Enjoy opening-weekend performances of the timeless holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Judith Svalander Dance Theatre ballet company, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 10; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 11, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock.

December 8 

Johnsburg Teen Holiday Party 

6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Johnsburg Public Library, 3000 N. Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg 

Free 

Kids (grades 6-12) can enjoy games, challenges, goodies, a $5 gift exchange (optional), a “marshmallow meltdown” and more in this Teen Advisory Group (TAG) holiday bash. Advance registration is required. To sign up, and for more information, call (815) 344-00777 or visit www.johnsburglibrary.org.

December 8 

Get LIT(erary) Pasta Night 

7 p.m. 

Le Petit Marche, 19 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake 

Free 

Stop by to enjoy this session of the monthly event, which features a group of Williams Street Repertory actors and supporters reading works written by a wide array of distinguished authors. A selected pasta dish (plus soup and salad) will be available for purchase. For more information, call (815) 477-3296 or visit www.petitmarche.biz.

December 10 

Cool Yule Holiday Concert 

7 p.m. 

Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake 

$25, $18 (students, seniors) 

Enjoy this year’s version of the McHenry County Youth Orchestra’s holiday concert, featuring vintage classics and festive, contemporary favorites. Group pricing (parties of 10 or more) is available. For tickets, and more information, call (815) 356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org.

December 10 

Algonquin Bookaneers 

2-3 p.m. 

Algonquin Area Public Library District Main Library, 2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin 

Free

Kids (grades K-2) can join this beginner’s level book discussion group to read and discuss author Jan Brett’s book, “Gingerbread Christmas,” and then complete an art project related to the story. To register, and for more information, call (847) 458-6060 or visit www.aapld.org.

December 10, 11 

‘The Nutcracker’ 

2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 10; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 11 

Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock 

$25 (adults), $18 (students) 

Enjoy opening-weekend performances of the timeless holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Judith Svalander Dance Theatre ballet company. The show also runs Dec. 16 (8 p.m.), Dec. 17 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Dec. 18 (2 p.m. and 6 p.m.). To purchase tickets, and for more information, call the box office at (815) 338-5300 or visit www.wwodstockoperahouse.com.

December 11 

Pony Rides with Santa 

2-4:30 p.m. 

Timmermann’s Ranch & Saddle Shop, 29550 W. Roberts Road, Island Lake 

Free 

Enjoy pony rides with Santa Claus, cookies and hot cocoa, and face painting in this family event. Monetary donations for the Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry will be accepted. For more information, call (847) 526-8066 or visit www.timmermannsranch.com.

December 11 

Flock to the Library & Felt 

1-3 p.m. 

Huntley Area Public Library, 11000 Ruth Road, Huntley 

Free 

In this EFS Foundation-sponsored program (for ages 16 and up), Karen Plummer will demonstrate the simple process of felting wool roving to make an artful project. Materials and equipment will be provided. Registration is required. To sign up, and for more information, call (847) 669-5386 or visit www.huntleylibrary.org.

December 12 

Coffee with the Woodstock Police Chief 

7-8:30 p.m. 

Woodstock Police Department Training Room, 656 Lake Ave., Woodstock 

Free 

Community members can attend this session of the monthly open-house event to share a cup of coffee with Chief of Police John Lieb in an informal setting. Lieb will answer questions and discuss any specific concerns. For more information, call (815) 338-2131 or visit www.woodstockil.gov.

December 13 

Christmas Craft & Vendor Show 

6-9 p.m. 

Mixin Mingle, 1118 N. Green St., McHenry 

Free 

Stop by this eclectic party venue to shop for handcrafted gift items from an array of vendors during this special show, hosted by Events by Heather. For more information, call (815) 308-5170 or visit www.mixinmingle.com.

December 15 

Senior Luncheon 

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Lakefront Park Building, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake 

$8 

Seniors can enjoy a lunch of baked ham, yams, vegetables, salad, bread, dessert and a beverage in this event, sponsored by the village and the Grant Township Center. Entertainment will be provided by the Lotus and Stanton School Choir. Reservations are required. To RSVP, and for more information, call (847) 587-3944 or visit www.foxlake.org.