n Hinsdale Holiday Trees Ornament making & contest
Dec. 2 deadline
Village Hall
19 E. Chicago Ave.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
(630) 789-7090
Help decorate the Hinsdale holiday trees in Burlington Park by making a homemade ornament, which can be entered in a contest to win a prize. Ornaments should be made of weatherproof material and should not have sharp edges, pointy ends or heavy materials. A 10- to 12-inch string or twine should be attached for hanging. Submissions should not contain content that promotes foul language or discrimination or is deemed graphic, obscene or explicit. Ornaments should be delivered with the entry form (available online) to village hall between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays.
n IllumiBrew
Nov. 17-18
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 725-2066
Visitors age 21 and up can be among the first to see Illumination: Tree Lights at the arboretum while sampling beer from popular Chicagoland breweries stationed along the 1-mile trail. Enjoy up to 15 3-ounce beer samples and a light-up tasting glass. Snacks available for purchase. Hours: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $80 Nov. 17, $90 Nov. 18. RR, MD
n ‘Season’s Greetings’
Thursdays to Sundays, Nov. 17-Dec. 18
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Friends and family gather at Neville and Belinda’s home to celebrate the holidays. Hilarious mayhem ensues in this entertaining look at the anxiety and high jinks of an average family during the holidays. A pre-show discussion with the director and designers will held from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Nov. 17; a post-show discussion will be held with the director, actors and crew on Nov. 25. An ASL performance will be presented Dec. 8. The show contains mature themes and language. Times: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $42, $40 for seniors.
n Light up the Park
Nov. 19
Parkway Bank Park
5501 Park Place, Rosemont
http://www.parkwaybankpark.com
Enjoy a variety of family-friendly festivities from 2 to 6 p.m., including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free horse-drawn rides, caroling and ice carving viewing. At 5:30 p.m. the switch will be flipped on more than 80,000 holiday lights throughout the park. The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and then open through Jan. 29. See the website for hours and other details. Ice rink admission: Free, $8 skate rental.
n Christmas At The Mill
Nov. 19 & 20
Graue Mill
3800 York Road, Oak Brook
(630) 655-2090
The Mill and the Graue House will be open for a special holiday shopping event the weekend before Thanksgiving. Talented local artisans will be selling unique handmade gifts including jewelry, hand-knitted and woven scarves and garments, pottery and pencil sketches and etchings. A visit from Santa will add to the holiday atmosphere. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
n ‘The Nutcracker’
Nov. 19-20
St. Francis Prep
2130 Roosevelt Road, Wheaton
http://www.hinsdaledanceacademy.com
Hinsdale Dance Academy presents its 10th anniversary production of this holiday classic with enchanting new sets, new costumes and re-imagined choreography as well as professional dancers from the Albany Berkshire Ballet and the Minnesota Ballet. Attend Meet the Sweets after the final performance for $20. Times: 6 p.m. Nov. 19, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 20. Tickets: $33-37.
n Illumination
Nov. 19-Jan. 7
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
The 10th annual Illumination: Tree Lights offers a one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light and sound featuring six dazzling new displays and returning favorites. Also, new this year is Electric Illumination, a late-night experience for adults 18 and older with a curated mix of trance and progressive house music, synchronized to the breathtaking light displays. The limited run is set for 9:30 to 11 p.m. Dec. 16, 23, and 30. Along the one-mile 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: $16-$27. RR, MD
n ‘A Christmas Carol’
Nov. 25-27
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The College Theater department presents this family-friendly 70-minute production of Charles Dickens’ treasured tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. A pre-show discussion with the director and designers will be held at 5:45 p.m. before Friday’s show; a post-show discussion with the director and actors will be held following Saturday’s 7 p.m. performance. Times: 7 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $16, $14 for youth.
n ‘A Christmas Carol’
Nov. 25-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 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. Tickets: $26.
n Holiday Candy Making
Nov. 26-27
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
(630) 876-5900
Learn to make candy confections with an heirloom recipe on a wood-burning stove in a historic farmhouse. See how nature and candy-making connect when flavored oils distilled from plants from the farm’s garden combine with syrup derived from corn. All ages are welcome. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
n Holiday Magic
Nov 25-27 & 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 41st 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. Admission: $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for ages 3-11, $19.95 for seniors 65 and older plus $15 parking. RR, MD
n ‘The Nutcracker’
Nov. 26 & 27
Hinsdale Central auditorium
5500 S. Grant St.
http://www.saltcreekballet.org
Salt Creek Ballet presents its annual production of this holiday favorite, as Clara and the Nutcracker battle the Rat King, dance through the Kingdom of Snow, and beyond to the Kingdom of Sweets. The Sugar Plum Party will take place right after the Sunday matinée, and Santa will drop by Saturday shows for pictures. The Nutcracker Boutique with themed holiday decor and ornaments will also be open. Times: 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $42-$50.
n Hinsdale Chorale
Nov. 26 & 27
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
203 S. Kensington Ave., La Grange
http://www.hinsdalechorale.org
(312) 510-1823
The choir will perform its holiday concert, “The Glory of British Choral Music,” featuring the holiday favorite “Gloria” by esteemed British choral composer John Rutter along with a wide selection of British choral literature. Times: 7 p.m. Nov. 26, 3 p.m. Nov. 27. Tickets: $20. $15 for seniors & students.
n Santa’s Mailbox
Nov. 28-Dec. 16
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org
(630) 789-7090
Write a letter to Santa, drop it in the mailbox at village hall, 19 E. Chicago Ave., and receive a personal letter back in four to six business days. Be sure to include the parent form available on the website listed above under Special Events > Santa’s Mailbox. Questions? Call the number listed above or send an email to [email protected].
n Hinsdale Christmas Walk
Dec. 2
Downtown Hinsdale
(630) 323-3952
http://www.hinsdalechamber.com
The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 56th 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 7:30 p.m.
n Pizza with Santa
Dec. 3
KLM Lodge
5901 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org
(630) 789-7090
Santa is making a special stop for a pizza lunch, dessert and photo ops. Time noon to 3 p.m. Cost: $26. RR
n Annual Winter Event
Dec. 3
Signature Homes
22 N. Lincoln St., Hinsdale
Signature Homes will kick off the holiday season with its annual event, featuring Wally’s Waffles, sweet treats, horse and buggy rides and ice carvings — plus a visit from Santa. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
n Celebrate the Season
Dec. 3
Cantigny Park
1SS151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
Families and children of all ages are invited to the park to take photos with Santa, listen to Mrs. Claus read classic holiday stories, decorate an ornament (while supplies last), take a horse-drawn sleigh ride and enjoy live classical music in the First Division Museum. A holiday history hike will step off at 5 p.m. from the visitors center. Visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots drop boxes inside the visitors center. Time: 1 to 7 p.m. Admission: $5 parking; free with toy donation.
n ‘What Sweeter Music’
Dec. 3 & 4
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. Time: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 3 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets: $25, $22 for seniors and students.
n Breakfast with Santa
Weekends, Dec. 3-18 & Dec. 23
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 725-2066
Enjoy a special breakfast buffet in The Morton Arboretum’s scenic Ginkgo Restaurant and a visit from Santa. Parties are limited to 10 guests. Time: 9 a.m. Cost: $50, $39 for children 3-12, free for children under 3. RR, MD
n Trip to Aurora’s Christkindlmarket
Dec. 9
Leave from The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Shop for German food, beverages, and handcrafted gifts at this German-style Christmas market resembling winter holiday markets in Europe. Shop among dozens of vendors, sample treats like bratwurst, pretzels, roasted nuts and hot spiced wine, and enjoy music and holiday lights. Round-trip motor coach transportation is included. Time: 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Cost: $95. RR, MD
n Nutcracker Suite
Dec. 9
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
http://www.wsballet.org/performances
Adults will mingle, drink and savor holiday treats in a festive atmosphere while children enjoy Nutcracker-themed activities and craft a costume piece that they will wear later in the evening, when they step onstage to perform alongside West Suburban Ballet Conservatory ballerinas. Time: 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets: $50 for adults, $10 for children.
n Holiday Favorites with the Jolly Boys
Dec. 10
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. 10
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. Light refreshments will follow the concert. Time: 2 p.m.
n Holly Jolly Trolley
Dec. 14
Immanuel Hall
302 S. Grant St., Hinsdale
Enjoy holiday caroling with the Hinsdale Chorale, dancing from “The Nutcracker” by the West Suburban Ballet Conservatory and libations and sweets at Immanuel Hall before enjoying a 20-minute tour to see the best lit homes in town. Tickets go on sale Nov. 18. Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets: $25.
n ‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 16 & 17
Nazareth Academy
1209 Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park
http://www.wsballet.org/performances
West Suburban Ballet Conservatory performs the holiday classic. Time: 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 1 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets: $35 and up.
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount