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
‘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.
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.
Home for the Holidays
Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
203 S. Kensington Ave., La Grange
(312) 510-1823
https://www.hinsdalechorale.org
The Hinsdale Chorale will present its annual holiday concert, with Jason Deroche as the featured guitarist. Times: 7 p.m. Nov. 30, 3 p.m. Dec. 1. Tickets: $20, $15 for seniors and students.
‘The Nutcracker’
Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
Hinsdale Central High School
55th and Grant streets
(630) 769-1199
https://www.saltcreekballet.org
Enjoy the Salt Creek Ballet’s annual performance of this holiday classic featuring the 48-piece Chicago West Chamber Orchestra. The Sugar Plum Party follows the Sunday matinée. Times: 1 and 5 p.m. Nov. 30, 1 p.m. Dec. 1. Tickets: $22 to $48.
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). A full schedule of 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.
Hinsdale’s 12 Days of Holiday Cheer
Dec. 2-17
For 12 weekdays this holiday season, ornaments will be hidden throughout Hinsdale that contain a special prize from a local business. The daily clues will be posted on social media. Find an ornament and stop by village hall at 19 E. Chicago Ave. to claim a prize. Follow @hinsdaleparks on Instagram and Facebook to join the fun. The event is presented by the Hinsdale Parks and Recreation and Economic Development departments.
‘Jingle Bell Java’
Dec. 4
Hinsdale Central High School cafeteria
55th and Grant streets
Central musicians will perform festive music at this annual event. Time: 7 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
CarolFest Christmas Concert
Dec. 8
Christ Church of Oak Brook
501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook
https://www.christchurch.us/carolfest
This holiday tradition is a fabulous ode to the Christmas season. Enjoy a magnificent family friendly multimedia concert, conducted by Noelle Combs, presented by a 140-voice Festival Choir, 100-voice Chancel Choir, 40-piece professional orchestra and phenomenal professional soloists. The Kids of Kingdom Choir performs a short portion of the 3 p.m. concert. Between concerts enjoy a lovely Christmas cookie and cider reception in Fellowship Hall from 5 to 6 p.m. Child care is provided for children 4 and younger. Times: 3 and 6 p.m.
Holiday Concert
Dec. 11
Hinsdale Central High School
55th and Grant streets
Central musicians will present their annual holiday concert. Time: 7 to 9 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: In Concert’
Dec. 13-15
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
(630) 323-7500
https://www.thecommunityhouse.org
Make the second annual staged reading of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic — performed by friends and neighbors — part of the holiday tradition. Times: 7:30 Dec. 13 & 14, 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets: $18. RR
Holiday Open House
Dec. 14
Hinsdale History Museum
15 S. Clay St.
https://www.hinsdalehistory.org
Join the Hinsdale Historical Society at its annual holiday open house and enjoy a visit from Santa, live musics, refreshments, crafts and the latest mini-exhibit, “A Hinsdale Holiday!” Time: noon to 4 p.m.
Holiday Art and Craft Market
Dec. 14-15
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Shop for quality artisan holiday gifts for family and friends, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the restoration of Mayslake Hall. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
‘Merry’
Dec. 15
Hinsdale Central High School
55th and Grant streets
(630) 887-7464
https://www.westsubsymphony.org
The West Suburban Symphony Orchestra and Singers, conducted by Peter Lipari, will present their annual holiday concert featuring Suites 1 and 2 of “Many Moods of Christmas,” popular medleys of carols created in 1963 by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett, holiday tunes from the movies and more. Santa has promised to drop in at intermission with treats for children. Time: 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $25, $23 for seniors, $5 for teens, free for children 12 and younger. RR
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
