Theater
- “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago” is a 1940s radio broadcast adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic that has become a holiday tradition. Gwendolyn Whiteside directs. From Nov. 21-Dec. 28 at American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $34.50-$94.50. Visit americanbluestheater.com.
- “A Magical Cirque Christmas” showcases world-class acrobats, contortionists and aerialists performing in a winter wonderland setting filled with holiday music. From Nov. 25-30 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St. Tickets: $39-$117. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
- Stage Left Theatre stages the world premiere of Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend’s “Come Again,” a comedy about a hospice nurse who is told she has been chosen to be God’s climate change prophet. Kyle Aschbrenner directs. From Nov. 21-Dec. 21 at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. Tickets: $40. Visit stagelefttheatre.com.
- Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley,” Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s third installment of their Jane Austen-inspired trilogy, which finds two friends discovering adventures and new relationships over the holidays. Connie Canaday Howard directs. From Nov. 20-Dec. 21 at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Tickets: $45. Visit atthemac.org.
- Hell in a Handbag Productions stages “The Real Housewives of the North Pole,” David Cerda’s holiday parody in which the wives of North Pole power players attempt to save their families from financial ruin. Tommy Bullington directs. From Nov. 20-Jan. 4 at The Clutch, 4335 N. Western Ave. Tickets: $44.25. Visit handbagproductions.org.
- “Holidazed and Amused: Naughty, Nice and Everything In-Between” unwraps the chaos of the season via songs, sketches and improv. From Nov. 26-Dec. 31 at The Second City, 230 W. North Ave. Tickets: $29+. Visit secondcity.com.
- The Second City’s “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire” lampoons holiday traditions including family gatherings, office parties, movies and Mariah Carey. From Nov. 20-Dec. 23 at Paramount’s Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora. Tickets: $44. Visit paramountaurora.com.
- Pride Arts’ stages “Rapornzel,” Tom Whalley’s adult panto fairy tale filled with R-rated puns and pop songs. Claire Hart Proepper directs. From Nov. 21-Dec. 14 at Hoover-Leppen Theatre, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $35. Visit pridearts.org.
- “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is Joe Landry’s adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film. Lauren Katz directs. From Nov. 20-Dec. 28 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Rd., Glenview. Tickets: $55. Visit oillamptheater.org.
- Charlies Dickens’ classic tale of redemption and hope, “A Christmas Carol,” comes to life in Johanna McKenzie Miller’s adaptation. From Nov. 25-Dec. 24 at Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Tickets: $25-$49. Visit metropolisarts.com.
Dance
- This production of Ruth Page’s “The Nutcracker,” which debuted in 1965, recreates highlights from the original full-length ballet with guest artists, colorful costumes and magical settings. At 1 and 5 p.m. Nov. 22 at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St.; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy., University Park; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 13 and 1 p.m. Dec. 14 at Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 20 and 1 p.m. Dec. 22 at College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St, Grayslake.. Tickets: $20-$65. Visit ruthpage.org.
Music
- Paul McCartney ends his 2025 “Got Back” tour with a two-night stand in Chicago. The 83-year-old music legend takes a run through his music catalog from The Beatles to Wings and his solo hits while also reminiscing and telling stories of his days with John, George and Ringo. At 8 p.m. Nov. 24-25 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Tickets: $453+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- “A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness” features Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan teaming up with the Lyric Opera to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his band’s signature alternative rock album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.” Corgan is joined by guest artists to create a new sonic and visual experience. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21-30 at Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker Drive. Tickets: $139+. Visit lyricopera.org.
- Lilith Fair founder Sarah McLachlan tours behind her 10th studio album, “Better Broken,” a collection of new songs that instill a potent new energy into her lush and moody pop-rock. But don’t worry, she also performs her hits — “Sweet Surrender,” “Building a Mystery” and “I Will Remember You.” At 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. Tickets: $73+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Folk musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dom Flemons, co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, presents “The Bronze Buckaroo Film & Songster Show,” which chronicles the history of Black cowboys and the roots of American music. At 6:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Roberts Westside, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park. Tickets: $31.93. Visit robertswestside.com.
Museums
- “American Prophets: Writers, Religion and Culture” travels through American history to explore the influence of religion and spirituality on writers and culture. Special programming is scheduled beginning at 6 p.m. Nov. 24 with music journalist Alan Light, who discusses spirituality in popular music. Opens Nov. 21 and runs through November 2026 at American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave. Admission: $16, children 12 and under free. Visit americanwritersmuseum.org.
Holiday happenings
- Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicks off on Nov. 22 with fun events in Lights Festival Lane (401 N. Michigan Ave.) from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The festival parade steps off from Oak Street and Michigan Avenue at 5:30 p.m. and heads south to Wacker Drive. It features colorful floats, giant balloons, marching bands and live music from Plain White T’s, DJ White Shadow, Club Nouveau, Justin Roberts, Voice of Liberty and more. The day’s festivities come to an end with a fireworks display over the Chicago River at 7 p.m. All activities are free. Visit themagnificentmile.com.
- The popular holiday outdoor market, Christkindlmarket, returns at three area locations: Nov. 21-Dec. 24 at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.; Nov. 23-Dec. 31at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St.; and Nov. 21-Dec. 24 at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. Dozens of vendors sell crafts, ornaments, snacks and those collectible holiday mugs. Admission is free. For more information, visit christkindlmarket.com.
- The beloved holiday tradition, ZooLights, returns with more than 3 million lights illuminating Lincoln Park Zoo. A 65-foot Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the skyline plus photo ops with Santa, ice carving, Victorian carolers, festive cocktails and more. From Nov. 21-Jan. 4 at 2400 N. Cannon Drive. Admission: $7-$12, Mondays free but reservations are required. Visit lpzoo.org.