In our rapidly changing COVID-19 mitigation situation, it can be hard to figure out what, if any, traditional holiday events are going to be happening this year.
A good rule of thumb is if it’s virtual, it’s probably still happening.
Things can change, and it’s a good idea to check websites or make a phone call before the event. But as of press time, these virtual events in the suburbs were still scheduled.
Ongoing
A reading of Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory:” from South Shore Arts. Tickets: $25. Call 219-836-1839, ext. 100, or email Kelly Freeman at [email protected].
Nov. 27
“A Christmas Carol:” 7 p.m. Nov. 27 to Jan. 3, 2021 from McAninch Arts Center, by Charles Dickens, adapted by William J. Norris; directed by Amelia Barrett. Tickets: $16. Go to atthemac.org.
Dec. 2
The Irony of Festivus: 7-8 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets: Free. Go to homerlibrary.org/homer-live-irony-festivus.
Dec. 3
DuPage Community Jazz Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 from McAninch Arts Center. Tickets: $7. Go to atthemac.org.
Dec. 4
Jim Brickman: 7 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets: $40-$125. Proceeds will benefit North Central College Fine & Performing Arts. Go to jimbrickman.com/naperville/.
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Dec. 5
The Second City — “I Saw Mommy Kissing the Second City:” 7 p.m. Dec. 5 from McAninch Arts Center. Tickets: $30. Go to atthemac.org.
Dec. 6
“A Renaissance Christmas Concert with the Bella Voce:” 3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 6, recorded at St. Luke’s Chapel in Evanston. Tickets: $10. Go to www.barringtonswhitehouse.com/event/a-renaissance-christmas-concert-with-the-bella-voce.
The St. Charles Singers 2020 Candlelight Carols: 4 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. Dec. 6. The concert is 45 minutes. Tickets: Free. Go to stcharlessingers.com.
Dec. 8
College Music Chamber Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 from McAninch Arts Center. Tickets: $7. Go to atthemac.org.
Dec. 9, Dec. 12, Dec. 16, Dec. 19
“A Holiday Happening:” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Dec. 12, Dec. 16, and Dec. 19 from the Skokie Theatre. Tickets: $15. Go to skokietheatre.org/holiday.html.
Dec. 10
College Music Small Group Jazz Ensemble: 12 p.m. Dec. 10 from McAninch Arts Center. Tickets: $7. Go to atthemac.org.
College Music Chamber Singers: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 from McAninch Arts Center. Tickets: $7. Go to atthemac.org.
Dec. 11
Lee Rocker of The Stray Cats: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 from College of Lake County. Tickets: Free. Register at 847-543-2300 or email [email protected].
Let It Show! Virtual Holiday Party Variety Show: 7 p.m. Dec. 11 from Raue Center for the Arts. Tickets: Free. Go to rauecenter.org.
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy “A Celtic Family Christmas:” 7 p.m. Dec. 11 from North Central College. Tickets: $25. Go to https://homeplay.live/event?uuid=bc0cf6bc-59ce-4485-8f81-e36fcefb5a3b.
Dec. 12
GreenRoom Improv: 7 p.m. Dec. 12 from Raue Center for the Arts. Tickets: $20. Go to rauecenter.org.
“Sing We Joyous:” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Tickets: $25. Go to www.oriana.org.
Dec. 12
Dennis O’Brien Holiday concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 12 from the Venue in Aurora. Tickets: donation requested. Go to https://themusicvenue.org/donate.
La Porte County Symphony Orchestra Holiday at the Pops: 7 p.m. Dec. 12 from the Civic Auditorium in La Porte. Tickets: $20. Go to www.lcso.net.
New Philharmonic “Holiday Sing-Along with the Symphony:” 7 p.m. Dec. 12 to Jan. 3, 2021, from McAninch Arts Center. Tickets: $40. Ticket buyers will be emailed a song sheet of lyrics. Go to atthemac.org.
Dec. 18
Chicago a cappella Online Holiday Party: 7 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets: $8. Go to chicagoacappella.org/.
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“The Hip Hop Nutcracker:” 7 p.m. Dec. 18 from James Lumber Center. Tickets: $20-$50. Go to stellartickets.com/events/hhn-and-james-lumbar-center/hip-hop-nutcracker-grayslake.
The Virtuoso Violin Concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 18 from Michigan City Chamber Music Festival. Tickets: Free. Go to www.mccmf.org/.
“It’s a Wonderful Western Springs Life:” available Dec. 18 from Theatre of Western Springs. Tickets: $10. Go to theatreofwesternsprings.com/on-stage/tws/its-a-wonderful-western-springs-life.
Dec. 19
Happy 250th Birthday Beethoven Concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 19 from Michigan City Chamber Music Festival. Tickets: Free. Go to www.mccmf.org/.
Moscow Ballet “Great Russian Nutcracker:” 7 p.m. Dec. 19 to Jan. 1, 2021, from McAninch Arts Center. Tickets: $24.99-$69.99. Go to atthemac.org.
Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash: “Million Dollar Christmas:” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 to Jan. 1, 2021, from McAninch Arts Center. Tickets: $50. Go to atthemac.org.
Dec. 20
Holiday Family Fun Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 20 from Michigan City Chamber Music Festival. Tickets: Free. Go to www.mccmf.org/.
Dec. 23
Dick Smith’s Holiday Hoo Hah: A Dark n’ Shiny Quarantine Wrangle: 8 p.m. Dec. 23 from the Venue in Aurora. Tickets: donation requested. Go to https://themusicvenue.org/donate.
Dec. 31
New Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concerts featuring soprano Alysa Jordheim: 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 from McAninch Arts Center. Tickets: $50. Go to atthemac.org.
Wendy Fox Weber is entertainment editor and columnist for the Lake County News-Sun, the Beacon-News, the Daily Southtown, Naperville Sun, the Post-Tribune, the Courier-News and Pioneer Press. She can be reached at [email protected].