and Jewelry Show in Rosemont, dining with Santa, Handel’s “Messiah” and more.

Make plans for Dickens in Dundee, tree lightings, Warrenville Holly Days, Jingle Bell Jubilee, Mundelein Winter Tree Lighting Festival, West Chicago Frosty Fest and more.

The annual Dickens in Dundee festival kicks off the Christmas season with tree lighting ceremonies, living windows, visits with Santa, and entertainment in both East and West Dundee.

Make plans for tree lightings and productions of “The Nutcracker” throughout the area, Naperville Holiday Parade of Lights, Christmas at Cantigny Light Show, the Vienna Boys Choir, “Elf The Musical” on stage and more.

A community tree lighting is a great way to kick off the holidays. Here’s where they are happening around the suburbs.

For years, suburban residents, libraries and houses of workshop have built and stocked little free pantries to assist people facing food insecurity.

Make plans for Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Reindeer Run, “Swan Lake” at Waukegan’s Genesee, IllumiBrew at Morton Arboretum, the Grand Kyiv Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago and more.

Communities across the suburbs will observe Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, with ceremonies and concerts. Here are some of the events planned in the suburbs in honor of the men and women who have served in the United States armed services.

St. Charles Unit District 303 Superintendent Paul Gordon sent a message asking all students and staff to bring nonperishable items on Halloween. And they did.