Updated: January 7, 2013 6:45AM

HOLIDAY

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”

Performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Resurrection College Prep High School, 7500 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago. Visit www.reshs.org.

“A Christmas Carol”

Chicago actor and musician Frank Babbitt presents the holiday classic as a solo performance with musical underscore at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. Free-will donations and canned goods will be accepted to help support the Maine Township Food Pantry. Visit www.stlukespr.org or call (847) 825-6659.

“Bah, Humbug!”

Piccolo Theatre’s annual holiday Panto presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in a whole new way, with music, jokes and magic, through Dec. 22 at 600 Main St, Evanston (inside the Main Street Metra station). Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays. $25; $22 seniors; $15 students; $10 children 9 and younger; $65 family (two adults, two children). Call (847) 424-0089 or visit www.piccolotheatre.com.

“The Nutcracker on Ice”

Performances at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8; and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Robert Crown Community Center and Ice Complex, 1701 Main St., Evanston. $9 general admission; $10 reserved seating. Call (847) 448-8258.

“The Nutcracker SWEET”

Music Institute of Chicago’s family open house, 9 a.m. Dec. 8 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. At 10 a.m., a performance of “The Nutcracker SWEET” showcases the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of the holiday favorite. $10 per family (up to six family members). Call (847) 905-1500, ext. 108, or visit www.musicinst.org.

“The Nutcracker”

Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $31.50, $39.50. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northshorecenter.org.

“The Nutcracker: The Land of Sweets!”

Devonshire Dance Ensemble performs Act II of Tchaikovsky’s ballet at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Devonshire Playhouse, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie. $5.

Niles Public Library

6960 Oakton St., Niles. (847) 663-6405. www.nileslibrary.org. Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m.: Teen Gingerbread House Workshop. Dec. 9, 2 p.m.: Holiday Storytelling with Chris Fascione, for ages 5 and up. Pick up tickets 30 minutes before the program in the Youth Services department. Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m.: Senior Coffee Hour features a holiday concert, “The Merriest Songs of Christmas, Hanukkah and Broadway,” by vocalist Robbie Malkowski and jazz pianist Dave Turner.

Breakfast with Santa

Held 9-11:30 a.m. Dec. 8 at Resurrection College Prep High School, 7500 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago. The event includes breakfast, face painting, a theater production by Resurrection drama students and Christmas arts and crafts. $8 per child; $6 per adult. Reservations strongly encouraged. Visit www.reshs.org or call (773) 775-6616, ext. 127.

Santa’s Breakfast

Dec. 8, 9-11 a.m., at Maggiano’s Old Orchard, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. Featuring a visit from Santa, music by the Niles North High School Choir, face painting, and breakfast buffet. $14.95 per person inclusive. For reservations, call (847) 933-9572.

Chanukah party

Temple Beth Israel’s Brotherhood presents its annual Chanukah party, 11 a.m. Dec. 9 at the synagogue, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie, featuring games, latkes, lunch and a concert by singer/songwriter Joel Frankel. Lunch and concert $10 per person or $25 per family; lunch only, $5; concert only, $5. Call (847) 675-0951 or visit www.tbiskokie.org.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Starring The Rockettes, Dec. 14-30 at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $47.70-$102.55. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information about the theater, visit www.rosemonttheatre.com.

Handel’s “Messiah”

Performed by the Apollo Chorus of Chicago at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $45, $55. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northshorecenter.org.

Bittersweet Christmas Band

Performing at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Ethical Humanist Society Coffeehouse, 7574 N. Lincoln, Skokie. $8 includes beverages and pastries. Call (847) 677-3334 or visit www.ethicalhuman.org/coffeehouse.

“The Lost Christmas Eve”

Performed by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $30, $39, $49, $59, $69. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. Parking is $20, cash only. For information, visit www.allstatearena.com.

“Candles and Carols”

The Park Ridge Chorale presents its holiday concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect, Park Ridge. Advance tickets $16, $14 seniors; at the door $18, $16 seniors; free for children under 18. Call (847) 825-2216 or (847) 823-3958.

73rd annual Holiday Concert

Presented by the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and University Chorale at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Program includes a contemporary setting of the Songs of Mary and Simeon by composer James MacMillan. $12; $6 students. Call (847) 467-4000 or visit www.pickstaiger.org.

A Festival of Lessons and Carols

The story of Christmas is portrayed in readings and carols for brass, strings, organ, percussion and choir, 10:40 a.m. Dec. 9 in Northwestern University’s Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Admission is a freewill offering. Call (847) 491-5441.

“Jingle Bell Express”

The Irving Park Fine Arts Committee, in conjunction with American Eagle Productions, presents a fast-paced holiday musical revue at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at Irving Park Lutheran Church, 4100 N. Harding Ave., Chicago. A mixed quartet sings 20 holiday songs, including a parody of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and an audience sing-along. Free admission; donations welcome. Visit www.carlsoncommunityservices.org.

“Polish Carols, Song & Dance”

Presented by the Lira Ensemble at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $35, $45, $55. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northshorecenter.org.

An Evanston Symphony Christmas

Presented at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Evanston Township High School auditorium, 1600 Dodge, Evanston. The event features North Shore Choral Society, Evanston Dance Ensemble, Evanston Children’s Choir and the ETHS Concert Choir and A Capella Singers. $25-$40; $10-$15 children under 18; Family Package $70-$100. Visit www.evanstonsymphony.org.

“Sounds of the Season”

A holiday music concert will be performed at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Resurrection College Prep High School, 7500 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago. Visit www.reshs.org.

Christmas concert

Chicago Grandstand Big Band will perform a Christmas concert, 4-6 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Edison Park Lutheran Church, 6626 N. Oliphant, Chicago. $10. Call (773) 631-9131.

“Holiday Delights”

Presented by a cappella choral ensemble Bella Voce at 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave., Evanston. $30-$38; $15 students. Visit http://bellavoce.tix.com or call (877) 755-6277.

“Holiday Treats”

Presented by Rembrandt Chamber Players at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Northwestern University’s Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Program includes works by Bach and Mozart. $35; $25 for young adults ages 18-30; $10 for students. Call (312) 360-3145 or visit www.rembrandtchamberplayers.org.

“Starlight, Songs and Candles Bright”

Presented by Youth Choral Theater of Chicago at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. $9-$26. www.youthchoraltheater.org/tickets.

“Make the Yuletide Gay”

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus presents its annual holiday production at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at First Congregational Church of Evanston, 1445 Hinman Ave., Evanston. $15-$35 with discounts for students and seniors. Visit www.cgmc.org.

“Carols and Cocoa”

Presented by the Rising Stars Theatre Co. at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Stahl Family Theatre, 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago. $10. Visit www.risingstarschicago.com or call (773) 736-2490.

Holiday concert

Second City Brass peforms Christmas and holiday music at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at St. Paul of the Cross Church, 320 S. Washington St., Park Ridge. Free-will donations accepted. Call (847) 825-7605.

Holiday craft fair

Held 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Park Ridge Presbyterian Church, 1300 W. Crescent, Park Ridge. Horse-drawn carriage rides, pasta dinner and visit with Santa available from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, $15; $10 for children. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Center of Concern. Call (847) 823-8755 or (847) 823-0920.

“12 Gifts of Christmas”

Screened at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Niles 12, 301 Golf Mill Center, Niles, and Randhurst Village 12, 200 Randhurst Village Drive, Mount Prospect, featuring storytellers, musicians and illusionist Harris III demonstrating the magic of Christmas. Tickets available at theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

“Merry Kwanzaa”

Presented at 3 p.m. Dec. 26 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston. Admission is free. Call (847) 448-8254.

New Year’s Eve Runway Ball

Held 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont. The event features live music by bands Dot Dot Dot and 7th Heaven; entry to the Dance Club featuring DJ-SPIN; and access to Red Bar, where Tony Ocean performs Frank Sinatra covers and more. $79. For tickets, visit http://nyerunwayball-PR.eventbrite.com.

STAGE

“Evanston, Which Is Over There: A Tale of Men and Women in the Modern World”

Curious Theatre Branch presents a new play by Beau O’Reilly at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 16, at The Side Project, 1439 W. Jarvis, Chicago. $15 or pay what you can at the door. Visit www.curioustheatrebranch.com.

“The Good Doctor”

Salon performances of the comedy by Neil Simon will be presented Dec. 7-16 at Piven Theatre, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9; and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. $15. Call (847) 866-8049 or visit www.piventheatre.org.

Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. www.gorillatango.com. (773) 598-4549. Through Dec. 15, 6 p.m. Saturdays: “Sleeping Indoors,” a play about a family that adopts a homeless man for the holidays. $15. Through Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. Fridays: “The Tale of Danny Tanner: A Full House Musical.” $15.

“The Odd Couple”

Northlight Theatre presents the Neil Simon comedy through Dec. 16 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Performances are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (except Dec. 11); Wednesdays at 1 p.m. (except Dec. 12) and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. (except Dec. 15) and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (except Dec. 9 and 16). $25-$72; $15 students. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org.

“Oliver!”

Presented by Light Opera Works with a full 26-piece orchestra, Dec. 22-31 at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. Performances at 8 p.m. Dec. 22, 28, 29 and 31 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23, 26, 27, 29 and 30. $32-$92; $34-$94 New Year’s Eve; ages 21 and younger half-price for Family Matinees on Dec. 26, 27 and 29 (meet the cast after the show). Call (847) 920-5360 or visit www.lightoperaworks.com.

“Up”

The dramatic comedy will be presented through Dec. 9 in Studio One at Oakton Community College, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. Curtain at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $10 for general admission; $8 students and seniors. Call (847) 635-1900.

“Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter”

Presented by Next Theatre Company through Dec. 23 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays. $30-$40; half-price for young adults (age 25 or younger). Call (847) 475-1875 or visit www.nexttheatre.org.

CLASSICAL

Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra

Performing at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $36-$75, with discounts for seniors and youth. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.arsviva.org. Jan. 13, 3 p.m.: Works by Vaughan Williams, Mahler and Beethoven.

Canzonetta Youth String Chamber Orchestra

Performs its winter concert, featuring music of Vivaldi, Bach, Vitali and Telemann, at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the auditorium at the Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette. Free admission. Visit www.canzonetta.us.

Lutkin Hall

At Northwestern University, 700 University Place, Evanston. (847) 467-4000. Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.: “Watercolors: Music of Claude Debussy,” performed by Bienen School of Music piano students. $6; $4 students. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.: “My Beloved is Mine: Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears,” an art song recital. $8; $5 students.

Music Institute of Chicago

Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 905-1500. www.musicinst.org. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.: MIC’s Community Symphony performs works by Strauss, Bruch and Dvorak. Free; reception follows performance. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.: New Horizons Band plays works by Reinhold Gliere and Julie Giroux-West, and holiday favorites. Free; reception follows performance. Dec. 16, 3 p.m.: Chicago Chorale performs works by Brahms, Vaughan Williams, Paul Carey, and Jean Belmont. $15; $10 seniors; $7 students.

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

At Northwestern University, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Information: (847) 491-5441; tickets: (847) 467-4000. www.pickstaiger.org. Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.: Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra performs works by Mozart, Glazunov and Hindemith. $6; $4 students. Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Symphonic Band, $6; $4 students. Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Keyboard Conversations, “Claude Debussy: Clair de lune, Fireworks and Beyond,” presented by pianist Jeffrey Siegel. $22; $16 students.

POP/FOLK/JAZZ

Akoo Theatre at Rosemont

5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information about the theater, visit www.rosemonttheatre.com. Dec. 7, 8 p.m.: Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy. $57.45-$180.45. Dec. 8, 8 p.m.: Johnny Mathis. $77.95-$108.70. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.: Multi-platinum rock bands Daughtry and 3 Doors Down, with P.O.D. $40, $50, $60.

Allstate Arena

6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information, visit www.allstatearena.com. Parking is $20, cash only. April 6: Maroon 5 with special guests Neon Trees and Owl City.

InterContinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel

Montrose Room, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont. (847) 544-5300. www.montroseroom.com. Dec. 7, 8:30 p.m.: Coco Montoya. $10; $15 VIP. Dec. 8, 8:30 p.m.: Sam Llanas, formerly of the BoDeans. $18; $25 VIP.

Mayne Stage

1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. (773) 381-4554. www.maynestage.com. Dec. 14, 8 p.m.: Ensemble dal Niente presents Hard Music Hard Liquor. $20; $25 reserved. Dec. 19, 8 p.m.: Chris Greene Quartet with Marquis Hill Blacktet (jazz). Dec. 20, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Dragapella group The Kinsey Sicks presents its holiday show, “Oy Vey in a Manager.” $25; $35 reserved. Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: The Siegel-Schwall Band Holiday Concert. $20 in advance; $25 day of; $30 reserved. Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m.: New Year’s Eve with JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound. $65 reserved VIP seating includes champagne toast at midnight, party favors and signed poster; $45 general admission. Feb. 9, 9 p.m.: Angel D’Cuba CD release party for “Heritage.” $12 in advance; $17 day of; $22 reserved. Feb. 23, 8 p.m.: Thiefs (jazz). $15 in advance; $20 day of; $25 reserved.

Mullen’s Bar & Grill

8313 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. (708) 452-3190. Dec. 18, 7-10 p.m.: Jazz Community Big Band plays the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton and others. No cover.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Dec. 6, 8 p.m.: Jazz artists Chick Corea (piano) and Gary Burton (vibraphone) are joined by the Harlem String Quartet to present fused jazz and classical chamber music. $60-$80. Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m.: Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular. $20.50, $37, $51.

Oakton Community College

Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. (847) 635-1900. Dec. 7, 8 p.m.: “Jazz Invasion.” The Oakton Jazz Band performs classics by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and others. $5; $3 students and seniors.

S.P.A.C.E.

1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.evanstonspace.com. (847) 492-8860. Shows at 8 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Dec. 6: Melissa Ferrick (folk). $25/$30. Dec. 7: Bonnie Koloc (folk). $20-$40. Dec. 9, 3 p.m.: Christine Lavin and Uncle Bonsai (folk). $15/$18. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.: Raul Midon (Latin). $18/$20. Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.: Foiled Again (jazz/folk). $15/$20. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Adrianne Gonzalez, Maia Sharp, Garrison Starr (pop/rock). $12/$14. Dec. 12: Dave Specter Holiday Blues Party with Tad Robinson. $12/$15. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.: Mindy Smith (country/alternative). $18/$22. Dec. 14: Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound and Sam Llanas, formerly of The BoDeans (R&B, rock). $12/$15. Dec. 15: Mud Morganfield (blues). $12/$15. Dec. 16, 7 p.m.: The Klezmatics (klezmer). $18-$36. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Raul Malo (country/salsa). $22-$42. Dec. 21: Delbert McClinton (blues/rock). $40-$85. Dec. 22: Deep Blue Organ Trio (jazz). $12/$15. Dec. 29: Ezra Furman & His Band (pop). $12/$15. Dec. 30, 6 p.m.: The Flat Five (pop/rock). $15-$35. Dec. 31, 10 p.m.: Alejandro Escovedo (roots/rock). $65-$95. Jan. 1, 7 p.m.: “The Songs of Hank Williams,” featuring Nick Tremulis, Ingrid Graudins, Don Stiernburg, John Rice,TC Furlong, Stuart Rosenberg and others (country). $18/$22. Jan. 4: Susan Werner (folk). $20-$40. Jan. 5: Otis Clay CD release show (soul). $15-$35. Jan. 6, 7 p.m.: Nellie McKay (pop/jazz). $15-$35. Jan. 11: Chris Smither, $22/$25. Jan. 12, 7 p.m.: Megon McDonough & Friends performing the music of Dan Fogelberg. $15/$20. Jan. 12, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.: Seth Glier in the Studios at SPACE, $10/$15. Jan. 13, 7 p.m.: Words & Music,” hosted by Ingrid Graudins. $12/$15. Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Teitur (folk). $15/$18. Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Kelly Joe Phelps (blues). $15/$18. Jan. 18: Booker T Jones (blues/rock). $28-$68. Jan. 19: Eddy The Chief Clearwater (blues). $15/$18. Jan. 20, 3 p.m.: “Songs of a Catholic Childhood,” a show from Jamie O’Reilly and Michael Smith. $18/$20. Jan. 20, 7 p.m.: Aoife O’Donovan and Gabe Kahane, backed by Casey Foubert. $12/$15. Jan. 25: Kelly Hogan (country). $14/$16. Jan. 26, 7 p.m.: The Jill & Julia Show. $18-$38.. Jan. 27, 7 p.m.: Sixpence None The Richer (pop/rock). $22/$25. Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.: Albert Lee (country/rock). $17/$20. Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m.: An Acoustic Evening with Lucinda Williams, featuring Doug Pettibone (country/blues). $35-$85. Feb. 1: Shawn Colvin with Meg Hutchinson (folk). $38-$78. Feb. 2: Shawn Colvin with Matt the Electrician (folk). $38-$78. Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m.: Chicago Farmer CD release show with Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts (folk). $10/$12. Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Tift Merritt (folk). $22/$25. Feb. 8, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Judy Collins (folk). $40-$85. Feb. 10, 7 p.m.: Buckwheat Zydeco, $28/$30. Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.: Joe Robinson (jazz/blues). $10/$12. Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.: The Del Moroccos (rockabilly/R&B). $12/$15. Feb. 15, 7 p.m.: James Lee Stanely in The Studios at SPACE (folk). $20. Feb. 16: Andy McKee, $22-$42. Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.: New Orleans Suspects (rock/funk/blues). $18/$20. Feb. 22, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Suzanne Vega (folk). $28-$60. Feb. 24, 7 p.m.: Red Baraat (funk). $15/$18.

Tava — A Fresh Taste of India

7172 Dempster St., Morton Grove. (847) 966-8282. www.tavadining.com. Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 6:30-10 p.m.: Music by solo jazz guitarist Jerry D. Tiberi.

ART GALLERIES

DoubleTree Hotel

9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m.: Simply Chicago Art hosts a reception for “Life and the City,” paintings by Gary Bradley. The exhibit will be on display through February.

Oakton Community College

Koehnline Museum of Art, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. (847) 635-2633. www.oakton.edu/museum. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Through Jan. 25: “Nuances of Landscape: Paintings by Mary Porterfield and Nina Weiss.”

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

Music Institute of Chicago

Seeking submissions for its Generation Next Young Composer’s Competition, open to ages 10-18. Prizes range from $75 to $350. In addition, winners will hear their works performed live at Nichols Concert Hall and become eligible for scholarships to participate in the Music Institute’s Composer’s Lab. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 15. Call Sue Polutnik, (847) 905-1500, ext. 122.

Canzonetta Youth Orchestra

Seeking musicians to audition for the 2012-13 music season. Directed by Hilel Kagan, Canzonetta is a chamber orchestra that offers specialized instruction for children interested in developing their orchestral skills. Training Orchestra, for 7- to 10-year-olds with beginning orchestral experience, meets from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. The Intermediate Orchestra, for 10- to 13-year-olds with more advanced training, meets from 3-4:30 p.m. Sundays. The Senior Orchestra, for high school students who are advanced musicians, meets from 1-3 p.m. Sundays. All three orchestras rehearse at the Wilmette Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road. There will be at least four concerts throughout the year. To make an audition appointment, call Helia Schramm, (847) 328-0570.

BOOKS & POETRY

Lincolnwood Public Library

4000 W. Pratt Ave. (847) 677-5277. www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m.: Book reviewer Suzanne Hales discusses Blood, Bones, & Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton. Dec. 10, 11 a.m.: Discussion of A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson.

CHILD’S PLAY

“Annie”

At 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 8; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 9; 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Youth Company Chicago Studios, 5340 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago (Jefferson Park). Visit www.youthcompanychicago.org or call (312) 324-3700.

Lincolnwood Public Library

4000 W. Pratt Ave. (847) 677-5277. www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m.: “ParaNorman,” rated PG.

Niles Public Library

6960 Oakton St., Niles. (847) 663-6405. www.nileslibrary.org. Dec. 22, 2 p.m.: Saturday Family Movie Series features “Brave,” rated PG.

COMEDY

Allstate Arena

6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information, visit www.allstatearena.com. Parking is $20, cash only. Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.: Standup comedian Jeff Dunham — “Disorderly Conduct” World Tour. $46.50.

Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. www.gorillatango.com. (773) 598-4549. Through Dec. 29, 9 p.m. Saturdays, except show starts at 11 p.m. Dec. 15: “Holy Bouncing Boobies! A Batman Burlesque.” 18 and over. $20. Dec. 15, 9 p.m.: “The Meshuganas,” a stand-up comedy revue featuring Hollie and Steve Himmelman. $20.

Zanies Comedy Club

5437 Park Place, Rosemont. http://rosemont.zanies.com. Showtimes at 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Two-item food/beverage minimum. Dec. 12: Michael Issac. Dec. 13-14: Larry Reeb. Dec. 15: Chris Hardwick. Dec. 19-22: Kevin Bozeman. Dec. 27-28: Russ Williamson. Dec. 29: Hannibal Buress. Dec. 30: Michael Palascak. Dec. 31: Fortune Feimster.

DANCE

Chicago Dance Chapter of USA Dance

Hosting “Jingle Bell Hop” on Dec. 8 at The Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison, Franklin Park. Cha cha lesson at 7 p.m.; open dancing 8:15 -11 p.m. $10; $8 members; $6 students. Visit www.usadancechicago.org or call (847) 577-9014.

Leikarringen Heimhug Norwegian Folk Dancers

Meet weekly, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at Norwood Crossing, 6016 N. Nina, Chicago. New members, age 16 and older, welcome. No dance experience needed, just interest in Scandinavian folk dance. Call (847) 823-7596 or e-mail kronmo815@gmail.com; or (847) 692-6616 or karlp57@aol.com.

Line dancing

For all ages, held from 7-10 p.m. every Tuesday at the White Eagle Banquet Hall, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Beginner lessons are at 7:30 p.m. and new dance or review at 8 p.m. Admission: $7; $5 for ages 17 and under. Call (847) 965-6353 or e-mail at somedaydd@att.net.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Winter Arts & Crafts Expo

Held through Dec. 19 at the Evanston Art Center, 2603 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Expo hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Men’s Shopping Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 15. EAC Student Expo, Dec. 1-19. Visit www.evanstonartcenter.org.

FILM

Lincolnwood Public Library

4000 W. Pratt Ave. (847) 677-5277. www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Dec. 7, 1 p.m.: “The Queen of Versailles.” Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m.: “People Like Us.” Dec. 13, 1 p.m.: “The Shop Around the Corner.” Dec. 14, 1 p.m.: “Men in Black 3.” Dec. 20, 10:30 a.m.: “Ruby Sparks.” Dec. 20, 1 p.m.: “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Dec. 21, 1 p.m.: “The Bourne Legacy.”

Niles Public Library

6960 Oakton St., Niles. (847) 663-6405. www.nileslibrary.org. Dec. 20, 2 p.m.: “Darling Companion,” rated PG-13. Closed captioned.

Northwest Chicago Film Society

Classic Film Series is held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, unless otherwise noted, at the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Admission is $5. Visit www.northwestchicagofilmsociety.org. Dec. 12: “The Saga of Anatahan” (1953). Dec. 19: “The Night of the Hunter” (1955) plus the cartoon “Holiday Land” (1934).

LECTURES

Niles Public Library

6960 Oakton St., Niles. (847) 663-6405. www.nileslibrary.org. Dec. 10, 7 p.m.: Lyric Opera Lecture Series features “Hansel and Gretel.”

ORGANIZATIONS

Skokie Photographic Society

Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St., Skokie. All levels of photographic skill are welcome. Call (847) 677-8324 for information.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Off Campus Writers’ Workshop

Annual Members Holiday Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Maggiano’s Restaurant, Old Orchard Mall, Skokie. For further information, contact terrywohl@aol.com.

Skokie Art Guild

Offering figure drawing workshops from 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays at the Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood, Skokie. Live models; no instructor. Fee per session is $20; $12 for members. Call Steve Gal, (847) 673-4450, or visit www.skokieartguild.org.

ET CETERA

Allstate Arena

6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information, visit www.allstatearena.com. Parking is $20, cash only. Jan. 12-13: Professional Bull Riders 2013 PBR Built Ford Tough Series, featuring the top 35 bull riders in the world. $15, $35, $50, $75 and $125.

S.P.A.C.E.

1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.evanstonspace.com. (847) 492-8860. Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.: “Dr. Strangelove,” a staged reading featuring Tim Kazurinsky, Randy Craig, Gary Houston and Warren Leming. $15/$18.

MUSEUMS

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. (847) 967-4889. www.ilholocaustmuseum.org. Admission: $12; $8 for students and senior citizens; $6 for children ages 5-11. Special exhibitions are free with museum admission. Through Jan. 6: “Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America,” a creation of the International Spy Museum. The exhibit explores how the United States should balance civil liberties and individual rights during times of conflict, crisis and fear. At interactive stations following the themes of the exhibition — revolution, sabotage, hate, radicalism, world war, subversion, protest, extremism and terrorism — visitors are able to record their opinions on issues of national security and civil liberties and compare their reactions to those of past Gallup polling results. Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.: Holocaust scholar and Northwestern University History Department chairman Peter Hayes will discuss “What Took So Long? The Wrangle Over Holocaust Restitution Since 1945.” Free with museum admission; reservations recommended. Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m.: Screening of a new documentary, “Skokie: Invaded, But Not Conquered.” The film examines the personalities and issues connected to the attempted neo-Nazi March in Skokie in the late 1970s. Aaron Freeman hosts the program, to be broadcast on WTTW/Channel 11. Free with museum admission. Reservations required. Jan. 27, 1:30-3 p.m.: Remembrance and Beyond: In Recognition of the International Day of Holocaust Remembrance. Free with museum admission. Reservations required.

Skokie Heritage Museum

8031 Floral Ave., Skokie. (847) 674-1500, ext. 3000. www.skokieparks.org. Through Dec. 28: “The Art of Hal Foster.” The exhibit, from the collection of Skokie resident Sid Weiskirch, presents the work of comic book artist Hal Foster.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

3001 Central St., Evanston. (847) 475-1030. www.mitchellmuseum.org. Admission is $5; $3 for senior citizens, students and children. Free admission for Mitchell Museum members and tribal members; and on the first Friday of every month. Admission includes all exhibits and events, unless stated otherwise. Through Jan. 6: “Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art.” Through Aug. 25: “The War of 1812: Fighting for Their Homeland.” Through maps, timelines, document reproductions, and graphics, the exhibit will provide an overview of the causes and significant events of the War of 1812, including Chicago’s Battle of Fort Dearborn.

---