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There’s plenty to do, with the Daley Plaza Christkindlmarket just through this weekend — and not everything here is for the holiday-involved among us.
‘Shrek: The Musical’
This musical is a north suburban production by Music Theater Works. Based on the beloved animated film, this Tony Award-winning musical follows the antics of Princess Fiona, Shrek and Donkey. Some of the characters will be available for a meet-and-greet and photos at select performances.
Dec. 22-31 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie; tickets at musictheaterworks.com
Light of Christmas Drive Thru
If you want to see some Christmas lights but don’t want to venture out in the cold, check out this drive-thru light show. Guests can leisurely drive through the holiday set up full of luminous archways and installations.
5-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 3, 2024, at Guaranteed Rate Field, 3326 S. Wentworth Ave.; tickets are $39.99 per vehicle at lightofchristmas.com
John Mulaney
The Emmy Award-winning comedian brings his latest solo stand-up comedy tour to Rosemont. His latest Netflix special “BABY J” was released in April.
7 p.m. Dec. 22 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets start at $97 at ticketmaster.com
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‘Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas’
The new title in Chicago’s seasonal holiday showstakes adapts the much-loved book and TV Christmas special featuring the kind of puppets that made the Jim Henson company famous. In a pre-Broadway tryout at the newly restored Studebaker Theater., this family-friendly show features music and lyrics by Paul Williams (“The Muppet Movie”).
Through Dec. 31 at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets from $43 at fineartsbuilding.com/studebaker
Duke Dumont
The British DJ Dumont, aka Adam George Dyment, promises an extended set for his night in Chicago.
8 p.m. Dec. 22 at Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $48.50 (ages 17+) at www.saltshedchicago.com
‘Music Box Christmas Sing-A-Long’
The 40th annual Music Box Christmas Sing-A-Long and Double Feature series this year includes titles “White Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Because it wouldn’t be the holidays without a little Bing Crosby and Jimmy Stewart.
Through Dec. 24 a Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.; tickets from $14 at 773-871-6604 and www.musicboxtheatre.com
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‘A Christmas Carol’
Larry Yando plays Ebenezer Scrooge for his 15th year in the 45th annual production of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of a wealthy businessman visited by a series of ghosts who persuade him to change his cruel ways.
Through Dec. 31 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.; tickets $25-$159 at 312-443-3800 and www.goodmantheatre.org
Christkindlmarket
Shop for Christmas ornaments, candles, figurines and more at the annual German holiday market. Vendors also sell plenty of food and drinks including hot spiced wine.
Through Dec. 24 at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.; through Dec. 24 at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway in Aurora; and through Dec. 31 in Wrigleyville outside Wrigley Field, 3635 N. Clark St. Admission is free, more information at 312-494-2175 and christkindlmarket.com
‘It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!’
American Blues Theater’s annual production turns Frank Capra’s 1946 film about a small-town man who needs a miracle to save him from despair into a live 40s-style radio play featuring holiday carols and original songs.
Through Dec. 31 at American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.; tickets $29.50-$69.50 at 773-654-3103 and americanbluestheater.com
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Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Thousand of lights cover Chicago’s lakefront tourist destination, plus ticketed outdoor ice skating ($20), the heated Centennial Ferris wheel ($18) and other activities. Winter fireworks at 9.m. Saturdays and for New Year’s Eve on Sunday, Dec. 31.
Through Dec. 31 at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave.; more at navypier.org
‘’Twas the Night Before’
Cirque du Soleil’s downtown holiday show returns to the Loop. It’s based on the classic poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore and themed around a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays with the help of some circus artists.
Through Dec. 28 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets $36-$111 at www.cirquedusoleil.com
‘The Nutcracker’
There are a number of productions of the classic holiday ballet in town this season, with different variations on E.T.A Hoffmann’s tale and Tchaikovsky’s music. Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s “Nutcracker” for the Joffrey is perhaps the best known, and according to Tribune dance critic Lauren Warnecke, well worth your annual visit.
Through Dec. 27 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive; tickets $36-$198 at 312-386-8905 and joffrey.org