Winterland: Santa Claus has arrived in Wrigleyville. Head to Gallagher Way for Winterland, featuring carnival rides, a market, wreath-making workshops and more festivities (including outdoor screenings of “Elf” and “Home Alone”). A tree-lighting ceremony marks opening day at 6 p.m. Dec. 6. Thursdays and Fridays 4-9 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21; details at gallagherway.com
“A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin”: Where’s Kevin? In Rosemont. Or, at least Macaulay Culkin is on Friday night, where he’ll sit for an interview and audience Q&A following a screening of the now-classic Christmas movie “Home Alone.” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets $37.50-$57.50 at homealonetour.com
“Love Actually in Concert”: Your heart might swell even more as the Chicago Philharmonic performs the film’s score by Craig Armstrong. It’s hard to believe this Christmasy romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson and many others is more than 20 years old. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Parkway; tickets $69-$103.75 at chicagophilharmonic.org
Brett Eldredge: The Illinois native brings his “Glow: Welcome to the Family” tour to the Chicago Theatre for a three-night stand. Expect him to play his latest holiday single, “Sweet December” (which features Kelly Clarkson on the recorded version). Stacey Ryan will appear as a special guest. 8 p.m. through Dec. 8 at the Chicago Theatre, 170 N. State St.; tickets $79.50-$229.50 at bretteldredge.com
Candlelight Carols: The St. Charles Singers, a chamber choir, will be joined by the Metropolis String Ensemble in their 40th anniversary presentation of Candlelight Carols. The performance centers on Francis Poulenc’s “Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël.” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton as well as 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 3 p.m. Dec. 8 at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles; tickets $12-$45 at stcharlessingers.com
Raíces: Founded by Ruben Alvarez and now led by vibraphonist Joe Sonnefeldt, this Latin jazz group performs music celebrating the 60th anniversary of Cal Tjader’s album “Soul Sauce.” Can’t make it? Catch a recording later WDCB’s “Chicago Jazz Live.” 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Studio5 Performing Arts Center, 1934 Dempster St., Evanston; tickets $35-$45 at tickettailor.com
Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration: The University of Chicago hosts a day of free holiday fun, including a screening of “Moana 2,” ice sculptures, crafts, appearances by Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa Maui and live reindeer as well as beloved characters (including Buddy the Elf), and a children’s book give-away. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7 in various Hyde Park locations; details and free registration at hphollyday.com
“Duke It Out! Nutcracker”: A family-friendly, hour-long music and dance program combines Tchaikovsky’s original score of “The Nutcracker” with Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s jazz version. Quintet Attacca, of the Music Institute of Chicago, and Dance Chicago perform. Before the show, children can try out musical instruments featured in the score. 10 a.m. (performance at 11 a.m.) Dec. 7 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston; tickets $20 at musicinst.org
Brian d’Arcy James: The Tony-nominated actor (and Northwestern alumnus) performs a range of songs, from pop favorites to Broadway classics. Brian d’Arcy James originated the role of King George in “Hamilton” and played Officer Krupke in the Steven Spielberg film version of “West Side Story.” 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St.; tickets $75-$115 at steppenwolf.org
“Good Cheer!”: Get in the holiday spirit with the Michael Teolis Singers, an ensemble featuring 30 vocalists from the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana. The program features traditional seasonal classics as well as less familiar works. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, 324 Oak Park Ave.; tickets $20-$25 at mtsingers.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
