Holiday Magic
Dec. 8-11, 14-18, 26-31
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
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
Winter Open House
Dec. 10
Oak Brook Heritage Center
1200 Oak Brook Road
Bring the family for a fun outing of crafts, tours of the historic Butler school house and hot cocoa and cookies. Don a Santa hat and hop aboard the antique Butler family sleigh for a fun photo opportunity. Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: Free, donations appreciated.
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. New Horizons consists of musicians from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs under the direction of Maryann Flock. Light refreshments will follow the concert. Time: 2 p.m.
‘Jingle Bell Ruckus’
Dec. 10
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The Second City returns to deliver a heaping serving of seasonal satire in this show, where nothing is off limits. Holiday film classics, family gatherings, beloved Christmas carols and winter get a seasonal skewering in this fast-paced, interactive, original comedy revue filled with style, wit and plenty of that famous (and festive) Second City improv. The show may contain adult language and themes. Time: 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets: $30 to $48.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
Dec. 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.
Advent Vocalist Concert
Dec. 11
St. Isaac Jogues Church
411 S. Clay St., Hinsdale
(630) 323-1248
Take a musical journey through the story of Christmas with award-winning musical artist and author Tatiana ‘Tajci’ Cameron and guest guitarist and singer David Langley. Time: 2 p.m. Cost: Free, with freewill offering accepted.
‘Merry’
Dec. 11
Hinsdale Central High School
5500 S. Grant St.
http://www.westsubsymphony.org
The West Suburban Symphony will perform a holiday concert featuring Santa, carols and tunes celebrating sleighs and winter wonderlands and a reading of “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas” set to music. Time: 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $25, discounts for seniors and teens.
‘The Spirit of the Season’
Dec. 11
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Voctave will bring its incredible singers for a program of some of the most beloved holiday favorites, including “O Holy Night,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells of Notre Dame” and more. Voctave is perhaps best known from their viral YouTube performances of Disney medleys. This show is appropriate for the whole family. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $65-$75
Midwest Baking with Shauna Sever
Dec. 13
http://www.hinsdale.libnet.info
(630) 986-1976
Join Shauna Sever, cookbook author, TV and radio contributor, and daughter of the great Midwest, for this special holiday webinar offered through the Hinsdale Public Library. Shauna will share tips to make your holiday gatherings delicious. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
Christmas Spectacular Concert
Dec. 14
Nazareth Academy
1209 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park
http://www.nazarethacademy.com
(708) 354-0061
This annual concert showcases the school’s instrumental and choral programs performing secular and religious holiday favorites, from “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” to “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Time: 7 p.m.
Santa’s Mailbox
Through 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].
‘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.
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
‘A Christmas Carol’ — A Radio Play
Dec. 17 & 18
Cantigny Park
1SS151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
Audiences will enjoy a behind-the-scenes perspective as they watch a talented five-member cast cycle through multiple characters To the side, an old-time radio sound artist will create realistic auditory effects to support the action on stage. The show is inspired by Chicago’s Theatre of the Air, a real radio program introduced by Colonel Robert McCormick on WGN in 1940. While the setting is a bit different, the main character’s journey is familiar. Ebeneezer Scrooge is a Chicago citizen in the 1940s and publisher of the Chicago Daily News. Guided by three memorable spirits, he will need to learn the true meaning of Christmas and “goodwill to all” if he is to save himself from an unforgiving future. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 18. Tickets: $2.
‘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. 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.
‘A Christmas Carol’
Through 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.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Dec. 31
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdale.libnet.info
(630) 986-1976
All ages are invited to countdown until noon by completing crafts, playing games and enjoying snacks. Registration opens Dec. 17. Time: 11 a.m. to noon. RR
New Year’s Eve Concert
Dec. 31
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Ring in the New Year with New Philharmonic’s style and celebration, with pop, waltzes, arias and light classical favorites. The concert showcases the rich bass-baritone voice of Mischa Bouvier, as well as members of the unique, high-energy CoverGirls who have performed across America on their electric violins. Times: 1:30, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $67-77.
‘Timeless’ New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dec. 31
Oak Brook Hills Resort
3500 Midwest Road
Chicagoland’s biggest New Year’s Eve event will take a final curtain call when “Timeless” returns for the last time ever to the Oak Brook Hills. As seen in previous years on ABC-TV’s top-rated Countdown Chicago, “Timeless” reprises the classic New Year’s Eve glam atmosphere hosted by the Kings of Cool. The internationally renowned Las Vegas show, The Rat Pack is Back brings Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin straight from the Vegas strip, backed by a 15-piece big band. Tickets include seating at a four-top, classic era cocktails from the open bar, endless gourmet bites and opulent food stations, a chocolate fountain, party favors, a midnight balloon drop and Champagne toast. Tickets include an overnight sty at the hotel. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $300-$450
New Year’s Day Brunch
Jan. 1
Lucille Restaurant
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com
(630) 530-0111
Start 2023 off right with Lucille’s signature champagne brunch featuring bottomless mimosas, decadent cuisine and lavish desserts, with more than 10 stations of gourmet food to choose from. Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cost: $60 for adults, $30 for children 3-12, free for kids 2 and younger.
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
