Holiday happenings sweep suburbs

To help guide you to the myriad entertainment options ready to be unwrapped this holiday season, we’ve collected a sampling of some of the best shows, festivals and activities around.

Symphony sparkles

WHAT Returning to its regular venue by popular demand, Elgin Symphony Orchestra performs “Home for the Holidays,” featuring the Elgin Choral Union, Elgin Children’s Chorus and vocal soloist Nathaniel Stampley. He was featured on the orchestra’s Copland recording and was one of three actors who played the patriarch lion Mufasa in the Broadway production of “The Lion King.” Robert Hanson will conduct the rousing holiday arrangements for which the award-winning orchestra is known.
WHERE The Hemmens Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
WHEN 3:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12; and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13
COST $28 to $62
CONTACT (847) 888-4000; www.ElginSymphony.org

Robert Hanson will conduct the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays” performances with guest choirs and soloist Nathaniel Stampley of Broadway’s “The Lion King.” SUBMITTED PHOTO

New Year’s bash

WHAT Say “au revoir” to 2009 at “Party Gras 2010” set on Pheasant Run Resort’s Bourbon Street. Pick from four overnight party packages whose options include a five-course dinner, the hit show “Defending the Caveman” or a nationally touring stand-up comedian in Zanies Comedy Club, dancing, live entertainment, balloon drop, open bar, champagne toast and brunch. Kids are offered dinner, games and crafts at the Kid’s Klub New Year’s Eve MASKuerade Party for $25 per child. The New Year’s Eve celebration is just one of the fall and winter getaways at the resort.
WHERE Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. (Route 64), St. Charles
WHEN Thursday, Dec. 31
COST New Year’s Eve packages start from $239 per couple
CONTACT (630) 584-6300; www.pheasantrun.com

Celebrate dysfunctional holidays

WHAT Join the hoopla over the troupe’s 50th anniversary, as The Second City Dysfunctional Holiday Revue takes its comedy act on the road. Described as an antidote to annoying holiday films, over-played carols and dreaded family gatherings, the R-rated show is a raucous blend of sketches, songs and improv with a healthy dose of seasonal satire.
WHERE Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. (Route 64), St. Charles
WHEN 8 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 11 and 18, Tuesday, Dec. 22, and Wednesday, Dec. 30
COST $39, with dinner packages available
CONTACT (630) 584-6342; www.pheasantrun.com

Brilliantly British

WHAT The Elgin Choral Union presents “A Proper English Christmas,” accompanied by the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. English carols are spotlighted, and the audience gets into the act with sing-alongs to several favorites. The program by the 120-voice community choir features original works and arrangements by the wildly popular British choral composer John Rutter, as well as Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gerald Finzi.
WHERE Blizzard Theatre in Elgin Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin
WHEN 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20
COST $23, $18 for seniors, $15 for students, $5 for age 10 and younger with adult admission
CONTACT ECC ticket office at (847) 622-0300; www.elginchoralunion.org

‘Candlelight Carols’ set to soar in St. Charles and Wheaton

WHAT The St. Charles Singers, who will be conducted by British choral composer John Rutter later this season, launch their concert series with the Christmas program, “Candlelight Carols.” The celebrated choir will perform music that reaches across the centuries and across national borders — from the Elizabethan period to contemporary composers including Rutter. Their vocal excellence has garnered international praise, and American Record Guide raves: “They never fail to touch the heart while pleasing the ear.”
ST. CHARLES Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave.
WHEN 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
WHEATON St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave.
WHEN 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
COST $30 adult general admission, $20 for seniors, and $10 for full-time students 23 and younger
CONTACT (630) 513-5272; www.stcharlessingers.com

The acclaimed St. Charles Singers will present “Candlelight Carols” in Geneva and Wheaton to launch the new season. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Festivities light up town

WHAT A day-long celebration, the St. Charles Holiday Homecoming presents a 10 a.m. family movie and 2 p.m. community concert at The Arcada Theatre, horse-drawn rides that afternoon and strolling Victorian carolers, capped by the Electric Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. During the holiday season, you can’t beat the shimmering view of lighted Christmas trees on the lampposts along Route 64 as it slopes down to the Fox River and rises out of the valley.
WHERE Main Street in downtown St. Charles
WHEN Saturday, Nov. 28, preceded by the Lighting of the Lights at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Lincoln Park, Main and Fourth streets
COST Free
CONTACT www.stcholidayhomecoming.com or call Downtown St. Charles Partnership at (630) 513-5386

Visions of Sugar Plums

WHAT The Tchaikovsky confection, “The Nutcracker,” springs to life with professional guest artists and the Kane Community Opera Orchestra, when State Street Dance Studio presents the entire ballet. Collaborating with the Norris Cultural Arts Center, the Geneva studio adds new choreography, including flying and special effects. More than 75 dancers and actors ages 5 to 80 perform in the annual production (www.statestreetdancestudio.com). New this year, the studio will award eight hours of lessons to one random winner at each performance, who can choose from a class roster ranging from ballet to ballroom and yoga.
WHERE Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles
WHEN 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20
COST $25, $20 for age 12 and younger
CONTACT (630) 584-7200, Ext. 10

A live orchestra will accompany the State Street Dance Studio production of “The Nutcracker,” featuring 75 performers. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH GERLING

‘Sing-Along with Santa’

WHAT Santa and his surprisingly musical crew of elves will lead an interactive holiday experience as the Steel Beam Theatre Children’s Stage offers “Sing-Along with Santa.” The show has young audience members singing, taking a turn on Santa’s lap, and receiving bags of goodies — whether they’ve been naughty or nice.
WHERE Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles
WHEN 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19; and 1 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 22 and 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20
COST $12, $10 for age 16 and younger
CONTACT (630) 587-8521; www.steelbeamtheatre.com

Broadway ‘Carol’

WHAT It’s a reprise of Steel Beam Theatre’s popular incarnation of “A Christmas Carol” — a musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic story of Scrooge and Tiny Tim, originally presented by Radio City Entertainment at Madison Square Garden. The show’s music is by Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid”).
WHERE Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles
WHEN Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, with evening and matinee performances various Thursdays through Sundays
COST $25, $23 for seniors and students
CONTACT (630) 587-8521; www.steelbeamtheatre.com

Christmas Walk and House Tour

WHAT Hospitality infuses Geneva’s Christmas Walk and House Tour festivities. Five lavishly decorated homes welcome tour goers Friday and Saturday. Christmas Walk takes place Friday evening, beginning with the 6 p.m. arrival of Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, followed by Santa Claus, who lights the Great Tree on the courthouse lawn and opens his Gingerbread House for children’s visits. Shops serve refreshments late into the evening, while chestnuts are roasted outdoors and carolers stroll the streets. Watch old-fashioned candy cane making at Graham’s Fine Chocolates and enjoy a free sample. House Tour hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
WHERE Christmas Walk transforms downtown Geneva
WHEN Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5
COST House Tour tickets, which include a traditional tea, can be purchased in advance for $28, or $30 the day of event.
CONTACT Geneva Chamber of Commerce at (630) 232-6060; www.genevachamber.com

Hot chocolate nirvana

WHAT Indulge in the rich hot cocoa created for Graham’s 318 coffee shop by its confectionery headquarters down the block at Graham’s Fine Chocolates in Geneva. You also can purchase it in tins to warm the homefront this holiday season. Can’t get enough of the molten temptation? Try the chocolate fondue at Graham’s 318.
WHERE Graham’s 318, 318 S. Third St., Geneva
WHEN 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
CONTACT (630) 845-3180; grahamsfinec979.corecommerce.com
GRAHAM’S WHEATON CANDY SHOP 119 W. Front St.; (630) 221-1199

Light of spirit

WHAT Families bundle up to attend the tree lighting at the Celebration of Lights, whose festivities include holiday music, tractor-driven hayrides, roasted chestnuts, caroling, a bake sale, live entertainment and a visit with St. Nick.
WHERE Batavia Riverwalk, off the Fox River on the north side of Wilson Street in downtown Batavia
WHEN 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29
COST Free
CONTACT Batavia Park District at (630) 879-5235; www.bataviaparks.org

Little house on the prairie

WHAT Step into a pioneer Candle-Light Open House at the Durant House Museum. The prairie homestead will be adorned in authentic period decor, and visitors will be treated to hot cider and baked treats, including ginger cakes made from an 1840s Illinois recipe. Fragrant evergreens, a roaring fire on the hearth, and an old-fashioned Christmas tree recreate the spirit of Christmas past, complemented by music and dramatic performances of holiday stories and poetry. The forest preserve provides the perfect winter wonderland setting.
WHERE Durant House Museum in the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W370 Dean Street, a mile west of Randall Road, St. Charles
WHEN Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13
COST Free, with donations welcome
CONTACT (630) 377-6424; www.ppfv.org

Pioneer hospitality

WHAT Candlelight at the Inn shares hospitality 1840s style at the Garfield Farm Museum. Experience the tradition of winter visits as practiced by families like the Garfields in their 1846 brick inn. Live music, food and a bake sale are among the highlights.
WHERE Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, La Fox
WHEN The festivities from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, are preceded by a Homespun Holiday Market running from noon to 7 p.m. both days
COST Free, with donations accepted
CONTACT (630) 584-8485; www.garfieldfarm.org

Chipmunks and Santa

WHAT To share the holiday spirit, Charlestowne 18 Cinema Theatre presents a free showing of the animated film “Alvin & The Chipmunks: A Chipmunk Christmas.” Santa will make a special appearance, and families are encouraged to bring their cameras and wish lists for their visit with him. The event is co-sponsored by the Charlestowne Mall and Classic Cinemas. The movie is a collection of three holiday Alvin and the Chipmunk cartoons including the classic “A Chipmunk Christmas.” After giving his cherished harmonica to a sick child, trouble-making chipmunk Alvin learns he is scheduled to play a solo on the instrument during a Carnegie Hall Christmas concert. Thinking Dave won’t understand why he gave his prized possession away, he enlists the help of siblings Simon and Theodore to raise money to buy another one.
WHERE 3740 E. Main St., St. Charles
WHEN 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
COST Free
CONTACT www.classiccinemas.com

Dickensian fantasy

WHAT Dickens of a Christmas Celebration delivers a month of festivities. The annual Lighted Holiday Parade steps off at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, featuring Santa’s arrival and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Horse-drawn carriage and Little Obie Locomotive rides are among the highlights. Continuing Saturdays through Dec. 19 are carriage rides and visits with Santa. Shops will present their Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 5.
WHERE Downtown Wheaton
WHEN Nov. 27 to Dec. 19
COST Fee for carriage rides and for visits with Santa at Wheaton Drama, 111 N. Hale St.
CONTACT (630) 682-0633; www.DowntownWheaton.com

Raptors pal with Santa

WHAT Talons and Claus is an unusual holiday photograph opportunity for animal lovers, not to mention fans of a clever twist of phrase. Have your picture taken with Santa and his friends during a visit with the raptors. No registration is required.
WHERE Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn
WHEN 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
COST Admission is free, with $10 charged for photos
CONTACT (630) 942-6200; www.willowbrookwildlife.com

All aboard Polar Express

WHAT Take a trip on the Polar Express, which departs from the Itasca Metra Train Station for a ride to Elgin and back. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa. Passengers, who are invited to dress in their favorite PJs, will hear the Polar Express story and enjoy chocolate milk and cookies. Registration deadline is Nov. 30. Participants younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent.
WHERE Itasca Metra Train Station, Irving Park Road and Walnut Street, Itasca
WHEN 9 to 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
COST $15 per adult or child; free for ages 6 months and younger
CONTACT (630) 773-2257; www.itasca.com

A cappella surprises

WHAT The premiere of “Escape to … The Light of the Star” will be performed by the a cappella ensemble Acappellago. With holiday programming twists by Music Director Dennis Smith, the concert will feature the rarely heard suite titled “Christ’s Nativity,” by 20th century composer Benjamin Britten. The second half of the program will offer surprising arrangements of seasonal favorites “We Three Kings” and “I Wonder as I Wander.”
WHERE Mayslake Peabody Estate’s Event Hall, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
WHEN 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
COST $15, $12 for seniors and students, with discounted subscriptions available
CONTACT www.Acappellago.org; (708) 484-3797, Ext. 2; P.O. Box 749, Westmont, IL 60559

Drama-infused Holiday Tea

WHAT Enjoy high tea in a decked-out hall with live music and a reading of a classic story by First Folio Theatre, whose home base is the Mayslake Peabody Estate. Extend the fun with a docent-led tour of Mayslake Hall after the Holiday High Tea. Ages 7 and older are invited to take part in festivities. Registration deadline for tea is Dec. 7.
WHERE Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
WHEN 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13
COST $33 for the tea, and $5 for the optional tour
CONTACT (630) 206-9566

Museum-quality gingerbread creations

WHAT Build a little holiday spirit by making a gingerbread house. Participants will decorate the house with candies, frosting, pretzels and other treats. The fee includes decorations and one pre-assembled house per group of up to five people ready to design the delectables. Call early for reservations for this popular event.
WHERE Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
WHEN 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
COST $25 per house
CONTACT (630) 833-1457

Crafty shoppers unite

WHAT The highly anticipated Autumn Festival arts and craft fair offers a plethora of one-of-a-kind gifts. The event features continuous entertainment, with food and drink available to fuel the shoppers.
WHERE Odeum Expo Center, 1033 N. Villa Ave., Villa Park
WHEN 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 19 and 20; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22
COST $8, $7 for seniors, free for age 9 and younger
CONTACT (630) 941-9292; www.hpifestivals.com

Chili-flavored fun in festive lineup

WHAT The village of Bensenville presents its Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting Ceremony. The celebration begins with Santa greeting visitors at Towne Center, followed by his Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:50 p.m. The event features carolers, a disc jockey, carriage rides, Santa’s reindeer, a caricaturist and a turkey raffle, all spiced by the second annual Chili Cook-Off Competition. Preceding the festivities, the Holiday Coloring Contest Winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. The community is collecting donations for the annual Holiday Toy Drive. Residents are asked to provide an unwrapped toy to help make the holiday more enjoyable for less fortunate Bensenville children.
WHERE Bensenville Towne Center at Green and Center streets
WHEN 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 (5:30 p.m. coloring contest winner announcement)
COST Free
CONTACT (630) 766-8200; www.bensenville.il.us

All that glitters

WHAT ’Tis the season for sparkle. The gem collection of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History offers up an exhibit of ordinary objects turned into jeweled art. Included are pieces by San Francisco jewelry designer Sidney Mobell, famed for his jewel-encrusted chess set, trash can, and gold mousetrap with a diamond wedge of cheese. The “Jeweled Objects of Desire” exhibit showcases 10 of Mobell’s artistic creations along with other jeweled and unusual objects from the Smithsonian’s vaults.
WHERE Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Wilder Park, 220 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst
WHEN Exhibit runs now to Jan. 3. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday
COST $4, $3 for seniors, $2 for students and teens, and $1 for ages 7 to 12; Friday is a free day for everyone, and admission is always free to active military
CONTACT (630) 833-1616; www.lizzadromuseum.org

This gold-plated cellular phone, set with rubies and sapphires, is among the jeweled designs by Sidney Mobell, part of an exhibit drawn from the gem collection of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History. It’s on display at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art.  PHOTO COURTESY OF SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Hot ice for skaters

WHAT Recreational skaters can check out The Edge Ice Arenas in Bensenville, boasting three skating surfaces. One of the largest ice skating facilities in the country, it is home to the Chicago Steel and Robert Morris Eagles and practice ice for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Edge is also the training facility for World Champions and 2006 Olympic Gold Medalists Tatiana Totmianin and Maxim Marinan. Programs are available for hockey players, figure skaters and recreational skaters of all ages.
WHERE Edge Ice Arenas, 735 E. Jefferson, Bensenville
WHEN 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends
CONTACT (630) 766-8888; www.bensenville.il.us