December is a busy month, and of course, the number of things to do in Chicago and the North Shore is only increasing.
With friends and family in town, you’ll want to show off the best that the area has to offer. And with the kids off school, you’re going to want to get out of the house.
Here are just a few ways to make the most of what’s left of 2013:
Theater
National Theatre: 50 Years On Stage
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Theatre and Interpretation Center, Northwestern
2240 Campus Drive, Evanston
To celebrate 50 years of the National Theatre of Great Britain, some of the UK’s best actors and actresses are joining together to perform sections of iconic productions like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Guys and Dolls. This event will be broadcast around the world. Members of the 100-person cast include Benedict Cumberbatch, Judi Dench, Michael Gambon and Helen Mirren.
A Christmas Carol
Through December 28
Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
Even a Scrooge will want to see this portrayal of Charles Dickens’ classic. With exciting elements added to the production, this is the perfect way to see the show live for the first time, or reacquaint yourself with the three ghosts, Tiny Tim and, of course, Ebenezer himself.
The Nutcracker
Through December 28
Marriott Theatre
10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
This is the perfect way to take in a holiday classic without dragging the entire family to the city. It’s sweet and laugh-out-loud funny. Find an in-depth review here.
The Christmas Schooner
Through December 29
The Mercury Theater
3745 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
This beloved production is back at the Mercury, and you won’t want to miss it. A 2012 Jeff Award nominee for “Best Production,” this musical tells the tale of “The Christmas Tree Ship,” which brought trees from Michigan to Chicago’s poor immigrants. In 1912, the ship sunk, and it wasn’t discovered again for 59 years.
Music
Welcome Yule!
December 14–15, 20, 22–23
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Get in the holiday spirit with this concert of festive favorites—and a few surprises. You can even sing along! (Note: This show is recommended for kids age 5 and up.)
Dave Specter’s Adventures in Guitar Holiday Blues Party featuring Jimmy Johnson
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Evanston SPACE
1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston
Take some time to unwind and enjoy the music of these two incredible artists. Both recently headlined the Chicago Blues Festival and have performed all over the world. Plus, Jimmy Johnson will be celebrating his 85th birthday.
The Manhattan Transfer Swings Christmas
December 21
Genesee Theatre
203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
This group has won multiple Grammy Awards and sold millions of albums. It’s no surprise why because they do a little bit of everything—bebop, contemporary jazz, doo-wop, Latin melodies, pop/rock and more.
Family Fun
Glenview’s Polar Express
December 1, 7, 8 and 14
North Glenview Metra Station
300 Old Willow Road, Glenview
Make your child’s dreams come true with a ride on Glenview’s very own Polar Express. The train will leave the North Glenview Metra Station and head to Libertyville, giving your family the chance to read Chris Van Allsburg’s award-winning book. Families will then eat at Egg Harbor and meet Santa, who will ride the train back to Glenview and hand out gifts.
Weekend Family Class: Joyful Gingerbread
December 7 and 21
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Love gingerbread? Then you’ll love this class. Explore the plants needed to make gingerbread before decorating cookies and creating a batch of gingerbread to bake later. You’ll also take home your own ginger plant.
Downtown Highland Park’s Winter Wonderland
December 13–14
Downtown Highland Park
442 Central Ave., Highland Park
Get in the holiday spirit by roasting chestnuts, making crepes, drinking cider and building gingerbread houses. There will even be horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers and reindeer. And if you need to get holiday shopping done, some downtown Highland Park stores will be staying open late.
Harlem Globetrotters
Friday, Dec. 27
Allstate Arena
6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont
Take your kids to a basketball game like they’ve never seen before. It’s part sport, part theater and a whole lot of comedy. Not only will your kids love it, but you’ll have a lot of fun, too.
Holiday Magic
Through December 31
Brookfield Zoo
8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield
The animals at Brookfield Zoo want to get in on the holiday fun, too, so take your family caroling through the zoo’s indoor exhibits. After, enjoy a magic show, costumed characters and a 38-foot LED Talking Tree.
ZooLights
Through January 5
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
Take photos with Santa, ride the carousel and train, and watch ice carvers, all under the glow of the zoo’s magnificent light display. And while you’re there, go ice-skating! New this year, Lincoln Park’s rink is open through March 2.
Markets
Julmarknad
December 7–8
Swedish American Museum
5211 N. Clark St., Chicago
Don’t miss out… You have only one weekend to find traditional Scandinavian, as well as modern, handcrafted gifts. Bring the kids along for crafts, games and a visit with Santa.
Evanston Art Center Winter Arts & Crafts Expo
Through December 22
Evanston Art Center
2603 Sheridan Rd., Evanston
One of the largest craft shows in the Chicago area, this market is worth visiting even if your holiday shopping is done. In its 11th year, the Evanston Art Center will host several special events to go along with the expo, including “Shop Your Cause” Night on December 11, where 20 percent of the night’s proceeds will benefit nonprofits.
18th Annual Christkindlmarket
November 26 to December 24
Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington St., Chicago
Visiting this free German-American market is a perfect way to spend a day in the city with friends or family. Find holiday décor, or stop by for sausages, potato pancakes and Gluehwein (a traditional German holiday market hot spiced wine).
