TO•DO•LIST

Illumination

Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

11/20 – 1/2 www.mortonarb.org

4:30 p.m. to 8:30p.m.

Guests can explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during a one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light and sound. This year’s exhibition returns to a walking experience, featuring five new exhibits, including a special Human+Nature display lit at night, an Arbor Court photo opportunity and festive music throughout the entire Illumination trail.

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn

Drury Lane Theatre

11/19 – 1/9 www.drurylanetheatre.com

Based on the classic film, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn follows retired song-and-dance man Jim’s efforts to bring entertainment to his small Connecticut town. With the help of talented

Winter 2021

schoolteacher Linda, he turns his farmhouse into an inn and puts on spectacular shows celebrating all holidays. This joyous, familyfriendly musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a parade of Irving Berlin’s hit songs, including the Academy Award-winning “White Christmas.”

The Joffrey Ballet’s

The Nutcracker

Lyric Opera House in Chicago

12/4-12/26 www.joffrey.org

The Joffrey Ballet’s criticallyacclaimed reimagined classic of The Nutcracker, by TonyAward®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, is certain to be a spectacular Christmastime event! The performance takes place at the historic Lyric Opera House in Chicago December 4th-26th.

Visits with Santa

Downtown Downers Grove Saturdays and Sundays in December 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

www.downtowndg.org

Bring your camera and stop on by to see if you have been naughty or nice. Visits are complimentary thanks to the Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation.

2021 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships

Cantigny Park

12/7 – 12/12 www.cantigny.org

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cantigny welcomes USA Cycling and roughly 1,800 amateur and professional athletes for the 2021 Cyclocross National Championships, a first-time event for DuPage County. Cyclocross is a discipline of cycling that combines both on- and offroad riding with various course features, some natural and some constructed. Spectators are welcome for this family-friendly event in a high-energy, festival atmosphere. Food trucks and craft beer will be on-site, along with a health and wellness expo and USA Cycling’s free “Let’s Ride” introduction to cycling camp for children.

Dave Rudolf’s Totally Cracked Up Christmas

Downers Grove Public Library

12/21 www.dglibrary.org

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dave Rudolf is a long-time performer and a multi awardwinning singer/songwriter who is releasing his 40th Album. He’s a Gold Record, Grammy nominated artist, and a 15-time nominee for Entertainer of the Year awards from NACA (The National Association for Campus Activities). Join Dave for a hilarious skewering of Christmas and winter tunes. Featuring parodies and funny original music, Dave takes on the yuletide season in this entertaining show.

New Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert

McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage

12/31

1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. www.atthemac.org

Ring in the New Year with New Philharmonic as they welcome back baritone Ted Allen Pickel, who sang the title role from the production of The Mikado on stage. Maestro Kirk Muspratt conducts waltzes, polkas, arias, light classical and pops… reflecting back and propelling you forward as only music can.

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

Chicago Union Station

12/3 — 1/1 rchicagothepolarexpressride.com

All aboard The Polar Express! Passengers can relive the classic children’s story of The Polar Express on this magical onehour train ride. Includes onboard Christmas caroling, live entertainment, greetings with Santa, all accompanied with hot chocolate and Walkers shortbread cookies.

Santa’s Mailbox

Hinsdale Village Hall at 19 E. Chicago Avenue

12/1 — 12/15

Children are invited to participate in Hinsdale’s Santa’s Mailbox event! In this event, the kids can watch the Christmas magic come alive as they write letters to Santa and receive personal letters back from Saint Nick himself! The infamous big red mailbox is located at Hinsdale Village Hall at 19 E. Chicago Avenue.

Holidays in Hinsdale

Hinsdale’s Burlington Park

12/12 & 12/18

11:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Bring the whole family to Hinsdale’s Burlington Park for the classic Holidays in Hinsdale event! This free and festive event features horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, holiday shopping at local boutiques, gingerbread cookies, and more!