60 classic ways to celebrate the holidays around Chicago, from lights to caroling to family-friendly shows

From the 67-foot-tall Norway spruce lit to perfection in Millennium Park to a dizzying number of “Christmas Carol” variations, Chicago’s most festive season has arrived.

With so much happening, we have rounded up the best Chicago has to offer this holiday season in 10 categories, from world-premiere theater shows (listen up “Real Housewives” fans) to seemingly endless “Nutcracker” adaptations, plus outdoor markets, dazzling light displays and Hanukkah celebrations.

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We’re bursting with festive fun here, but we may have missed your favorite thing to do this time of year. If so, drop us a line at arts@wbez.org and tell us about it. Your responses could be featured on social media or a future story.

1. Marvel at galaxies of twinkling holiday lights

Kicking off the holiday season, that Norway spruce in Millennium Park will be lit around 6 p.m. Friday in a ceremony featuring Chicago Made showcase winner Mara Love and recent “America’s Got Talent” finalist Leo High School Choir. The tree, which features 39,250 feet of lights, will stay lit through Jan. 11. Washington Street and Michigan Avenue.

This year’s Millennium Park spruce will be lit in a ceremony featuring Chicago Made showcase winner Mara Love and recent “America’s Got Talent” finalists Leo High School Choir.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times

But that downtown display is just one place to see fabulous holiday spectacles. Starting Friday, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo features both new and familiar exhibitions. Through Jan. 4; 2001 N. Clark St.; tickets from $7, free on select Mondays with advanced registration. Meanwhile, Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic event sparkles with more than 3.5 million LED lights. Through Jan. 4; 8400 31st St., Brookfield; tickets from $20.95.

The Morton Arboretum also offers a dazzling display, Illumination: Tree Lights, along a 1-mile tree-lined path. Through Jan. 3; 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle; tickets from $18.50. Or check out the beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden lit up for Lightscape. Through Jan. 4; 1000 Lake Cook Road., Glencoe; tickets from $16.

Outside Rate Field, you can take in lights from the warmth of your vehicle. The drive-thru light show also features a festive radio station synchronized with the more than 1 million lights. Through Jan. 4; 3326 S. Wentworth Ave.; from $29.99 per vehicle.

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce hosts Menorah Lighting on the first night of Hanukkah. The family-friendly event will also include a Drag Queen Storytime, featuring “Drag Bubbie” Merriam Levkowitz. Dec. 14; Corner of Clark Street and Farragut Avenue; Free.

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry brings a global perspective in “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light,” featuring an indoor forest of light displays, including a 4-story tree displayed in the rotunda. Through Jan. 5; 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets from $9.95.

Manual Cinema brings “Christmas Carol” to life with hundreds of handmade puppets.

2. Get a ghostly lesson at the many “Christmas Carol” variations

Each year, Charles Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the gang gets infinitely reimagined for Chicago audiences. The reigning classic in Chicago is certainly at Goodman Theatre, starring Christopher Donahue in his second year as Scrooge. Through Dec. 31; 170 N. Dearborn St.; tickets from $44.

But there are also plenty of variations. For starters, you can introduce young theatergoers to the holiday classic with a 60-minute family-friendly Carol at Drury Lane Theatre. Nov. 28-Dec. 27; 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace; tickets from $42. Or check out the Jeff Award-winning solo show from Blake Montgomery, in which Charles Dickens himself is forced to begrudgingly perform his story — yet again. Dec. 4-28; Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; tickets from $30.

Get Jacob Marley’s perspective on what happened with a one-man show at Lifeline Theatre, in which longtime Chicago stage actor Phil Timberlake brings to life 19 characters and tells the story from Scrooge’s partner’s point of view. Nov. 28-Dec. 21; 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.; tickets from $30.

For a more abstract take, Manual Cinema brings the fable to life with hundreds of handmade puppets. Dec. 12-28; Studebaker Theater, Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets from $45.

“Elf the Musical” tells the story of Buddy the Elf, first brought to life by Will Ferrell in the movie version more than 20 years ago.

Courtesy of Matt Crockett

3. Take the family to the theater for a wonderful array of live shows

Chicago stages are teeming with variety this time of year, from the serious to the hilarious.

Let’s start with some holiday movies coming to life on stage this season. “Elf the Musical” tells the story of Buddy the Elf, first brought to life by Will Ferrell in the movie version more than 20 years ago. Dec. 2-14; The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $41. Or, dig further back into the Christmas movie catalog with the stage adaptation of “White Christmas,” which unfolds in the wake of World War II at a quaint Vermont ski resort. Through Jan. 11; Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard, Aurora; tickets from $31.

For some high-flying fun, “A Magical Cirque Christmas” brings gravity-defying acrobats, along with holiday music and comedy in a family-friendly show. Nov. 25-30; CIBC Theatre,18 W. Monroe St.; tickets from $41. Plus, Cirque du Soleil will bring “‘Twas the Night Before…” to town. Dec. 11-28; The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $49.

For families with younger children, check out “The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party” at the Chicago Children’s Theatre, featuring four Beatrix Potter stories come to life in a performance aimed at kids 8 and younger, followed by puppet play, photos, crafts and holiday treats in the lobby. Dec. 6-28; Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave.; tickets from $44.25.

The book “Hanukkah Shmanukkah!,” by local children’s book author Esmé Raji Codell, premieres this year as a stage play at Greenhouse Theatre Center. The hourlong show — presented in matinee and early evening options ideal for families — follows a teacher and group of students who travel back in time to celebrate Jewish traditions and customs. It’s co-presented by Paintbrush Art Studio and Joe & Melanie Thing Theatre. Dec. 18-21; $23.

And Eric Kimmel’s classic book “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” has been adapted for the stage in a show meant for the whole family to enjoy. Presented by Strawdog Theatre Company, the show celebrates the “spirit of Hanukkah with bravery, joy, and a lot of latkes.” Nov. 29-Dec. 28; Raven Theatre; 6157 N. Clark St.; tickets from $23.

4. Leave the kids at home for a night out with adults

There’s plenty of holiday merriment to be had with the 21+ set. Lean into the funny with the world premiere of “The Real Housewives of the North Pole” from Hell in a Handbag Productions, featuring Ruth Claus, Santa’s newly sober wife, and her crew of holiday divas such as Samantha Frosty and Suzy Snowflake. Through Jan. 4; The Clutch; 4335 N. Western Ave.; tickets from $36.25.

Or check in with a grown-up Cindy Lou Who in “Who’s Holiday!,” as Cindy spins a tale of gossipy holiday wisdom laced with vodka, weed and profanity. Nov. 28-Dec.28; Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; tickets from $39.

“8 Crazy Nights” is Chicago’s first and only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar.

If you want to skip the show and just savor some Jingle Juice, the city’s holiday pop-up bar tradition is going strong this season. Ground zero is Wrigleyville, naturally, but the Loop and River North have options, including heated chalets atop the Pendry. (Find our list of 12 recommended spots here.) This year also sees the return of “8 Crazy Nights,” Chicago’s first and only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar, inside the Graystone Tavern.

5. Savor a concert, from mariachi to a Taylor Swift tribute

It’s peak concert season, no matter your style. The famed a capella group Pentatonix brings its latest festive showcase to town. Dec. 2; Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $52. Plus, enjoy a mariachi Christmas, courtesy of the renowned Mariachi Herencia de México ensemble in a one-of-a-kind holiday show. Dec. 7; Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets from $52.98.

Mariachi Herencia de México offers a one-of-a-kind holiday show.

Pianist Thomas Lauderdale and his “little orchestra,” Pink Martini, make a festive stop in Chicago this December. The new holiday-themed show will feature performances from several of the group’s longtime collaborators, including former NPR host Ari Shapiro, soulful singer Edna Vazquez and “America’s Got Talent” finalist Jimmie Herrod. Dec. 17, The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $49.

Lake Forest native Andrew Bird brings back his annual series at Fourth Presbyterian Church called the Gezelligheid concerts. While tickets are sold out, interested fans can join the waitlist on Bird’s website. Dec. 8-12; 126 E. Chestnut St.

Get into the spirit of the Jewish festival of lights with the Happy Joyous Hanukkah concert from The Klezmatics. The Grammy Award-winning group celebrates its 40th anniversary by revisiting their revivals of Woody Guthrie lyrics from the 1940s. Dec. 4; Ravinia’s Martin Theatre, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; $45.

The Bach + Beethoven Experience stages the holiday parody concert “‘Twas the Week Before Christmas in Chicago.” It’s all about life in our fair city, including references about trying to catch Santa on the L, and carols evoking places such as Lincoln Park Zoo and the Magnificent Mile. Dec. 4; The Den Theatre, 1331 Milwaukee Ave., $20. Dec. 5, the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.; $25.

Or, warm up your pipes for a Taylor Swift tribute and live singalong in honor of the pop star’s birthday, featuring hits from all of Swift’s eras. Dec. 13; Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive; tickets from $29.

The CSO will present festive pieces like “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Christmas in Chicago” in the program “Merry, Merry, Chicago!”

Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg Photography

6. Revel in classical music: From Bach and Vivaldi to Nancy Meyers

’Tis the season to revel in some classical music. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will present “Merry, Merry, Chicago!” with John Morris Russell conducting. The orchestra will present festive pieces such as “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Christmas in Chicago.” Dec. 19-23; Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets from $49. The CSO will also present “A Chanticleer Christmas” on Dec. 9, tickets from $39; and “Home Alone in Concert,” Dec. 12-14; tickets from $109.

Music of the Baroque will perform Handel’s hopeful “Messiah” at a number of venues, including Downtown’s Symphony Center. Dec. 1; 220 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets from $35.

Homegrown band Sleeping At Last once again teams up with the Chicago Philharmonic for a brand-new holiday concert, “Home for the Holidays.” The show will bring singer-songwriter Ryan O’Neal’s beloved music to life with a full orchestral backing. Nov. 29; The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $53. Or, see the Chicago Phil perform the score of the beloved Nancy Meyers romcom “The Holiday” as the film plays. Dec. 20; The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $48.

Chicago band Sleeping At Last once again teams up with the Chicago Philharmonic for a brand-new holiday concert “Home for the Holidays.”

Just outside the city, the Evanston Symphony Orchestra will host its annual holiday concert, featuring music and dance. But first, the group will convene a barrier-free 45-minute show where everyone is encouraged to move, make noise or experience the music how they want. This edition is aimed at youngsters or individuals with special needs. Dec. 14; Evanston Township High School Auditorium, 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston; $5 for adults, free for children 18 and under.

Finally, The Chicago History Museum will host A Holiday Special, featuring music from Vivaldi and Bach, with performances by Grammy Award-nominated violinist Philippe Quint and the Magellan Chamber Orchestra. Dec. 16; 1601 N. Clark St.; $55.

7. Catch a dance performance, including plenty of takes on ‘The Nutcracker’

Nothing says the holiday season like taking in a performance of “The Nutcracker.” For a staging with a local history twist, the Joffrey Ballet presents Christopher Wheeldon’s “Nutcracker,” set months before the opening of the 1893 World’s Fair. Dec. 5-28; Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive; tickets from $36.

The show has also been infinitely reimagined. From A&A Ballet Chicago, “The Art Deco Nutcracker” draws inspiration from 1920s America. Dec. 6; Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport Ave.; tickets from $22. “The Nut Tapper” at the Old Town School of Folk Music features Spanish flamenco and Mexican zapateado. Dec. 21; 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.; $26.

“The Nut Tapper” at the Old Town School of Folk Music features Spanish flamenco and Mexican zapateado.

For other dance options, check out “A Flamenco Christmas” from the Newberry Consort, featuring dance and music from Spain, Portugal and Latin America. Dec. 5-7, various locations; tickets from $10. Or take in a traditional Mexican holiday performance with “Tradiciones de Navidad,” presented by Ballet Folklórico de Chicago. Dec. 20; Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.; tickets from $10.

Princess Grace Award Honoraria winner Emani Drake, of Chicago’s Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, will help lead the cast of “Mary, a Holiday Dansical,” choreographed by Black Girls Dance founder Erin Barnett. The production is a fundraiser for the group, which offers programs for Black and Brown girls throughout the city. Dec. 14; Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St.; tickets from $25.

8. Twirl like a pro on a pair of skates

Strap on your skates and hit the ice: The Ice Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park offers a picturesque path to glide amid Downtown skyscrapers. 337 E. Randolph St.; $5 with your own skates, $17-$23 for rentals.

The Ice Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park offers a picturesque path to glide along amid the skyscrapers of downtown.

Vincent Alban for the Chicago Sun-Times

There’s also ice skating in Millennium Park near the Bean. Reservations are required. Free with your own skates on select days, $17-$21 for rentals. Navy Pier will also have a skating rink as part of its Winter WonderFest. Dec. 5-Jan. 4; 600 E. Grand Ave.; tickets from $35.

Gallagher Ice Rink returns this year near Wrigley Field and will feature special themed skating nights, ice bumper cars and skating lessons. Nov. 23-Feb. 15; 3635 N. Clark St.; $8 with your own skates or $16 to rent.

You can also try out a twirl on the Chicago Park District neighborhood ice skating rinks, including at the Midway Plaisance, Mount Greenwood and Warren Park. Most open Nov. 28. $7 for skate rental.

The Drake Hotel’s Palm Court offers caroling performances on select days of its holiday tea party.

9. Indulge with a fancy tea party or holiday-themed lunch

Take a trip back in time with a holiday tea party in The Drake Hotel’s Palm Court. On select days, you can even enjoy caroling performances. 140 E. Walton Place; from $38.

LondonHouse Chicago also offers a tea service, perfect for impressing kids or out-of-town guests. It includes a curated pastry basket, premium teas and bites for youngsters. 85 E. Wacker Drive; $95 per person.

You may opt for a bit of French flare at Vanille Patisserie’s three-course afternoon tea, featuring pastries, scones, finger sandwiches and Benjamin’s Tea. 2108 N. Clark St.; $75 per person.Or stop by Macy’s famous Walnut Room, featuring a throwback Marshall Field’s theme this year. Even if you aren’t able to snag reservations to dine, guests can still stop by to get a selfie with the decked-out Great Tree. 111 N. State St.

Christkindlmarket serves up traditional food, lively music, family-friendly entertainment, trinkets and more.

Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times

10. Get into the festive spirit at an outdoor market

Open through Christmas Eve, Christkindlmarket is a seasonal tradition for many Chicagoans. This German-style Christmas market serves up traditional food, lively music, family-friendly entertainment, trinkets and more. Don’t miss out on collecting this year’s souvenir mug, complete with a cheeky mulled wine or hot cocoa for the kiddos. 50 W. Washington St.; Free.

Don’t want to deal with Downtown? There’s also a Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville and west suburban Aurora.

For more festive shopping, two museums will hold markets to showcase Latino artisans and support communities. Stop by the National Museum of Mexican Art for the Mercado Navideño. Nov. 28-30; 1852 W. 19th St.; Free. Or visit the Puerto Rican Artisan Market at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. Dec. 6-14; 3015 W. Division St.; Free.

Courtney Kueppers is an arts and culture reporter at WBEZ.