Light Up the Lake: Navy Pier lights up for its annual holiday festival. Try the new ice slide, throw an axe or shop the artisan market. Craft workshops, a meet-and-greet with Santa and holiday-themed drone shows are also on offer. And, of course, view the city from the Centennial Wheel. Fireworks on Saturday nights. Through Jan. 5 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; free, but some activities require tickets ($5-$47) at navypier.org
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light: For 82 years, the Museum of Science and Industry has celebrated the holidays by decorating trees and honoring different cultures. Since then, the tradition has expanded to include more than 50 countries and seven holidays. This year’s exhibit centers on the science of snowflakes. Through Jan. 6 at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets (included with standard admission) $9.95-$25.95 at msichicago.org
Illumination at the Morton Arboretum: Walk a one-mile path to experience an immersive installation exploring how light transforms the landscape. Roast s’mores over a fire or indulge in other concessions. Through Jan. 4 at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle; tickets $16.50-$47 at mortonarb.org
Willow Hill Lights: Pile into the car and drive through a 2.5-mile light show set to FM radio holiday tunes. Frosty, Rudolph and the Abominable Snowman are just a few of the characters on display. Through Jan. 5 at 1350 Willow Road, Northbrook; tickets $40-$80 per car at willowhilllights.com
Cyndi Lauper: At 71, Cyndi Lauper brings her “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” farewell tour to the United Center. A little more than four decades after her hit song dominated the airwaves, it feels just a little more poignant this year. 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $44.50-$544.50 at cyndilauper.com
“A Christmas Carol”: The Tribune’s review of this year’s Goodman Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol” called actor Christopher Donahue an “inspired casting choice” for the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Expect a classic take befitting the Dickens Christmas classic. Through Dec. 30 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.; tickets $25-$159 at goodmantheatre.org
“Into the Woods”: If you’ve already seen “Wicked” and you’re yearning for more fairy tale backstory, consider Kokandy Productions’ thoughtful staging of “Into the Woods.” The show centers on two grand pianos, and it’s a good time of year to remember that there’s always more to learn of what you know. Through Dec. 22 at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St.; tickets $35-$55 at kokandyproductions.com
Hot Tub Boat: Float down the Chicago River in a hot tub. In November. Or December. Or maybe even Valentine’s Day. Why not? Bring up to five friends (no more than 800 pounds total) as well as your swimsuit, flip-flops, and hats and earmuffs. Noon-4 p.m. and 4-8:15 p.m. weekdays, weekend hours vary; tickets ($300-$425) at chicagoboatcompany.com
Far South CDC Marketplace: Shop for the holidays at a holiday event in the Far South Community Development Corporartion Marketplace. Black-owned businesses from the South Side will offer clothes, food, beauty products and more. Free holiday photos, donuts and hot chocolate, craft projects and a letter-to-Santa box will be available. 3-7 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Far South CDC Marketplace, 837 W. 115th St.; more details at farsouthcdc.org
Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Ooh and ahh at a holiday circus featuring acrobatic feats. It’s a family friendly outing featuring plenty of carols and soaring aerial acts. 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets $26.50-$56.50 at rosemont.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
