By Anna Hughes

Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Nov. 6, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025
Drury Lane Theatre

Escape the cold and join the little mermaid and friends under the sea with this
Disney classic brought to the stage. With fan-favorite songs by composer Alan Menken including “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl,” this musical follows Ariel on her quest to find herself, find love, and find her place in the world, all while battling an evil sea queen with the help of her trusty sidekicks. Showtimes vary by date.

Winter Lights at Central Park: Photo courtesy of Oak Brook Park District

Winter Lights at Central Park
Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025, 4:30-9:30 P.M.

Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the 1/2 mile walk through the beautifully lit Central Park in Oak Brook starting on Nov. 22. The circular path is inclusive and accessible, making this winter wonderland the perfect free outing for families and people of all ages and abilities. Donations benefiting the Peoples Resource Center and the Oak Brook Park District Foundation will be accepted.

Brookfield Zoo Lights: Photo courtesy of Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic
Nov. 22-24, 29-30; Dec. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31, 2024; 3-9 P.M.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Guests can experience the holiday sights of giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, Santa, and over 900 decorated trees. Between all of the zoo’s animal exhibits and the variety of special holiday additions, it’s a festive holiday extravaganza perfect for the whole family. For a list all this year’s
seasonal attractions visit www.brookfieldzoo.org.

Grove Express: Photo by Dianne Hlinsky LaPointe

Grove Express 5k
Nov 28, 2024
groveexpress.com

Kick off your Thanksgiving Day by giving back to the community. Gather your family, friends, and pets for the annual Grove Express Thanksgiving Day 5K with a scenic run or walk through Downers Grove. The Grove Express Foundation invests direct donations and proceeds from the event into local educational initiatives, youth programs, and scholarships.

Hinsdale Christmas Walk
Dec. 6, 2024, 5-7 P.M.

Hinsdale Business District The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 58th Annual Hinsdale Christmas Walk. Hinsdale’s holiday staple will kick off with a tree lighting at Memorial Hall, followed by visits with Santa, train and carousel rides, and opportunities to pop in on all of your favorite local businesses. This event is great for families and has something for adults and kids of all ages.

The Joffrey Nutcracker
Dec. 6-28, 2024
The Lyric Opera
joffrey.org

Join the Joffrey Ballet in celebrating the holiday season with their stunning Christmas tradition: “The Nutcracker.” This two hour extravaganza set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score has been reimagined by two-time Tony Award winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. Showtimes vary by date.

Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion
Dec. 7, 1:00 P.M.
epd.org

The Elmhurst Park District is making Christmas shopping easy for kids! Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion is a space for kids to buy inexpensive holiday gifts for their loved ones. All items are kid-priced and kid-friendly. No registration is required to shop. For an extra boost of Christmas spirit, sign up for cookies and cocoa served by Santa’s Elves, as well as a special visit with the man himself earlier that day. Visit the EPD website for more on the day’s festivities.

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec 7, 5:30 and 8:30 P.M.
The Lytle Auditorium
downersgrovefun.com

Catch the Chris White Trio’s performance of Vince Guaraldi’s iconic soundtrack from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” In addition to playing the music, the trio will share the story behind each arrangement, offering a deeper appreciation for this timeless classic. Kids will be captivated, and adults will rediscover the magic of Christmas.