Things to do Dec. 1-7: Tree lightings, holiday parades, Dickens celebrations, light shows, craft fairs & more

Ongoing

Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery and hot chocolate for purchase. Lights come on at 3 p.m. Free admission; donations appreciated. cosleyzoo.org.

Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through the first week of January at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The museum's annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. Museum admission. msichicago.org.

Dickens Holiday Village: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 at Kringle's Christmas Village, 510 Orchard St., Antioch. Public art exhibit featuring lifelike figures representing scenes from the Dickens era. Free. antiochchamber.org.

“Downton Abbey — The Exhibition”: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through March 31 at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. See never-before-seen elements from the show, including original costumes, production-used props and exclusive footage from “Downton Abbey.” $27-$64. downtonexhibition.com.

WNDR Museum's Winter WNDRland — “Iced In”: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, and noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays through Jan. 15 at WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St., Chicago. The museum is transformed into an icy winterscape for guests to explore the expansive chill of the winter season. General admission tickets start at $32. wndrmuseum.com.

Aurora Christkindlmarket: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 24 at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. German-style outdoor market featuring international and local vendors selling a variety of wares. Free. paramountaurora.com/events/christkindlmarket.

Chicago Christkindlmarket: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays through Dec. 24 at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. German-style outdoor market featuring international and local vendors selling a variety of wares. Free. christkindlmarket.com/daleyplaza.

Light Up The Lake: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays through Dec. 31 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Outdoor ice skating, ax throwing, outdoor firepits, light displays, live music, a holiday artisan market, fireworks on Saturdays and more. Free, some activities require tickets. navypier.org.

Rosemont's Chicago Wolves Ice Rink: Noon to 10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21. Free. Bring skates or rent them for $8. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic: 3-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 1-3, and other dates through Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See more than two million twinkling LED lights, plus entertainment from 5-8 p.m. at the North Pole at The Pavilions featuring Those Funny Little People, Juggling Elves, pictures with Santa, roaming carolers and ice carving at the Nature Stage. Advance tickets are not required for North Gate entry, but are required for South Gate entry. $20.95-$29.95. czs.org/HolidayMagic.

Sonny Acres Farm Holiday Market: 4-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4-9 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago. Hayrides, petting zoo, specialty food vendors, entertainment and more. Free entry. sonnyacres.com.

Illumination, Tree Lights: Time slots from 4:30-8 p.m. daily (except Dec. 4) through Jan. 6 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Holiday light display featuring 18 lighted installations, including two new and four returning favorites with enhanced experiences. $12.80-$39. mortonarb.org.

Lightscape: 4:30-9:15 p.m. select days through Jan. 7 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Take an after-dark stroll through an array of illuminated displays from new installments to favorites like the Winter Cathedral. In advance: $30-$34 for adults, $17-$19 for kids 3-12; day of: $33-$37 for adults, $19-$21 for kids 3-12. Some dates are sold out. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.

Sparkle Light Festival: Various times and days through Dec. 31 at Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont. Stroll through five illuminated villages, visit Santa, ice skate, take a free train ride on the Holly Trolley train and go tubing down the Alpine Slide. Festive food and beverages for purchase. Admission is $18-$70. Parking is $5 at Impact Field's parking garage. For a schedule of hours and tickets, see sparklerosemont.com.

Winter Lights: 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily through Sunday, Jan. 7, at Central Park, Jorie Boulevard and Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. A free half-mile illuminated walk along paved pathways. Path will be closed during inclement weather. obparks.org/winterlights.

ZooLights: 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, through Jan. 7, at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago. Lighted displays, photo ops and interactive programming. $10 Fridays and Saturdays, $7 most weekdays, free on Mondays. lpzoo.org/event/zoolights.

Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival: 5-9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 31 at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago. Holiday lights show includes Christmas Market, photos ops, fire pits, s'mores, hot chocolate, adult specialty drinks and more. $10-$15. sonnyacres.com.

Santa's Naperville Workshop: 5-8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 8 p.m. weekends through Dec. 21 at the Paddleboat Quarry Rentals, 441 Aurora Ave., Naperville. Visit with Santa. There will be no on-site registration or walk-ups available. $10-$15. Register at napervilleparks.org/santasworkshop.

Santa's Rock 'N' Lights: 5-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 at the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Drive-through animated lights show. $29.99-$36.99. santasrocknlights.com.

“The Immersive Nutcracker — A Winter Miracle”: Various times and dates through Dec. 31 at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago. This 30-minute immersive experience, set to Tchaikovsky's music, weaves the classic tale of Marie and her toy nutcracker. $29.99. immersive-nutcracker.com.

Long Grove Vintage Days: Through Dec. 23 near 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Carriage rides Fridays through Sundays; holiday caroling; merchant open houses and promotions and more. Free. longgrove.org/festival/holiday-season.

Starts before Friday

Luminaria Walk: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, through Saturday, Dec. 2, at Veteran Acres, 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake. Stroll along the lit trail through Veteran Acres. On Saturday, there will be campfires, hot cocoa, cookies, Candy Cane Forest and Mrs. Claus. $1 per person or $5 per family donation. crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Naperville Garden Club Cup of Cheer House Walk, Holiday Market and Tea: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, and Friday, Dec. 1, at Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, 908 Jackson Ave., Naperville. Tour four Naperville homes decorated for the holidays. The market with holiday home decor is open to the public without an event ticket from noon to 4 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $45-$60. napervillegardenclub.org.

Artisan Gift Sale — Christmas at Fine Line: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 4-5, at Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Road, St. Charles. Over 60 artists selling one-of-a-kind items. Free entry. fineline.org/pages/christmastime-at-fine-line-holiday-show.

Friday, Dec. 1

Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, at the Shelia Ray Adult Center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Features jewelry, handcrafted items, ceramics, quilted, knitted and crocheted items, food and raffles. Photo with the Grinch from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Proceeds benefit the Shelia Ray Adult Center programs. (847) 364-7224 or elkgroveparks.org.

Geneva Holiday House Tour: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Five distinctive Geneva homes decorated for the holidays by local decorators open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours. Advance tickets $38. genevachamber.com.

Kriss Kringle Holiday Market: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 1-3, at The Rustic Fox, 1790 Towne Center Drive, North Aurora. Features 75 pop-up vendors inside a heated tent, along with 125 indoor vendors. Santa stops by from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. therusticfoxhome.com.

Lutheran Home Auxiliary Christmas Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Lutheran Home, 800 W. Oakton, Arlington Heights. Sale of new and gently used items, including Christmas decorations, jewelry, decor, artwork, dishes, lamps, toys, puzzles, books, linens and baked goods. Free. (847) 368-7400 or lutheranlifecommunities.org/lutheranhome/community-events.

MainStreet Libertyville's First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments, special discounts and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Bloomingdale Tree Lighting and Kriss Kringle Market: 3:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Old Town Park and Old Town Bloomingdale. Kriss Kringle Market features handmade and packaged goods, holiday decor, pet items, crafts, clothing and more. Free kids' entertainment includes face painting, balloon art, crafts, games with prizes and photo opportunities with Pete the Cat. Santa will light Bloomingdale's tree at 7 p.m. bloomingdaleparks.org.

Mount Prospect Historical Society House Walk: 3:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 S. School St., Mount Prospect. See the interiors of six private homes, built between 1873 and 2013. $35 at the door. mtphist.org.

Christmas at Cantigny: 4-11 p.m. daily (except Mondays) Dec. 1-23 at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. See specially designed light installations throughout the gardens and grounds. The newly renovated McCormick House, lavishly decorated for Christmas, will be open for the first time since 2019. Seasonal food and beverage options available. Skating rink will stay open all winter. $5 per car; $15 on weekends. cantigny.org.

Christmas Musical Light Show: 4-9 p.m. daily Dec. 1-25 at the Bandshell on Skidmore, Antioch. Stay in your car and listen to 20-minute shows running continuously from your radio. Free. antiochchamber.org.

Des Plaines Holiday Tree Lighting: 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Metropolitan Square, on Lee Street, Des Plaines. Live entertainment, food trucks, a special appearance by Santa at 4:45 p.m. and the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. The mitten tree will be available for donations of new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves of all sizes. Bring nonperishable food donations for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry. desplaines.org.

Hawthorn Woods Hometown Holiday: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Santa arrives at 4:15 p.m. Visits with Santa, photo opportunities, and cookies and cocoa from 4:30-6 p.m. Lighting of the community tree at 6:30 p.m. and caroling from 6:15-6:45 p.m. Free. vhw.org/223/Hometown-Holiday.

Christmas Walk: 4:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in downtown Oswego. Santa's reindeer, live ice sculpting, dance performances, music, an inflatable sled hill, games, crafts, giveaways and visits with Santa. Tree-lighting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Main and Jackson streets with live choral music and a theatrical performance by local schools. Later in the evening, the illuminated emergency vehicle parade makes its way down Main Street. oswegochristmaswalk.com.

Addison Christmas Tree Lighting: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Village Green, 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison. Train rides in the Village Green, hot chocolate by Kiwanis Club, popcorn by Knights of Columbus, and historical museum open house. Visits with Santa in the gazebo from 5-7 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. The Caroling Connection perform from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and 7:45-8:45 p.m. in the Century House. Caroling by school groups at 7 p.m. Tree lighting at 8 p.m. Free. ithappensinaddison.com.

Bartlett Holiday Tree Lighting: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Bartlett Park, Oak and North avenues, Bartlett. At 5 p.m. Santa arrives with Mrs. Claus and his elves. See Santa in the log cabin until 6:30 p.m. Bring a camera and a nonperishable food item for the Hanover Township Food Pantry. There will be cookies, cocoa, food trucks, horse-drawn wagon rides, a DJ spinning holiday music, live reindeer, an ice sculpture and visits with favorite characters. See the lighting of the holiday tree at 7 p.m. bartlettil.gov.

Hinsdale Christmas Walk: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in the downtown Hinsdale business district. Tree-lighting ceremony, meet and greet with Santa, traditional carousel and trackless train rides, games and vendors selling holiday treats. Free. hinsdalechamber.com/christmas-walk.

Holiday Shopping Blitz: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. More than 100 crafters and vendors will be selling jewelry, knitted items, pet products, holiday decor, purses, clothing, ceramics, candles, quilts, beauty products, books, gourmet foods and more. Entry is $2. bartlettparks.org.

Mundelein Holiday Tree Lighting: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Village Plaza, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. Music, food, fireworks and a visit from Santa. After the tree lighting, Santa's Cottage will be open from 6:30-8 p.m. Free. mundelein.org.

Snow Much Fun!: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Veterans Memorial Park, 55 E. Richmond St., Westmont. Outdoor games; selfies in Santa's sleigh and the giant snow globe; mule-drawn wagon ride; inflatable slide (fee); s'mores; food truck; and Santa visits inside the Gregg House. Free. hollydaysfestival.com.

Winnetka Holiday Tree Lighting: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Dwyer Park, 521 Birch St., Winnetka. Carols, treats and the lighting of the tree, which will take place at approximately 6 p.m. Free. winpark.org.

Fox River Grove Tree Lighting Community Celebration: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in the Metra parking lot, 315 Northwest Hwy., Fox River Grove. facebook.com/frgliving.

Hanover Park Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Ontarioville Plaza, 1931 Ontarioville Road, Hanover Park. Carols, reindeers, mini train rides, hot cocoa and cookies from the Lions Club, games, s'mores, face painting and photos with Santa. Free. hpil.org.

Lincolnshire Lights: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Village Green Center, 100 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Tree-lighting celebration. Free. lincolnshireil.gov.

Dickens in Dundee: 5:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in East and West Dundee. Tree-lighting ceremonies and Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. Friday at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee, and at 7 p.m. at West Dundee Village Hall, 102 S. Second. Dundee-Crown Chamber and Varsity Treble Choirs perform at both ceremonies. In East Dundee on Friday, “The Christmas Schooner” cast performances; visits with Santa from 6-9 p.m.; and Living Windows along River and Main streets from 6:30-8 p.m. In West Dundee on Friday, visits with Santa and Living Windows between First and Second streets and along Main Street from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday in West Dundee, Dickens of a Christmas sale; “A Christmas Carol Revisited: Scrooges Reclamation” at 11 a.m.; reading of Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” at 1:30 p.m. Annual Riverside Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. Saturday through West Dundee, Carpentersville and East Dundee. dickensindundee.org/

Carol Stream Holiday Tree Lighting: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at the Carol Stream Town Center, 960 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. Seasonal music, beverages and snacks, pick up a free holiday craft, and take a free digital photo with Santa, who will arrive at 6:30 p.m. Free. carolstream.org.

Geneva Christmas Walk: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in downtown Geneva. Santa and Santa Lucia arrive between 6-6:30 p.m. Tree lighting, strolling carolers, a live Nativity and special offerings from Geneva merchants. Free. genevachamber.com/events/christmas-walk.

Gilberts Tree-Lighting Ceremony: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in Gilberts. Includes visits with Santa. For updates, see villageofgilberts.com.

Santa Visits Lollipop Lane: 6 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 1 and 8, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2-3 and 9-10, at Chamber Park Community Center, 131 N. Wolf Road, Wheeling. Santa and Mrs. Claus will take free photos with families. Decorated trees and vintage toys from many eras line the lane. Cookies and commemorative ornaments for sale. Free. wheelinghistoricalsociety.com.

Warrenville Holly Days: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Manning and Warren avenues, Warrenville. Santa Arrival Parade with lighting of the holiday tree; visits with Santa; entertainment by local school groups; free horse-drawn carriage rides; fire pits; hot cocoa and cookies; and Warrenville Holiday Tree Showcase. warrenvilleparks.org/event/holly-days.

Greater Elgin “Messiah” Singalong: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Annual event featuring performers and musicians from Elgin Symphony Orchestras, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Master Chorale, Judson University students, Larkin High Concert Choir, Midwest Opera Theater and area choruses. Music score will be provided at the door. $7; free for kids 12 and younger. Register at elginsing-alongmessiah.org.

Lunar Tide Music & Arts Festival 2023: 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, at the Lakehurst Event Center, 300 Lakehurst Road, Waukegan. Performers include Shades, Bou, EPROM and more. $70 per day. waukeganil.gov.

North Pole Holiday Spectacular: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 1 and 3:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Musical show with performances by Expressions Dance Company, games with prizes, cookie decorating and visits with Santa. Registration required. $12. parkfun.com.

Santa's Cottage: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 12:15-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Village Plaza, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Streamwood's Luminaria: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Streamwood Village Hall, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. 3,000 luminaria will line the median of Park Boulevard from Lake Street to Schaumburg Road as well as the Municipal Campus, with luminaria lining Village Hall, the police station and Veterans Memorial. The tree-lighting ceremony features thousands of colorful, twinkling lights covering the trees. Kids can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Village Hall. Free. streamwood.org.

A Festival of Lessons and Carols: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Elmhurst University's Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. The story of Christmas told with a blend of readings and music. elmhurst.edu.

Palatine Concert Band Holiday Concert: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St. Palatine. The Palatine Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Frederick Lowe, performs traditional and contemporary works. $3-$9. palatineparks.org.

“A Starry Night of Christmas Classics”: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St., Huntley. Performance by piano/vocal duo Kristin Lelm and Paul Langford, backed by the Mark Olen Orchestra. Freewill donation. sotp.org.

Candlelight Carols: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at St. Michael Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. St. Charles Singers will perform seasonal songs for choir and brass. The chamber choir, conducted by Jeffrey Hunt, will be joined by a quintet from the Millar Brass Ensemble. The concert will offer the world premiere of Andrew Wainwright's choir and brass arrangement of “Huron Carol.” $45, $40 for 65 or older, and $12 for students. stcharlessingers.com.

Wheaton College Christmas Festival 2023: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Wheaton College's Edman Chapel, 501 College Ave., Wheaton. The Concert Choir, Women's Chorale, Men's Glee Club, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, soloists, organ and more perform. $17.70-$29.50. wheaton.edu/calendar-of-events.

Winter Circus Spectacular: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Performers, athletes and animals from around the world perform together. $11-$48. (847) 649-2270 or nowarena.com.

Celtic Christmas: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Sing along with Gavin Coyle and his band, pianist Paul Burgess, harpist Karen Fernandez and flutist Joanne Diebold, as they perform traditional holiday favorites from America and Ireland. Ticket proceeds benefit People's Resource Center, a nonprofit serving DuPage County. $40. atthemac.org/events/gavin-coyle-a-celtic-christmas.

“Christmas With The King, A Christmas Elvis Spectacular”: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Impact Fuel Room, 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville. Christmas Elvis tribute. $20-$70. impactfuelroom.com.

Saturday, Dec. 2

It's a Wonderful Life in Lake Bluff: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in Lake Bluff. Breakfast With Santa from 7 a.m. to noon at Grace United Methodist Church; Santa and Mrs. Claus visits from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake Bluff History Museum; holiday market from 1-4 p.m.; lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.; horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Also includes Holiday Home Tour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Free. lflbchamber.com.

Holiday Flower Show: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Dec. 2-30, at Wilder Park Conservatory, Church Street and Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst. A seasonal display of holiday flowers. epd.org/facilities/wilder-park-conservatory.

Lions Club Reindeer Run: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at West Liberty Drive and Hale Street, Wheaton. Get dressed up in Santa hats, jingle bells and more. $40. wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/reindeerrun.

Santa Hustle Chicago 5K and Kids' Dash: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. $10-$60. The official charity is Cal's Angels. SantaHustle.com.

Winter Express Story Time: 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Arlington Heights Train Station in downtown Arlington Heights. Take a magical train ride, hear the “Polar Express” story and visit with Santa. All riders must be registered and children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $25-$35. Register at ahpd.org/events/winter-express-story-time.

Art + Market Aurora: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Society 57, 100 S. River St., Aurora. Fall-themed market with local vendors and makers. Free. auroradowntown.org/art-and-market.

Breakfast or Lunch with Santa at Heritage Oaks: 9 a.m. or noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at Heritage Oaks Golf Club, 3535 Dundee Road, Northbrook. Dine on a holiday breakfast or lunch and meet Santa. Plus, holiday songs, crafts and a commemorative photograph. Registration is $35-$45. nbparks.org.

Candy Cane Lane: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lincoln Center, Downers Grove. Holiday crafts and activities, pictures with Santa, festive snacks and story time with Mrs. Claus. $30-$40. Register at dgparks.org.

Holiday Cookie Walk & Craft Fair: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Journey of Hope Bartlett Campus, 751 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett. Crafters, homemade cookies by the box and lunch for purchase. Free. johumc.org.

Lake Park High School Holiday Craft Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lake Park High School West Campus field house and cafeteria, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. The 41st annual Lancer Craft Fair includes crafters selling handcrafted gift items. Proceeds benefit Lake Park organizations. $2. sites.google.com/lphs.org/lpcraftfair/home.

A Very Merry Huntley: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in Town Square, 11704 Coral St., Huntley. Running of the Elves 5K, Kriss Kringle Market, kids' games and crafts, trackless train rides, and voting for favorite decorated tree. Community pasta dinner from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Legion hall for $4-$8. At 5 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck for the lighting of the tree, holiday fireworks show, and visits with Santa in the gazebo. huntley.il.us.

Westmont High School Band Boosters Craft Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Westmont High School, 909 Oakwood Drive, Westmont. Pottery, woodworking, jewelry, crocheted, knitted and sewn items, jellies, jams and more. The band's largest fundraiser also features performances by band students. Free entry. 201bandboosters.org.

Breakfast with Santa at Chevy Chase: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. Buffet breakfast, meet with Santa and take photos with him. Adults: $29.95; kids 4-13: $16.95; free for kids 3 and younger. Reservations required. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Chilly Chili 5K/2K: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Schaumburg Golf Club, 401 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Walk or run dressed as a favorite holiday character. Race is U.S.A. Track & Field certified. For ages 8 and older. $15-$60. parkfun.com.

Christ Lutheran Church Christmas Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. Handmade crafts for Christmas and beyond, including ornaments, accessories and Grandma's Attic, plus homemade baked items and food gifts. Free entry. clcpalatine.org.

Dickens of a Holiday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 9, in downtown Libertyville. Photos with Santa in Cook Park, the Children's Holiday Shoppe at Petranek's Pharmacy, and Victorian Tea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Libertyville Civic Center. Free, donations of nonperishable food items welcome. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Holiday Faire: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Road, Glenview. Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a drive-through dinner option from 5-7 p.m. Music, a food court with Greek pastries and food, gingerbread house decorating and homemade gift items. Admission is a freewill donation. ssppglenview.org/events.

Holiday Happenings: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. Family-friendly event featuring activities, performances, shopping, dining and holiday festivities at Plaza del Lago, Wilmette Theater, in the Wilmette shopping district and Village Green. Tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. in front of Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave. Free. chambermaster.wilmettekenilworth.com/events/details/holiday-happenings-15333.

Let It Snow planetarium shows: 10 a.m. and noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Festive full-dome video images choreographed to classic Christmas music by Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and a finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. $12. mchenry.edu/events/index.html.

Santa's Craft Corner: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Cosley Zoo Kiebler Room, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Visit Santa, make a craft and tour the zoo. Bring a camera. Advanced registration not required. $20 per household at the door (cash or credit cards accepted). cosleyzoo.org/santas-craft-corner-2.

Santa House Visits: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m. Sundays and 6-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through Dec. 23 at Williams and Brink streets, Crystal Lake. Bring your camera for a visit with Santa in his Santa House. Free. downtowncl.org.

Santa Paws Craft Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Zone 250, 250 W. National St., West Chicago. 80 crafters and vendors. Free entry. fb.me/e/PaL1iXRw.

Family holiday movies: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Glen Art Theatre, 540 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Watch “Dr. Seuss' The Grinch.” Free. glenellynchamber.com/holiday.

Holiday Visit with Santa: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Barrington's White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Visits with Santa, cookies and refreshments, family photos and more. Free. barringtonswhitehouse.com/event/holiday-visits-with-santa.

Santa Comes to Woodridge: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, St. Scholastica Parish Activity Center, 7800 Janes Ave., Woodridge. Take free photos during visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free gift bags to the first 200 kids. Bring a letter to Santa. Lights snacks and refreshments for purchase. woodridgeil.gov.

Holiday Tea at the Museum: Noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum's Banta House, 510 Vail, Arlington Heights. Holiday high tea. $22-$27. Register at ahmuseum.org.

Mundelein Winterfest: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Village Plaza, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. Train rides; a visit with Elsa, Anna and Olaf; a Santa's Writing Station; and Shoot the Puck. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Santa's Workshop at Wilder Mansion: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Wilder Mansion, 211 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. A holiday store for kids where they can purchase kid-priced and kid-friendly gifts. epd.org/news/santas-workshop-wilder-mansion.

Barrington Holiday Fest and Tree Lighting Ceremony: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Park Avenue and Cook Street, Barrington. Hot chocolate, family activities, a performance by the Barrington High School Madrigals at 4:45 p.m. and the tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Santa will arrive on his firetruck following the ceremony and take photos outside of the Santa Hut on Park Avenue until 6 p.m. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/holiday-fest.

Elf Invasion Pub Crawl: 2 p.m. to bar close Saturday, Dec. 2, in downtown Highwood. 21 and older. Dress the part and visit a variety of establishments for live music, food and drink specials and raffle prizes. On-site registration and packet pickup will be at 28 Mile Distilling Company, 454 Sheridan Road, Highwood. $20. CelebrateHighwood.org.

Roselle Winterfest: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the municipal campus on Prospect Street in Roselle. Santa arrives at 2 p.m. at the library with music and treats. Live performances on the Prospect Street Stage from 2-5 p.m., plus food trucks, face painting, ice sculptures, ornament making, games, photo opportunities and more. Holiday tree lighting with Mayor Pileski and Santa at 5 p.m. Free. roselle.il.us/425/Roselle-Winterfest.

West Chicago Frosty Fest: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in downtown West Chicago. The city's official tree-lighting ceremony will be followed by activities for all ages. Free. facebook.com/WestChicagoFrostyFest.

Chamber Concert: 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Black Oak Ensemble will perform. Tickets are $37. mortonarb.org.

Lights of Lisle: 2:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in downtown Lisle. Food, drinks and ice carvers. Santa parade steps off at 4:30 p.m. Santa will lead the parade from Spencer and School streets, head west to Main Street, south on Main, then east on Burlington Avenue to the village hall parking lot at Burlington and Center Avenue. Tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. in front of village hall. Free. villageoflisle.org.

Algonquin Miracle on Main: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, on Main Street, Algonquin. Annual event includes live holiday performances, ice-sculpting displays, hot chocolate and more. Free. algonquin.org/recreation.

Candlelight at Durant House: 3-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at Durant House and Sholes School in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Holiday music and old-fashioned ginger cake in Durant House lit by candlelight. A lesson and hands-on activities at Sholes School. Hot cider and light snacks by bonfire. $5 for adults; $1 for ages 5 and older. Register for a timed entry at ppfv.org/candlelight.

Holiday in the Hills: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Campton Hills Village Hall, 40W270 LaFox Road, Suite B, Campton Hills. Thompson Middle School choir sings holiday favorites, visits from Santa and K-9 Koda, candy canes, hot cocoa and more. camptonhills.illinois.gov.

Wood Dale Tree Lighting: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Wood Dale City Hall, 404 N. Wood Dale Road. Visits with Santa, seasonal treats, holiday crafts and face painting Ends with a fireworks show. wooddale.com.

Elburn Christmas Stroll: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in downtown Elburn. Holiday photos, Kriss Kringle Market at Obscurity Brewing, crafts, live reindeer, balloon artist, treats and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the fire truck for the tree lighting at 4 p.m. and Madrigals perform at 5:30 p.m. elburn.com/christmas-stroll.

Holiday in the Hollow: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in Sabatino Park, 1 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Music by Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, Circle-of-Cheer Christmas trees, Santa visits, and lighting of the trees and flagpole. Free. sleepyhollowil.org.

Joyful Traditions: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Ruggard Gazebo, 10 W. Park Blvd., Villa Park. Annual holiday event features petting zoo, pony rides, food trucks, photos with Santa and more. Hosted by the Village of Villa Park and Villa Park Chamber of Commerce. Free. invillapark.com.

“The Bells of Christmas”: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington. Chicago Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs sacred, secular, classical, jazz and old favorites. The church's Exaltation Handbell Choir performs a Christmas composition. chicagobronze.org.

Once Upon a Christmas: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Museums at Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., Lisle. See Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the train depot, holiday craft in the Beau Bien Tavern, a holiday workshop in the blacksmith shop, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and more. Hosted by Lisle Heritage Society and Lisle Park District. villageoflisle.org.

Addison Christmas Parade: 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 2 and 9. Wave to Santa as he winds his way through Addison neighborhoods on a fire engine. For a map, go to ithappensinaddison.com.

Algonquin Miracle on Main: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, on Main Street in Algonquin. Live holiday performances, ice-sculpting displays, hot chocolate and the arrival of Santa. Tree lighting at the historic village hall plaza. Free. algonquin.org/recreation.

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park: 4:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and Fridays through Sundays through Jan. 1 at Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard. Lombard Park District's annual holiday lights display with animated light shows, decorated trees, a giant gingerbread house and more. On Saturday, the annual Jingle Bell Jubilee and the lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. From 6-8 p.m. every Friday through Sunday, meet Santa and holiday characters. lombardparks.com/holiday-lights.

Pingree Grove Electric Holiday Parade: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Starting at Pingree Grove Fire Protection District Station 3, 1600 Reinking Road, down Reinking Road, and ending at the village municipal center, 555 Reinking Road, for the annual tree lighting celebration immediately following from 5 to 7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 5:15 p.m. for Main Tree and Radiance Row tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Also, kids' activities with Ella Johnson Library; indoor trackless train rides; character photo-ops; and hot chocolate and doughnuts. facebook.com/PingreeGroveIL.

Winterville in the Park: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Triangle Park, 39 E. Main St., Carpentersville. Meet Santa, and enjoy hot cocoa and doughnuts while supplies last. Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Second annual Riverside Parade of Lights starts at 6:30 p.m. in West Dundee, travels to Carpentersville at 6:30 p.m. and arrives in East Dundee at 7 p.m. cville.org.

Holly Days Frosty and Friends Parade: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in Westmont. Parade travels south on Cass Avenue starting at Naperville Road, then crosses the railroad tracks before heading west on Quincy Street. After the parade, see the tree-lighting ceremony on West Quincy Street. Then take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Westmont train station. Free. westmont.illinois.gov.

Island Lake Tree Lighting: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave., Island Lake. Spaghetti dinner with Santa and lighting of the village tree. villageofislandlake.com.

Making Spirits Bright: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Riverfront Park, 25 E. State St., North Aurora. See the park lit up for the holidays, visit Santa, see live reindeer and more. northaurora.org.

Wauconda Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Wauconda Park District, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Holiday parade and tree lighting. Free. waucondachamber.org.

Riverside Parade of Lights: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Second annual event by the Villages of East Dundee, West Dundee, and Carpentersville and Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce. Parade steps off in West Dundee on South Lincoln Avenue, just south of North Sixth Street, travels north to and across the Main Street bridge in Carpentersville, then south on Washington/Water Street to East Dundee, ending at Railroad Street. nkcchamber.com.

Cor Corps Horn Ensemble Concert: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at McHenry County College Leucht Auditorium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Local horn players perform a variety of classical and popular music. Free. mchenry.edu/events.

“Glow — Celebrating Songs of the Season”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in First Congregational Church sanctuary, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. Nothing But Treble performs music ranging from German and English Renaissance to contemporary settings of ancient texts, from folk music to “Glow” by Eric Whitacre, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and holiday favorites. Suggested donation $15 or $5 for kids. nbtchorus.com.

Lisa Rock's “A Carpenters Christmas”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Singer Lisa Rock and her six-piece backing band perform holiday music of The Carpenters. $42. eccartscenter.org/events/centerstage.

Acappellago's Holiday Favorites: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Songs of the holiday season. $17. acappellago.org.

Frankie Avalon: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. $45-$55. northcentralcollege.edu.

Sunday, Dec. 3

Santa's Flight to Schaumburg: 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Schaumburg Regional Airport, 905 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Santa's flying, via helicopter, to Schaumburg. Wait for Santa in the airport's hangar. Includes a buffet breakfast, holiday music and crafts. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. $20-$25; free for kids 2 and younger, but must be registered. parkfun.com.

Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Morgan MFG, 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago. Food, fashion, home goods and art. Admission fee. chicagoartisanmarket.com.

Holiday Craft Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Hanover Park Park District Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Home decor, jewelry, wood crafts, holiday items and more. Plus, concessions, door prizes and a raffle. Proceeds benefit the Hanover Park Foundation. Free entry. hpparks.org.

Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Decorate gingerbread houses, visit with Santa, take photos with a Zoo Animal Ambassador, and dine on brunch. Proceeds from this family-friendly fundraiser help support the zoo. Adults: $250; kids: $150. czs.org/hollyjollygingerbreadparty.

Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, along Main Street and Jandus Road, Cary. Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Main Street. Caroling by Caring Hearts & Voices, horse-drawn sleigh rides, pony rides and petting zoo. From 2-3:30 p.m., visits with Santa or the Holiday Grouch and cookie decorating. Free. carygrovechamber.com.

Holiday Hoopla: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Kids' games, crafts and photos with Santa. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Holiday Walk on Main: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at 100 N. Main St., Wauconda. Take a holiday walk on Main Street with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, crafts, food, music and more. waucondachamber.org.

Elmhurst Philharmonic Orchestra Winter Concert: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Elmhurst University's Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave, Elmhurst. elmhurst.edu/event.

Farmside Christmas: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave., Bensenville. Holiday crafts, music, a bonfire with hot chocolate and treats and take a photo with Santa. Tree lighting at 4:30 p.m. $5 for kids 3-15. bvilleparks.org.

A Celtic Christmas: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Ballydoyle's Packard Room, 28 W. New York St., Aurora, and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at The Haight, 166 Symphony Way, Elgin. STEAM Irish Quartet performs. $15-$25. chambermusiconthefox.org.

“The Bells of Christmas”: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Ela Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Chicago Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs sacred, secular, classical, jazz and more. chicagobronze.org.

ESO Holiday Brass and Percussion: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at St. Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela St., Barrington. Festive holiday music featuring ESO Brass and Percussion sections, with conductor Chad Goodman. Free. RSVPs welcome at elginsymphony.org.

Fox Valley Concert Band winter concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. The band presents “Home for the Holidays.” Free, but donations encouraged. fvcb.org/wp.

Fox Valley Holiday: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 27 S. Edgelawn Drive, Aurora. Fox Valley Orchestra presents works by Monteverdi, St. Saens and holiday selections for brass and percussion with conductor Stephen Squires and chorus master Lisa Fredenburg. Online tickets are $12-$20 until noon Dec. 2 or $16-$25 at the door. foxvalleyorchestra.org.

“Holiday Baroque”: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. A showpiece for soprano and trumpet opens Rembrandt Chamber Musicians' “Holiday Baroque” program featuring music by Handel, Vivaldi, Marcello, Corbett and J.S. Bach. $36; free for students. rembrandtchambermusicians.org.

Voices Unlimited Chorus' “Let the Season Begin”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Immanuel Lutheran Church sanctuary, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Led by founder and director David Barth, the debut concert features popular Christmas and holiday choral songs. $10; $5 for kids younger than 12. Tickets: Email davidabarth@comcast.net or (630) 707-1221. Also available at the door.

Northwest Symphony Orchestra “Messiah” Sing-A-Long: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Join members of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra in the performance of “Part 1 Messiah” and concluding “Hallelujah Chorus.” Free; freewill offering appreciated. northwestsymphony.org.

Erin Oechsel's “Merry Musings — A Christmas Cabaret!”: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Madden Theatre, 171 Chicago Ave., Naperville. A new cabaret featuring holiday music, comedy and special guests. $30-$35. northcentralcollege.edu.

DuPage Chorale: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $7-$17. atthemac.org.

Monday, Dec. 4

Holiday Movie Night: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. See “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993). Doors open at 6:15 p.m. $1, cash only at the door. paramountaurora.com.

Jingle Bell Rock with Michael Ingersoll and Christopher Kale Jones: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Jersey Boys and PBS stars Michael Ingersoll and Christopher Kale Jones perform a festive concert. Tickets starts at $60. MarriottTheatre.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Just For Kids Holiday Shop: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 5-6, at Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Children can do one-stop holiday shopping with a holiday helper. Gifts will range from $3 to $8 and will be wrapped. bgparks.org/just-for-kids-holiday-shop.

Winter Wonderland Concert: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Holiday extravaganza featuring 400 students involved in the Batavia High School music department. Tickets at bataviafineartscentre.org.

Aurora University Winter Concert: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Crimi Auditorium in the Institute for Collaboration, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora. Aurora University Band, String Ensemble, Drumline and the Flute Ensemble will perform. Seating will be first-come, first-served. alumni.aurora.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Kids Only Holiday Shop: 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Gorton Center, 400 W. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. The Kids Only Holiday Shop allows kids 4-10 to shop for loved ones without mom or dad. High schoolers will escort kids through the boutique, visiting local vendors and artisans selling items for $10 and under. 2:30-3 p.m. is shopping for kids with sensory needs only. Cash only. Tickets required. (847) 810-4113 or gortoncenter.org.

Pictures With Santa: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Usher Park gazebo, 200 S. Walnut St., Itasca. Bring your camera to take photos with Santa. Itasca Park District will collect toys for Toys for Tots and nonperishable goods for the Itasca Food Pantry. Free. itasca.com.

Reindeer Games: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Pavilion Community Center, 1000 Wellington Drive, Elk Grove Village. Join Rudolph and the other reindeer in Reindeer Games for prizes and take the Reindeer Olympics Challenge. Register at elkgroveparks.org.

Crescendo Show Choir's Winter Showcase: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. bgparks.org/programs/performing-arts.

Livingston Taylor & Karla Bonoff — “Home for the Holidays”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Center Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $28-$64. northshorecenter.org.

Thursday, Dec. 7

One of a Kind Holiday Show: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 7-9, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at The MART, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago. More than 500 artists, makers and designers will be selling accessories, bath and body, ceramics, fashion, fiber art, furniture, glass, gourmet, holiday, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paintings, pet products, photography, sculpture and wood. oneofakindshowchicago.com.

Holiday Lights: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Welton Plaza, Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee. Firepits and s'mores, food trucks, craft stations, performance by the Gurnee Park District Above the Barre Dance Team, plus appearances by Gurnee Mayor Tom Hood, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and more. Free. gurneeparkdistrict.com.

Tree Lighting in Wilder Park: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. See the lighting of the community trees in the park and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. epd.org.

On stage

“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and days through Dec. 24 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. For ages 5 and older. For tickets, see metropolisarts.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: Various times and dates through Dec. 31 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. High-end production of Charles Dickens' classic. $25-$75. goodmantheatre.org.

“The Snow Queen”: Various times through Dec. 31 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the Disney movie “Frozen.” Tickets start at $15.75. MarriottTheatre.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. and noon Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 30 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The 31st anniversary of Drury Lane Theatre's production of Charles Dickens' holiday tale. drurylanetheatre.com/Theatre-for-Young-Audiences.

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”: 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 30, at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The inspiring true story of Carole King's journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Tickets start at $55. marriotttheatre.com.

“The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 10, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet follows courageous young Clara on her journey through an enchanted land of dancing snowflakes to the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy. $26-$38. prairiecenter.org.

“Absurd Person Singular, A Christmas Farce”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 23, at Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Alan Ayckbourn's comedy follows three couples, in three kitchens, on three successive Christmas Eves. $22-$28. steelbeamtheatre.com.

“White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays (and Tuesday, Dec. 5) and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 16 at 900 Foster Ave., Medinah. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions puts on a holiday show featuring Irving Berlin's music. $18-$25. overshadowed.org.

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley”: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 17 at the McAninch Arts Center Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents this sequel to “Pride and Prejudice,” in which Mary Bennet, the bookish, unmarried middle sister, yearns for more in life when an expected guest joins the Christmas festivities at Pemberley. $42-$44. atthemac.org.

The Second City's Holiday Revue “What The Elf”: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 at Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Chicago's famed improv troupe skewers the holidays. $42. paramountaurora.com.

Barrington Dance Ensemble's “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Barrington High School, 616 Main St., Barrington. Guest artists from National and Chicago regional dance companies, including the Milwaukee Ballet and Giordano Dance Chicago, perform lead soloist roles and are joined by more than 100 performers from the Northwest suburbs. $25-$38. (847) 382-6333 or barringtondance.org.

“Elf the Musical”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. CYT Chicago-Kane and McHenry show starring students ages 8-18. $17-$19. cytchicago.org.

Salt Creek Ballet's “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Salt Creek Ballet's holiday production. $28-$54. saltcreekballet.org.

“The Nutcracker”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 1 and 8; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 2 and 9; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3; and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Albright Community Theatre, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Holiday production of the legend of the Nutcracker now presented as a play. $18-$23. albrighttheatre.com.

Theatre 121's “White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Irving Berlin's “White Christmas.” $10-$26. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“Nutcracker All Jazzed Up”: Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 1-2 and Dec. 8-9, at Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Presented by the Bartlett Park District and Lisa's School of Dance, the production includes local dancers performing to Tchaikovsky's musical score reorchestrated into a modern, up-tempo, family-friendly experience. All ages. Tickets required. bartlettparks.org.

“Mrs. Claus”: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, Dec. 5-8, and other times and dates at the Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Presented by Chicago Kids Company. $18. apollochicago.com.

M3 Dance's “The Nutcracker”: Noon and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and noon Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Professional guest performers join students in this special version of the classic tale, blending multiple dance genres such as ballet, jazz, contemporary and tumbling. $25-$40. cityofelgin.org.

“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”: 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $50-$175. rosemont.com/theatre/event-calendar.

“Christmas with C.S. Lewis”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Dec. 5-8, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, at Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. In the early years of his young adult life, C.S. Lewis believed the story of Christ's birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his friend and fellow author J.R.R. Tolkien. $71.50. broadwayinchicago.com/show/christmas-cs-lewis.

“'Twas the Night Before ... by Cirque du Soleil”: Various dates and times from Wednesday, Dec. 7, through Friday, Dec. 28, at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters and a soundtrack including holiday classics reinvented by Cirque du Soleil. $46-$96. chicagotheatre.com.