Joffrey holiday classic returns: The Joffrey Ballet celebrates its first season at the Lyric Opera with performances of this critically acclaimed and reimagined classic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score, the story features Marie and her immigrant family at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 during a Christmas Eve celebration. After a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario, Marie embarks on a whirlwind adventure with the nutcracker prince through a dreamlike world. “The Nutcracker” runs through Dec. 26 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive; tickets $35+ at joffrey.org
Kala Christougena: All along Halsted Street, festive blue and white lights are lit to celebrate the holidays in Greektown. This Sunday, students from Chicago-area Greek schools sing traditional Greek Christmas carols while the tree is illuminated. Guests can enjoy complimentary treats plus American and Greek holiday tunes provided by DJ Yianni. Holiday Tree Lighting and Carols beginning at 3 p.m., Dec. 12 at Elysian Field, 401 S. Halsted St.; free, information at greektownchicago.org
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Merry Krampus: If you’ve misbehaved at all this year, this is the fest to be. This year’s 8th annual fest offers German-style street food, artisan wares, baked goods, and Krampuslauf (the traditional Austrian procession that tells a story of Krampus and his punishments to those who have misbehaved). Costumes are encouraged and prizes awarded. “Krampus Fest” 12-6 p.m., Dec. 11, at Martyrs, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave.; free, information at martyrslive.com
Songs of past and present: Daniel Wallenberg conducts the Music Institute of Chicago Chorale’s opening night, kicking off the 2021-22 season. This weekend’s performance features settings of the Biblical Song of Solomon featuring works composed from the Middle Ages to modern times. “Song of Songs” beginning at 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston; free, information at musicinst.org
To the ugliest sweater go the spoils: Grab the sweater that’s been hiding in the back of the closet and prepare to make it look worse than it ever has. A slew of wild and wacky decorating materials are provided to aid in creating an abomination of a holiday sweater. Themed food and drinks are available while guests immerse themselves in A Christmas Story Pop-Up before being judged (and awarded) for ugliest sweater of the night. Ugly Sweater Decorating beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Fatpour Wicker Park, 2005 W. Division St.; tickets $15 at fatpourwickerpark.com
Bringing extra happiness to the holidays: Experience a holiday event guaranteed to bring all the smiles. This winter wonderland is back by popular demand and more than twice as big as before. Two-hour sessions allow guests to surround themselves with over-the-top holiday balloon displays and leave Christmas wish lists for Santa. “Santa Wonderland” two-hour sessions throughout the day, through Dec. 13 at Luft Balloons, 2300 W. Fullerton Ave.; tickets $12 at luftballoonstore.com
What’s wrong with people? Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco asks the question, “What’s wrong with people?” during his new special airing next year on Showtime. He poses the same question this weekend during his “Nobody Does This” Chicago tour stop and tries to bridge the gap between the Old World Italian American style he grew up in and today’s lifestyle. Sebastian Maniscalco performs at 7 p.m. Dec. 11, and 5 p.m. Dec. 12, at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $80+ at www.ticketmaster.com
It’s time to geek out: The largest pop culture convention in the Midwest is back and ready to entertain more fans than ever. Lovers of comic books, cosplay, video games, animé, TV shows, movies, books, comedy, and even wrestling can all find something to get excited about at this weekend’s C2E2. This year’s featured guests include Hayden Christensen, John Cena and Giancarlo Esposito. Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo runs through Dec. 12 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets $40+ at c2e2.com
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