Christmas Walk & House Tour in Geneva this week

The Christmas Walk & House Tour in Geneva, Illinois this weekend is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and check some gift shopping off your list at the same time.

The Christmas Walk officially begins at the Courthouse on Third Street this Friday, December 3 at 6:00 pm when Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, and her attendants arrive by horse-drawn carriage to offer Swedish cookies to visitors.  Then Santa makes his appearance, lights the Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn, and officially opens his Gingerbread House at 6:30 pm (open un 9:30pm).  Plan to arrive early, because for about ½ hour prior to the official start, carolers or trumpeters perform from the second floor balcony of the building across the street from the Courthouse on Third Street.
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Stores and restaurants stay open late on Friday for an evening of holiday shopping and dining.  Outside on Third Street, visitors can enjoy chestnuts roasting on an open fire (it’s not just a line from a song), strolling carolers, freshly-made candy canes, marshmallow toasting, hot cider, and hot chocolate (with or without schnapps).  There’s also a live nativity at Geneva Lutheran Church on Third Street.

If you have Friday afternoon free and prefer to bypass the shopping crowds, go in the afternoon to do your Christmas shopping, then enjoy a leisurely dinner in one of the restaurants while the crowds fill the stores after the tree lighting ceremony.  If you’re interested in the House Tour, the pace for the tour and tea is also more relaxed on Friday afternoon.

Some recommendations:

For shopping:  Cocoon and Persimmon Tree

For dining:  Gratto Italian Tapas (make reservations, or you’ll have a long wait in the evening)

The House Tour & Tea takes place on Friday, December 3 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 4 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Five homes decorated for the holidays open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours.  Included in the tour is a traditional tea (with cookies) at the Congregational Church in Geneva and a keepsake booklet filled with decorating and entertaining ideas.

House Tour tickets are $28 per person ($30 if purchased on the day of the tour).  Click here for locations to buy tickets.

If you want to have a supply of homemade Christmas cookies on hand without having to actually make them, head over to the Unitarian Universalist Church at Second and James Streets from 4:30-6:30pm on Friday where, for $13, you can get an empty pastry box and fill it with a wide assortment of homemade cookies.

For those who have enjoyed the Christmas Walk for years and missed the Kris Kringle Haus that closed a few years ago, good news:  The store has reopened in Orland Park on a seasonal basis with the same owners who ran the store in Geneva for 16 years.  It is now open at 15210 LaGrange Road (in Ravinia Plaza) until January 11.

2010 Holiday Theatre Guide

This list is provided courtesy of The League of Chicago Theatres

The Annoyance Christmas Pageant

Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago

The Annoyance is proud to once again bring back two holiday favorites to their stage, Charlie Brown, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas – with special touches you won’t find anywhere else.  Through December 19, 2010.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

Provision Theater, 1001 W. Roosevelt, Chicago

When the Herdmans (the nastiest kids in the neighborhood) decide they want to be in this year's Christmas pageant, everyone is sure it will be a disaster. But when the curtain finally goes up, a miracle happens---making it the best ever! December 1 - 22, 2010.

Blue Nativity – 2010 Tour

Quest Theatre Ensemble at Various Locations

The 9th annual Christmas spectacular, featuring elegant, large-scale puppetry, soaring music and "the greatest story ever told." December 4, 2010- January 1, 2011.

A Christmas Carol

Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago

Charles Dickens' tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, oblivious to holiday cheer, whose attitude toward Christmas is the dour, "Bah, Humbug!" This year's production will feature a brand-new Ebenezer Scrooge: Chicago's own John Judd. Through December 31, 2010.

A Christmas Carol

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights

A heart-warming adventure as Scrooge sees the error of his ways as he is visited by the Spirits of Christmas. Through December 24, 2010.

A Christmas Carol

Nebraska Theatre Caravan at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora

This lavish musical theatre production is bursting with pageantry, laughter, gorgeous costumes and classic lines. December 5 - 6, 2010.

Christmas Follies – Unplugged!

Chicago Gay Men's Chorus at various locations

Come out for a laugh-filled romp through holiday music as you've never heard it. Traditional tunes like Happy Holidays and The Bells of Christmas, plus new smashes like The Christmas Can-Can and Wishing You a Drag Queen Christmas. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport , Chicago, December 3-4; Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook, December 5

The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller

Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora

Created by Chip Davis, Mannheim Steamroller's signature sound is where classical and modern-day rock, acoustic and electronic music meet. December 19, 2010.

A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration

Northlight Theatre at North Shore for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

Familiar faces from our nation's history cross paths and storylines in this uplifting epic filled with traditional music and themes of family, reconciliation and communal hope. Through December 19, 2010.

Corky & Megon’s Cocktail Christmas Party

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights

Corky Siegel and Megon McDonough are singing and swinging this holiday season with their very special cabaret show. December 19, 2010.

Fa La La La… F*ck It  

Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago

Catherine Sims is struggling to keep her family together while hoping this Christmas will be better than the last.  At the end of the day, they all have each other and f*ck it...that's all that matters. Merry Christmas.  Through December 18, 2010

Hanuchristmakwanzika III: A Comedy Sketch

Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee, Chicago

An hour of holiday-themed stand-up, sketch, and magic. All proceeds will benefit Changing Worlds, a Chicago non-profit that fosters cultural harmony through oral history, writing, and art programs for students. December 6, 2010.

Holidays a cappella

Chicago a cappella at various locations

Usher in the season with delight as Chicago a cappella presents a joyous new concert for the holiday season. Naperville- December 5, 2010; Evanston- December 9, 2010; Chicago- December 10, 2010; Oak Park- December 12, 2010.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Broadway In Chicago at Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, Chicago

The classic holiday tradition White Christmas comes to the stage at last, as a brand new Irving Berlin musical direct from Broadway. December 15, 2010- January 2, 2011.

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph!

American Blues Theater at Victory Gardens' Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, Chicago

A 1940s radio broadcast of Frank Capra's holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life," with live Foley sound effects, an original score, and a stellar cast of seven that bring the entire town of Bedford Falls to life.  Through December 31, 2010.

It’s a Wonderful Life:  The Radio Play!

American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron, Chicago

ATC transforms its intimate space into an actual 1940s radio studio to tell Frank Capra's classic story of one man's effect on his community, Bedford Falls. Free milk and cookies served after every performance.  Through December 26, 2010

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort and Spa, 4051 E. Main, St. Charles

Inspired by the beloved American holiday classic, you'll become a part of WVL Radio's live broadcast as actors bring the fateful story of George Bailey to life. Through December 26, 2010.

The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress, Chicago

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker maintains the spirit of the original 1987 performance, while sparkling with contemporary choreography, dazzling costumes, Tchaikovsky's thrilling score, inventive lighting and extravagant set design. December 10 - 26, 2010.

A John Waters Christmas

Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, Chicago

Legendary cult filmmaker, actor, writer and originator of the Hairspray dynasty, John Waters to the Windy City for the Chicago Premiere of his critically-acclaimed new one-man show. December 14, 2010.

Leahy Family Christmas

James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington, Grayslake

This Canadian family of eight brilliant musical brothers and sisters is a volcanic explosion of talent and energy, intense emotion and passion. December 7, 2010.

Miracle on

34th Street

Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago

Based on the classic film and incorporating traditional holiday music, Miracle on

34th Street

is a celebration of the magic of imagination.  Through January 2, 2011.

The Nativity

Congo Square Theatre Company at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago

McKinley Johnson's adaptation of Langston Hughes' African American classic personifies the messages of family, unity, and love through dance and gospel music. December 3 - 31, 2010.

The Nutcracker

Civic Ballet of Chicago at James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington Grayslake

This classic holiday favorite known for its dramatization and splendor recreates Ruth Page's beloved original full-length staging, featuring choreography inspired by Delores Lipinski and the late Larry Long. December 18 - 19, 2010.

The Nutcracker

The House Theatre of Chicago at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, Chicago

The House's fantastical deconstruction of this holiday classic centers on Clara's journey to save her family from the Rat King before Christmas, with the help of a Nutcracker, a gift from her beloved Uncle Drosselmeyer. Through December 26, 2010.

The Nutcracker

Salt Creek Ballet at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora

An enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Salt Creek Ballet, Sugarplum fairies, nutcrackers and delightful dancers will dazzle you in this classic dream tale. December 4, 2010.

Oops@ Christmassed Again: A Britney Spears Christmas Carol

ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont, Chicago

In another classic ComedySportz homage, creator Mel Evans ponders if Britney Spears' recent return to the limelight might be because she was visited by three spirits? See Dickens classic tale retold in a hilarious modern way. Through December 17, 2010.

Robin Hood: A Holiday Panto 

Piccolo Theatre,

600 Main St, Evanston

The Merry Men have never been merrier. The classic tale of Robin Hood is turned on its head! Through December 18, 2010.

Redemmers

New Leaf Theatre at Rocco Ranalli's Pizzeria, 1925 N. Lincoln, Chicago

Secreted away in their favorite post-work watering hole, three office-mates try to make sense of their boss and a rare display of repentance in this darkly comic Dickens-meets-The Office holiday exploration of forgiveness and revenge. Through December 19, 2010.

Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer 2010

Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark, Chicago

This twisted Chicago classic is now in its 13th year. A parody of the beloved children's classic television special, this Rudolph goes to places the original never dared travel without losing its misfit message. December 2, 2010- January 1, 2011.

Sanders Family Christmas

Provision Theater, 1001 W. Roosevelt, Chicago

More than two dozen Christmas carols, many of them vintage hymns, and hilarious yuletide stories from the more or less devoted Sanders family keeps the audience laughing and singing along with bluegrass Christmas favorites.  Through December 23, 2010.

The Santaland Diaries

Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago

A celebration of the desperation of unemployment, the insanity of Christmas shopping and the ineffable "cheer" of the holiday spirit. David Sedaris' beloved account of his time in the trenches as an Elf at Macy's during the holiday season has been called the "24 funniest pages ever written in the English language." Through December 31, 2010.

The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue

The Second City, 1608 N. Wells, Chicago

The perfect alternative to the same old holiday shows. From uneven gift exchanges with your clueless boyfriend to couples therapy with Joseph and Mary, Second City has your ticket to all that's ridiculous about this magical season. Through December 26, 2010.

The Second City’s Holidays in the Heights

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights

Awkward office parties, manic shopping extravaganzas, matching sweaters for the family, burnt cookies and way too much fruitcake. With all that excitement, who doesn't love the holidays? Join The Second City in their hilarious, sharp, irreverent send-up of the season. Through December 30, 2010.

Shantz Theatre 5th Annual Holiday Sketch Show: 5 Golden Years!

Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee, Chicago

The 5th anniversary of Shantz Theatre's wildly popular and critically acclaimed holiday sketch show! December 3 - 19, 2010.

Snow Days and Plane Delays: An Evening of Holiday Mime

The Mime Company at Studio BE, 3110 N. Sheffield, Chicago

In a series of vignettes, The Mime Company reflects on the struggles and triumphs of the holiday experience in this new winter favorite. December 22, 2010- January 2, 2011.

Winter Pageant 2010

Redmoon Theater, 1463 W. Hubbard, Chicago

A holiday tradition that's been part of Redmoon's mission for over 15 years, calls upon the company's entire artistic community, including dozens of artists, designers, performers and technicians, to create a celebration of the changing seasons. Through January 2, 2011.

Mississippi Palisades State Park a great destination in any season

When you live in the Chicago area, where the highest elevation is 673 feet, there may be times when you long to see some hills or look across the landscape without first taking an elevator to the top of a skyscraper.  If you haven’t traveled much throughout the rest of Illinois, you might be surprised to know that you don’t have to go very far to see rolling hills and even wind-swept bluffs.

Much of Northwestern Illinois’s landscape was shaped by the last Ice Age, and we are fortunate to have a number of state parks that have preserved the natural beauty of that area.

One such park is the 2,500 acre Mississippi Palisades State Park overlooking the Mississippi River in Savanna, Illinois, less than 160 miles from downtown Chicago.  Here you can hike the same trails that Native Americans once trod as much as 1,000 years ago.

Hiking isn’t the only activity you can enjoy in this park, though.  Mississippi Palisades is a great get-away destination any season of the year.

Summertime is the season for picnicking, camping, boating, and fishing.  Check out the lily pads in bloom and the various species of water birds.  You can find picnic tables (with playgrounds nearby) throughout the park.  Launching ramps at the river access are free.  There are 241 Class A and B campsites with all of the modern conveniences (showers, toilets, camping store, electricity for 110 sites).

If you go in the fall, you’ll be rewarded with an explosion of colors as you hike in the wooded ravines or along the bluffs.  Lookout Point offers a panoramic view of the Mississippi River.

In winter, strap on your cross-country skis and see the park in a way that most people never do.  There’s also sledding at the park, and anglers can try their luck at ice fishing in the boat launch area.  January and February are also the best times to see bald eagles in the park. 

If you love the colors in the fall, go back in the spring for a different, but equally beautiful, display of nature’s beauty, as the spring wildflowers and ferns spread throughout the valleys and slopes.

Mississippi Palisades State Park is located at 16327A IL Rte. 84 in Savanna.

Fun alternatives to shopping on Black Friday in Chicago

If shopping isn’t your thing, and you avoid malls and North Michigan Avenue on Black Friday, here’s good news:  there are a lot of holiday-themed activities going on in Chicago on Friday and throughout the weekend that don’t involve shopping.  Here are several options, all of which are a lot of fun for both adults and children:

1.         19^th Annual Wreathing of the Lions at the Art Institute of Chicago and more “Home for the Holidays” activities.  Friday, November 26.  This year’s wreaths contain wishes for the world in 2011 written by Chicago-area children incorporate into each of the 2,011 clear and red plastic spheres that make up the wreaths.  Aided by solar power, the wreaths will glow at night.  The wreathing takes place at 10:30am, followed by a performance of “Favorite Things” by Hubbard Street 2 in

Griffin Court

at 11:00am.  Afterward, children can create a wreath of their own at a drop-in workshop.  The Art Institute has extended hours on Fridays until 8:00pm.    

2.         Caroling at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park.  Friday evenings, November 26 through December 17.  You can enjoy the beautiful voices of a variety of choral groups, and then join in during the sing-along.  Caroling begins this Friday with the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, followed by Chicago Children’s Choir, Old Town School of Folk Music, and Wicker Park Choral Singers on successive Fridays.  Caroling occurs from 6-6:50pm at Chase Promenade Central in front of Cloud Gate.

3.         Ice skating at Millennium Park.  Daily through March 13, 2011.  The ice rink will be open from noon until 10:00 pm on Friday, 10:00am-10:00pm on Saturday, and 10:00am-9:00pm on Sunday.  The rink is also open Thanksgiving Day from 10:00am-4:00pm.  Free admission; $10 skate rental.

3.         The Field Museum has extended hours on Friday and Saturday, November 26-27.  Open 9am-6pm (last admission 5pm). 

4.         Christkindlmarket.  Wednesday, November 24 – December 24.  O.K., this one does include shopping, but it’s more fun than shopping in a mall.  This German open-air Christmas market is based on one in Nuremberg, Germany.  Here you’ll find beautiful, handcrafted Christmas ornaments and other items made by German artisans as well as authentic German food.  Most of the companies represented and the people working at the market are from Germany, and their products are authentically German.  Christkindlmarket is at Daley Plaza (between Washington/Randolph and Dearborn/Clark).

5.         Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo.  Friday, November 26 – 28, December 3-5, 10-12, then open nightly Dec. 17-Jan. 2 (closed Dec. 24-25), 5-9pm.  The night sky is lights up with tens of thousands of colorful lights at Lincoln Park Zoo for this annual event.  See amazing ice sculptures (which you can also watch in-progress), and visit the animals after dark.

6.                  It’s a Wonderful Life: the radio play at American Theater Co.  Friday, November 26 – December 26.  American Theater Co. performs this classic story as a “live” radio show, complete with audiograms and commercial breaks to replicate the live radio shows of the 1940s.  It’s an unusual and entertaining way to revisit this familiar story.

7.         Wonderland Express at Chicago Botanic Garden.  Friday, November 26 – January 2.  Outside, 750,000 lights sparkle in the Garden.  Inside the Regenstein Center, a 10,000-square-foot exhibition of miniature trains winds over bridges, under trestles, past waterfalls, and through more than 80 mini-replicas of Chicago's favorite landmarks.

8.         Chicago Park District ice skating rinks open on Friday, November 26 (including Bicentennial Park downtown).  Free admission; $5 skates ($6 at Bicentennial Park).

McDonald’s® 2010 Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago

Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald, and a cast of thousands bring the 77th Annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade to State Street on Thanksgiving Day from 8:30am to 11:00 am. Whether you're moving to the beat of the marching bands, enjoying the gigantic inflatable helium balloons making their way down the street, or waving at the talented entertainers spreading holiday cheer from their decorative floats, there is fun for everyone at Chicago’s largest holiday parade.

The Grand Marshall of the parade will be actress Jennifer Beals, a Chicago native.  The parade will be broadcast live locally on WGN and nationally on WGN America.  It will also be rebroadcast from 1 – 4pm on CLTV.

Date:  Thursday, November 25

Hours:  8am – 11am

Location:  State Street from Congress to Randolph, Chicago

Admission:  Free

If you’re willing to pay for it, you can enjoy the VIP experience, with general admission seating to the best view of the floats and the only spot where spectators can see the stage performances, featuring a brand-new parade opening by Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey. Your paid admission includes entry into the VIP area and a light continental breakfast.  For more information, click here.

For more information on the parade, click here.

Chicago 2010 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Daley Plaza

If you never tire of watching a Christmas tree light up for the first time, you’ll want to be on hand for the lighting of Chicago’s largest Christmas tree on Wednesday, November 24, at the 97^th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Musical performances and festive holiday music will start the ceremony at 4:30 pm.  Then, at 5:00 pm, the switch will be flipped, and the tree’s lights will set Daley Plaza aglow as the holiday season officially commences.

As in past years, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at Daley Plaza.

For the first time, Chicago held a contest this year to select the Christmas tree.  Seventy-five trees from Chicago, Illinois, and Indiana were submitted for consideration.  The winning tree, a 70 foot fir tree, was donated by the John Colomer family of McHenry, Illinois. The tree, weighing in at 11,900 lbs., is decorated with 7,000 red, green, and white lights provided by UL Underwriters Laboratories,and topped with a brightly lit star.

Also beginning at Daley Plaza Wednesday evening is Christkindlmarket, the German open-air Christmas market based on one in Nuremberg, Germany.  Here you’ll find beautiful, handcrafted Chrismas ornaments and other items made by German artisans as well as authentic German food.  Most of the companies represented and the people working at the market are from Germany, and their products are authentically German.

Date:  Nov 24, 2010

Hours:  Music begins @ 4:30 pm; tree will be lit @ 5 pm

Location:  Daley Plaza, Washington St. &

Dearborn St., Chicago