n Holiday Magic
Dec. 15-18, 26-31
Brookfield Zoo
3400 31st St.
(630) 688-8400
http://www.czs.org/holidaymagic
Bright lights and magical nights await guests at the 41st annual event. Visitors will enjoy more than 2 million twinkling LED lights, a 41-foot tall tree choreographed to seasonal tunes, photo opportunities in the ever-popular 20-foot-tall orb and 3D 16-foot-tall gingerbread house, a 600-foot-long “Tunnel of Lights” and more. Many of the zoo’s animal buildings will be open as well restaurants and gift shops offering an array of unique items. View more than 600 decorated community and corporate trees along the malls and around Roosevelt Fountain. Advanced registration and tickets are required. Times: 3 to 9 p.m. Admission: $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for ages 3-11, $19.95 for seniors 65 and older plus $15 parking. RR, MD
n Santa’s Mailbox
Through Dec. 16
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org
(630) 789-7090
Write a letter to Santa, drop it in the mailbox at village hall, 19 E. Chicago Ave., and receive a personal letter back in four to six business days. Be sure to include the parent form available on the website listed above under Special Events > Santa’s Mailbox. Questions? Call the number listed above or send an email to [email protected].
n ‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 16 & 17
Nazareth Academy
1209 Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park
http://www.wsballet.org/performances
West Suburban Ballet Conservatory performs the holiday classic. Time: 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 1 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets: $35 and up.
n Interactive Holiday Movie: ‘Elf’
Dec. 17
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 323-1976
All ages are invited to watch this fun holiday movie with a bag of props and treats to be used at certain times throughout the film. Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. RR
n Holiday Afternoon Tea
Dec. 17
Lucille Restaurant
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com
(630) 530-0111
Indulge in seasonal teas, unlimited champagne and enticing desserts while a pianist plays favorite carols. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Time: 1 p.m. Cost: $55 adults, $30 kids 12 and younger.
n ‘A Christmas Carol’ — A Radio Play
Dec. 17 & 18
Cantigny Park
1SS151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
Audiences will enjoy a behind-the-scenes perspective as they watch a talented five-member cast cycle through multiple characters To the side, an old-time radio sound artist will create realistic auditory effects to support the action on stage. The show is inspired by Chicago’s Theatre of the Air, a real radio program introduced by Colonel Robert McCormick on WGN in 1940. While the setting is a bit different, the main character’s journey is familiar. Ebeneezer Scrooge is a Chicago citizen in the 1940s and publisher of the Chicago Daily News. Guided by three memorable spirits, he will need to learn the true meaning of Christmas and “goodwill to all” if he is to save himself from an unforgiving future. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 18. Tickets: $2.
n ‘Season’s Greetings’
Through Dec. 18
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Friends and family gather at Neville and Belinda’s home to celebrate the holidays. Hilarious mayhem ensues in this entertaining look at the anxiety and high jinks of an average family during the holidays. An ASL performance will be presented Dec. 8. The show contains mature themes and language. Times: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $42, $40 for seniors.
n ‘A Christmas Carol’
Through Dec. 30
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com
(630) 530-0111
Continue a tradition or start a new one by gathering the whole family for this heartwarming production of Dickens’ Christmas classic. Complete with falling snow, magical illusions and special effects, the play is a visually-stunning experience, and at one hour long, perfect for children of all ages. On select performance dates, families will have the opportunity to have breakfast or dinner with Santa Claus in Drury Lane’s elegantly decorated dining room. Time: 10 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. performances offered on various dates. Tickets: $26.
n Noon Year’s Eve Party
Dec. 31
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdale.libnet.info
(630) 986-1976
All ages are invited to countdown until noon by completing crafts, playing games and enjoying snacks. Registration opens Dec. 17. Time: 11 a.m. to noon. RR
n New Year’s Eve Concert
Dec. 31
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Ring in the New Year with New Philharmonic’s style and celebration, with pop, waltzes, arias and light classical favorites. The concert showcases the rich bass-baritone voice of Mischa Bouvier, as well as members of the unique, high-energy CoverGirls who have performed across America on their electric violins. Times: 1:30, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $67-77.
n ‘Timeless’ New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dec. 31
Oak Brook Hills Resort
3500 Midwest Road
Chicagoland’s biggest New Year’s Eve event will take a final curtain call when “Timeless” returns for the last time ever to the Oak Brook Hills. As seen in previous years on ABC-TV’s top-rated Countdown Chicago, “Timeless” reprises the classic New Year’s Eve glam atmosphere hosted by the Kings of Cool. The internationally renowned Las Vegas show, The Rat Pack is Back brings Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin straight from the Vegas strip, backed by a 15-piece big band. Tickets include seating at a four-top, classic era cocktails from the open bar, endless gourmet bites and opulent food stations, a chocolate fountain, party favors, a midnight balloon drop and Champagne toast. Tickets include an overnight sty at the hotel. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $300-$450
n New Year’s Day Brunch
Jan. 1
Lucille Restaurant
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com
(630) 530-0111
Start 2023 off right with Lucille’s signature champagne brunch featuring bottomless mimosas, decadent cuisine and lavish desserts, with more than 10 stations of gourmet food to choose from. Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cost: $60 for adults, $30 for children 3-12, free for kids 2 and younger.
n Illumination
Through Jan. 7
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
The 10th annual Illumination: Tree Lights offers a one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light and sound featuring six dazzling new displays and returning favorites. Also, new this year is Electric Illumination, a late-night experience for adults 18 and older with a curated mix of trance and progressive house music, synchronized to the breathtaking light displays. The limited run is set for 9:30 to 11 p.m. Dec. 16, 23, and 30. Along the one-mile route, warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores or stop in one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged as many dates sell out. Hours: 4:30 to 8 p.m. slots. Tickets: $16-$27. RR, MD
n ‘Elf the Musical’
Through Jan. 8
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com
(630) 530-0111
Based on the popular film, the story follows Buddy who, after discovering he is really a human raised as an elf, makes the journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth father, sharing the true meaning of Christmas along the way. Times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $78-$89, $5 senior discount for Wednesday and Thursday matinées.
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
