Shop Hinsdale for the Holidays
Ongoing
To encourage people to shop locally, a secret Santa will surprise shoppers in Hinsdale stores with a $25 gift card valid at any Hinsdale retailer, spa or restaurant.
‘A Million Dollar Christmas’
Dec. 19
(630) 942-3008
Rock around the Christmas tree in the comfort of home with this livestreamed concert. Enjoy the catalog of classic rock ’n’ roll hits from Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash, plus a special selection of heartwarming holiday tunes, all done up in that unmistakable rockabilly style. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $50.
Virtual Santa Visits
Through Dec. 19
Holiday traditions may look a little different this year, but children can still share in the excitement of Christmas by having a virtual visit with Santa (the very same Santa that has been at our “Breakfast with Santa” events the last few years!). Although Santa is in quarantine right now (so that he can make sure he is healthy and ready for all of his work around the holidays) families can experience the joys of talking to him with a private meet and greet on Zoom, beamed directly from the North Pole. Times vary; see website listed above for full schedule. Cost: $25 RR, MD
Winter Wonderland Hike
Dec. 19-20
Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
Families with children age 4 and older will discover the sounds of the winter landscape and then warm up with s’mores, hot chocolate and a winter-themed musical play-along. Hikes are one-half to 1 mile long and will stay on chipped, paved or mowed trails. Time: 11 a.m. to noon or 2 to 3 p.m. Cost: $17 a person.
‘Great Russian Nutcracker’
Dec. 19-Jan. 1
(630) 942-3008
This pre-recorded digital performance by the Moscow Ballet delivers quintessential Russian artisty in the form of America’s favorite family Christmas tradition replete with magical toys, falling snow and growing Christmas trees. The performance begins streaming Dec 19 and will be available through Jan. 1. Sales end Dec. 29. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $24.99.
Virtual New Year’s Eve Concert
Dec. 31
(630) 942-3008
Conductor Kirk Muspratt and the New Philharmonic will help viewers ring in the new year with favorite Strauss waltzes and polkas, arias, light classical, pop tunes and movie music. A duet of “Bless This House” sung by soprano, Alisa Jordheim and tenor Jesse Donner reflects on the year past while the “Power of Love” propels all into the new year. And of course, secret surprises will be part of the fun as well. Time: 2, 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $50 per household. RR
Holiday Magic
Through Dec. 31
Brookfield Zoo
3400 31st St.
(630) 688-8400
Brookfield Zoo is offering an expanded schedule for its 39th annual Holiday Magic, with 10 evenings added and expanded hours to allow zoogoers to enjoy the holiday lights before the zoo temporarily closes to the public Jan. 1-Feb. 28, with plans to reopen on March 1, within state restrictions. Visitors will enjoy more than 1 million twinkling LED lights, a 600-foot-long tunnel featuring lights synchronized to music, a 41-foot tree and more. Families can take a photo next to a cut-out of Santa Claus and enjoy seasonal outdoor food stands selling funnel cakes, cinnamon sugar pretzels, pizza, burgers, spiced wine, hot chocolate, beer and more. Tickets must be reserved online. Times: 3 to 9 p.m. Fridays to Sundays, Nov. 27-29, Wednesdays to Sundays, Dec. 2-20, and Saturday to Thursday, Dec 26-31. Admission: $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for ages 3-11, $19.95 for seniors 65 and older plus $15 parking. RR, MD
n Holiday Ice Skating
Through Jan. 5
Parkway Bank Park
5501 Park Place, Rosemont
https://www.parkwaybankpark.com
The entertainment district has kicked off the holiday season with the return of the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink. In order to ensure social distancing this year, the outdoor ice rink will limit capacities and advance ice skating reservations are required. Skaters temperatures will be checked and face masks are required while entering the skating tent. Skaters are encouraged to continue wearing their masks while skating. A credit card is required to hold the reservation. Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22. Check website for holiday hours. Cost: free admission, $8 skate rental, $8 no show fee
