The Sulzer Library has everything it takes for kids to create a menorah for HANUKKAH. They will use some spools for the base, plain pipe cleaners to make the candles and ones that sparkle to create the flames. Children can also create a Star of David out of popsicle sticks and lots of glue. Stories of the holiday will be part of the program. At the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library, the MELIKIN PUPPETS will perform “The Night Before Christmas,” which will be narrated by a shaggy white dog who remembers what he saw when Santa came down the chimney. Hand and rod puppets will also tell the story of the shoemaker and his elves, which emphasizes the importance of people helping each other. Hanukkah Stories and Crafts, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave., free, 312-744-7616; Christmas with Melikin Puppets, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. free; 312-747-4200.
— Nancy Maes
The December theme at the Kohl Children’s Museum is “Celebrations.” In one activity kids can celebrate music by moving to various rhythms while they wave streamers. In another they can celebrate themselves by creating a self-portrait. In a major event called “Holiday Hop,” inspired by the exhibit “The Shoes We Use,” children are encouraged to wear their favorite pair of socks to move to the music of Parents’ Choice award-winner Jim Gill, who is sure to sing “Crazy Shoes.” Children can also follow a path of footprints and stop along the way to play a sock toss game. Or they can just join in a musical sock hop. “Celebrate Music!” through Sunday, “Celebrate Me !” Dec. 26-20, $5; Holiday Hop, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 28, $35 per family, reservations requested, Kohl Children’s Museum, 165 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette; 847-256-6056.
— Nancy Maes
Celebrate the season of light and brighten the holiday for less fortunate families by taking a ride through the Symphony of Lights in Joliet. More than 20 holiday scenes, from drummer boys to angels, are outlined in hundreds of thousands of animated displays on the grounds of the Empress RV Resort. All proceeds from the event benefit the Morningstar Mission in Joliet, which serves homeless and other low-income people by providing shelter, clothes and meals, plus toys at Christmas. The Symphony of Lights, 5:30-10 p.m. through Dec. 31 at U.S. Highway 6 and Empress Drive, Joliet, $8 per car or mini-van or $2 a person per full-size van or bus with a $10 minimum; 815-722-5780.
— Pat Harper
Family-friendly entertainment blows into the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre for the holidays. The Metropolis presents Emerald City Theatre’s acclaimed children’s musical, “Frosty” starting Saturday. Everyone in your family will love this musical featuring their favorite walking, talking snowfella. “Frosty,” 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 30; 11 a.m. Dec. 31. No shows Dec. 24 and 25. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, $8; 847-577-2121.
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— Stephanie Price
It’s a super “Surprise Saturday” at the DuPage Children’s Museum. Come find new ways to explore the museum with “Busy Builders,” “Try-It Days” and “Exhibit Enrichment Activities.” There’s a new activity every Saturday. DuPage Children’s Museum, 1777 S. Blanchard Rd., Wheaton, programs free with museum admission of $4.50 per person age 1 and up; 630-260-9960.
— Stephanie Price