By the Just Kidding staff.
See also: Chicago holiday guide
"Illumination" at the Morton Arboretum
You'll never be so happy that night falls early as when you're at Morton Arboretum's dazzling and inventive winter light show, which returns after last year's triumphant debut. So much more than an impressive array of colored bulbs, the interactive "Illumination" offers unique activities, like changing the light show by singing to the woods or hugging a tree. Through Jan. 3 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle (630-725-2066, mortonarb.org). Doors open at 5 p.m. Last entry at 8:30 p.m. Lights out at 9:30 p.m. Check online for closed days. $11-$20. — Photo: Michael Hudson
Tsukasa Taiko concert at the MCA
Chicago's best winter-solstice tradition could be interpreted as a wake-up call to the sun: the thrilling, booming, blood-pumping taiko concert experience. The city's own Japanese-drumming troupe, Tsukasa Taiko, returns to the MCA for its 11th annual jam. 3 p.m. Dec. 20 & 21 at Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. (312-397-4010, mcachicago.org). $10-$20; free for kids 12 and under. — Photo: Ken Carl
"Christmas Around the World" at the Museum of Science and Industry
It IS a small world, after all! The perennial MSI favorite is all about the trees, starting with the 45-foot-tall Grand Tree with 30,000 lights in the museum's rotunda. From there, visitors can enjoy more than 50 different Christmas trees decorated according to a wide variety of cultural traditions by volunteers from the Chicago area's various ethnic communities. This year, there's a strong Disney presence, courtesy of the "Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives" exhibit also at MSI. Through Jan. 4 at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive (773-684-1414, msichicago.org). $27-$36; $18-$25 for kids 3-11 (price includes general museum admission). — Photo: Abigniew Bzdak, Chicago Tribune
Holiday Lights trolley
Find out if the trolley does indeed go "clang! clang! clang!" while you enjoy the nighttime sights of the city, all decked out in holiday splendor. The 2.5-hour tour includes stops at the lit-up Lincoln Park Zoo and Daley Plaza's Christkindlmarket. Chocolate bonus: The tour ends with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies at Hershey's Chocolate World. Advance registration recommended. Nov. 28-Jan. 4 from John Hancock Plaza, 875 N. Michigan Ave. Hours vary by date. $29; $19 children ages 3-11; tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance. (773-648-5000, coachusa.com/chicagotrolley). — Photo: Chicago Trolley
"Welcome Yule!" at Orchestra Hall
Singalongs and traditional Christmas tunes are part of the fun at this family-friendly concert from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus — along with a few special treats, like the ditty "Christmas in Chicago." Recommended for ages 5 and up; no infants admitted. Nov. 13-23 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312-294-3000, cso.org). $40-99. — Photo: Todd Rosenberg Photography
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band concert at the Chicago Botanic Garden
The globe-trotting Maxwell Street Klezmer Band returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden for a fun tradition: an annual pair of family Hanukkah concerts. After the toe-tapping fun, your ticket includes a visit to "Wonderland Express," the massive model-railroad display in a greenhouse. Zooming trains for kids, stunning plants for grownups -— everybody wins! 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Chicago Botanic Garden's Alsdorf Auditorium, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe (847-835-5440, chicagobotanic.org). $15-20. — Photo: Robin Carlson, Dec. 1, 2013
"A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman
Humbugs beware! This beloved Chicago theater tradition, now in its 37th annual production, is so full of magic and good will, even sourpusses will have to smile. Veteran actor Larry Yando returns to play Scrooge, and he'll make your kids shiver at the start. But when he takes flight with the first of the ghosts, the joy begins, the laughs flow and the true meaning of Christmas starts to fill the house. Through Dec. 28 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. (312-443-3800, goodmantheatre.org). $25-$96. — Photo: Goodman Theatre
"A Q Brothers' Christmas Carol" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Sure, stage adaptations of the classic Dickens tale are as plentiful as candy canes, and your family knows all the story beats — but we're betting they don't know the beatbox version. The 75-minute rhyming show (presented in workshop form last year) comes from local hip-hop theater wizards the Q Brothers and their frequent collaborators at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Don't be a geezer like old Ebenezer: Add some rhythm to this tale of redemption. Through Dec. 31 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. (312-595-5600, chicagoshakes.com). $30-$48, $20 for age 34 and under. — Photo: Michael Brosilow
"Newsies" national tour
Broadway in Chicago presents a few hit shows during the holidays, but we're most excited for "Newsies," the unlikely Broadway show adapted from the mostly forgotten 1992 movie musical (starring a young Christian Bale). A nice change of pace from traditional Christmas fare, this based-on-truth tale about an 1899 strike should be a huge hit with kids, since they're the heroes: It's the underdog newsboy legion against the grown-up, big-business overlords. Plus the show's pedigrees — Tony- and Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, Tony-winning playwright Harvey Fierstein — can't be beat. Dec. 10-Jan. 4 at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St. (800-775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com). Starting at $80. — Photo: Deen van Meer
Emerald City's "Hansel and Gretel: A Wickedly Delicious Musical Treat"
Among the most fertile of fairy tales, this classic takes on a new flavor when kiddie ace Justin Roberts teams up with Emerald City's Ernie Dolan. The pair deliver an all-ages rock musical (featuring The Grimm Brothers Band) about the brother-sister duo who discover appearances aren't always as sweet as they seem. Nov. 22-Jan. 4 at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St. (800-775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com). Starting at $25. —
Ice skating at Millennium Park
There's plenty of Christmastime activities in Millennium Park, including regular caroling at Cloud Gate (aka The Bean), but if you're looking for something festive without any specific holiday trappings, head to the ice rink and strap on some skates. Bonus for beginners: Free skating lessons happen Friday, Saturday & Sunday mornings and each day of Chicago Public School winter break (see site for specific hours). Through March 8, 2015, at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park, 11 N. Michigan Ave. (312-742-5472, cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html), Free; skate rental $12. — Photo: Patrick L. Pyszka
Christkindlmarket
If you don't mind your Christmas shopping chilly, there's no more traditional way to do it than to hit this giant, open-air market in Daley Plaza. While mom or dad check items off their gift-giving list, kids can get a "Kinder Korner" passport with pictures to color and pages to get stamped by vendors. Don't forget to pick up some marzipan from Deutschland, or a loaf of Dinkel's stollen — and if the Windy City lives up to its name when you're there, take cozy breaks in the warming tent. Nov. 21-Dec. 24. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve. Washington and Clark streets: Admission is free. (312-494-2175, christkindlmarket.com). —
Annual Music Box Christmas Show: "It's a Wonderful Life" and "White Christmas"
What started out modestly enough as a one-time event on Christmas Eve 1983 has blossomed into a full-fledged Chicago tradition at the vintage Music Box cinema house. Imagine how many angels have received their wings! Between screenings of "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," belt out some carols, led by Santa and accompanied by house organist Dennis Scott. Advance ticket purchases are recommended. Dec. 12-25 at The Music Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave. (773-871-6607, musicboxtheatre.com). Advanced tickets $13 (single feature)/ $20 (double feature), $10/$15 for kids under 13. Day-of tickets $15 (single feature)/ $24 (double feature). $10/$15 for kids under 13. — Photo: The Music Box
Holiday Tea at Russian Tea Time
Sip tea like a royal during this Old World tradition that's become part of the Loop's culture over the past 20 years. Enjoy afternoon tea with delectable pastries savory and sweet. Located across the street from the Art Institute, it's also a convenient stop before or after any visit to the ever-popular Thorne Miniature Rooms there. Russian Tea Time, 77 E. Adams St. (312-360-0000, russianteatime.com). $30 per guest for full tea service, or order a la carte. — Photo: Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune
Gingerbread-house competition at All Chocolate Kitchen
Hansel and Gretel's witch could look to Geneva for inspiration this season as candy-coated houses fill the All Chocolate Kitchen. The houses must be made entirely of edible materials and will be judged (by ACK founder and chef Alain Roby and others) on overall appearance, creativity, difficulty and precision. Crafty kids (ages 8-17) compete in their own category, separate from adults. To register for the competition, call the Geneva Chamber at 630-232-6060 by Dec. 1. All entries displayed Dec. 2-14 with winners announced Dec. 6 at the All Chocolate Kitchen, 33 S. Third St., Geneva (630.232.2395, oi.uchicago.edu). Free to watch; $15 to enter. —
Joffrey Ballet's "Nutcracker"
E.T.A. Hoffmann's 1816 story, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," gets plenty of retellings every December — but none as popular as the ballet version with the instantly recognizable, delightful score by Peter llyich Tchaikovsky. The Joffrey's lavish production places dozens of kids onstage with the pros, and the children in the audience will especially love The Sugar Plum Fairy's five "divertissements" — short dances celebrating sweets from around the world. Dec. 5-28 at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway (joffrey.org/nutcracker). $32-$134. — Photo: Cheryl Mann Productions
"The Tale of The Princess Kaguya" at Siskel Film Center
An ancient Japanese folktale about an enchanted girl found inside a stalk of bamboo leaps to the big screen in this lush, hand-drawn masterpiece from Studio Ghibli (the Disney of Japan). An enormous hit across the Pacific, "Princess Kaguya" comes to North America with rave reviews for its watercolor-inspired visuals -- and an English-language dubbing, featuring Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan and Lucy Liu. (The Siskel Center's exclusive four-week run also showcases the original version with English subtitles.) Dec. 5-30 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. (312-846 2800, siskelfilmcenter.org). $6 for members; $11 for non-members; $7 for students and kids 17 and under. — Photo: Gene Siskel Film Center
Santa Saturdays at Driehaus Museum
The Magnificent Mile's Driehaus Museum — the magnificently restored home that transports visitors back to Chicago's Gilded Age at the turn of the 19th century — hosts this family Christmas event. In addition to standard activities, like making crafts and eating cookies, and an appearance by the ubiquitous jolly guy, kids will also get to meet a unique-to-Chicago character: Santa's assistant and pro storyteller Aunt Holly (created by Marshall Field's Department Store in 1946). 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 13 & 20 at Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie St. (312-482-8933, driehausmuseum.org). $12; $8 for kids 12 and under. — Photo: Driehaus Museum
"The Magical Animated Holiday Light Show" at Randhurst Village
The holidays really do get a bit more magical thanks to this free light show, beamed onto the side of the Hampton Hotel building in Randhurst Village's center court. The animation focuses on de rigueur Christmastime images (elves, snow), but the exciting part is the 3-D effect — the impressive visuals really pop off the building. And no special glasses needed! The show lasts a few minutes and happens every half hour from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 12-22 at Randhurst Village, Rand Road/Route 12 and Elmhurst Road/Route 83 (847-259-0500, randhurstvillage.com). Free. — Photo: Randhurst Village
Hot chocolate bar at the Signature Room
Warm up midway through a day of shopping with the buffet lunch at The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Tower, where the seasonal Hot Chocolate Bar will allow guests young and old to curate their cocoa experience. There are two bases to choose from — milk or white chocolate — and accessories that include cinnamon or peppermint sticks, housemade whipped cream in assorted flavors, housemade marshmallows, chocolate shavings and flavored syrups. The kids should be fully recharged afterward. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays as a part of the lunch buffet at The Signature Room, 875 N. Michigan Ave., 95th floor. Adults $20; children $11. Buy tickets at 312-280-0465 or signatureroom.com. — Photo: Signature Room
ZooLights
Stroll through Lincoln Park's colorful wonderland when ZooLights flips the switch for its annual — and free — holiday tradition. Luminous trees add enchantment to photos with Santa, holiday crafts, 3-D displays, ice carving nightly, ice-skating at the Farm-in-the-Zoo and, for parents, warm spiced wine and frosty lager. Bring new or gently used winter clothing to donate to the zoo coat drive; drop-off is at the Park Place Cafe. 4:55 p.m. kickoff Nov. 28 then Fridays through Sundays until Dec. 12, at which point the lights will be on nightly (except Dec. 24 and 25) until Jan. 4 at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. (312-742-2000, lpzoo.org). Free. Ice skating at farm: $5 admission; $5 skate rental. — Photo: Terrence Antonio James, Chicago Tribune
Snowflakes and Stories at the Adler Planetarium
In a season of sensory overload, families can slip into a faux-snow refuge as the Adler's Grainger Sky Theater is transformed into the world's largest snow globe, where they can make their own snowflakes and participate in interactive storytelling. A festive photo booth, face painting, hot cocoa and holiday treats may shake things up a bit. 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive (312-922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org). Members: $10 children, $15 adults. Non-members: $20 children, $25 adults. — Photo: Justin Sudberry
23rd annual Wreathing of the Lions at the Art Institute
Start the season with a figurative roar when the Art Institute lions are adorned with their most iconic accessory — immense evergreen wreaths. Festivities include a live performance by the Apollo Chorus, complimentary hot chocolate and an appearance by the Art Institute's mascot, Artie the Lion. The first 50 people in line after the event will receive free admission to the museum at 10:30 a.m. (Kids under 14 are always free.) Once inside, families can fashion wreaths of their own inspired by their holiday traditions as well as the festively decorated Thorne Miniature Rooms and Neapolitan crèche, a Nativity scene with no less than 50 animals. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28. at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. (312-443-3600, artic.edu) First 50 in line get free museum admission. Kids under 14 always get free admission. — Photo: Art Institute of Chicago
Snow much fun at the Children's Museum
Frigid fun without the frostbite, Snow Much Fun has all the must-do's of a snow day: "ice" fort building, "snowball" fights, snow people to dress, shovels, sleds and — the exhibit favorite — a skating rink, aka a linoleum floor buffed to maximum slipperiness. Regular hours through Jan. 4 at the Chicago Children's Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. (312-527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org). Included in museum admission: $14 for adults and children, $13 for seniors. — Photo: Children's Musuem
Holiday Lights in Homewood
It's one-stop shopping for small-town seasonal charm at Holiday Lights in Homewood, with a reindeer petting zoo, ice sculpture carvings, antique car parade and Santa and friends arriving via fire truck at 7 p.m. to flip the switch for the tree lighting in Irwin Park. Pop-up shops open at 6 p.m. with the wares of 32 indie artisans, and free musical trolleys shuttle shoppers among the attractions. A fundraising nonprofit for School District 153 will sell premium-grade Fraser Firs (and garland) with loading assistance starting at 3 p.m. City families thinking about exiting for greener pastures: Homewood was ranked No. 3 out of 25 American towns in CNNMoney.com's "Best Places to Live with Affordable Homes" report last year. Dec. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. in and near Irwin Park, 18120 Highland Ave. Free and open to the public. (708-957-0300, village.homewood.il.us) —
Holiday cookie decorating with Just Kidding!
For parents with sweet teeth and creative — and sweet — kids, Just Kidding and the pastry chefs at Kendall College are teaming up to treat you to a Cookie Decorating extravaganza at Kendall College. Spare your kitchen while spoiling yourselves with all the icing and sprinkles you can spread over a two-hour period. Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to noon, Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch St. ($35 for one child, $120 for four children (a $140 value). Parents attend free. Event intended for children ages 4-12. — William DeShazer, Chicago Tribune
"Frozen" camp with Emerald City Theatre Co.
Stressed over how to occupy the kids during the holiday break? Book this "Frozen"-immersion camp and let it go! Two age-based sessions (3 1/2-5 and 6-10) will revolve around the movie's themes — games, mini-plays and singalongs that will surely require no sheet music. Activities climax with a "Frozen" performance on the last day. Dec. 29- Jan. 2 (no camp on Jan. 1) at the Athenaeum Theatre Building, 2936 N. Southport Ave., and at the Menomonee Club, 1535 N. Dayton St. (773-529-2690, emeraldcitytheatre.com). 9 a.m. to noon for 3 1/2 to 5-year-olds; $180/week. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for 6 to 10-year-olds; $300/week. — Photo: Emerald City Theatre Co.
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Thrills minus the chills await at the 14th annual PNC Bank Winter WonderFest. Billing itself as Chicago's biggest indoor winter playground, WonderFest fills 170,000 square feet of Navy Pier's innards with rides including the new Wintertube "tubing" hill and the Toboggan Tunnel sled slide, and activities including the indoor ice-skating rink. Dec. 5 to Jan. 11; Sundays through Thursdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-10 p.m., in Navy Pier's Festival Hall (winterwonderfest.com). General admission tickets, required for age 2 and up, include carousel and train rides and Jingle Jym Jr. bouncy house: $3.75 online, $5 walk-up. Activity tickets add access to more than 25 rides and ice skating (with rental): $22.50 online; $25 walk-up. $17-$19 on designated Deal Days. — Photo: Gregory K. Porter
Reintroducing Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB gun
We triple-dog-dare you to spot all the icons from "A Christmas Story" — glowing leg lamp, pink bunny suit, turkey-stealing hound and tongue-freezing light pole — in Western Springs' theatrical adaptation of the comic, classic family movie. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 & 12; 11 a.m. Dec. 6 &13; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 & 14; 4 p.m. Dec. 6 & 13; Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. $15 adults; $8 kids ages 5 and up. —
Holiday festivities in Long Grove
Pre-holiday festivities don't get much quainter than in the historic village of Long Grove, where kids can blaze through town on Humbug Scavenger Hunts, take horse and carriage rides, amble on a cookie walk, watch old-time carolers, listen to a reading of "A Humbug Christmas" by Long Grove author Tobin Fraley and dine with Santa at the Village Tavern (lunchtime Dec. 13 & 20) or Long Grove Cafe (breakfast Dec. 14 & 21). Weekends Dec. 6-21 near Robert Parker Coffin Road and Old McHenry Road, Long Grove (847-634-0888, visitlonggrove.com). —
Caroling at Cloud Gate
Humming along in its ninth year, Caroling at Cloud Gate has become a certifiable — and memorable — tradition with hundreds of singers gathering each week in Millennium Park for an hourlong caroling session led by notable chorale groups, followed by optional skating at Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Fridays Nov. 28-Dec. 19 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at Millennium Park, Chase Promenade Central, North Michigan Avenue and East Randolph Street. (cityofchicago.org). Free. Skate rental: $12. — Photo: City of Chicago
Holiday Magic weekends at Brookfield Zoo
The twinkle of more than a million lights and a 38-foot talking tree will no doubt help Santa and Mrs. Claus find their way to Brookfield Zoo during Holiday Magic weekends. They will meet and greet kids at Candy Cane Corner as ice-carving demonstrations, live musical performances, the Elf Express mini-train, storytellers, costumed characters and magicians add to the spirit. Select animals will be treated to serenades and special zoo chats will be scheduled. Weekends Dec. 6-21, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield (708-688-8000, czs.org/CZS/specialevents). Regular admission and parking fees: Adults $16.95, 65 and older $11.95, ages 3 to 11 $11.95. — Photo: Brookfield Zoo
Breakfast with Tomten (Santa)
The Swedish Museum's most popular event of the year, this pancake breakfast — Swedish pancakes, naturally — features traditional crafts, dancing around the Christmas tree and a visit from Tomten, aka Santa Claus. Plus, the Kerstin Andersson Museum Store has loaded up on suitably Scandinavian gifts. Dec. 13 & 14, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St. (773-728-8111, swedishamericanmuseum.org) $12-$17; Free for children under 2. Pre-paid and confirmed reservations are required. — Photo: Swedish American Museum
Build Your Own Gingerbread House
You can probably skip the hard hat, but sacrificial pants might be a good call when you build an edible dream home with the family in the Art Institute's Millennium Park Room. Gingerbread kits, frosting, and decorating candy are supplied. Additional kits and discounted dining vouchers for the Museum Café will be available for purchase. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 13 & 14, at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. (312-553-9675 for reservations; artic.edu). $60 for non-member family of four; $50 for a member family of four. — Photo: Art Institute of Chicago
CTA Holiday Train
How does Santa Claus get around a town like Chicago? Easy, he takes the CTA. Don't let your little believers miss one of the most anticipated events of the Christmas season — a chance to ride on Santa's very own CTA holiday train. And if chasing Santa around the Loop weren't enough fun, the knowledge that CTA workers donate time and money to purchase and assemble food baskets for delivery on that festive train should make you feel pretty merry, too. 3-7 p.m. weekdays; 1-8 p.m. weekends through December on multiple CTA train routes (888-968-7282, transitchicago.com/holidaytrain). $2.25; free for kids 7 and under with a fare-paying adult. — Photo: CTA
Holiday Tea at the Drake Hotel
Long regarded as the highest of society affairs, The Drake Hotel's Holiday Tea promises all of the glamour of the traditional afternoon tea and then some. And with carols for the "12 Days of Christmas" (led by the Chicago Cabaret Project), a harpist, and holiday pastries galore in the famous Palm Court (dressed to the nines as a winter wonderland), your fancy princes and princesses will feel joyously decadent. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., through Jan. 4 at Palm Court in The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place (312-787-2200, thedrakehotel.com). $42 for adults; $20 for kids under 12. — Photo: Johnny Borter and Tina Wagner
"It's A Wonderful Life" at American Blues Theater
It's once again time to head to Bedford Falls, home of some of the most beloved characters in all of cinema -- but this time, they're appearing as part of American Blues Theater's live radio broadcast. Now in its 13th year, "It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago" is a full-scale production with 1940s foley sound effects and an original score. There's truly something for everyone; from Grandpa reminiscing about the good old days to your little one digging on the post-show milk and cookies. Through Dec. 28 at American Blues Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. (773-404-7336, americanbluestheater.com). $19-$49. — Photo: Johnny Knight
Kwanzaa candle lighting at the DuSable Museum of African American History
Celebrate each of Kwanzaa's seven days with the DuSable Museum's candle lighting ceremony, each one beginning at noon. Honoring history and culture through the seven principles known as Nguzo Saba, the daily lightings focus on such themes as unity, creativity and cooperative economics. (On Dec. 28, PBS' show "Craft In America" will be filming, so make sure you're camera-ready!) Dec. 26 through Dec. 31 at the DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Place (773-947-0600, dusablemuseum.org). $10 adults; $3 kids 6-11; free for under 5. Program admission free with entry. — Photo: Nancy Stone, Chicago Tribune
Park Ridge Civic Orchestra's "Holiday Celebration" concert
Looking to broaden your kid's cultural horizons (during a season filled with jingle bells galore)? Spend a delightful evening with the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra for a concert filled with angelic voices, renditions of holiday favorites and, yes, even a few numbers from "Frozen." (Do you want to build a snowman, indeed!) 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge (847-692-7726, parkridgecivicorchestra.org). $25 for adults 18 and over; free for children under 18. —
Gobble, Gobble Run or Wobble 5K at St. Linus School
There's nothing quite like getting a jump-start on the holiday season -— in this case, working off the turkey dinner before Thanksgiving itself. The first annual Gobble, Gobble Run Or Wobble 5K benefits St. Linus School in Oak Lawn as well as Emily's Entourage, a group that supports a brave little gal fighting Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Pretty sure you just earned yourself another piece of pie. 9 a.m., Nov. 22 at St. Linus School, 10400 Lawler Ave., Oak Lawn (773-908-9871, stlinusoaklawn.org/gobblegobblerunorwobble5k). $25 pre-registration, $30 day of race, plus $2.50 sign-up fee — Photo: St. Linus
"The Annoyance Christmas Pageant" at The Annoyance Theatre
Sure, Charlie Brown and Rudolph live on your TV this time of year, but wouldn't your kids freak to see them on the stage? The Annoyance, famously known for being a subversive improv training center devoid of the traditional "rules," presents its annual Christmas pageant -— and a rare family-friendly one, at that. This two-act show features the cherished tales of Charlie Brown's search for the perfect tree as well as Rudolph's heroic flight — no VHS required. 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21 at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont Ave. (773-697-9693, theannoyance.com). $9-18 for adults, $7-14 for children under 12. — Photo: Annoyance Theatre
"Winter Pageant" at Redmoon Theater
If celebrating the Winter Solstice with no small amount of spectacle is more your thing, Redmoon's jaw-dropping Winter Pageant is definitely for you. A family-friendly fable that explores the meanings of grand love and the four seasons of the human heart, this epic performance features break dancers, aerialists, a teenage choir, handmade puppetry and a one-man, 10-instrument band. These stories have been culled from Chicagoans of all ages and backgrounds, making this a pretty warm way to celebrate community during the chilliest of Chicago's seasons. Dec. 12-21 at 7 p.m. Fridays, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays, at Redmoon Theater, 2120 S. Jefferson St. (312-850-8440, redmoon.org). $25 for adults; $15 for kids 3-18. — Photo: Redmoon Theater
New Year's Eve party at Wonder Works Children's Museum
Midnight is so overrated: With a ball drop, New Year's countdowns every hour, sparkling cider and goodies, crafts, trivia and activities celebrating Kwanzaa, Hannukah and Christmas, the New Year's Eve party at Wonder Works children's museum may make you rethink your own plans to ring in the new year. Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 31 at Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708-383-4815, wonder-works.org). $6; free for kids under 1. — Photo: Wonder Works Children's Museum
Elmhurst Historical Society's St. Nicholas Day celebration
The German tradition of St. Nicholas Day is a pretty darned good one; St. Nick makes an early appearance, gifts treats to those he deems on the right path and gets the Christmas festivities started early. The town of Elmhurst takes it one step further with stories, cocoa, music and even pictures with the man of the hour himself. The wearing of pajamas is encouraged, in case you weren't already all in by the mention of cocoa. 7 p.m.- 8:15 p.m. Dec. 5 at Elmhurst College, Buik Recital Hall, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst (630-833-1457, elmhursthistory.org). Free. — Photo: Elmhurst Historical Society
"Swim With Santa" at Independence Park
Sitting on the big guy's lap is one thing, but how many can brag that they've done laps with him? In this seasonally wacky event, kids of all ages can go for a swim with Santa — and then join up with his hard-working elves for some post-splash cookies, cocoa and crafts -— making this the coolest of Yules ever. 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at Independence Park, 3945 N. Springfield Ave. (773-478-3538, chicagoparkdistrict.com). $5 for ages 2 and up. — Photo: Valery Titievsky, AFP/Getty Images
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at the Chicago Theatre
Hearts in need of growing a few sizes? Check out the limited engagement of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" at the iconic Chicago Theatre. Featuring stunning sets created for this glamorous venue -— and inspired by Dr. Seuss' fabulous illustrations — this classic tale of rediscovering the true meaning of the holidays might be exactly what you need to welcome Christmas. Through Nov. 29 at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. (800-745-3000, thechicagotheatre.com). $35-$125. —
Annual Kwanzaa ceremony at Columbia College Chicago
Derived from the Swahili phrase meaning "first fruits," Kwanzaa honors the African custom of the community gathering to celebrate the first harvest, as well as past, present, and future generations. This year's ceremony at Columbia College Chicago will feature the lighting of candles, an African feast, African dance performances from the Crown Community Academy and Columbia College's West African Dance Classes, participation from Mahalia Jackson public elementary school's hearing-impaired students, and the theme of Celebrating Community, Embracing the Arts. Columbia College Chicago has hosted this event for over twenty years so, if you've never attended, this would be a fantastic year to start. 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at Columbia College Chicago, Room 102, 33 E. Congress Parkway (312-369-1000, events.colum.edu). Free and open to the public. —
"First Night" in Evanston
Showcasing the best of Evanston, Chicago and beyond, Evanston's First Night celebration has more than a little something for everyone. Kid-friendly music, balloon artistry and at least one life-sized puppet should keep the younger set grooving through the afternoon, but as for your older kiddos? With the teen improv group The Underage Sugar Eaters and the teenage Battle of the Bands, you can pretty much dare them to not have a blast. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Evanston Public Library (for children's programming), 1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston (224-216-4485, firstnightevanston.net). $25 for adults; $8 for kids 8-18; free for under 8. —
"It's a Wonderful Santaland Miracle, Nut Cracking Christmas Story... Jews Welcome!"
This holiday pastiche from Stage 773 was popular enough last year that it's back for another twirl. As the zany name implies, the revue-style show -— 90 minutes, no intermission — celebrates all facets of the season, from Hanukkah to Kwanzaa to Christmas. Expect an interactive, family-friendly experience with plenty of singing, dancing and eggnog. Recommended for ages 8 and up. 3 p.m. (Through Dec. 28.) at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. (773-327-5252, stage773.com). $25, $15 for kids (and students with I.D.) — Photo: Stephanie Vera
