Holiday Magic
Dec. 5-8, 12-15, 19-22 & 26-31
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/holidaymagic
Visit this light festival featuring more than 2 million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, Santa, captivating walk-through displays, more than 900 trees decorated by local community groups and new immersive displays. Some activities have additional fees. See website for hours and full schedule. Tickets: $20.95 to $34.95 plus parking.
Illumination
Dec. 5-Jan. 4
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
This annual event includes a new display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments. Along the one-mile walking trail, a concession tent will serve hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages and s’mores kits to be enjoyed at bonfires. Electric Illumination late-night experiences are set for Dec. 6-7 & 13-14. See website above for details. Open Wednesdays to Sundays through Dec. 15 then daily Dec. 18 to Jan. 4; closed Dec. 24-25. Hours: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $13.80 to $30.40.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk
Dec. 6
Downtown Hinsdale
http://www.hinsdalechamber.com
The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce presents this holiday kick-off, starting with a tree lighting ceremony on the lawn of the Memorial Building at 5 p.m., where Santa Claus will make an appearance. Then head downtown to enjoy carousel and train rides, sip on hot chocolate, do some early Christmas shopping and collect give-aways. Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Hinsdale for the Holidays
Dec. 7
Burlington Park
30 E. Chicago Ave.
Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating and visits with Santa. Santa will return on Dec. 14 and 21. Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Holiday Favorites with the Jolly Boys
Dec. 7
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
Holiday Art and Craft Market
Dec. 7-8
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Shop for quality artisan holiday gifts for family and friends. Those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8.
Merry
Dec. 8
Hinsdale Central High School
5500 S. Grant St.
http://www.westsubsymphony.org
Join the West Suburban Symphony in welcoming Santa with a choral and orchestral program including Leroy Anderson’s “Christmas Festival,” John Williams’ “Three Holiday Songs” from the movie “Home Alone,” Mannheim Steamroller hits, carol medleys and music from “The Nutcracker.” Time: 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $30, $25 for seniors, $5 for teens, free for ages 12 and younger.
Santa’s Mailbox
Through Dec. 8
Memorial Building
19 E. Chicago Ave.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/departments/parks_and_recreation
Children can write a letter to Santa and drop it in the mailbox outside the Memorial Building or at the Winter Wonderland registration tent (see listing above). Be sure to include the parent form, which is available on the village’ website, so children can receive a return letter from Santa.
Wrap It Green!
Dec. 10
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Learn creative and sustainable ways to wrap gifts for the holidays or any other special occasion, including creating custom gift wrap by transforming common household items into beautiful wrapping paper, embellishments and gift tags. Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Book Gifts for Everyone on Your List
Dec. 12
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Discover a curated selection of must-read books that enlighten, entertain or inspire. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
‘Nutcracker Suite’
Dec. 13
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
This festive “Nutcracker” event for all ages features snacks, crafts, festivities and an interactive performance. Time: 6 p.m. Tickets: $55
Holiday Concert
Dec. 14
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
1310 Shepherd Drive, Naperville
The New Horizons Band of DuPage will perform well-known Christmas selections and audience favorites. The concert will include the New Horizons Concert Band, Brass Choir, German Band, Jazz Band and Woodwind Consort. Light refreshments will follow the concert. Time: 3 p.m. Admission: Free, with donations accepted.
‘The Nutcracker on Ice’
Dec. 14-15
Seven Bridges Ice Arena
6690 Route 53, Woodridge
http://www.creativeicetheatre.com
Creative Ice Theatre, an elite skating program, will present its fifth annual production of this holiday classic on ice. Time: 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 14, 1 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets: $25-$40.
‘The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley’
Through Dec. 15
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
As the events of Miss Bennet unfold upstairs at Pemberley, the servants below find themselves in the midst of a different holiday scandal. George Wickham, Lydia’s incorrigible husband and Mr. Darcy’s sworn enemy, has arrived to disrupt the celebration. Times: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $44, $42 for seniors.
Two Piano Christmas Concert
Dec. 21
Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church
201 N. Oak St.
Justin Gjata and Victor Moreno will present this holiday concert. Time: 6 p.m. Cost: A free-will offering will be collected.
‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 21-22
Hinsdale South Auditorium
7401 Clarendon Hills Road, Darien
The West Suburban Ballet Conservatory will present this holiday classic. Time: 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 21, 1 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets: $40.
Holiday Shopping Passport
Through Dec. 24
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Get into the holiday spirit and support local businesses by participating in the passport program. Pick up a passport at a participating business, Village Hall or the Hinsdale Public Library and start collecting stickers at each shop. Each sticker equals one raffle entry. Winners will be notified by the village starting Jan. 3.
Christmas Chamber Concert
Dec. 28
Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church
201 N. Oak St.
Julia Tsien on piano and Steven Song on violin will present this concert. A free will offering will be collected. Time: 6 p.m.
Winter Holidays in the 1890s
Through Dec. 30
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
http://www.facebook.com/klinecreekfarm
(630) 206-9576
Join a guided tour of the 1890s farm house focusing on winter holiday traditions. Learn how farm families decorated the tree, exchanged gifts, and prepared food for the holidays. All ages are welcome. No tours Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free, $5 suggested donation per person ages 3 and up.
Christmas at Cantigny
Through Jan. 5
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
Explore a dazzling array of experiences while strolling a half-mile, fully ADA- and stroller-accessible path. Enjoy music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations, larger-than-life flower sculptures and a towering 28-foot Christmas tree. . The McCormick House is open with rooms adorned in festive splendor. Visit the website listed above for a full schedule. Tickets: $12 to $38, with discounts for advance purchases.
