Exhibit explores Schulz's personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its unique cast of characters. Through original cartoons, reproductions and related Peanuts ephemera, guests see how characters were developed and evolved. Schulz's Santa Rosa, Calif. studio, recreated for the first time, allows for a deeper look into his work and life. Kids and families have a chance to exercise their own Schultz-like creativity with activities like making a zoetrope.

Exhibit challenges guests to communicate, move and live like bugs at interactive stations. Live insects are featured throughout the exhibition, plus larger-than-life robotic creatures allow visitors to observe the often overlooked beauty and complexity of the insect world.

A display of over 20 trees decorated by groups in the community, plus live animal presentations and tours on Saturday.

Learn and connect to the history of the Marathon race, inspired by the Battle of Marathon (490 BC), from the first Marathon race in the 1896 Athens Olympics to today. Includes section on The Chicago Marathon. Children are invited to participate in a Race for Pheidippides scavenger hunt to redeem a prize. Exhibit coloring pages also available.

Santa reads a story aloud, before he and Mrs. Claus tale photos and mingle. A special lunch of a slice of pizza or hot dog and a small drink, plus 10 game credit can be purchased for $3.

Festive decorations deck the halls, and guests also enjoy special seasonal games, group builds and plenty of LEGO holiday fun! Activities include winter-themed speed build challenges, a holiday scavenger hunt, the chance to build a giant snowman in a group build and photo opportunities with the life-size Santa and Snowman.

Performances at Dominican University Performing Arts Center Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Performances are 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 15, 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Weekday performances Dec. 13-14.

Tchaikovsky's world renowned music is brought to life through the talent and grace of Svalander's ballet company. Performances run Dec. 8-16.

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. 

Someone is trying to foreclose on Mother Gooseland in this humorous twist on a fairytale classic. Performances are Nov. 10-21 at Lewis University in Romeoville; Nov. 29-30 at North Central College in Naperville; and Dec. 5-7 at the Museum of Science and Industry.