n ‘Nutcracker Suite’
Dec. 13
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
This festive “Nutcracker” event for all ages features snacks, crafts, festivities and an interactive performance. Time: 6 p.m. Tickets: $55
n Holiday Concert
Dec. 14
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
1310 Shepherd Drive, Naperville
The New Horizons Band of DuPage will perform well-known Christmas selections and audience favorites. The concert will include the New Horizons Concert Band, Brass Choir, German Band, Jazz Band and Woodwind Consort. New Horizons consist of musicians from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Light refreshments will follow the concert. Time: 3 p.m. Admission: Free, with donations accepted.
n ‘The Nutcracker on Ice’
Dec. 14-15
Seven Bridges Ice Arena
6690 Route 53, Woodridge
http://www.creativeicetheatre.com
Creative Ice Theatre, an elite skating program, will present its fifth annual production of this holiday classic on ice. Time: 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 14, 1 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets: $25-$40.
n Holiday Afternoon Tea
Saturdays in December
Lucille Restaurant at Drury Lane
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.lucillerestaurant.com
(630) 530-8300
Enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea around a breathtaking Christmas tree, accompanied by live entertainment playing favorite holiday tunes. Teas also are slated for Dec. 26 and 27. Reservations required 48 hours in advance. Time: 1 p.m. Cost: $75, $35 for ages 5-12.
n ‘The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley’
Through Dec. 15
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
As the events of Miss Bennet unfold upstairs at Pemberley, the servants below find themselves in the midst of a different holiday scandal. George Wickham, Lydia’s incorrigible husband and Mr. Darcy’s sworn enemy, has arrived to disrupt the celebration. A post-show discussion with the director and cast will be held on Nov. 22. The Dec. 5 show will include an ASL performance. Times: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $44, $42 for seniors.
n ‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 21-22
Hinsdale South Auditorium
7401 Clarendon Hills Road, Darien
The West Suburban Ballet Conservatory will present this holiday classic. Time: 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 21, 1 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets: $40.
n Holiday Shopping Passport
Through Dec. 24
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Get into the holiday spirit and support local businesses by participating in the passport program. Pick up a passport at a participating business, Village Hall or the Hinsdale Public Library and start collecting stickers at each shop. Each sticker equals one raffle entry. Winners will be notified by the village starting Jan. 3.
n Christmas Day Brunch
Dec. 25
Lucille Restaurant at Drury Lane
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.lucillerestaurant.com
(630) 530-8300
Let someone else handle the cooking an enjoy a morning of cherished memories and togetherness. This festive brunch features made-to-order omelets, hand-carved prime rib and warm vanilla bread pudding with caramel-bourbon sauce. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $115, $50 for ages 5-12, free for 4 and younger.
n Christmas Chamber Concert
Dec. 28
Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church
201 N. Oak St.
Julia Tsien on piano and Steven Song on violin will present this concert. A free will offering will be collected. Time: 6 p.m.
n Winter Holidays in the 1890s
Through Dec. 30
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
http://www.facebook.com/klinecreekfarm
(630) 206-9576
Join a guided tour of the 1890s farm house focusing on winter holiday traditions. Learn how farm families decorated the tree, exchanged gifts, and prepared food for the holidays. No tours Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free, $5 suggested donation per person ages 3 and up.
n New Year’s Eve Concert
Dec. 31
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Ring in 2025 with Maestro Muspratt as he conducts a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve pops concert featuring a variety of light classics, Strauss waltzes, arias, guest soloist Richard Ollarsaba, champagne and surprises. Afternoon performances have limited tickets available. Times: 1:30, 5 & 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $68-$80
n Holiday Magic
Through Dec. 31
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/holidaymagic
Visit this light festival featuring more than 2 million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, Santa and captivating walk-through displays. Marvel at more than 900 beautifully decorated trees, each adorned by local community groups. Take a leisurely stroll through new immersive displays, Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Some activities have additional fees. See website for hours and full schedule. Tickets: $20.95 to $34.95 plus parking.
n Illumination
Through Jan. 4
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
New this year is a vibrant display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments in the Grand Garden. Along the one-mile walking trail, a concession tent will serve hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages and s’mores kits to be enjoyed at warming bonfires. Electric Illumination late-night experiences are set for Dec. 13-14. See website above for details. Open Wednesdays to Sundays through Dec. 15 then daily Dec. 18 to Jan. 4; closed Dec. 24-25. Hours: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $13.80 to $30.40.
n Christmas at Cantigny
Through Jan. 5
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
Explore a dazzling array of experiences while strolling a half-mile, fully ADA- and stroller-accessible path. Enjoy music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations, larger-than-life flower sculptures and a towering 28-foot Christmas tree. The McCormick House is open with rooms adorned in festive splendor. Instead of Christmas music, experience a special light show with songs from favorite eras during “A Very Taylor Christmas” on most Sunday evenings. Enjoy a scenic outdoor skate at the rink. Visit the website listed above for a full schedule. Tickets: $12 to $38, with discounts for advance purchases.
