nHinsdale 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.
‘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.
‘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.
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
‘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.
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.
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.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 & 17
Lucille Restaurant
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com
(630) 530-0111
Indulge in seasonal teas, unlimited champagne and enticing desserts while a pianist plays favorite carols. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Time: 1 p.m. Cost: $55 adults, $30 kids 12 and younger.
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].
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 p.m.
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
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.
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, which will be decorated for the holidays. Santa will be available for photos and Mrs. Claus will read classic holiday stories inside the visitors center theater. Decorate an ornament (while supplies last), take a horse-drawn sleigh ride and enjoy live classical music in the First Division Museum. A strolling snowman and reindeer will add to the fun and present additional photo opportunities. 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.
‘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.
Among the Leaves So Green
Dec. 3 & 4
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
(630) 876-5900
Drop by the farm and step back into winter holiday traditions of the 1890s with a free tour of the farmhouse decked out in all its splendor with antique ornaments, piney boughs, holly and more. Learn about the importance of “planting” the tree and sprucing up in winter, help decorate by stringing popcorn and twisting greenery, and join staff around the fire to mull cider and enjoy some sweet treats. Hours: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 3, 10 & 17
Lucille Restaurant
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com
(630) 530-0111
Continue the tradition — or start a new one — when you gather the whole family for this special day together. Meet Santa and make your own doughnuts. Sip on hot chocolate from the build-your-own hot cocoa bar and the stay for a heart-warming production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” (see information above). Time: 11 a.m. Cost: $35, $25 for kids 3-12, free for 2 and younger.
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
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
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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Time: 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets: $50 for adults, $10 for children.
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
Holly Jolly Trolley
Dec. 14
Immanuel Hall
302 S. Grant St., Hinsdale
http://www.hinsdalehistory.org
The Hinsdale Historical Society invites residents to 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. Click on “Programs & Events” on the website listed above to purchase tickets. Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Cost: $25.
That ’70s Holiday Party
Dec. 14
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Those 50 and older are invited to celebrate the holiday season with a ’70s twist. The party includes music, dinner, drinks, dancing, games and more. Dress in ’70s outfits is recommended but not required. Register by Nov. 30. Time: 3 to 5 p.m. Cost: $12. RR, MD
n Interactive Holiday Movie: ‘Elf’
Dec. 17
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 323-1976
All ages are invited to watch this fun holiday movie with a bag of props and treats to be used at certain times throughout the film. Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. RR
‘Season’s Greetings’
Through 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 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.
Illumination
Through 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
‘Elf the Musical’
Through Jan. 8
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com
(630) 530-0111
Based on the popular film, the story follows Buddy who, after discovering he is really a human raised as an elf, makes the journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth father, sharing the true meaning of Christmas along the way. Times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $78-$89, $5 senior discount for Wednesday and Thursday matinées.
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
