Enjoy indoor and outdoor lighted displays, designer wreaths and trees, a replica English country train platform, and the Model Railroad Garden in seasonal decor.

Visitors become space adventurers and set off on a journey to discover the Universe in a way never done before. Travel a billion light-years and back, fly through space, orbit the Moon, zoom into a canyon on Mars, and soar through the cosmic web where a million galaxies shower down. The experience was created utilizing real telescopic data and the best scientific imagery.

Multispecies holiday aquatic show features dolphins, beluga whales and a sea lion, accompanied by multicultural holiday music and festive backgrounds from around the world. The Oceanarium will be transformed with snow covered trees, rocks and twinkling lights. Special holiday costumed characters, including Santa, will make an appearance.

Salt Creek performs at Hinsdale Central Auditorium, 55th and Grant Street, Hinsdale, at 1 p.m. Nov. 24 and 25. The Nov. 25 includes the Sugar Plum Party. They will perform at 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at The Center for Performing Arts, One University Parkway, University Park. Performance at 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 are at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts. 

Watch men painted blue do unusual performance art and original slapstick comedy. It's fun to sit in the front, but remember to wear a plastic poncho to avoid the flying food and liquids. Buy tickets at the box office, online, via Ticketmaster or by calling (773) 348-4000.

Max the Dog narrates this classic holiday tale that will entertain the whole family as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Peformances run Dec. 5-16, 2012.

The Goodman presents its annual production of the Dickens Christmas classic from Nov. 17-Dec. 29. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, by phone, or on the website.

It's the story of old, grumpy Mr. Scrooge and his employee Bob Cratchit, all told from the perspective of the Cratchit family. Scrooge has all the money he could hope for, but his stingy ways leave his loyal assistant struggling to support his family, especially his ill son Tiny Tim. Scrooge is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve who remind Scrooge what the Christmas season is all about - to bring everyone together for a Merry Christmas. Performances run Dec. 5-21.

The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming story of the first Christmas tree ship, and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. Performances are from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30. The schedule is Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m, Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p,m.