November 30-December 29

The Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

It’s the company’s last time performing the holiday tradition in the Auditorium Theatre before moving to Lyric Opera House with the start of the 2020–21 season. New this year, Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon collaborates with Joffrey Academy’s Adaptive Dance Program to create a permanent new role for children with disabilities. Again, the performance will evoke another era with its Chicago world’s fair storyline.

Time: Performance times vary.

Place: 50 E. Ida B. Wells

Cost: Starting at $35; tickets at joffrey.org

Through November 30

Red Bull Music Festival Chicago

This antithesis to predictable music festivals assembles 40-plus artists in everything from club nights in legendary venues to expressive conceptual performances. The goal: celebrating the stories and influence of artists from Chicago and beyond. Don’t miss Jamila Woods on Nov. 27, when she offers a stripped-down look at her latest project, “Legacy! Legacy!”

Time: Performance times vary.

Place: Venues across town

Cost: Some events are free; others start at $20; tickets at redbull.com

Through January 5

Rudolph’s Christmas Bar

“Over the top” doesn’t begin to describe this immersive Christmas bar from Smartmouth Designs. A sister bar to Santa Baby (located just down the road at 3505 N. Clark), it lifts your spirits with wall-to-wall decor, character appearances, a full menu, and huge sharable cocktails.

Time: Mon.-Thurs., 4-11 p.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., 11-3 a.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Place: 4660 N. Clark

Cost: Free admission (with exception of Sunday brunch); info at rudolphsbar.com

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Through January 5

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Stroll a mile-long path and encounter artful, multisensory experiences that evoke the holiday spirit. The dazzle is especially bright at the Cathedral of Light, a towering window arch of 100,000 lights extending along a tunnel; and the Singing Trees, which “perform” as a choir in harmony and light up individually.

Time: Daily, 4:30-10 p.m.

Place: 1000 Lake Cook, Glenview

Cost: Starting at $8 for kids and $17 for adults; tickets at chicagobotanic.org

November 24 & December 14-15

Randolph Street Market Holiday Markets

Knock out that gift list. But first, grab a cocktail and free popcorn in the new Sports Bar. Then shop a stylishly crafted mix of vintage and modern decorative objects, housewares, fashion, art, hostess gifts, and more from 125 vendors (including scene makers like Swoon Living, Luxe 1978, and Cocktail Courier).

Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Place: Plumbers Hall, 1341 W. Randolph

Cost: $8 in advance; $10 at the door; kids free; tickets at randolphstreetmarket.com

November 29

Brookfield Zoo’s Reindeer Run

A two-mile course is all lit up for the holidays. Participants can “fun run” or walk it, glow sticks in hand, rain or shine. The more than 1 million lights are part of the Zoo’s annual Holiday Magic festival, which begins November 30.

Time: Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m.

Place: 8400 W. 31st, Brookfield

Cost: $27; register at czs.org

November 29-December 8

Cirque du Soleil’s “‘Twas the Night Before…”

It’s a new Christmas show tradition, circling around themes of sharing and friendship. Join Isabella, a curious girl who’s become jaded by the hoopla surrounding Christmas, as she is whisked away to an upside-down, inside-out world where she meets characters inspired by the original timeless poem.

Time: Performance times vary

Place: The Chicago Theatre, 275 N. State

Cost: Starting at $3; tickets at chicagotheatre.com

December 1

Drag Queen Story Time and Brunch

Gather around as legendary Chicago drag queens Lucy Stoole and Kat Sass perform and read from their favorite books at a holiday event for kids of all ages. Order from Marisol’s brunch menu (try the gravlax platter or tofu scramble).

Time: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Place: Marisol at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Mies van der Rohe

Cost: Varies, depending on your brunch selection; reservations required at opentable.com

December 3

White Truffle Dinner

Taste the nuanced differences between old and new world wines while indulging in four savory courses featuring white truffles shaved tableside. Summer House’s wine director, Bobby Joe Rinaldo, will guide you through the pairings.

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Summer House Santa Monica, 2954 N. Halsted

Cost: $75; tickets at leye.com

December 5

World of Chocolate

Chocolatiers from over 20 of Chicago’s best restaurants, hotels, and bakeries tempt your sweet tooth with their creations — all to raise funds and awareness for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. In a setting inspired by a glamorous 1940s ocean liner, guests will also enjoy a light buffet, cocktails, music, raffle, and more.

Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W. Fulton Market

Cost: Starting at $145; tickets at chocolate.aidschicago.org

December 6

30th Annual Spirit of Saint Nicolas Ball

Join more than 1,300 guests in a black-tie celebration of the season and a good cause. The evening features dinner, live entertainment, cocktails, dancing, and late-night sweets. All proceeds benefit Catholic Charities Children’s programs, which serve nearly 200,000 children in Cook and Lake Counties each year.

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan

Cost: Starting at $550; tickets at catholiccharities.net

December 6-January 12

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

The indoor winter wonderland is back for its 19th year. Dozens of classic rides and attractions, including the Polar Extreme Obstacle Course and Winter WonderWhirl, bring Festival Hall to life under shimmering white lights. Come for the cookie decorating. Stay for the weekend acrobatic performances. And do not miss the new Wind Chill ride, which soars you nearly 53 feet above the action.

Time: Opens at 10 a.m.; closing times vary

Place: 600 E. Grand

Cost: Starting at $10 for kids and $20 for adults; tickets at navypier.org

“Light in the Piazza”

December 14-29

“Light in the Piazza”

Four-time Grammy Award winner Renée Fleming is joined by three-time Olivier Award winner Alex Jennings (Netflix’s “The Crown”) and rising star Solea Pfeiffer (Almost Famous, Hamilton) in this Tony Award-winning musical. Unapologetically lyrical and romantic, it evokes one woman’s fateful trip to Florence with her daughter in the summer of 1953, where love and secrets swirl.

Time: Performance times vary.

Place: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker

Cost: Starting at $49; tickets at lightinthepiazzathemusical.com

December 18-January 5

“Phantom of the Opera”

The legendary chandelier is just part of the mystique of Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. The story and score, with songs like “Music of the Night” is performed by a cast of 52, making it one of the largest “Phantoms” ever.

Time: Performance times vary.

Place: Cadillac Palace Theater, 151 W. Randolph

Cost: Starting at $46; tickets at broadwayinchicago.com

The Portillo’s Experience

Through December 31

The Portillo’s Experience

Anyone with an appetite for Instagram-worthy photos will want to swing up this pop-up. You’ll find The French Fry Room, featuring “cheese sauce” dripping from the ceiling and life-size plush French fries; a giant Onion Ring Swing; a Hot Dog Sofa; and a trio of tasty photo booths.

Time: Gates open at 5 p.m.

Place: Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Mall, at the entrance between JCPenney and Nordstorm

Cost: Free; sign up for admission at portillos.com

Photos: Lightscape: courtesy Chicago Botanic Garden photos; Portillo’s: Caitlin Hendricks Photography; Light in the Piazza: Dewynters London