There are many wonderful ways to celebrate the holidays — from horse-drawn carriage rides to seasonal satire from The Second City. Here are 10 great things to do this holiday season in the northwest suburbs.
1. Vintage Holidays: Nov. 19-Dec. 18 at Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Tickets: free admission; $15 for carriage rides, free for ages 5 and younger. 847-634-0888; longgrove.org/festivals/holiday-season.
The Christmas spirit will be everywhere in Historic Downtown Long Grove during Vintage Holidays. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday caroling, and visits with Santa on select weekends. The downtown’s quaint shops will be gaily decorated for the holidays and offer specials on merchandise, food and beverages.
2. Winterfest: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. Tickets: free. 847-970-9235; mundeleincommunityconnection.org/santas-cottage.html.
Mundelein Community Connection presents a free family event. There will be carolers, ice sculpting, princess characters, train rides, shoot the puck, and other games to entertain all ages.
3. Dickens of a Holiday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10 by MainStreet Libertyville, downtown Libertyville. Tickets: Donation of nonperishable food items for Libertyville Township Food Pantry. 847-680-0336; mainstreetlibertyville.org.
Kids will be invited to join Santa in his sleigh to have their photo taken. Youngsters can also visit the Children’s Holiday Shoppe at Petranek’s Pharmacy, 426 N. Milwaukee Ave., where Santa’s Elves will help them select gifts for family and friends for $6 or less. All ages will enjoy a Victorian Tea in the Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. each day. Visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the Libertyville Township Food Pantry.
4. Someday at Christmas: John-Mark McGaha Sings Stevie Wonder: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 1 p.m. Dec. 13 by Artists Lounge Live at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Tickets: $59.83. 847-634-0200; marriotttheatre.com/show/someday-at-christmas.
John-Mark McGaha shares song and stories about singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder’s amazing life. Selections will include “Someday at Christmas,” “That’s What Christmas Means to Me,” “Ava Maria,” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You.”
5. The Twelve Dames of Christmas with Angela Ingersoll: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 by Artists Lounge Live at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Tickets: $45-$50. 847-577-2121; metropolisarts.com
More Top Picks Best Electric Razors For Ingrown Hairs Men
.
The Emmy-nominated singer shares the sounds of Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Janis Joplin and nine other divas in this holiday romp. Songs will include “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Santa Baby,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
6. Sam Fazio Sings the Christmas Crooners: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Tickets: $35. 847-577-2121; metropolisarts.com.
The Chicago-based vocalist, whose holiday CD, “Swingin’ Thru the Holidays,” was named one of the best holiday jazz albums by critic Howard Reich, will share beloved holiday songs by legendary crooners. He will be joined by music director Chris White and some of the area’s best musicians.
7. Holly Jolly Concert with the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra: 3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Tickets: $15. 847-234-6060; gortoncenter.org/event/holly-jolly-2022.
Popular holiday carols as well as brand new ones will be performed at this family concert. Selections will include “Sleigh Ride” and “Trepak” from “The Nutcracker.”
8. ‘The Second City’s Jingle Bell Ruckus”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-21 and 26-31 at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Tickets: $35; $50 New Year’s Eve with Champagne toast. 847-577-2121; metropolisarts.com.
Everything from holiday film classics to family gatherings, and Christmas carols are subjected to the twists and turns of The Second City’s satire. The fast-paced, original comedy review will include some always surprising improv segments.
9. “Junior Claus”: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 20-30 (except Dec. 25) at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Tickets: $20. 847-735-8554, ext. 1; citadeltheatre.org/theatre-for-young-audiences.
A teenager has no interest in taking over the family business until his dad gets incapacitated and he has no choice in “Junior Claus” by Michael Kooman and Christopher Diamond. Adding to that problem, there’s trouble brewing when an elf attempts to turn Santa’s workshop into a for-profit business in Santa’s absence. Junior has to step up his game in this musical about Santa and Mrs. Claus’ only son.
10. Dave Rudolf’s Completely Cracked Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Tickets: $15-$35. 224-202-0750; heynonny.com/shows/dave-rudolfs-completely-cracked-christmas.
You can count on Dave Rudolf to keep everyone laughing when he performs his hilarious Christmas parodies and tropical Christmas tunes from two of his 42 albums. The prolific Grammy-nominated artist is also an award-winning children’s author.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.