Volunteers will be stationed in each room of Ellwood House, 509 N. First St., DeKalb Dec. 2-4, presenting the history of the Ellwood House and sharing information about the two generations of Ellwood family members who called Ellwood House home.

Dec. 1 

Santa Comes to DeKalb 

6-8 p.m. 

Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb 

Free 

A performance by the DeKalb High School Madrigal Singers, cookies, cocoa and carols will start off the event. Santa will open his house at 7 p.m.

Dec. 1 

Avalon String Quartet 

8 p.m. 

Northern Illinois University Music Building Boutell Memorial Concert Hall 

Free 

The quartet will perform Ainsi La Nuit for String Quartet by Henri Dutilleaux and String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132 by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Dec. 1-4 

“A Christmas Carol” 

7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-Dec. 3; 2 p.m. Dec. 3-Dec. 4 

Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb 

$15 adults; $12 children, 12 and younger 

Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his past, present and future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and appreciates the real meaning of Christmas. Call (815) 758-1940 for more information.

Dec. 2 

Celebrate the Season 

Downtown Genoa 

6-8 p.m. 

Free 

The Genoa Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring this evening event which includes the annual Jingle Bell Parade, Santa’s arrival, tree lighting ceremony, wagon rides, petting zoo, live nativity, crafts and face painting for the kids, free pictures with Santa and candy canes, a coloring contest, a coat, hat and mitten drive, storytelling at the library, shops open late with in-store promotions and window displays. Businesses are invited participate in the parade or as vendors. Call (815) 784-2212 or email info@genoaareachamber.com.

Dec. 2-4 

Ellwood Mansion Holiday Open House 

7-9 p.m. Dec. 2, 1-5 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 

Ellwood House, 509 N. First St., DeKalb 

$10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 6-17, free for children under 6 and members 

Volunteers will be stationed in each room, presenting the history of the Ellwood House and sharing information about the two generations of Ellwood family members who called Ellwood House home. The guided tour goes through all three floors and the basement level of the elegantly decorated 1879 mansion. Guided tours take approximately 60 minutes and start at the Visitor Center. For tickets, call (815) 756-4609.

Dec. 2-4 

“The Nutcracker” 

7 p.m. Dec. 2-Dec. 3, 2 p.m. Dec. 4 

Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb 

$22 for adults, $17 for children 12 and under; premium tickets higher 

The Beth Fowler Dance Company will present its annual production of “The Nutcracker.” With the beautiful dancing, costumes and stage sets, this favorite holiday classic tells a timeless Christmas story. Call (815) 758-1215.

Dec. 2-18 

Santa House 

5-7 p.m. Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3, Dec 10, Dec. 17; 12-2 p.m. Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18 

DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St., Sycamore 

Free 

Visitors are invited to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas at Santa’s House on the courthouse lawn. The event is presented by the Sycamore Park District.

Dec. 3 

Breakfast with Santa 

9 a.m. 

River Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Dr., DeKalb 

$5 per person

Come to talk to Santa, participate in a craft activity and enjoy a light breakfast. Registration is required and can be done at any DeKalb Park District office or online at dekalbparkdistrict.com.

Dec. 3 

Steelband and Ukulele Concert 

7 p.m. 

Northern Illinois University Music Building Recital Hall, DeKalb 

Free 

Come hear the fun tunes and rhythms of the CSA Steelband and the NIUkulele Ensemble. The groups will play separately and then collaborate at the end of the concert.