Featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and entertainment. Check website for detailed schedule. Weekends from Nov. 10-Dec. 23, 2012.

Enjoy brunch with Santa Claus. After brunch, kids will enjoy a variety of crafts and activities, and a photo with Santa. Reservations required. Call (847) 362-5050.

Learn how to make your own wooden toys. The wood being used comes from a non-native, invasive plant called European Buckthorn. Learn about this invasive plant and why we work so hard to remove it from our natural areas.

Hundreds of objects and documents from the exclusive private collection, together with a rare collection of first editions of his most famous works, tell the story of how Charles Dickens and his characters became enduring cultural icons. Interactive and multi-media displays and personal effects take visitors through a chronological tour of the life, literature and legacy of Dickens. View his personal traveling inkwell, take a ride in an early century carriage, and learn about the memorable characters, stories and themes of his famous tales through games, time period puzzles and Dickens' own personal Facebook page.

A special extra exhibit which encompasses the classic Dickens tale A Christmas Carol. Stroll through a mid-1800s street to learn how Dickens influenced the look and feel of the holiday season, and view a private collection of vintage cards and calendars.

Performances at 3  p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 at Libertyville High School; 3 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16 at Genesee Theatre. For tickets for the Libertyville High School performances, call (847) 367-7970. Tickets for the Genesee Theatre performances are available at their box office at 203 N. Genesee Street, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787. On Dec. 8 at 10:30 a.m., "Clara's Dream: A Storybook Ballet" will be performed. The one-hour performance is geared to 3-5 year olds. Tickets will can be purchased by calling (847) 367-7970 or visit themagicofthenutcracker.com.

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

Full-length holiday classic features eight guest artists, in feature and solo performances; plus more than a dozen company dancers from Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Clara's Christmas Tea Parties at 1:30 p.m. prior to the show for an additional fee. Performances at 3 p.m. Dec. 8-9.

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.

Hot breakfast buffet with Santa. Reservations at Biaggi's beginning at 8 a.m., call (847) 438-1850. Donations benefit Women in Need Growing Stronger (W.I.N.G.S).