Make December a month to remember. Holiday events galore are in store on the North Shore. Here’s a few that should please you!
Dec. 13-15
“A Christmas Carol,” Thin Ice Ensemble at Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie. Ebenezer Scrooge learns some unforgettable life lessons in this perennial holiday favorite based on Charles Dickens’ classic tale. It’s all about learning what’s really important. Adults $20, students $15. Register at skokieparks.org/events/a-christmas-carol or call 847-674- 1500.
“A Christmas Story,” Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. The big question is whether Ralphie will, as threatened, poke his eye out if his dream of getting a perfect BB gun for Christmas comes true. Meanwhile, Ralphie’s dad wins the world’s weirdest lamp in this heartwarming holiday classic based on the movie. $15. Register at nbparks.org/events/a-
christmas-story/2024-12-13 or call (847) 291-2995.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Skate with Santa, 2-3:15 p.m., Skatium Ice Arena, 9340 Weber Park Pl., Skokie. He’s making a list and checking it twice and then coming to the Skatium for a little fun. Join him for ice skating and holiday themed music. $7, Skate rental $3.
Sunday, Dec. 15
A Dragon for Hanukkah: Storytime with Sarah Mlynowski, 2-3 p.m., The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. Hannah receives one magical gift for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. Kids
ages 4-8 will particularly enjoy this funny and warmhearted tale of a child’s imagination by the bestselling children’s author. Free. Register at thebookstall.com/event/dragon-hanukkah-
storytime-sarah-mlynowski or call (847) 446-8880.
Evanston Symphony Holiday Concert, 3 p.m., Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston. The Evanston Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the North Shore Choral Society, Chicago Ballet Arts, Evanston Children’s Choir, Evanston Dance Ensemble, and the Evanston Symphony Holiday Gospel Choir for this joyous holiday concert. Special guests will be Santa and his elves. Adults $30, children under 18 $15, in advance; $35 and $20 at the door; preferred seating $60 and $25. Register at evanstonsymphony.org/concert/holiday-concert-
december-15-2024 or call (847) 864-8804.
The O’Neil family of Winnetka takes part in the 25th annual Holiday Sing on Christmas Eve on the Village Green in 2021. (Gina Grillo/for Pioneer Press)
Dec. 15-16
A Charlie Brown Christmas with Chris White Trio and Choir, SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. A three-person choir will join the trio as they perform the entire album of Vince Guaraldi’s classic recording. $15. Register at evanstonspacemusic.com or call (847) 492-8860.
Monday, Dec. 16
Theatrical Reading: Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory.” 7 p.m., Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park. Capote’s classic boyhood Christmas memoir will be
presented in a one-hour reading for adults by Equity actors from the Shakespeare Project of Chicago. Peter Garino directs. Free. Register at hplibrary.org/event/11884702 or call (847) 432-
0216.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Holiday Imagery Series: Hanukkah, 7 p.m., Hammond Room, Glencoe Public Library, 320 Park Ave., Glencoe. Glencoe art historian Julie Harris discusses the evidence of Hanukkah rituals in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and how the observance of Hanukkah has been transformed in the United States. Free. Register at calendar.glencoelibrary.org/event/12913662 or (847)
835-5056.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Flower Arranging: Holiday Centerpiece, 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. Participants will combine fresh flowers and mixed greens in a vase to produce an arrangement designed to last through the celebrations. Bring a box, pruners, paring knife, scissors and gloves. Members $120; nonmembers $150. Register at chicagobotanic.org or call (847) 835-6801.
PureSoul Presents: Jazz and Soul Christmas, 7:30 p.m., SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Chicago’s top soul musicians play favorite Christmas classics infused with soul, from songs connected with Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, Donny Hathaway, Jackson 5, and more. $20. Register at evanstonspacemusic.com or call (847) 492-8860.
Dec. 20-21
A Very Sinatra Christmas with Special Guest Billy Corgan, Madame ZuZu’s, 1876 1 st St., Highland Park. Chicago’s premiere Frank Sinatra tribute act will be joined by special guest Billy Corgan. Frontman Bill Pantle’s smooth baritone voice and quick wit capture the flair of Old Blue Eyes himself. The band will perform such Sinatra classics as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Let It Snow!” $75-$125. Register at madamezuzus.com/pages/madame-zuzus-
events or (847) 926-7359.
Dec. 20-22
Weird, Practical Theatre Company at Studio5, 1934 Dempster St., Evanston. The sketch comedy
group’s latest review blends vintage radio shows of the 1940s with contemporary sketches from today’s headlines, plus improvisation and music. Renowned Chicago jazz singer Paul
Marinaro joins the group, singing and serving as the show’s announcer. Piano virtuoso Larry Schanker will perform jazzy holiday music with the Studio5 All-Stars band. Theatre seating $35-$40; cabaret table seating $50-$55. Register at tickettailor.com/events/practicaltheatre or
call (847) 328-6683.
Dec. 21 to Jan. 5
Gnome Hunt, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie. Walk the trails and search for the 26 hidden gnomes – one for every letter of the alphabet! Stop in during building hours to pick up your Gnome Hunt map. Email eonc@skokieparks.org for more information. Free.
Monday, Dec. 23
Holiday Skating Exhibition, 5-6:30 p.m., Skatium Ice Arena, 9340 Weber Park Place, Skokie. See the Skatium’s fabulous skaters in a holiday exhibition. Skaters will be performing to holiday favorites as well as to their competitive programs. Free.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Winnetka Holiday Sing, 6 p.m., Village Green Park, 525 Maple St., Winnetka. Bring candles or a flashlight to the 29th annual Holiday Sing. It lasts about 25 minutes. Free. Register at winpark.org/holiday-sing or call (847) 501-2040.
Thursday, Dec. 26
Kwanzaa Celebration, 6 p.m., Robert Crown Community Center and Library, 1801 Main St., Evanston. The City of Evanston will honor the legacies of Black Evanstonians past and present. Features Tony Garrett’s Community Drum Circle, West African Drumming and Dancing with NAJWA Dance Corps, a traditional Kwanzaa ceremony. Face painting, arts and crafts, food and artisan vendors. Free. Register at cityofevanston.org/about-evanston/events or call (847) 448-4311.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 p.m., Tannenbaum Chabad House, 2014 Orrington Ave., Evanston. A 10-foot menorah at Fountain Square will be lit. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss will
greet the crowd and there will be live music, an LED robot dancer and Hanukkah treats. Free. Register at cityofevanston.org/about-evanston/events or (847) 448-4311.
Sunday, Dec. 29
8 Nights, 8 Lights, 5-6:30 p.m., Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie. All are welcome to fry and eat latkes using kosher supplies provided by Yona Posner of Lubavitch Chabad. Learn about Hannukah through interactive storytelling with Zeesy Posner, play dreidel, or make a craft. The evening will end with a traditional lighting of the candles. $7 residents / $9 for non-residents. Pre-registration required at bit.ly/3ZpT0jz.
Monday, Dec. 30
Bobby Lewis, Andy Brown and Stewart Miller Jazz Trio—New Year’s Eve Eve Concert, 7 p.m., Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Adults are invited to celebrate 2025 early at the library’s eve of the eve concert. Free. Register at
wilmette.libnet.info/event/11826163 or (847) 256-5025.
Through Dec. 30
“A Christmas Carol A Live Radio Play,” Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Rd., Glenview. It’s Christmas Eve in 1946 and over at WBFR Studios a cast of characters is presenting a live radio
play version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s change of heart is complete with live sound effects and radio jingles. Adults $55, students $34.
oillamptheater.org or (847) 834-0738.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Itty Bitty New Year, 10 a.m.-noon, Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie. Ring in 2025 at this annual family event with a DJ, games, crafts, entertainment and a balloon drop at noon. Admission to The Exploritorium included. Children $18 / Adults $5. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/3UgP8jf.
First Night Evanston 2024, 8 p.m., Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Mentalist Chris Carter will kick off the evening with demonstrations of thought reading and
mental influence. This year’s gala event includes performances by headliners The Sons of the Never Wrong, Ernie Watts, and Corky Siegel. Adults $33.85, students under 21 $17.85, in
advance; $39.19 at the door. Register at cityofevanston.org/about-evanston/events or (847) 905-1500.
New Year’s Eve Spectacular, 7:30 p.m., Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Featuring cabaret artist Charlene Brooks. with stars from the past season’s shows, including Julie Peterson (“Book of Merman”), Tyler Lord (“South Pacific”), Olivia Daly-Short (“Grease”), and Anna Siebert (“The Lightning Thief”). Skokie Idol Finalist Nina Centeno will also perform. Jeremy Ramey is the music director. Adults $42, seniors $38. Register at gopher-halibut-ga77.squarespace.com/new-years-eve or call (847) 677-7761.
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