ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Shine Bright!

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

The ninth annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt. 53, Lisle, returns as a walking experience through January 2. Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound. You will be awed and delighted to see returning favorites and surprising new sights, including a special Human+Nature display and an experience featuring 150 colorful lanterns. Journey along a one-mile, paved walking path amid festive music and lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Along the route, warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, or stop in one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage. Tickets are $19 and advance purchase is recommended as many nights will sell out at mortonarb.org.

Start Your Engines!

Reign Supreme Drag Show Competition

Gentlemen, start your engines and may the best woman win! My Buddy’s, 4416 N. Clark St., is hosting a Reign Supreme Drag Show Competition on December 18 at 7 p.m. Reign Supreme is Buddy’s newest drag show competition that showcases local drag queens where the audience picks the winner. Hosted by Rita Tarot (pictured), four queens will compete for the title of Drag Queen Supremacy. My Buddy’s is known for its food, handmade cocktails, and shows. They usually host stand-up comedy shows, bingo nights, karaoke, and more. Buddy’s strives to create a fun and interactive experience with their food and shows. Tickets for this show cost $10 and can be purchased at mybuddyschicago.com.

Live Music!

A Night with Rumpke Mountain Boys

The Rumpke Mountain Boys will be playing live at Bourbon on Division, 2050 W. Division St., on December 18 at 7 p.m. The Rumpke Mountain Boys are a bluegrass group from Cincinnati, who use a unique combination of string instruments and special sound effects. All of the members of the band sing and play an instrument. The band consists of JD Westmoreland, Adam Copeland, Ben Gourley, and Jason Wolf. There will also be a special guest appearance from Miles Over Mountains, a band that views themselves as a modern bluegrass band from Illinois. They have been performing in the Midwest since 2014! 21+. Bourbon on Division is also asking everyone to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test 72 hours before the event. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on bourbonondivision.com.

Local Films

Art Films @921

Evanston Made is hosting a film festival, with a screening from 6-8 p.m. December 17 at 921 Church St., Evanston. The festival features films by local artists in a wide variety of categories. Evanston Made became a non-profit organization last year to help raise money for local artists. It has curated a platform to showcase their works and produces year-round events that include markets, film screenings, workshops, social events and more. Admission is free. For more information, please visit evanstonmade.org.

Art At Your Own Pace!

Sensory Friendly Morning

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., is hosting a Sensory Friendly morning for neurodivergent individuals on December 19 from 10-11:30 a.m. This morning is open only to neurodivergent individuals and their families. Neurodivergent means anyone whose brain works in a unique way that is commonly found, but not limited to, with individuals on the autism spectrum. The MCA will have its lights dimmed, no music playing, and quiet spaces available for those who may need some alone time. The MCA welcomes neurodivergent individuals and their families to enjoy contemporary art at their own pace in a safe environment without any sensory overload. Admission is free, but the MCA encourages guests to pay what they can. To register, please visit mcachicago.org.

Puppet Show!

Nasty, Brutish & Short: A Puppet Cabaret

The Nasty, Brutish and Short: A Puppet Cabaret is back for its 10th anniversary on December 13 from 7-10 p.m. at Links Hall, 3111 N. Western Ave. This puppet show features short skits from multiple puppeteers that are aimed at adult audiences. The goal of this show is to provide an opportunity for professional puppeteers to perform new work, foster a creative environment, and showcase different geographies, generations, and specialties to audiences. Links Hall was founded in 1978 by Bob Eisen, Carol Bobrow, and Charlie Vernon. Since then, they have opened their doors to local artists, workshops, cabarets, and performance shows. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at linkshall.org.

Ew, David!

Schitt’s Creek Trivia Night

For all the Schitt’s Creek fans, The Reveler, 3403 N. Damen Ave., is hosting a Schitt’s Creek trivia night on December 15 at 8 p.m. The night will test how well you know the Rose family. There will be $150 worth of prizes for first, second, and third place with additional bonus prizes. "To Revel" means to engage in uproarious festivities to make merry, to take great pleasure, or to delight. The Reveler has lived up to its definition by creating a family-friendly environment where guests can eat food, drink cocktails, and participate in fun activities such as trivia nights.

A Sci-Fi Holiday!

‘Winter in the Wildwood’: An Immersive Holiday Experience

The Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St., presents “Winter in the Wildwood” on December 17 from 7-8:30 p.m. The Otherworld Theatre is known for bringing a theatrical experience to the science fiction and fantasy genre. “Winter in the Wildwood” will not disappoint as it allows the audience to walk through a Fae-Realm forest filled with magic and fairies. The audience will see fairytales, magicians, puppets, and much more. This is a family-friendly show and a great way to squeeze in some holiday group photos. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children and include a holiday-themed beverage. It will play on Fridays at 7 & 9 p.m., Saturdays at 5, 7, & 9 pm, and Sundays at 5 & 7 p.m. through Jan. 9, 2022. Tickets can be purchased at otherworldtheatre.org.

Let it Snow!

Winter WNDRland

What’s winter without a WNDRland? Immerse yourself in the magic of the season as the WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St., is transformed into a Winter WNDRland, featuring a brand new installation, visits from the world’s first LED interactive Saint Nick, an Ugly Sweater Party, a wreath making workshop, WNDRland of the Sweets, and more! Open every Tuesday (4 - 8 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) through December 21, it also offers photos with the very first interactive Saint Nick, available on a first come, first served basis. $30 at wndrmuseum.com

-Compiled by Paige Bialik & Dave Hamilton