Illumination: Tree Lights
Nov. 23-Jan. 5
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 725-2066
This one-of-a-kind event will awe and delight visitors, with returning favorites and all-new experiences. Illumination will highlight the many gifts of trees: natural beauty, increased feelings of peace and calm, homes for wildlife and the air we breathe. This year’s event will debut a new route with a more spacious pathway. Stop along the way to warm up by the fire pit, enjoy special concessions and more. Tickets are available for specific times. Time: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $23 for adults, $15 for children ages 2-17, free for kids under 2. RR, MD
Light up the Park
Nov. 29
Parkway Bank Park
5501 Park Place, Rosemont
https://www.parkwaybankpark.com
Enjoy a variety of family-friendly festivities, including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free horse-drawn sleigh rides and ice carving viewing. At 5:30 p.m. the switch will be flipped on more than 80,000 holiday lights throughout the park. The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and then open daily through Jan. 5. See the website for hours and other details.
Reindeer Run
Nov. 29
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
https://www.czs.org/reindeerrun
Zoogoers are invited to grab their glow sticks and running shoes for this event. With a two-mile course entirely inside the park, families and friends can “fun run” or walk along the pathways decorated with 1 million LED lights for the zoo’s annual Holiday Magic festival, which begins Nov. 30. Registration includes a commemorative knit beanie featuring the Reindeer Run logo and a complimentary drink for those 21 and older courtesy of Revolution Brewing. Park in the zoo’s main lot on 31st Street. The run will take place rain, shine or snow. Time: 5:30 p.m. check in, 7 p.m. Cost: $27 plus $2.50 signup fee.
‘A Christmas Carol’
Nov. 29-Dec. 23
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111
https://www.drurylanetheatre.com
This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic is sure to delight audience members of all ages. The performance lasts 60 minutes with no intermission. Breakfast with Santa is offered in conjunction with the show Saturdays, Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. Dinner with Santa is available Dec. 3 and 18. Show times: See website for a complete list. Tickets: $20 for the show, additional cost for meals.
Holiday Magic
Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 22 & Dec. 26-31
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
(708) 688-8000
Celebrate the holiday seasons at Chicagoland’s largest and longest-running lights festival. Sing to the animals and enjoy professional ice-carving demonstrations, magic shows, a 41-foot talking tree and special visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Dec. 22). Music and live entertainment, costumed characters, a model railroad display and more will add to the magical ambiance. The Chicago Wolves skating rink is also open. Visit the website listed above for a complete schedule. Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Admission: $21.95 for adults, $15.95 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older, free for children 2 and younger plus $14 for parking. MD
Ice Cream Cone Trees
Dec. 1
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Drop by with the family to create beautiful — and delicious — Christmas trees made of ice cream cones, frosting and candy pieces. Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
‘A Million Dollar Christmas’
Dec. 1
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Join the smash hit cast of “Presley, Perkins, Lewis and Cash” for a rip-roaring holiday show that will have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree. Featuring a full catalogue of classic rock ’n’ roll hits plus a selection of heartwarming holiday tunes, the show is like no other. Time: 4 p.m. Tickets: $45 to $65.
Brunch with Santa
Dec. 1 & 22
Le Jardin
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 260-8188
Enjoy a special holiday buffet, meet and take a photo with Mr. C. and enjoy a balloon artist and face painters. Time: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. seatings. Cost: $38 for adults, $33 for kids ages 4-12, $5 for children 3 and younger. RR
Breakfast with Santa
Weekends, Dec. 1-23
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 725-2066
Enjoy a special breakfast buffet in The Morton Arboretum’s scenic Ginkgo Restaurant and a visit from Santa. Children can interact with Santa and his helpers and leave with some sweet treats to take home. Time: 9 to 11 a.m. weekends and Monday, Dec. 23. Cost: $42, $36 for children 3-12, free for children under 3.
Farmhouse Museum Tours: Christmas Memories
Dec. 1-Jan. 6
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
(630) 876-5900
Discover Victorian holiday traditions and explore the lifestyle of a successful farm family during a tour of the farmhouse museum. Tours offered on the hour Thursdays to Mondays. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
‘Christmas Cabaret’
Dec. 3
Trinity Lutheran Church
2701 Maple Ave., Lisle
(630) 737-9199
https://www.chorusofdupage.com/Christmas
The Christmas concert features the Chorus of DuPage, a men’s a cappella barbershop chorus, and several musical guests sharing fun holiday songs. The performance concludes with a heartfelt telling of the Christmas story. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $23, $15 for kids under 16.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk
Dec. 6
Downtown Hinsdale
(630) 323-3952
https://www.hinsdalechamber.com
The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 54th annual event, which will feature Cookie’s Carousel, the Kiddie Express train, animated holiday characters, strolling carolers, giveaways and more. Santa will arrive at the Memorial Building, 19 E. Chicago Ave., to light the tree at 5 p.m. Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Lights and Lagers
Dec. 6
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
https://www.czs.org/lightsandlagers
Get into the holiday spirit while strolling along pathways illuminated with more than one million LED lights and sampling a wide selection of beers. Enjoy the lights, music, and appearances by animal ambassadors, as you stop in buildings across the zoo for samples. All ticket holders must be 21 or older with valid photo ID. Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $45. RR, MD
Gavin Coyle: A Celtic Christmas
Dec. 6
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Revel in the holiday spirit with award-winning recording artist Gavin Coyle as he brings his annual program to the Mac, performing with pianist Paul Burgess, harpist Karen Banaszewski and flautist Joanne Diebold. Concert proceeds benefit People’s Resource Center, a local nonprofit serving DuPage County. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $35.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 7
KLM Lodge
5901 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale
(630) 789-7090
https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Santa is making a last-minute stop by the Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge to see who has been naughty and nice. Bring a camera to take pictures with Santa and enjoy an expanded continental breakfast. Time: 9 to 10 a.m. Cost: $23. RR
‘Escape to ... A Winter Wonderland’
Dec. 7
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(708) 484-3797
Join Acappellago, an a cappella choir, on this musical journey of songs to celebrate the season. The concert is for ages 12 and up; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$17.
‘The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Sweater’
Dec. 7
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The Second City will roast the chestnuts out of everything lovingly loathable about the holiday season in this 90-minute performance. Times: 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets: $32 to $46. RR.
Celebrate the Season Holiday Festival
Dec. 7
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
Families and children of all ages will enjoy the park’s ninth annual holiday festival. Attractions include Mistletoe Market, horse-drawn “sleigh rides,” face-painting, a live reindeer display and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. A small fee applies to some activities. Time: 1 to 7 p.m. Admission: Free, parking $5 or a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for the Marines Toys for Tots drive. Time: 1 to 7 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 7-8 & 14-15
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
(708) 688-8355
Bring the family for an enjoyable all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, then stroll around the park to see favorite animals. Bring a camera for photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Costumed characters and musical entertainment will add to the festivities. Time: 9 and 11 a.m. seatings. Cost: $29.95 for adults, $21.95 for children ages 3 to 11, free for children 2 and younger. RR
n Historic Holidays in Hinsdale
Dec. 7 & 14
Burlington Park
30 E. Chicago Ave.
villageofhinsdale.org
Meet Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride before exploring the unique boutiques and delicious restaurants in town. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brunch with the Grinch
Dec. 7 & 14
Cantigny Golf
27W270 Mack Road, Wheaton
(630) 260-8188
Feast on a Grinch-themed buffet, enjoy a viewing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and meet the Grinch. Time: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. seatings. Cost: $38, $33 for ages 4-10, $5 for kids 3 and younger. RR
Brunch with Santa
Dec. 8 & 15
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
(708) 688-8355
Bring your appetite for a delectable all-you-can-eat holiday brunch at Bocaditos. Enjoy an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus and costumed characters, all of whom will be available for photos. Time: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. seatings. Cost: $44.95 for adults, $43.95 for children ages 3-11, free for children 2 and younger. RR
Christmas on the Farm
Dec. 7-8
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
(630) 876-5900
Learn the history of popular traditions, take a photo with Santa in his sleigh, sing carols around the warming fire, and enjoy cookies and hot apple cider. Activities for all ages are ongoing. Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Kitchen Tech: Holiday Cookies
Dec. 11
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Just in time for holiday cookie baking! Learn about the technology behind baking the perfect cookie. From mixing, to pressing, to baking, participants will be well prepared to fill their tins this holiday season. Cookies will be served. Time: 7 to 8:15 p.m. RR
Next Chapter Social Club: Interactive ‘Elf’ screening
Dec. 12
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Next Chapter Social Club is a series of programs specially designed for teens 16 and older and adults with disabilities. Each attendee will receive a bag of props and treats to be used at certain times throughout the movie “Elf.” Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. RR
Holly Jolly Trolley
Dec. 13
Immanuel Hall
302 S. Grant St., Hinsdale
https://www.hinsdalehistory.org
(630) 789-2600
View the best-lit homes of Hinsdale on this 20-minute tour sponsored by the Hinsdale Hitorical Society Women’s Board. Tickets include live music, sweet treats, kid crafts and warm beverages (adult and child friendly). Time: tours leave every 30 minutes from 5:30 to 8:30. Cost: $25 a seat. RR
‘A Christmas Carol’ Radio Show
Dec. 21
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 260-8162
Enjoy this classic holiday story presented inside historic Freedom Hall as an old-time radio show on WGN, then one of Robert McCormick’s media properties. Times: 3 and 5 p.m. Admission: free with $5 parking. RR
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
