Here are some Chicago-area events, from the Illinois Bureau of Tourism. LOTS to see and do!

Check back for Winter events and activities. 

 

CHICAGO

November 28 [4:30 p.m.]
95th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dearborn and Washington Streets
Special guests including Santa Claus and local musical performers help light the City of Chicago’s Official Christmas tree to launch the holiday season.  Musical program begins at 4:30pm; Tree Lighting at 5pm.  312-744-3370, www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents

CHICAGOLAND

November 7
The Fab Four
Paramount Theatre
23 East Galena Boulevard
Aurora
The Fab Four, as seen on the Ellen Show, is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail.  With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles' songs, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.  This incredible stage show includes three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career.  Hear record-perfect live performances of such classics as "Can't Buy Me Love”, "Yesterday", "A Day In The Life", "Penny Lane", "Here Comes The Sun", and "Hey Jude”.  Admission: $33.50/28.50.  630-896-6666, www.paramountarts.com
November 7 and 8
Late Night Catechism
Metropolis Performing Arts Center
111 W. Campbell St.
Arlington Heights
Laugh your sins away at Metropolis with the hilarious Sister of Late Nite Catechism.  Some adult language.  Not recommended for children or young teens.  Admission: $30. 847-577-5992, www.metropolisarts.com

November 8 and 9
Antique Expo
Will County Fairgrounds
710 S. West Street
Peotone
Booths are available along with set up of antiques.  All items are for sale.  Some booths offer repair of antiques.  708-672-9216

November 8 [8:00 p.m.]
DeFace the Nation
One University Parkway
University Park
DeFace the Nation is Second City's all-political revue for the election year.  It is a hilarious romp through the Beltway and beyond.  $35-$50.  708-235-2222, www.centertickets.net

November 8 [9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.]
U. S. Brass Band Championships
Norris Cultural Arts Center
1040 Dunham Road
Box 747
St. Charles
British style brass bands comprised of 30 adults per band from North America and often the U.K. perform 25 minute concerts in an entertainment contest unique to North America.  The entertainment level is high and the competition is fierce when the Champions from the last four years return and pull out all the stops to compete for several captions including the U. S. Open Brass Band Champion!  630-584-7262, www.usopenbrass.org

November 11 [10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.]
Veterans’ Day
Brookfield Zoo
31st and First Avenue
Brookfield
To honor those who have proudly served our nation, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is hosting a recognition ceremony and all are invited to attend.  708-485-0360, www.brookfieldzoo.org

November 15
Shawn Mullins
Metropolis Performing Arts Center
111 W. Campbell St.
Arlington Heights
You’ll feel like “everything’s gonna be alright” after a concert with this storied rock star.  From early chart-toppers like “Lullaby”, to his newest radio hit “All in My Head”, Shawn Mullins  has been writing and recording music ever since his early days in the U.S. Army Reserve.  Admission: $35, Stage table: $45. 847-577-5992, www.metropolisarts.com

November 15 [8:00 p.m.]
Smokey Joe's Café
The Center for Performing Arts at GSU
One University Parkway
University Parkway
Smokey Joe's Cafe is a musical revue showcasing 39 pop standards, including rock and roll, rhythm and blues songs written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.  Admission: $38-$53.  708-235-2222, www.centertickets.net

November 15 and 16 [Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.]
Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine and Juke Box Show
4015 E. Main Street
St. Charles
This show is the largest show of its type in the world.  It's very popular with dealers and collectors from across the country and around the world for its wide range of high-quality antique collectibles.  Admission $7.  815-353-1593, www.chicagolandshow.com

November 18 [7:00 p.m.]
Ideas X-Change
190 S Prospect Ave.
Elmhurst
Sponsored by Harris Bank, "Ideas X-Change" welcomes historical researcher and publisher John Kukla (based in Virginia).  John Kukla will give a lecture titled, "All Men are Created Equal: Thomas Jefferson and Women."  630-617-3033, www.elmhurst.edu

November 22 [7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.]
Orland Hills 15th Annual Turkey 2K/5K race
16553 S. Haven Ave
Orland Hills
Please note race registration will close 15 minutes prior to the start of each race.  Race features:  Free sweatshirt, snacks and refreshments for all registered participants.  Awards will be given to overall winners for men and women, and 1st thru 3rd place winners in each running classification. 708-349-7211, www.orlandhills.org

November 22 [10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.]
Community Tree Trim
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield
Get into the holiday spirit this year by joining in the longstanding tradition of Brookfield Zoo's annual Community Tree Trim-bound to be a great time for everyone involved.  All proceeds from the event help support animal care  as well as the Chicago Zoological Society's conservation and education programs.  The trees are decorated with animal-safe ornaments and are displayed on the zoo's malls, bringing Brookfield Zoo to life with nearly one million twinkling lights for Holiday Magic.  To make reservations, or for more information, including ornament guidelines, visit our website or give us a call.  708-688-8000, www.brookfieldzoo.org

November 22 [4:30 – 5:45 p.m.]
Turkey Shoot
15601 S. Central
Oak Forest
Children ages 4-14 and adult teams will compete against other teams of the same child age group and adults gender.  Ten free throws each.  708-687-7270, www.oakforestparks.org

November 28 – 30 [Noon – Midnight]
6th Annual ChristkindlMarkt
Eastman Street and Arlington Heights Road
Arlington Heights
Traditional German celebration including craft vendors, food and entertainment held in two large heated tents.  847-368-5100, www.vah.com

November 28 – 30 [Friday 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.]
Holiday Art, Craft & Gift Market
Pheasant Run Resort
4051 E. Main Street
St. Charles
20th Annual Event held in the Mega Center.  An art, craft and gift show featuring artists and crafters from across the area.  Media includes, jewelry, art, floral, clothing and home furnishings will be available.  There will be food vendors, gift ideas and much more.  630-325-8080, www.apevents.com

November 29 and 30 [Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.]
11th Annual Christkindlesmarkt
Roselle Road and Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg
An outdoor European-influenced open-air Holiday Market featuring craft vendors, food, Santa, and family entertainment.  847-923-3605, www.prairiecenter.org

November 30
Winter Festival & Tree Lighting
14750 S. Ravinia
Orland Park
Musical entertainment, visit with Santa, magic show, make and take crafts, sleigh rides, concessions and Mayor's tree lighting.  708-403-6140, www.orland-park.il.us,,

NORTHERN

November 13 – 16 [Thursday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.]
Country Christmas At Rock Run Peddler
207 W. Jefferson Street
Rock City
Enjoy the Christmas spirit at Rock Run Peddler's Christmas Open House with their collection of primitives, antiques, unique Christmas folk art, gifts, fresh Christmas trees and wreaths.  Also enjoy Christmas hammered dulcimer music, plus refreshments.  815-865-5969, www.stephenson-county-il.org

November 21 – 24 [10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.]
Santa Fest
1240 S. Walnut Street
Freeport
Visit Barbara Buck's studio to see a large galley display of featuring museum quality one-of-a-kind Santas, Angels and Nativity sets.  815-443-2785

November 22
Junie B. Jones
Raue Center for the Arts
26 N. Williams St,
Crystal Lake
Outspoken, precocious, lovable Junie B. Jones stars in a colorful, funny, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations.  815-356-9310, www.rauecenter.org

November 22 – 23 [10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.]
Fever River Railroad Fall Open House
1055 W. Beach Street
Freeport
For model railroad aficionados -and everyone else who ever enjoyed model train- this model railroad is something to see.  The Fever River Railroad is a 103 by 24 foot HO scale model of a hypothetical railroad running from Duluth, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri.  The railroad intersects with models of "real" railroads, each of which can be operated independently- up to 20 trains can be operating at one time.  Industries along the railroad right-of-way duplicate either actual facilities or are typically correct of the industries that would be found in the Upper Midwest.  The scenery represents the geographical area as well.  A collection of railroad memorabilia and pictures are on display.  Adults: $3.00; Children under 12: $1.00; Families: $5.00.  800-369-2955, www.stephenson-county-il.org

November 28 – 30
Christmas of Yesteryear
Downtown Richmond
Richmond
Celebrate the magic of Christmas!  Held Thanksgiving weekend.  Visit our historic downtown and shops and streets trimmed with garland and lights, reminiscent of times gone by.  Shopping, Santa, horse wagon tours and carolers.  Continues next two weekends too.  815-678-4040, www.richmond-il.com

CENTRAL

November 7 – 9 [Friday 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.]
Country Treasure Craft Show
Keller Convention Center
1202 N. Keller Drive
Effingham
Dozens of crafters exhibit their creations at the Keller Convention Center.  www.kellerconventioncenter.com
November 9 – 10
Quilt Show & Auction
115 E. Cumberland Street
Greenup
All entries accepted.  Vendors, door prizes, prizes for each category and more!  217-923-5522

November 14 – 16
Home for the Holidays
Lincoln Land Community Center
Litchfield
6th Annual Festival of Trees, winter parade and holiday walk for local businesses.  866-733-5833, www.cityoflitchfieldil.com

November 22 – 23 [Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.]
Festival of Arts and Crafts
4050 E. Main Street
St. Charles
Handcrafted original art and crafts including floral designs, tile painting, painted windows and glassware along with watercolor paintings and calligraphy.  There will be personal items such as jewelry and clothing as well as home decorations and outdoor yard accents for the holiday as well as year round.  Adults $2-Children under 12 years free.  847-301-8543, www.stepbystepcraftshows.com

November 28
A Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer
400 S. Lincoln Highway Road
Lerna
Explore the Thanksgiving traditions of the 19th Century at the Stephen Sargent Farm.  217-345-1845, www.lincolnlogcabin.org

November 29
Light Up Streator City Park
Streator City Park
Streator
Annual celebration marks the lighting of the City Park for the holiday season.  This daylong festival includes a marketplace throughout the day with lighting at 6:30 p.m.  618-673-1708

WESTERN

November 7 – 9 [Friday 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.]
Antique Spectacular Fall Show 2008
QCCA Expo Center
4th Avenue
Rock Island
It will be antiques galore at Antique Spectacular at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island in Illinois!  Featured will be select antique dealers with unique merchandise from around the world.  With the Antique Spectacular, there is always something to interest every collector including: furniture, art pottery, stoneware, books, prints, primitives, jewelry, silver, signage, prints, paintings, glass, china, postcards, coins, quilts, dolls, toys, advertising, marbles, rugs, vintage textiles and period pieces.  Admission is $6.  309-788-9619, www.qccaexpocenter.com

November 22 [3:30 – 6:30 p.m.]
Lighting on the John Deere Commons
John Deere Commons at Moline Center
River Drive and 5th Avenue
Moline
The 12th annual Lighting on the Commons is a celebration of community spirit.  Join thousands of participants who will enjoy this spectacular annual tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display from 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.  The John Deere Commons and Moline Centre will be a bustling, festive destination filled with Victorian characters, free refreshments, MidCoast Fine Arts children's activities, horse drawn wagon rides, trolley tour, holiday entertainment and a visit from Santa and his elves.  563-823-8131, www.johndeere.com

November 28 – November 30 [10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.]
Julmarknad - Christmas Market
1 Bishop Hill Road
Bishop Hill
Decorated shops and museums.  Encounter Swedish folk characters roaming the village, special music, Swedish foods and unique gifts.  Chocolate walk at Steeple Building.  309-927-3343, www.bishophill.com

SOUTHWEST

November 8 [7:30 p.m.]
Great Rivers Choral Society: Mozart Requiem
Cox Auditorium, Principia College
Elsah
The Great Rivers Choral Society will be joining with the Principia choir and orchestra for the Requiem Mass in D minor, one of the last, most powerful and widely recognized works composed by Mozart in 1791.  618-465-2315, www.grcs-sing.org

November 14 – 23 [Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 p.m., Sunday 2:00 p.m.]
Alton Little Theatre: Nuncrackers
2450 North Henry Street
Alton
Nuncrackers is the fourth show in Dan Goggin's series of Nunsense musicals.  Featuring all new songs including "Twelve Days Prior to Christmas", "Santa Ain't Comin' to Our House", "We Three Kings of Orient Are Us", and "It's Better to Give Than to Receive",  this show is filled with typical Nunsense humor  some of your favorite carols  and a "Secret Santa" audience participation.  We're certain this Nunsense Christmas show will make you laugh and maybe tug at your heartstrings.  It's the perfect way to insure that your holiday season is merry and bright!  $18 for adults and $8 for students.  618-462-6562, www.altonlittletheatre.org

SOUTHERN

November 21 – 23 [Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.]
Holiday Open House at Genkota Winery
301 N. 44th Street
Mount Vernon
Christmas and holidays open house offering gift giving specials, refreshments and holiday decorations.  618-246-9463, www.genkotawine.com