Join other elves in an interactive, creative drama event where elfin games are played as all the elves prepare for the "big day"  with imagination, costumes and music. Registration required.

Bring the outdoors in using items gathered from nature to make ornaments and decorations. All material provided. Adult must attend with children.

Enjoy lunch, arts and crafts, games and more.

An adaptation of the classic cartoon. Join the director and cast after each performance for a discussion.

Interactive musical for kids premieres Dec. 6 and 7 with free 10 a.m. community shows; public performances will be presented Dec. 7 at 4 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.

Kick-off the holiday shopping season and shop local. The streets of Downtown Highland Park are transformed into a winter wonderland, with 'real' snow, live reindeer, horse drawn sleigh rides, holiday dancers, singers and performers, s'more making in the great outdoors, food and drink, and more.

A special program to learn about and taste the Chinese-American, American Indian, and Swedish-American family dishes.

Master magician Sean Masterson uses stories and audience participation to transport guests back to an earlier Gilded Age holiday. This year, a game of three-card switcheroo, levitation, and an apparition are part of the show. This 45-minute performance is suitable for children eight years and older. Tickets include general admission to the museum. As space is limited, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. Performances are 3 p.m. On Dec. 15-16, Santa Claus will visit 4-5 p.m.

The mansion served as the Nickerson's winter residence during the late 19 ^th century, and the family spent every holiday season in Chicago lavishly entertaining acquaintances, friends, and family from near and far. During this tour, participants are transported back to the winter months of 1899, where they discover through a servant's eyes how the Nickersons celebrated the holidays. As applicants to a position in domestic service, participants learn the best methods for preparing plum pudding, how to prevent the new electrical lights on the Christmas tree from catching it on fire, and more.

Exhibit includes numerous artifacts, photographs and other documentary items that tell the story of Chicago's iconic candy makers, including Snickers, Lemonheads, Butterfingers and Cracker Jack.