Holiday happenings

n Christmas Open House

Dec. 22

Hinsdale History Museum

15 S. Clay St.

http://www.hinsdalehistory.org

The Hinsdale Historical Society invites residents to an open house, complete with holiday treats and cheer amidst Victorian Christmas decor. Kids can enjoy holiday-themed crafts. Tours will be available upon request. Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

n Holiday Magic

Dec. 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 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

http://www.atthemac.org

(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 New Year’s Eve dinner

Dec. 31

Il Poggiolo

8 E. First St., Hinsdale

http://www.ilpoggiolohinsdale.com

(630) 734-9000

Enjoy the regular menu and chef’s specials throughout the evening. A party for children beings at 5 p.m., with party favors and a countdown at 7 p.m. A special kids menu will be offered for $25. Hours: 5 p.m. first reservations.

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