Theater
- Practical Theatre Company presents “Quick! Before We’re Cancelled,” a sketch comedy that offers a satiric look at contemporary life, love and the pursuit of happiness in an increasingly crazy world. Paul Barrosse, Victoria Zielinski and Dana Olsen perform with Steve Rashid leading the Studio5 band. From Dec. 26-Jan. 3 at Studio5, 1934 Dempster Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $40, $55. Visit studio5.dance/calendar.
- Auris Presents “Transitions,” a new end-of-year music event that takes place over seven days Dec. 26-Jan. 1 at seven venues. Highlights include performances by Chris Lorenzo, Cloonee, Four Tet, Dylan Brady, Beltran, Purple Disco Machine, Claude Vonstroke, Chloé Caillet, Floorplan, Andre Power, Matroda and many more. For a complete list of acts and venues, visit aurispresents.com/transitions/.
- This holiday season Trans-Siberian Orchestra hits the road with its fan-favorite show “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” The rock band, founded by Paul O’Neill in 1996, is known for its unique fusion of rock, classical and orchestral elements. At 2:30 and 8 p.m. Dec. 26 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road. Tickets: $55+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Music
- The instrumental five-piece band STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9) produces a cutting-edge sound, a mix of electronic, funk, jazz, hip-hop and more, that has forged a path for multiple generations of electronic dance music. At 9:30 p.m. Dec. 29-31 at Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St. Tickets: $62.81+. Visit jamusa.com.
- Chicago’s popular DIY band Dehd will close out the year, which saw the indie darlings open for the likes of The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse and perform at Riot Fest, during the Bye Bye ’25 NYE Run. Tuesday’s show is sold out but tickets are still available for Wednesday. At 10 p.m. Dec. 30-31 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Tickets: $46.39+. ticketweb.com.
- Power-pop rockers Fountains of Wayne reunited this year, performing for the first time since 2013. Among the handful of shows the reformed band — with Eve 6’s Max Collins taking over for bassist Adam Schlesinger, who passed away in 2020 — is performing this year a New Year’s Eve gig in Chicago. With Fig Dish and Child Seat. At 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Tickets: $59+. axs.com.
Museums and galleries
- “Design on Draft: Breweries & Beyond” celebrates the artistry behind beer branding, from iconic labels and inventive packaging to marketing and graphic design, that helps shape the beer experience. Included are artifacts from the Prohibition era, craft cans, label design sketches, historic Illinois labels, tavern games and more. To April 13 at Design Museum of Chicago, 72 E. Randolph St. Admission is free. Visit designchicago.org.
- Find out what Chicago author-artist Dmitry Samarov has been up to in the exhibit “Dmitry Samarov: Art for Other People’s Books.” For the past year, Samarov has been designing and illustrating books in the public domain. Among the 50 drawings and paintings are images for Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick,” Sinclair Lewis’ “Babbitt,” Sherwood Anderson’s “Winesburg, Ohio,” William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” and more. To Feb. 28 at Firecat Projects Gallery, 2019 N. Damen Ave. Admission is free. Visit firecatprojects.org.
Family fun
- “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” will broadcast live from Chicago, the first time in the show’s 55-year history that the Windy City will have its own version. Chance the Rapper, who will also co-host the event, will take the stage for a countdown performance shortly before midnight. Local DJs Mike Dunn and Mike P, J. Ivy and Shemekia Copeland will perform on the mainstage at Wacker Drive and Franklin Street. Entry into the event and performance area begins at 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit chicago.gov.
- It all started in 1926 on the South Side of Chicago with the best Black basketball players in the country. Now the Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating 100 years with a new generation of players that continue to take inspiration from the fun-loving and awe-inspiring players of the past. Part athleticism, part comedy, it’s high-flying fun on the court. At 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 28 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road. Tickets: $47.80+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Join the Black Star Project for its 2025 Bronzeville Kwanzaa Celebration + Vendor Fair, a family-friendly event that highlights culture, community and collective joy. This annual celebration brings together families, neighbors and local businesses to honor the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba). The vendor fair features Black-owned businesses and community organizations, plus there’s Kwanzaa activities and youth- and family-centered experiences. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 27 at Hatch 41, 4131 S. State St. Admission is free. Visit blackstarproject.org.