Community Corner
Holiday Events In The Suburbs
Plan now to attend the Nutcracker, 'A Christmas Carol,' a Christmas market and light displays, mostly in the suburbs with easy parking. We couldn't resist tossing in a couple great city activities, too.
When/Where: December 2 and 3 in downtown Deerfield (Deerfield and Waukegan Roads) between 5 and 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 3.
Why Go: Besides taking the children to see Santa, there are pony rides, live reindeer, horse drawn sleigh rides, roasted chestnuts, lots of music and plenty of treats.
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Pricing: Nearly everything is free. If you want to learn how to decorate a ginger bread house at Whole Foods it will cost $19.99.
Amahl and the Night Visitors
When/Where: December 2, 3, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m., December 3 matinee at 2:00 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.
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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
Bethlehem Walk
When/Where: Saturday, December 3, from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Lutheran Church; 260 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge.
Why Go: Walk through St. Andrews Church, which has been transformed into the streets and hills of Bethlehem. Along the walk you can interact with characters dressed in costumes from the Christmas Story. See live animals, and enjoy refreshments and music once you have arrived in Bethlehem.
Pricing: Donation.
Breakfast with Santa At Golf Mill
When/Where: Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m., Golf Mill Shopping Center, Golf Road and Milwaukee Avenue, Niles.
Why Go: Enjoy brunch and take a photo with Santa. It's followed by an interactive activity of crafts, story time and dancing in partnership with the Niles Public Library. Each child who attends gets a free elf hat and coloring book. All attendees have a chance to win one of ten free 5'x7' picture with Santa at his Depot in Center Court.
Pricing: $6 per person.
Breakfast With Santa
When/Where: Saturday, December 17 in three sessions: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 10:00-11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Howard Leisure Center; 6676 W. Howard Street, Niles.
Why Go: Join Santa at the Howard Leisure Center to take pictures, visit, and enjoy a breakfast buffet.
Pricing: Children: Residents $8, Non-Residents $10. Adults $8
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 3, 4, 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
Chicago Chamber Choir At Niles Library
When/Where: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy the choir's seasonal music, as well as refreshments at the Holiday Open House. Kids 3 to 7 can also enjoy a winter storytime.
Pricing: Free, but register in advance at nileslibrary.org
Christkindlmarket
When/Where: November 23- December 24, Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., December 24, 2011: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Daley Plaza; 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago
Why Go: Head over to Daley Plaza and enjoy this traditional German holiday market. The market features many tents with food, ornaments and other goods along with a giant Christmas tree and a chance to visit Santa!
Pricing: Admission is free.
Enchanted Railroad
When/Where: November 25 through January 8 (Except December 24 & 25) from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Morton Arboretum; 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle.
Why Go: Check out the nine toy trains that operate via remote-controlled signals all around the Morton Arboretum
Pricing: $11 ages 18–64 ($7 Wednesdays), $10 ages 65+ ($6 Wednesdays), $8 ages 2–17 ($5 Wednesdays)
Lincoln Park ZooLights
When/Where: Nov. 25–27; Dec. 2–4, 9–1; open nightly Dec. 16–Jan. 1 (Closed Dec. 24 & 25) from 5-9 p.m at the Lincoln Park Zoo; 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.
Why Go: Enjoy a visit with Santa, see animals from around the world, watch live ice carvings, see the holiday lights, and much more at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Pricing: Free
Long Grove Christmas Activities
When/Where: Downtown Long Grove, every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24.
Why Go: You want horse-drawn carriage rides across a covered bridge, nutcracker teas, carolers galore, Dickens dinners and sing-a-longs? Long Grove delivers, with loads of charming atmosphere. And of course there are the shops and restaurants, too.
When/Where: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2:30 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2:30 p.m.; Glenbrook South High School, 4000 W. Lake Ave., Glenview
Why Go: The award-winning, Northbrook-based a capella group delights audiences for the 27th year in a row with kids' classics, traditional Christmas tunes and Chanukah songs. Favorites include "Christmas Rag," "I Have Seen the Light," "Light One Candle" and "Alleluia" from Shrek.
Pricing: $12 to $22.
When/Where: December 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at St. Matthew Center for Health; 1601 N. Western Ave., Park Ridge.
Why Go: Come see Oak Park resident Susan Greeley’s collection of almost 400 nativity scenes from around the world. There will be refreshments and a raffle to win a nativity scene.
Pricing: Free
Santa Skate
When/Where: Saturday, December 17 from 12:05 to 1:20 p.m. at ; 8435 Ballard, Niles.
Why Go: Come out and skate with Santa and his elves to holiday music.
Pricing: $5 fee + $3 skate rental.
The Gift of the Magi and Canadian Brass Concert
When/Where: Dominican University Performing Arts Center, 7900 W. Division Street, River Forest.
Why Go: The Gift of the Magi, performed Dec. 3 at 11 a.m and 1 p.m., tells the story of a poor young couple who learn a powerful lesson about love during the Christmas season. It's recommended for ages 7 and up. Canadian Brass will play Christmas selections Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Pricing: Gift of the Magi, $5 to $10; Canadian Brass, $29.
'The Nutcracker' in Schaumburg
When/Where: Dec. 2 through 11 at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg.
Why Go: Professional dancers take the starring roles, accompanied by able adults and children in the party scenes. Watch Herr Drosselmeyer flick his black cape to and fro; see the tree magically grow in size and witness the battle with the Mouse King.
Pricing: $18 to $26.
'The Nutcracker' by Salt Creek Ballet in Skokie
When/Where: Dec. 17-18 at 3 p.m. each day.
Why Go: Salt Creek Ballet dancers put on the story of the mysterious uncle who gives the young girl Clara a nutcracker that magically comes to life.
Pricing: $31.50 to $39.50.
When/Where: November 25- January 21 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Chicago Botanic Garden;
Why Go: Enjoy a dazzling array of lights, a miniature train exhibit, a gingerbread village display and much more at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Pricing: Adults: $8 members/$10 nonmembers, Seniors 62+: $6 members/$8 nonmembers, Children 3 to 12: $6 members/$8 nonmembers, Children 2 and under: Free, There is also a parking charge of $20 per car.
When/Where: Dec. 2 in downtown Des Plaines in Metropolitan Square between Lee Street and Pearson Avenue, 4-6 p.m.
Why Go: This annual event is highlighted by music and dance performances, hot cocoa and cookies. Santa will arrive at 4:15 p.m. on a fire engine, and stay for the rest of the celebration. The Des Plaines Theatre will show a holiday movie afterwards.
Pricing: Free.
