Looking for something to do? We have 10 suggestions.
“THE NUTCRACKER”
WHEN: 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 16 and 1 p.m. Dec. 17
WHERE: Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake
COST and INFO: Performed by the Berkshire Ballet Theatre. Hear Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, witness emotional dancing and view lavish costumes when “Nutcracker” returns to Raue Center’s stage. It’s a fun, playful production with a cast of more than 100 people, including artistic director Coutrney Petrocci as the Sugar Plum and her husband, Mark, artistic associate, as Cavalier. Both former lead artists for the Milwaukee Ballet, the couple first took the helm of the Berkshire Ballet Theatre’s “Nutcracker” last year and choreographed it together again this year. Tickets start at $25. Tickets and information: 815-356-9212 or www.rauecenter.org.
FLURRY FEST
WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16
WHERE: Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills
COST and INFO: Inaugural fest will include a food drive, a candy cane hunt, a deck-the-deer display and visits from Santa. The candy cane hunt starts at 5 p.m. for children 5 and younger and 5:30 p.m. for children ages 6 to 10. Warm up inside Village Hall with hot chocolate and cookies while listening to holiday music and making family crafts. Hosted by the Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department. Free. Information: 847-960-7460 or www.lith.org/parksrec/page/flurry-fest.
"UNITED WE ROCK"
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16
WHERE: McHenry Moose Lodge, 3535 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg
COST and INFO: Featuring classic rock presented by Corporate Disk Company to benefit United Way of Greater McHenry County. Raffles. Featured bands include Bad Penny (above), Last Gasp, Hawnkefunk and Blue Shield Band. Free admission ($5 donations welcome). Information: 815-363-1377 or www.facebook.com/events/382889185497942/.
HISTORICAL HOLIDAYS OPEN HOUSE
WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 16
WHERE: Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood
COST and INFO: Step back in time to experience holiday preparations from days of old at the 1854 restored Greek Revival, Powers-Walker house. Hosted by the McHenry County Conservation District. No registration necessary. Information: 815-479-5779 or www.mccdistrict.org.
HOLIDAY CONCERT FUNDRAISER
WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 15
WHERE: Woodstock High School, 501 W. South St., Woodstock
COST and INFO: Woodstock High School and the school’s theater department will present a “Home for the Holidays” benefit concert for the theater department. A 70-minute review for all ages consisting of five professional entertainers from the Chicago area. Tickets: $15 adults in advance, $20 adults day of concert; $10 seniors day of concert, $5 students day of concert. Tickets available at the high school. Tickets and information: 815-206-4309 or www.seatyourself.biz/woodstock.
“THE CINNAMON BEAR"
WHEN: Dec. 14-17
WHERE: Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton
COST and INFO: A world premiere stage production by Wheaton Drama celebrating the 80th anniversary of the original broadcast of “The Cinnamon Bear,” a staged Christmas radio serial on WGN in 1937. Twins Judy and Jimmy travel through Maryland, guided by Paddy O’Cinnamon, in search of the silver star for their family Christmas tree. ABOVE: Rob Reinalda (Crazy Quilt Dragon), Patti Shore Kaden (Wintergreen Witch) and Rich Bucchi (Captain Taffy) will perform in the show. Descendants of the show’s original authors will be on-hand at the matinees to field audience questions. Schedule: 8 p.m. Dec. 14-15; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 16; and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15. Tickets and information: www.wheatondram.org or 630-260-1820.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
WHEN: 4 p.m. Dec. 16
WHERE: Woodstock Community High School, 501 W. South St., Woodstock
COST and INFO: Voices in Harmony, Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra and Voice of Praise will present a concert featuring a variety of holiday music. Tickets: $15 available at the door. The concert will be repeated at 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at Calvary Community Church in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Tickets and information: 262-359-9072 or www.lakegenevaorchestra.org.
COUNTRY DANCE AND FOOD DRIVE
WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 16
WHERE: Huntley Bowl Hi, 10520 N. Route 47, Huntley
COST and INFO: Featuring Nashville Electric Company with country hits. Those who attend are asked to bring a can or nonperishable food items for the Community Food Bank. Includes an ugly sweater contest. Information: www.facebook.com/bowlhihuntley.
JAZZ NIGHT
WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 15
WHERE: Stage Left Café, 125 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock
COST and INFO: Featuring live jazz performances the first and third Fridays of the month presented by Jazz on the Square. Cost: $5 suggested donation. Information: 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
GOD’S OUTLAW
WHEN: 9 to 11 p.m. Dec. 16
WHERE: Hart’s Saloon, 9932 Main St., Hebron
COST and INFO: From the Milwaukee music scene, the band has opened up for David Allen Coe and played in Nashville. The rebel country band performs originals, a Johnny Cash tribute and other old school country music such as the top hits to the B-side gems your grandpa listened to. Information: www.facebook.com/godsoutlawmusic.