Entertainment This Week
Now Playing in Indiana:
December 19th, 7:00 pm, All in Jest Trivia Night, Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, 540 S. Lake Street, Gary. $10 at the door. Cash bar. FYI www.millerbeacharts.org
December 19th, 8:00 pm ET, Lady A: This Winter's Night Tour 2025, The Exhibition Hall at French Lick Resort, 8670 IN-56, French Lick, IN. FYI www.ticketmaster.com
December 19th, 9:00 pm, DJ Drethe_Giant, Council Oaks Bar Stage, Hard Rock Casino, 5400 West 29th Ave. (I 80-94@Burr), Gary. 21 and older. Free. FYI 219-228-2383 or https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com/
December 19th, 9:00 pm, Wicked Serenity: The Ultimate Tribute to Gobsmack, Hard Rock Cafe Stage, Hard Rock Casino, 5400 West 29th Ave. (I 80-94@Burr), Gary. 21 and older. Free. FYI 219-228-2383 or https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com/
December 20th, 7:00 pm, Classical Blast: Dark Side of the Yule, Chicago Street Theatre, 154 Chicago Street, Valparaiso. FYI https://chicagostreet.ludus.com/index.php
December 20th, 9:00 pm, DJ Nasty Boy Noel, Council Oaks Bar Stage, Hard Rock Casino, 5400 West 29th Ave. (I 80-94@Burr), Gary. 21 and older. Free. FYI 219-228-2383 or https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com/
December 20th, 9:00 pm, Duke Tumato and the Power Trio, Hard Rock Cafe Stage, Hard Rock Casino, 5400 West 29th Ave. (I 80-94@Burr), Gary. 21 and older. Free. FYI 219-228-2383 or https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com/
Ongoing Exhibits/Events
Through December 21st, A Christmas Show Tribute to Frank Sinatra and His Friends starring Robbie Howard, Theatre at the Center, Center for Visual & Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. $35. FYI (219) 836-3255 ext 1, or www.theatreatthecenter.com
Through December 23rd, Schedule a 5-minute visit with Santa, get a printed photo, on select dates. "A Christmas Story" Comes Home, Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive (I 80/94 at Kennedy), Hammond. $10. Schedule appt at AChristmasStoryComesHome.com
Through December 24th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, Saturdays by appt Holiday Gift Gallery, Art Barn School of Art, 695 N 400 E, Valparaiso. FYI (219) 462-9009 or www.artbarnschool.org.
Through December 24th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm M. T. W & F; Th 12:00 - 7:00 pm; Sat 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sun 12:00 - 4:00 pm, Evergreen Artisan Market, South Shore Arts, Atrium Gallery, Center for Visual & Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Free. FYI (219) 836-1839 or www.southshoreartsonline.org
Through December 30th, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm daily, "A Christmas Story" Comes Home, Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive (I 80/94 at Kennedy), Hammond. Free. FYI AChristmasStoryComesHome.com
Through January 2nd, Holiday Artisan Market, Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA), 101 W. 2nd Street at the lakefront, Michigan City. Free. FYI (219) 874-4900 or www.LubeznikCenter.org.
Through January 7th, Art Barn School of Art presents Views of VU, a curated exhibition celebrating the architectural beauty and scenic character of Valparaiso University through the eyes of regional artists. Das Gallery, located at Country Inn & Suites, 2020 Laporte Ave, Valparaiso. Free. FYI www.artbarnschool.org.
Through January 22nd, Chesterton Art Center Annual Members Exhibition, Chesterton Art Center, 115 S. 4th Street, Chesterton. Free. FYI (219) 926-4711 or www.ChestertonArt.org
Through February 15th, LIT! Site-Specific Installations by Maria Burundarena and Luftwerk, Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA), 101 W. 2nd Street at the lakefront, Michigan City. Free. FYI (219) 874-4900 or www.LubeznikCenter.org.
Through January 16th, VOICES: The MBACD Annual Community Show, Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, 540 S. Lake Street, Gary. Free & open to the public. FYI (219) 885-9114 or millerbeacharts.org
Now Playing in Illinois
**** December 19th, 20th & 22nd, 10:00 am, Breakfast with Santa, Lucille Restaurant, Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Adults $50, Children 5-12 $30, Children 4 & under Free. Ticket to A Christmas Carol not included. FYI (630) 530-0111 or www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.
December 19th, 7:00 pm, December 20th, 2:00 & 7:00 pm, ANTHONY RAPP: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS with Rick Bertone, The Joan and Paul Theatre at Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave., Chicago. $55 - $340 (cabaret tables and standard seating available). FYI https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/anthonyrapphomefortheholidays/
December 19th, 7:00 pm, December 20th, 2:00 & 7:00 pm, December 21st, 1:00 & 5:00 pm, Ballet Chicago presents The Nutcracker, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E Randolph St, Chicago. FYI https://www.harristheaterchicago.org/performance/nutcracker-1
December 19th, 7:00 pm, Asian Improv aRts Midwest (AIRMW), present “Reduction 11” Edlis Neeson Theater at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago. $25, $20 Seniors 65+ $20, Students and Teachers with ID $10. FYI airmw.org/taikolegacy.
December 19th, 7:00 pm, Chicago Sinfonietta, Ignite 2025-26, Holidays of Hope, Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville. FYI https://chicagosinfonietta.org/holidays-of-hope/
December 19th, 7:00 pm, December 20th & 21st, 1:00 & 5:00 pm, Salt Creek Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with New Philharmonic. New Philharmonic with Conductor Kirk Muspratt. Belushi Performance Hall, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn. FYI (630) (630) 942-4000 or https://atthemac.org/shows/.
December 19th, 7:30 pm, Ring-A-Ding-Swing, It’s Christmas! featuring Gary Thomas and the Tom-Toms, Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago. $30 - $40. Post-show audience collection for Season of Concern. FYI https://epiphanychi.com/events/ring-a-ding-swing-its-christmas-featuring...
December 19th, 8:00 pm, Live Nation presents Matt Rogers: Christmas in December, The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield, Chicago. 18 & over. FYI www.axs.com
December 19th, 8:00 pm ET, John Pardi: Christmas Show, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, 5223 North Orient Road, Tampa, FL. 21 & over. Tickets start at $80. FYI www.ticketmaster
December 19th, 9:00 pm, SPF Infini Chicago: TDJ, Hannah Diamond, Cult Member & More, Outset Chicago, 1675 N. Elston, Chicago. Tickets start at $31. FYI www.ticketmaster.com
**** December 20th, Village of Rosemont welcomes Operation North Pole to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Volunteer-based charity will once again, bring joy to nearly 70 local families with children battling life-threatening illnesses. FYI www.operationnorthpole.com.
**** December 20th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent (across from The Little Popcorn Store) on Front Street, Downtown Wheaton. Free. FYI https://www.visitdowntownwheaton.org/events/santa
December 20th, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm, Jewelry Trunk Show, artist TBA, Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood, Chicago. FYI lillstreet.com.
**** December 20th, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Holiday Afternoon Tea, Lucille Restaurant, Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Adults $75, Children 5-12 $35, Children 4 & under Free. FYI (630) 530-0111 or www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.
**** December 20th. 1:00 & 5:00 pm, December 21st. 1:00 pm, The Ruth Page Center for the Arts presents Ruth Page's The Nutcracker, ,College of Lake County’s (CLC) James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $15 to $65 (depending on venue). FYI RuthPage.org.
December 20th, 2:00 pm, Asian Improv aRts Midwest (AIRMW), directed by Tatsu Aoki & Tsukasa Taiko, present “Taiko Legacy 22” Edlis Neeson Theater at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago. $25, $20 Seniors 65+ $20, Students and Teachers with ID $10. FYI airmw.org/taikolegacy.
December 20th, 2:00 - 6:00 pm, Sound Opinions & Half Acre welcome XMAS Jams at GMAN - Deejay Christmatologists Andy Cirzan & John Soss, Gman Tavern, 3740 N. Clark Street, Chicago. 21 & over. Free with RSVP. FYI www.etix.com
December 20th, 7:00 pm, Chicago Sinfonietta, Ignite 2025-26, Holidays of Hope, Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th, Chicago. FYI https://chicagosinfonietta.org/holidays-of-hope/
December 20th, 7:30 pm, The Auditorium presents The Holiday in Concert with the Chicago Philharmonic, Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. 18 & over. FYI www.axs.com
December 20th, 8:00 pm, Lindsey Sterling: The Snow Waltz Tour, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan. FYI www.ticketmaster.com
December 20th, 9"00 pm, DJ Diesel aka Shaq, Salt Shed Indoors, 1357 N. Elston, Chicago. Tickets start at $58. FYI www.ticketmaster.com
**** December 21st, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Brunch with Santa, Lucille Restaurant, Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Adults $100, Children 5-12 $30, Children 4 & under Free. FYI (630) 530-0111 or www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.
December 21st, 6:00 pm, Ring-A-Ding-Swing, It’s Christmas! featuring Gary Thomas and the Tom-Toms, Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. $15 - $35. Post-show audience collection for Season of Concern. FYI www.heynonny.com
Ongoing Exhibits/Events
Daily. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Hershey Super Sweet Adventure is an immersive, story-driven experience where guests become “Sweet Seekers in Training”, unlocking the wonder behind Hershey’s most iconic candies through hands-on games, challenges, and activities. Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Tickets start at $24.99. Ticket options include timed entry, flexible entry, discounted bundles, birthday party packages and more. FYI www.HersheySuperSweetAdventure.com.
Daily every 20-30 minutes, Big Bus Tours’ Hop-On Hop-Off experience, Service begins at Chicago Riverwalk, 98 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago @ 10:00 am; last bus departs @ 5:00 pm. Adults $49.50, Children 3 - 12 $35. Advance ticket purchase recommended. FYI www.bigbustours.com
**** Through December 23rd, Letters to Santa, Children drop a letter in Santa's Mailbox at the "W" Tent on Front Street, Downtown Wheaton. Free. FYI https://www.visitdowntownwheaton.org/events/letters-to-santa
Through December 27th, Holiday Fireworks, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Cozy up on the Wave Wall Staircase to behold the spectacular displays. Free. FYI www.navypier.org
Through December 27th, Holiday Fireworks Cruises, City Cruises, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. From $229 FYI https://www.cityexperiences.com/chicago/city-cruises/holiday-fireworks-dinner-cruise-on-lake-michigan/
**** Through December 28th, 1:00 pm Sundays, Collaboraction Theater Company presents Sunday Family Magic Matinee with The Magical Myster AJ, Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave. (Humboldt Park), Chicago. Guaranteed to enchant kids from 4-10, adults too. $25. FYI collaboraction.org.
**** Through December 28th, The Joffrey Ballet presents Christopher Wheeldon's The Nutcracker, Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. $49-$203. FYI www.joffrey.org
Through December 28th, ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil, The Chicago Theater, 175 N. State Street, Chicago. Tickets start at $39 at the Box Office, $51 online. FYI www.ticketmaster.com
**** Through December 28th, 12:00 - 6:00 pm Thursday through Sunday, Holiday Express Water Taxi, Shoreline Water Taxis, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. FYI https://shorelinesightseeing.com/water-taxis/
**** Through December 28th, 5:00, 6:00 or 7:00 pm Friday through Sunday, Hot Chocolate Cruises, Shoreline Skyline Lake Cruises, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Starting at $40. FYI https://navypier.org/events/hot-chocolate-cruise/
Through December 31st, Lillstreet Gallery holiday show, The Holiday Table. Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood, Chicago. FYI lillstreet.com.
**** Through December 31st, Sparkle Maze at Chicago’s Funhouse Maze, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. $15.99 plus tax. FYI www.navypier.org
Through December 31st, Christkindlmarket, Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. Authentic vendors, live entertainment, and special events. Free Admission. FYI https://www.christkindlmarket.com/
Through December 31st, Christkindlmarket, RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. Authentic vendors, live entertainment, and special events. Free Admission. FYI https://www.christkindlmarket.com/aurora/
Through December 31st, Christkindlmarket, Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. Authentic vendors, live entertainment, and special events. Free Admission. FYI https://www.christkindlmarket.com/
**** Through January 4th, Christmas Tree Walk, display of 50 4-foot Christmas trees decorated by your favorite Downtown Wheaton shops and restaurants. Downtown Wheaton. Free. FYI https://www.visitdowntownwheaton.org/events/christmas-tree-walk
Through January 4th, Offshore Rooftop’s Arctic Adventure, Offshore Rooftop, 1000 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. FYI https://www.offshorerooftop.com/events/
**** Through January 4th, Winter WonderFest, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Blvd., Chicago. Tickets start at $25. FYI www.navypier.org/winterwonderfest
**** Through January 4th, Chicago Children’s Museum ‘Take Care with Peanuts’ exhibit, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago. Adults and children 1 year and older: Illinois Resident* $21 per person, Non-Illinois Resident $25 per person (*with proof of Illinois residency). FYI https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/hours-tickets-and-faq
Through January 4th, 4:00 - 10:00 pm daily, Downtown Wheaton & City of Wheaton present Nights of Lights, A Spectacular Holiday Lighting Event, Adams Park, 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton. Free. FYI https://www.visitdowntownwheaton.org/events/nights-of-lights
Through January 4th, 4:00 - 10:00 pm daily, Christmas Tree, Pavilion (Liberty Drive between Cross St & Main St, Downtown Wheaton. Free. FYI https://www.visitdowntownwheaton.org/events/christmas-tree
Through January 6th, the Greektown Arts Committee presents Greektown's Holiday Karavákia display. Inspired by an ages-old Christmas tradition from Greece of decorating karavákia (little boats) for the holidays, the Greektown Arts Committee engaged with 35+ local artists to have each paint a karaváki for public display at restaurants and other businesses across Greektown. And Greektown also showcases a larger karaváki, painted by distinguished artist James Mesple, near the monument at Elysian Field. Free and open to the public. FYI greektownchicago.org
**** Through January 11th, Holiday Dining Experience, Lucille Restaurant, Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Adults $60, Children 5-12 $25, Children 4 & under Free. FYI (630) 530-0111 or www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.
Through January 11th, Margaritaville’s ‘Christmas Island Holiday Bar’, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. FYI https://www.margaritavillechicago.com/
Through January 25th, Ice Skating @ Chicago Wolves Ice Rink, Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place Rosemont. Free Admission. Skate rental $8. For dates & hours of operation, visit ParkwayBankPark.com.
Through February 16th, 2026, Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains, East Gallery, Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 West Winchester Road, Libertyville. Tickets available at the door. FYI www.DunnMuseum.org
Through February 28th, Harry Caray's Lakefront Lodge—a cozy winter retreat overlooking downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. Harry Caray's Lakeside Patio, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. FYI https://www.harrycarays.com/lakefront-lodge.html
Through February 28th, Harry Caray's Curling on the Lake—at Harry Caray’s synthetic ice rink. Harry Caray's Lakeside Patio, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. FYI www.harrycarays.com/curling-by-the-lake.
Through February 28th, Harry’s Winter Warming Hut, a private, cozy hideaway nestled on Harry Caray’s Lakeside Patio, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. FYI www.harrycarays.com/winter-warming-hut.
Through April 30th, 7:30 pm, Dennis Watkins in partnership with the Goodman Theatre & Petterino's announces The Magic Parlor with Dennis Watkins, 50 W. Randolph, Chicago. $85 ($115 for performance + encore experience). FYI (312) 443-3800 or TheMagicParlourChicago.com.
Through November 2026, AMERICAN PROPHETS: WRITERS, RELIGION, AND CULTURE, American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago. Museum hours are Monday, Thursday—Sunday, 10 AM—5 PM. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Adults $16, Seniors, Students & Teachers $10, Members & children ages 12 and under free. FYI (312) 374-8790 or AmericanWritersMuseum.org
Open Run, 113th Mainstage Revue, This Too Shall Slap, The Second City, 230 W. North Avenue, Chicago. FYI (312) 337-3992 or www.secondcity.com.
Open Run, The Second City's e.t.c. 49th Revue, The Second City, 230 W. North Avenue, Chicago. FYI (312) 337-3992 or www.secondcity.com.
**** Open Year Round, Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm; Friday & Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm (Timed Entrances Every 15 Minutes), Flyover Chicago, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. $24.95 Adults; $19.95 Military; $14.95 Children 13 & under. Children must be at least 40" (102 cm) tall. Children (13 and under) must be accompanied by an adult or guardian (14 years or older). FYI www.ExperienceFlyover.com/Chicago.
At Chicago Magic Lounge
Open Run, Mondays at 7:00 pm, The Close-Up Show, Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 N. Clark Street, Chicago. $35. FYI (312) 366-4500 or chicagomagiclounge.com.
Open Run, Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, The Showcase, Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 N. Clark Street, Chicago. $37.50-$42. FYI (312) 366-4500 or chicagomagiclounge.com.
Open Run, Wednesdays, 7:00 pm, Artist in Residence Series, Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 N. Clark Street, Chicago. $40. FYI (312) 366-4500 or chicagomagiclounge.com.
Open Run, Thursdays through Sundays at 7:00 pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 10:00 pm, Sundays at 4:00 pm, The Signature Show, Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 N. Clark Street, Chicago. $55-$89.50. FYI (312) 366-4500 or chicagomagiclounge.com.
Open Run, Select Sundays at 3:00 pm, Family Show, Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 N. Clark Street, Chicago. $35-$40 (standard), $45-$50 (front row). FYI (312) 366-4500 or chicagomagiclounge.com.
Now Playing in Michigan:
December 19th, 9:00 pm ET (Doors open at 8:00 pm ET), Comedy Night with Kevin Farley, Journeyman Distillery at the Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, MI. 18 & over. $30, VIP Barrel Seating $50. FYI https://kevin-farley-25.tripleseattickets.com/registration/select
Now Playing in Wisconsin:
Now Playing Elsewhere:
December 19th, 8:00 pm ET, Jon Pardi: Christmas Show, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, 5223 North Orient Road, Tampa, FL. 21 & over. Tickets start at $80. FYI https://casino.hardrock.com/tampa/events/jon-pardi?cid=cc029_entertainment_casino_jon-pardi-1219_email_october-entertainment_get-tickets_10032025_marketing_-_-
Now Playing Internationally: