holiday

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

For more than 20 years, the Canterbury Carollers have performed authentic Victorian Christmas carols throughout Chicago and the western suburbs. Now they are teaming up with several actors to present an evening of classic Christmas tales and favorite carols. They celebrate the start of the holiday season at two Thanksgiving weekend performances in Elmhurst.
 

The Canterbury Carollers have appeared at the White House. COURTESY OF www.canterburycarollers.com

 Several local actors will translate Christmas stories written by Charles Dickens and O Henry into an interactive performance for the whole family. Popular Christmas carols will be sung by the professional carollers in period costumes.

Cantigny Park is offering a series of botanical design classes this fall for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their holiday decorations.

The sessions at Cantigny's greenhouse include an intensive "Holly Daze Workshop" and a snow globe class for children.

Ways to help brighten the season are offered in Kane, DuPage and Cook counties.

DO IT
As thoughts of Thanksgiving prompt visions of feasts, you can help make it a day to be grateful for people facing tough times. Beds Plus, a homeless shelter in La Grange, needs volunteers for its holiday menus and for the day-to-day meals and other services it provides.

WHOM IT HELPS
The organization reaches out to people in west suburban Cook County and a portion of Hinsdale. “We just opened our shelters (for the season) on Oct. 15, and we had record numbers,” says Beth Tracy, office manager. “We provide a warm meal to the clients, as well as a place to sleep and eat breakfast. And we have case management for them. (We) help with medical problems or trying to find a job or with substance abuse.” She says there’s a  big need for volunteers to assist at the shelters.

As you wait for your movie to start at the North Riverside Mall Theatre, check out the student art display.

The North Riverside Theatre, 7501 W. Cermak Road, in North Riverside, features creative and original paintings, drawings and ceramics by more than dozen aspiring art students enrolled in Proviso West High School in Hillside. The theater, which has marked its first year in operation under Classic Cinemas, will present the exhibit throughout the month of November.
 
“We love giving local students a platform within the community to showcase their talents,” says General Manager Andy Bach. “Their faces light up when the students see others admire their talents.”

Thanks to a little divine intervention from Rosemary Clooney, the members of the fictional four-part harmony group from ‘Forever Plaid’ are brought back from the great beyond for a holiday sequel. In the original, set in 1964, the four were killed when their car was struck by a bus load of fans en route to see The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The holiday incarnation recaptures the smooth sounds of the ‘30s to ‘50s with a cast that includes Geneva native David Meadows of Chicago. The baritone, who takes on the bass part, talks about the musical comedy presented by Noble Fool Theatricals.
 

David Meadows (from left), Robert Deason, Sean Effinger-Dean and Brad Simanski unleash Christmas cheer in the “Plaid Tidings” musical at Pheasant Run. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIMBERLY G. MORRIS