Theater
“The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party” features four classic Beatrix Potter stories that come to life in a 45-minute show followed by puppet play, photos, crafts and holiday treats in the lobby. From Nov. 23-Dec. 29 at Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine. Tickets: $45.25. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
TUTA Theatre presents “The Long Christmas Dinner,” Thornton Wilder’s drama about several generations of the Bayard family as told through Christmas dinners, past, present and future. The play was written in 1931 when Wilder was dividing his time between writing and teaching at the University of Chicago. Jacqueline Stone directs. From Nov. 26-Dec. 29 at Bramble Arts Loft, 5545 N. Clark. Tickets: $20-$60. Visit tutatheatre.org.
The Second City’s annual holiday revue, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Sweater,” roasts the holidays (family gatherings, office parties, classic holiday movies and more) with songs, sketches and improv. From Nov. 21-Dec. 23 at Paramount’s Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena, Aurora. Tickets: $43. Visit paramountaurora.com.
Frank Ferrante’s new family-friendly show, “Caesar’s Circus,” is an interactive vaudeville-style entertainment featuring Ferrante’s alter ego, Caesar, and an ensemble of acrobats, clowns, magicians, singers and musicians. Dreya Weber directs. From Nov. 27-Dec. 1 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $65+. Visit northshorecenter.org.
Two suburban stagings of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” begin performances: Jackie Goldfinger’s adaptation from Nov. 24-Dec. 23 at Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell ($20-$45; metropolisarts.com), and William J. Norris’ family-friendly, 70-minute adaptation from Nov. 22-24 at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn ($14, $16; atthemac.org).
Dance
“The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark” is director Robert Lepage and choreographer Guillaume Côté ‘s visionary take on Shakespeare’s classic. Together they have created a version that conveys the depth of Shakespeare’s characters and plot without a single spoken word. The Guardian called it “the can’t miss event of the year.” At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets: $58-$168. Visit harristheaterchicago.org.
Philadelphia’s contemporary ballet company, BalletX, performs the Chicago premiere of Jennifer Archibald’s “Exalt,” a fusion of traditional ballet and house music. The piece is described as “sleek, lovely, highly athletic” by the Philadelphia Inquirer. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets: $39-$129. Visit harristheaterchicago.org.
Ruth Page’s staging of “The Nutcracker” features international guest stars and Ruth Page Civic Ballet dancers. From Nov. 23-24 at Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy.; Dec. 7-8 at Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St. Louis; Dec. 14-15 at College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington, Grayslake. Tickets: $20+. Visit ruthpage.org.
Music
Mariah Carey celebrates the 30th anniversary of her “Merry Christmas” album, a collection that gave the world “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” the most streamed holiday song of all time. Carey will fill the set list with seasonal favorites as well as her chart-toppers: “Emotions,” “Hero,” “Always Be My Baby and “We Belong Together.” At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont. Tickets: $59+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Jason Moran and the Harlem Hellfighters present Moran’s multimedia tribute to James Reese Europe, a bandleader, composer, organizer for Black musicians and World War I hero. Moran, a pianist and composer, connects Europe’s signature syncopated sound to the jazz legends who followed and the music of today. At 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. Tickets: $35+. Visit cso.org.
Singer Marc Anthony’s “Historia” tour is a celebration of Latin music and culture featuring energetic rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. Expect songs from his recent album, “Muevense,” as well as selections from his songbook including “Vivir Mi Vida” and “Flor Palida.” At 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont. Tickets: $59+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Berlin Philharmonic, under the baton of Kirill Petrenko, performs Anton Bruckner’s monumental Symphony No. 5. It’s the continuation of the orchestra’s celebration of the 200th anniversary of Bruckner’s birth. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. Tickets: $125+. Visit cso.org.
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives (guitarist Kenny Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson and bassist Chris Scruggs) perform their classic yet modern brand of country music at 7 and 9 p.m. Nov. 22 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $75. Visit oldtownschool.org.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening is a tribute to the iconic band. As the son of Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, he grew up with the band and followed in his father’s footsteps. Fans can expect a deep dive into the band’s catalog plus a few surprises. At 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at Hard Rock Casino, 5400 W. 29th, Gary, Indiana. Tickets: $50+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Trumpeter and composer Orbert Davis and his sextet perform the timeless music of jazz legend Miles Davis. The performance captures the essence of Davis’ sound while also offering a fresh take on his works. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th. Tickets: $40. Visit thebeverlyartscenter.com.
Museums
“Injustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till” shares Till’s story and legacy through photographs of his life in Chicago, gut-wrenching images from his funeral and the original courtroom sketches of the trial. The exhibit also highlights the impact of his story and its connections to modern instances of racial discrimination. “Injustice” opens Nov. 23 at Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark. Tickets: $17, $19, free for Illinois residents 18 and under. Visit chicagohistory.org.
Movies
The inaugural European Union Institute for Culture Film Festival showcases seven films that explore the diverse cultural landscapes of Europe. The opening night film, Lithuanian director Eimantas Belickas’ “Generation.EU,” follows a group of young people all born on the day Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004 who have something to say about their first steps into adulthood. Additional films come from Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Greece, Hungary and France. From Nov. 22-24 at Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton. Tickets: $7, $35 festival pass. Visit facets.org.
Holiday Fun
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicks off on Nov. 23 with fun events in Lights Festival Lane (401 N. Michigan) from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The festival parade features colorful floats, giant balloons, marching bands and live music from Cameo, Quad City DJ’s and The Ladies of Chic. It steps off from Oak and Michigan at 5:30 p.m. and heads south to Wacker. The day’s festivities come to an end with a fireworks display over the Chicago River at 7 p.m. All activities are free. For more information, visit themagnificentmile.com.
The popular holiday outdoor market, Christkindlmarket, returns at two area locations Nov. 22-Dec. 24: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, and RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. (There’s no market in Wrigleyville’s Gallagher Way this year.) Dozens of vendors sell crafts, ornaments, snacks and those collectible holiday mugs (a boot-shaped mug with market scenes and a nutcracker mug). Admission is free. For more information, visit christkindlmarket.com.