n Supper with St. Nick
Dec. 23
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 725-2066
Enjoy a decadent buffet dinner in the Thornhill Education Center and then head on over to the Founder’s Room for a special visit with Santa in front of the fireplace. After dinner, enjoy Illumination: Tree Lights, included in the ticket price. Time: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $95, $80 for young adults ages 13-20, $65 for children 3-12, free for children under 3. RR, MD
n Holiday Magic
Through Dec. 31
Brookfield Zoo
3400 31st St.
(630) 688-8400
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 at the zoo’s 40th annual Holiday Magic. Take memorable photos inside the new illuminated gingerbread house or the luminous 20-foot-tall orb or pose for a selfie next to the Santa Claus cutout. View the new “Sea of Lights” colorful display on the West Mall and more than 600 decorated community and corporate trees along the malls and around Roosevelt Fountain. Several animal areas will be open, including dolphin presentations at 4 and 6 p.m. Both guests and zoo members must secure admission and parking tickets in advance. Reservation times will be available in 20-minute increments at https://www.czs.org/onlineticketing. 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 New Year’s Eve Concert
Dec. 31
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Ring in the New Year with New Philharmonic, which welcomes back baritone Ted Allen Pickel, who sang the title role from the production of “The Mikado” the MAC stage. Maestro Kirk Muspratt conducts waltzes, polkas, arias, light classical and pops, reflecting back and propelling audiences forward as only music can. Times: 1:30, 5 & 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $67, $65 for seniors, $77 for gold circle table seating (including glass of bubbly and party favors), $67 to stream on demand. RR
n Skating in the Park and NYE Fireworks
Dec. 31
Parkway Bank Park
5501 Park Place, Rosemont
https://www.parkwaybankpark.com
Celebrate New Year’s Eve skating under the stars with a special fireworks display at midnight. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission: Free, skate rental is $8.
n Bubble Bash
Dec. 31
DuPage Children’s Museum
301 N. Washington St., Naperville
(630) 637-8000
https://www.dupagechildrens.org
Families can spend time together taking part in special activities, grooving to good music, exploring the museum’s hands-on exhibits and counting down at 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. with confetti, bubbles and more. This annual year-end celebration, now in its 20th year, has become a holiday tradition. Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets: $30. RR, MD
n New Year’s Eve family
dinner
Dec. 31
Il Poggiolo
8 E. First St., Hinsdale
(630) 734-9400
Families with kids are invited to ring in the New Year, with a celebration featuring party favors and an early countdown. Time: 5 p.m. party begins, 7 p.m. countdown. Special menu: $50 adults, $25 children.
n Renew, Rejuvenate, Restore
Jan. 2
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Begin the New Year by renewing, rejuvenating and restoring habitats as well as your mind, body and spirit. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and warm up by the fire afterward.
n Skating in the Park
Through Jan. 4
Parkway Bank Park
5501 Park Place, Rosemont
https://www.parkwaybankpark.com
Visitors can skate on the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink under breathtaking lights for a magical experience this winter. The rink is open daily through Jan. 4, then on select Sundays through February. See the website for hours and other details. Admission: Free, $8 skate rental.
n Illumination
Through Jan. 8
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
The ninth annual Illumination: Tree Lights returns to the arboretum as a walking trail, with five new features this year, including Human+Nature sculpture Hallow lit at night. Along the route, warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores or stop in one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged as many dates sell out. Hours: 4:30 to 8 p.m. slots. Tickets: $13-$24. RR, MD
n Irving Berlin’s ‘Holiday Inn’
Through Jan. 9
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111
https://www.drurylanetheatre.com
Based on the classic film, Irving Berlin’s musical follows retired song-and-dance man Jim’s efforts to bring entertainment to his small Connecticut town. With the help of talented schoolteacher Linda, he turns his farmhouse into an inn and puts on spectacular shows celebrating all holidays. This joyous, family-friendly musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a parade of Irving Berlin’s hit songs, including the Academy Award-winning “White Christmas.” Tickets: $57-$72 for the show, additional cost for dining packages.
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
