Dec. 17:

Catherine O'Connell will be singing "Christmas Songs Old and New" at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Avenue, Skokie. 8 p.m.$25 at the door.

Dec. 17-24

Simbang Gabi is a Filipino tradition of Catholic Masses held during Advent to prepare for the birth of Jesus and to honor the Blessed Mother. His Eminence Francis Cardinal George will celebrate a Simbang Gabi Mass at St. Martha's Catholic Church, 8523 Georgiana Street, Morton Grove on December 23 at 6:30pm. Other Simbang Gabi masses include: December 17 at 6pm, at Immaculate Conception, 7211 West Talcott Avenue, Chicago; December 17  at 7pm, St. Lambert, 8148 Karlov Street, Skokie; December 17 at 7pm, St. Catherine Laboure, 3535 Thornwood, Glenview; December 18 at 5pm, St. Peter, 8100 Niles Center Road, Skokie; December 18 at 5pm, St. John Brebeuf, 8307 North Harlem, Niles; December 18 at 5pm, Our Lady of Ransom, 8300 North Greenwood, Niles.

Dec. 17-24

The Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 West Campbell, Arlington Heights, presents Charles Dickens' holiday classic,  "A Christmas Carol." Performances are scheduled for December 17 at 9:15 am, 11:30 am and 7 pm, December 18 and 19 at 1 pm and 4 pm, December 20 at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm and December 22, 23 and 24 at 3 pm. Tickets are $28.50 for adults and $15.50 for children 12 and younger.

Dec. 17 to Jan. 1:

"Blue Nativity" is the story of Christmas told with music and large scale puppetry by the Quest Theatre Ensemble. Blue Nativity can be seen at St. Celestine Church, 3020 North 76th Court, Elmwood Park, on December 19 at 1 pm. Blue Nativity will be performed in Hinsdale on December 18 and in various Chicago locations December 17, 19, 20 and January 1. Check for locations and times. Admission is free although donations are accepted.

Dec. 18

Tricia Melzer-Swaydrak appears in a holiday concert at Glenview Community Church on December 18 at 7 pm. The church is located at 1000 Elm Street, Glenview. Admission is free but attendees are requested to bring a toy for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign.

Dec. 18-19

Music of the Baroque's Holiday Brass and Choral Concert occurs December 18 at 3 pm and 8 pm and December 19 at 3 pm at the Divine Word Chapel, 2001 Waukegan Road, Techny. $45 to $75.00.

Dec. 18-19

See The Nutcracker performed by the Salt Creek Ballet at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9500 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie on December 18 and 19 at 3 pm. Tickets are $30 and $38.

Dec. 18-26

"A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration" is playing at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Tickets are still available for matinee performances on December 18, 19, 22, 23 and 26 and evening performances December 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, and 26. Tickets are priced from $45 to $55.

Dec. 19

Christmas Vespers, an evening of jazz, featuring Petra Van Nuis and Andy Brown, takes place December 19 at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 8450 North Shermer, Niles. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

Jan. 2

"A Concert of Holiday Music" happens on Sunday, January 2 at 3 pm at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 8149 Golf Road, Niles. Performing will be the St. Isaac Jogues' youth and adult choirs under the direction of Lisa Hall with guest violinist, Linda Veleckis.