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 Afternoon Tea
Dec. 21 & 28
Lucille Restaurant at Drury Lane
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.lucillerestaurant.com
(630) 530-8300
Enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea around a breathtaking Christmas tree, accompanied by live entertainment playing favorite holiday tunes. Teas also are slated for Dec. 26 and 27. Reservations required 48 hours in advance. Time: 1 p.m. Cost: $75, $35 for ages 5-12.
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 Day Brunch
Dec. 25
Lucille Restaurant at Drury Lane
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.lucillerestaurant.com
(630) 530-8300
Let someone else handle the cooking an enjoy a morning of cherished memories and togetherness. This festive brunch features made-to-order omelets, hand-carved prime rib and warm vanilla bread pudding with caramel-bourbon sauce. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $115, $50 for ages 5-12, free for 4 and younger.
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 and registration is not required. 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.
New Year’s Eve Concert
Dec. 31
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Ring in 2025 with Maestro Muspratt as he conducts a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve pops concert featuring a variety of light classics, Strauss waltzes, arias, guest soloist Richard Ollarsaba, champagne and surprises. Afternoon performances have limited tickets available. Times: 1:30, 5 & 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $68-$80
Holiday Magic
Through Dec. 31
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/holidaymagic
Visit this light festival featuring more than 2 million twinkling LED lights. Enchanting scenes come to life with giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, Santa and captivating walk-through displays! Marvel at more than 900 beautifully decorated trees that illuminate the night, each adorned by local community groups and organizations. Take a leisurely stroll through new immersive displays, Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Some activities have additional fees. See website for hours and full schedule. Tickets: $20.95 to $34.95 plus parking.
Illumination
Through Jan. 4
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
This event is heralded as one of the best winter light shows in the country by U.S. News and World Report and USA Today. New this year is a vibrant display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments in the Grand Garden. Along the one-mile walking trail, a concession tent will serve hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages and s’mores kits to be enjoyed at warming 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.
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. Stop by the Holiday Shop to pick up a Cantigny-grown poinsettia. The McCormick House is open with rooms adorned in festive splendor. Instead of Christmas music, experience a special light show with songs from favorite eras during “A Very Taylor Christmas” on most Sunday evenings. Enjoy a scenic outdoor skate at the rink adjacent to Le Jardin. Visit the website listed above for a full schedule. Tickets: $12 to $38, with discounts for advance purchases.
