Once my favorite holiday, Christmases of late have coincided with painfully traumatic episodes that make George Bailey’s descent into his dark parallel universe look like a dream vacation.
Take last Christmas for example, when I found myself in the emergency room with a concussion, a broken wrist and a totaled car after being struck by a drunk driver. But enough of that. With the hopes that a Dickensian twist of fate may be in my future, I am preparing to enter the season by experiencing some of the many festive offerings locally available.
Here are just a few:
Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” the merry and bright stage production based on the classic silver screen romantic comedy at the Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, 60181, www.drurylanetheatre.com, (630) 530-0111. The show runs from Oct. 29 through Jan. 3.
“Illuminations,” the interactive light-centric event returns and fills the grounds with a vivid light show synchronized to classical music. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532, www.mortonarb.org, (630) 725-2066. The event runs from Nov. 20, 2015 through Jan. 2, 2016.
Naperville Art League’s “Gallery of Gifts” Holiday Show and Sale featuring the original work of NAL members and local artists. Naperville Art League’s Fine Art Center & Gallery, 508 N. Center St., Naperville, IL 60563. www.napervilleartleague.com, (630) 355-2530. The sale runs from Nov. 20 through Dec. 19.
Classic Cinemas’ Tivoli Theatre Annual Holiday Classic Film Festival showcasing the following family favorites:
- “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946) This screening will benefit the Sharing connection Furniture Bank. Sat. & Sun., Dec. 5 & 6 at 1:30PM.
- “The Holiday” (2006) Sun., Dec 13 at 7:30PM.
- “Die Hard” (1988) Mon., Dec 14 at 7:30PM.
- “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) Tues., Dec. 15 at 7 & 9:30PM.
- “White Christmas” (1954) Wed., Dec 16 at 1:30, 4, 7 & 9:30PM.
Films will be shown at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland, Downers Grove, IL. classiccinemas.com, (630) 968-0219.