Weekend Planner: Magic, Champagne, Santa, Messiah, Dance, Three Kings

When/Where: Friday, December 9, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Leaning Tower YMCA, 6300 W. Touhy, Niles. (847) 410-5108
Why Go:  Dinner, crafts, games, prizes and Santa.
Pricing: $12 per person. Call   Heather Liplin to register, (847) 410-5108.
Amahl and the Night Visitors
When/Where: December 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., December 11 matinee at 4:00 p.m. at the Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, 306 S. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge.
Why Go: See Petite Opera's production of the Gian Carlo Menotti opera about the Three Kings, who follow the star to Bethlehem and stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor shepherd boy who lives with his mother. Amahl and his mother are touched by the wonders of the Christ child, and a miracle occurs.
Pricing: $25 for adults (ages 18-61), $22 for seniors (age 62 and up), $15 for students (ages 6-18), kids ages 5 and under are free.

When/Where: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette.
Why Go: Hear Irish tenor Paddy Homan and musicians Dennis Cahill and Maurice Lennon perform Celtic songs.
Pricing: $18

When/Where: 8:30-9:30 a.m. or 10-11 a.m. Dec. 10 the, 3900 Fairway Dr., Wilmette.
Why Go: Have a pancake breakfast, get your picture taken with Santa and take home a goody bag. Photos will be available to pick up Dec. 13.
Pricing: $20 for residents; $16 for nonresidents; free for kids under age 3

When/Where: Saturday, Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m, 620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL,
Why Go: Kick off your holidays with this traditional family event. New this year will be an expanded breakfast buffet, all new craft projects and a larger venue in room 111 overlooking the garden. As always, families will meet and greet Santa, have a photo taken with him, and every child will receive a complimentary goodie bag.
Pricing: $20 per person

Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic

When/Where: December 10, 11, 17, 18 and December 26- 31 at Brookfield Zoo; 300 Golf Rd., Brookfield.
Why Go: Enjoy a light festival featuring over one million twinkling lights and animated light displays at the Brookfield Zoo. There will also be a laser light show along with music and entertainment, ice carvings, and many more fun activities!
Pricing: N/A

Very Funny Magic with Dennis DeBondt
When/Where: Sunday, December 11 from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the; 6960 W Oakton St, Niles.
Why Go: Dennis DeBondt entertains all ages with his fantastic magic and hilarious show.
Pricing: Free

When/Where: Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m., Maine East High School, 2601 W. Dempster, Park Ridge.
What: Maine East Orchestra will present The Carnival of the Animals, by Camille Saint-Saëns; with guest pianists Northern Illinois University Professor William Koehler and Alexander Djordjevic, the 2010 recipient of the Hungarian Liszt Society’s 35th Annual Franz Liszt International Grand Prix du Disque.  Also on the program are John Philip Sousa’s White Rose March, Leonard Bernstein’s Suite from Candide,  and, from various choirs, We Three Kings, You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch and Handel’s Hallelujah, Amen.
Pricing: Free

Sounds of the Season
When/Where: Thursday, December 8 and Friday, December 9 from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Saturday, December 10 at 1 p.m. at the; 239 Golf Mill Ctr, Niles.
Why Go: Join local schools, bands and orchestras at Golf Mill Mall to enjoy holiday music.
Pricing: Free

When/Where: Saturday, December 10 3 p.m. at 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont
Why Go: Eighty dancers perform the Christmas classic set to Tchaikovsky's famous score. The production at Rosemont Theatre features elaborate costumes, huge puppets and nine hand-painted backdrops.
Pricing: $26-$86

When/Where: Sunday, December 11 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at , 685 Vernon Ave, Glencoe
Why Go: Savor over 10 effervescent bubbles (champagnes and sparkling wines) on December 11. A delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Pricing: $10

When/Where: Sunday, December 11 2 p.m. at , 6140 Lincoln Ave, Morton Grove
Why Go: Celebrate the holidays with us as the Buffalo Grove Park District performing arts ensemble, BG Singers Encore! perform a lively rendition of festive, seasonal favorites. Light refreshments will be served.
Pricing: Free

When/Where: Sunday, December 11 12 p.m. at , 333 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook
Why Go: The Max Schewitz Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 by the family and friends of Max Schewitz who died from sudden cardiac death at the age of twenty.  Keep the Beat Wellness will be raising money to help the foundation support education, prevention, and research of sudden cardiac death in young people.
Pricing: Free

When/Where: Saturday, December 10 2 p.m. at , 6140 Lincoln Ave, Morton Grove

Pricing: Free

When/Where: Friday, December 9 10 a.m. at , 6960 W Oakton St, Niles
Why Go: Bring your family and friends as we crank up the tunes and boogie down in the library! It’s fun for the whole family to dance with your little ones! No registration needed. DJ Miss Cate will be spinning all the best tunes from our terrific music collection. Ages 0 and up with an adult.
Pricing: Free

When/Where: Friday, December 9 8 a.m. at , 8360 W Dempster St, Niles
Why Go: Make a difference this holiday season now through December 16! All toys must be new and unwrapped, toiletries and candy cannot be distributed.
Pricing: Free

When/Where: Saturday, December , 7747 N Waukegan Rd, Niles
Why Go: Have your picture taken for free with Santa Claus at First American Bank in Niles.  Enjoy refreshments and kids activities. Pictures can be picked up Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17. For more information, contact Branch Manager Goldie Nelson at (773) 524-4086.
Pricing: Free

When/Where: Saturday, December 10 9 a.m. at 10 Summit Ave, Park Ridge
Why Go: The event will provide an opportunity for children to visit and take a photo with Santa, who will have a toy for each child. Those who attend will be asked to vote for their favorite Christmas Theme Tree decorated by children from area schools and organizations.
Pricing: $8