Holiday fun continues throughout the Chicago area with Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue, holiday concerts with Pentatonix and John Legend, Wonderland Express at Chicago Botanic Garden, and much, much more.
Theater
Dec. 1, 5, 8: “Cendrillon“
This Lyric premiere and new-to-Chicago production of “Cendrillon,” or “Cinderella,” is sung in French with projected English translations. Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, 312-827-5600
Dec. 1-30: “The Nutcracker“
It’s not the holiday season in Chicago without Joffrey Ballet’s critically acclaimed “The Nutcracker,” now set during the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, 312-386-8905
Dec. 9: “Everyday Things“
Writers Theatre presents this original production by Chicago playwright Isaac Gomez in partnership with the Illinois Holocaust Museum and its exhibit “Stories of Survival.” Stay after for a Q&A with Writers Theatre Associate Artistic Director Geoff Button and the cast. Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie
Dec. 21-23: “American Girl Live!“
Your child’s favorite American Girl characters come to life in this brand-new musical. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-673-6300
Dec. 29: “A Christmas Carol” Sensory-Friendly Performance
Goodman Theatre partners with Autism Speaks Chicago to present a sensory-friendly/relaxed performance of this holiday classic with lower sound levels, designated quiet areas, space in the theater for standing and moving, and more. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, 312-443-3800
Comedy
Dec. 22-31: The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue
Celebrate all the things that make the holiday season so wonderful and wacky with this evening of songs and sketches. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, 847-577-2121
Film
Ongoing: Movie Mondays
Paramount Theatre shows favorite films on its two-story screen for only $1 on most Mondays. Upcoming screenings include “Scrooged” (Dec. 3), “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (Dec. 17), and “Polar Express” (Dec. 24). Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, 630-896- 6666
Music
Dec. 1: Celebrate the Holiday Spirit!
The Northbrook Symphony presents this evening of Hanukkah and Christmas favorites, plus an audience sing-along. Our Lady of the Brook Church, 3700 Dundee Road, Northbrook, 847-272-0755
Dec. 11-12: Pentatonix—Christmas Is Here! Tour
This popular a cappella group returns to the Chicago area to get us all in the holiday spirit. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, 847-671- 5100
Dec. 13: John Legend—A Legendary Christmas
Singer/songwriter (and new EGOT winner) John Legend brings his Christmas tour to Chicago. Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, 312-827-5600
Museums
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Bash
Say goodbye to 2018 with this kid-friendly party featuring music, crafts, a family-sized photo booth, and a confetti drop. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, 847-832-6600
Through Jan. 6: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
MSI’s holiday tradition continues with a four-story Grand Tree surrounded by more than 50 trees and displays and weekend performances. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 773-684-1414
Events
Dec. 1-2: Holiday Market
Find gifts like soaps, candles, honey, and more for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, 847-835-6801
Dec. 2-3: Chanukah Wonderland
Chabad of Northbrook and Chabad Israeli Center present two days of fun including a giant dreidel moon-bounce, Menorah-making workshop, doughnut decorating, and more. Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook
Dec. 2-9: Chanukah Celebrations at Westfield Old Orchard
Join Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie for kosher refreshments, crafts, music, story time, and more. Westfield Old Orchard, 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
Dec. 5: Know Thyself: Using Your Uniqueness to Create Success
Karamo Brown of Netflix’s “Queer Eye” during this Family Action Network event. Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston
Dec. 6: Downtown Evanston Warm Bevvy Walk
Check off every item on your holiday shopping list as you enjoy beverages at local Evanston shops. Participants include Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio, Edzo’s Burger Shop, The Spice & Tea Exchange of Evanston, dragonfly-df, and Whiskey Thief Tavern. Downtown Evanston
Dec. 6-9: One of a Kind Holiday Show
Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at this show featuring more than 600 independent makers. The Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, 312-527-4141
Dec. 8: Gingerbread Building for Charity
Your child can enter this gingerbread building contest for a chance to win $250 to donate to the charity of their choice. A. Perry Homes Design Studio, 1220 Washington Ave., Wilmette
Dec. 12: Hope for the Holidays Centerpieces Class
Create a stunning holiday centerpiece with award-winning floral designer Andy Zimmerman. BYOB; holiday desserts and nonalcoholic drinks will be provided. Random Acts of Flowers, 2000 Greenleaf St., Evanston, 847-430-4751
Dec. 12-16: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
You’ll be in awe of this festively fantastic production. The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago
Dec. 16: Gingerbread House Decorating Party
Show off your gingerbread house decorating skills while enjoying hot chocolate and listening to festive music. Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, 847-234-6060
Through Dec. 24: Christkindlmarket
A holiday tradition, visitors can shop unique goods while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, 312-494-2175
Through Dec. 31: Santa Cruise
Enjoy a lake tour of magical light displays — and see Santa too! Special Adults Only Cruises take place Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. Gage Marina/PIER 290 Restaurant, 1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Dec. 31: First Night Evanston
Ring in the new year during this family-friendly festival of music, dance, spoken word performances, arts and crafts, and more throughout Evanston. Various venues
Through Jan. 1: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Walk a one-mile path amidst trees lit with bright colors. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, 630-968-0074
Through Jan. 6: Wonderland Express
This favorite family event returns with special events like Free Movie Days (Dec. 23, 29-30), Caroling (Dec. 22), and Ice Sculpting (Dec. 16, Jan. 5-6). Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, 847-835-6801
Through Jan. 6: ZooLights
ZooLights is back with 3D displays, live ice-sculpture carving, musical light shows, holiday snacks and drinks, and more. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-742-2000
Through Jan. 6: Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest
Celebrate the season with carnival rides, an indoor ice skating rink, activities, and more. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 1-800-595-7437
Ongoing: Fire On The Mile
The Chicago Fire Soccer Club opened this pop-up in November to give fans a chance to play soccer skee-ball and foosball, shop Fire merchandise, and more. The Wrigley Building, 400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Media Sponsorships
Make It Better is a proud media sponsor of this event:
Dec. 1: MRW Leadership Board’s “Jammin’ in Our Genes” Benefit
Enjoy live music, drinks, dessert, and raffle games, all while raising money for a screening mammography program at North Shore Health Center for uninsured and underserved patients. 210 Restaurant, 210 Green Bay Road, Highwood
Anna Carlson writes the weekly Weekend 101 column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine, and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
