n Holiday Magic
Nov 30 & Dec. 1-31
Brookfield Zoo
3400 31st St.
(630) 688-8400
http://www.czs.org/holidaymagic
Bright lights and magical nights await guests at the 42nd 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. on weekends and other dates. Admission: $29.95 for adults, $20.95 for ages 3-11, $24.95 for seniors 65 and older plus $15 parking. RR, MD
n Christmas at Cantigny
Dec. 1-23
Cantigny
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Visitors to this inaugural event are in for a special holiday treat, including McCormick House walk-throughs, ice skating and dazzling light installations. Hundreds of fresh poinsettias from Cantigny’s own greenhouse will be on display throughout the home. Outside, 100-by-40-foot ice rink will add some wintery magic to the scene. Skaters can rent blades or bring their own. Spectators and skaters taking a break can enjoy a warm holiday treat in the heated hospitality tent overlooking the rink. Visitors can also reserve a private “Cocoa Cabana,” perfect for families and friend groups. Enjoy creative lighting displays, pop-up activities and more. Santa brunches are slated for Dec. 2-3 and 16-17 at the Cantigny Golf clubhouse. Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on weekends and for ice skating. Admission: $15, $5 for kids 4-15, free for 3 and younger plus $10 parking.
n Holiday Event
Dec. 2
Signature Homes Office
22 N. Lincoln St.
Signature Homes will host its annual holiday event with a trackless train, doughnut truck, ice sculptor, music and a visit from Santa. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
n Holiday Concert
Dec. 2
First United Methodist Church, 100 W. Cossitt, La Grange
http://www.saltcreekchamberorchestra.com
This free performance is presented as part of the La Grange Holiday Walk. Under the direction of Tim Semanik, the orchestra will perform a mix of old favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” as well as newer holiday songs like “Christmas Once More” and music from “The Polar Express”. The orchestra also will lead the audience in a carol sing-along. Time: 4 p.m.
n Midtown Men holiday
concert
Dec. 2
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The four stars of the original cast of Broadway’s smash hit “Jersey Boys” celebrate with holiday classics including “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” plus signature renditions of some of the greatest rock ’n’ roll hits of the ’60s. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $62-$72.
n ‘A Festive Nowell’
Dec. 2 & 3
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
203 S. Kensington Ave., La Grange
(708) 580-0997
The Tower Chorale, under the direction of Patrick Gordon, offers its annual holiday concert, featuring well-known selections and an audience carol sing-along. Time: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 3 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets: $25, $22 for seniors and students.
n Merry
Dec. 3
Hinsdale Central High School auditorium
5500 S. Grant St.
http://www.westsubsymphony.org
The West Suburban Symphony will perform familiar hits by Leroy Anderson, selections from Tchaikovsky’s beloved “Nutcracker” ballet and Victor Herbert’s nostalgic “Babes in Toyland” operetta and John Powell’s charming “Happy Feet.” Children will be able to greet Santa, and there’s also a chance to win a $250 raffle prize. Time: 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $30, $25 for seniors, $5 for teens, free for ages 12 and younger.
n ‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 8
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
http://www.wsballet.org/performances
Enjoy an intimate performance of the ballet by West Suburban Ballet Conservatory. Santa will greet families, snacks and crafts will be offered, and kids will have a chance to dance on stage with performers following the show as adults enjoy live music and cocktails. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Time: 6 p.m. Tickets: $55 for adults, $15 for children.
n Holiday Favorites with the Jolly Boys
Dec. 9
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Enjoy this performance of holiday favorites with Hinsdale’s own Jolly Boys and embrace the season. Hot chocolate will be provided. Time: 3 to 4 p.m. RR
n Holiday Concert
Dec. 9
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
1310 Shepherd Drive, Naperville
(630) 476-9072
The New Horizons Band of DuPage will perform selections of holiday favorites. The concert will include sing-alongs, the New Horizons Concert Band, Brass Choir, German Band, Jazz Band and Woodwind Consort. New Horizons consists of musicians from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs under the direction of Maryann Flock. Light refreshments will follow the concert. Time: 3 p.m. Admission is free; donations will be accepted.
n ‘What the Elf’
Dec. 9
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The Second City returns to deliver a heaping serving of seasonal satire in this show, which is the perfect alternative to those same old holiday performances. Nothing is off limits in this fast-paced, interactive, comedy revue filled with style, wit and plenty of that famous (and festive) Second City improv. The show may contain adult language and themes. Time: 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets: $30-$48.
n Sounds of the Season
Dec. 9
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
149 W. Brush Hill Road
The Agape Ringers, Chicago’s premier handbell ensemble, and guitarist Jeff Kust will perform a variety of holiday music familiar and exotic, including arrangements of “I Wonder As I Wander,” “Brazilian Sleigh Bells,” and “Winter Wonderland,” as well as original compositions and other favorites arranged for bells. Kust will feature on the Puerto Rican cuatro. Time: 4 p.m. Tickets: $27-$36.
n Holiday Art and Craft Market
Dec. 9 & 10
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Shop for quality artisan holiday gifts for family and friends. All ages are welcome; those under 18 must be with an adult. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10.
n Voctave
Dec. 10
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
This a cappella sensation will leave audiences feeling merry and bright with a program packed with holiday favorites. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $65-$75.
n Christmas Classics
Dec. 15
Union Church of Hinsdale
137 S. Garfield Ave.
http://www.eventcreate.com/e/christmasclassics2023
Join the Ostrega Uhl Project in its Christmas festival performance of its second season. The concert will open with traditional favorites, starting with a unique arrangement of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” for violin, harp and piano, featuring guest harpist Nichole Young. Enjoy music from Christmases long, long ago to beautiful themes and melodies from favorite Christmas and holiday themed movies of today, culminating in a sing-along at the end of the concert. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 for adults, free for kids 12 and younger.
n Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 16
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Bring the family together for a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, French toast, hash browns, pancakes, pastries, juice and coffee and, of course, pictures with Santa. Time: 9 to 10:15 a.m. Cost: $35, free for babies under 1.
n ‘Nutcracker’ virtual
screening
Dec. 16-17
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
The library is excited to provide access to a stage recording of “The Nutcracker” by The Royal Ballet that Hinsdaleans can watch at home. Time: all day. RR
n ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’
Through Dec. 17
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Two years after the end of “Pride and Prejudice,” the Bennet family is spending Christmas at Pemberley when an unexpected guest joins the festivities in this romantic comedy, rooted in the complications and joys of being part of a spirited family. The show contains adult themes and language. A pre-show talk with the director and designers will be held at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16; a post-show talk with the director and actors will be held Friday, Nov. 24. Times: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25; no show on Thanksgiving. Tickets: $44, $42 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 30th anniversary 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.
n New Year’s Eve concerts
Dec. 31
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
New Philharmonic, under the directino of Kirk Muspratt, will perform three concerts to welcome 2024. All three performances will feature guest bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba and include a highly entertaining program of waltzes, marches, polkas and light classical music, plus a champagne toast, party favors and more. Times: 1:30, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $70-$80.
