Chicago’s legendary sketch comedy theater’s holiday show, The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue, will open Dec. 20. The show will have original songs, new sketches and some classic favorites, and will run through Dec. 31. Times vary.

Dec. 13-22

Wonderland Express
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
$11 members/$13 nonmembers for adults; $8 members/$10 nonmembers for
children ages 3 to 12 and seniors over age 62; free  for children 2 and younger

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Wonderland Express, an annual holiday extravaganza featuring model trains traveling around meticulously crafted Chicago landmarks in miniature, is open. Intricate ice carvings will be on display and carolers will perform. For tickets, go to chicagobotanic.org. Tuesdays are half-price. Parking fees apply for nonmembers. After Dec. 25, the show continues to Jan. 7.

Dec. 15

Stammtisch Open Haus
DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago
7:30 p.m.
Free

Celebrate Christmas at DANK Haus with German glühwein, cookies and cakes and listen to joyful Christmas songs. Bring wrapped presents for the special Christmas raffle.

Dec. 15-17

“The Nutcracker on Ice”
7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and Dec. 16
2:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and Dec. 17
Robert Crown Community Center and Ice Complex, 1701 Main St., Evanston
$9; $10 for reserved seating

“The Nutcracker on Ice,” Robert Crown Community Center’s beloved winter ice show, will celebrate its 43rd year performed by Robert Crown Center ice skating school students and competitive figure skaters. The skaters will tell the familiar tale of Clara and her musical holiday adventures. Exquisite costumes, Tchaikovsky’s familiar music and special effects bring the characters to life. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door at Robert Crown Center and by phone with a major credit card by calling (847) 448-8258.

Dec. 16

Indoor Winter Farmers Market
8 a.m.-noon
Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston
Free

A selection of farmers’ market favorites and some specialty artisan vendors will sell goods at the Saturday market through April 28. For more information, call (847) 448-8256.

Dec. 14

Shop Late in Lincoln Square
6-10 p.m.
4500-4800 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Free

Enjoy an evening of neighborhood shopping. Participating businesses will offer special have deals. As an added bonus, each of the participating Lincoln Square merchants has donated some of their wares for a unique gift basket. To enter the drawing, mark “Going” on the Facebook Event page, Shop Late Lincoln Square. Then, on the night of the event as you enjoy appetizers, drinks, and great deals, check in on the page. 

Dec. 16

Home for the Holidays
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Marion Street, Downtown Oak Park
Free

The day’s activities start at 10 a.m. with a showing of “Miracle on 34th Street” at the Lake Theatre. Then, horse-drawn sleigh rides will be given starting at 110 N. Marion, hot cocoa will be served in the nearby hospitality tent, Santa will be on Marion Street and carolers will perform holiday favorites.

Dec. 17

12 Days of Christmas Holiday Bazaar
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Elmwood Park Public Library, 1 W. Conti Pkwy., Elmwood Park
Free

Montclare-Elmwood Park Kiwanis and the Library invite the public to support local artists and crafters at its first holiday bazaar. The Library’s Young Adult Council will sell baked goods, coffee and hot chocolate. All proceeds will benefit Kiwanis, which supports local families and children in need.

Rainbow Therapy Time
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie
Free

Children with special needs are invited to enjoy the benefits of interacting with trained therapy dogs. Limited to 10 participants ages 7-12. Rainbow dog handlers will work with the children to strengthen motor skills, learn social skills, and improve language use. Children attend independently with the assistance of volunteer aides. To register, go to skokie.libnet.info.

Dec. 20

The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue
7 p.m.
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights
$30, $35 for stage tables

Chicago’s legendary sketch comedy theater’s holiday show, The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue, will open Dec. 20. The show will have original songs, new sketches and some classic favorites, and will run through Dec. 31. Times vary. Tickets can be purchased at MetropolisArts.com, the theater or by calling the box office at (847) 577-2121.

–Cook County Calendar of Events Dec. 13 – Dec. 20–