Things To Do This Weekend December 9-11, 2022
By: Nick Borowitz 12/07/2022
Santa is coming to town, Marie Osmond is here to serenade you, the theatre is the place to be, buy some handmade art and hang out in a historic downtown corridor. These are the things to do this weekend December 9-11, 2022.
Holiday Your Way in Lake County, Illinois to get your fill of excitement and experiences this winter!
Stop along at one of the many fantastic establishments on the Lake County Libation Trail when you're out and about.
Here are the things to do this weekend December 9-11, 2022.
Visit Gurnee Mills so the kids can tell Santa what they want for the holidays and snap pictures with him. Santa’s Photo Experience is located in the Gurnee shopping destination’s south dining pavilion. Families can capture their own memory or utilize the onsite professional photographer. After pictures, peruse the mall’s anchor stores like Bass Pro Shops, Macy’s, Kohl’s or one of the outlet mall’s other 200 shops for gifts. Sink your teeth into an oven-cooked pizza from Chicago Woodfire Pizza Co. or experience a meal as if you were dining in the jungle at The Rainforest Café. Skate through a winter wonderland at Top Shelf Ice Arena. Prior to the meet and greet, visitors are encouraged to register online for Santa’s Photo Experience at Simon.com/Mall/Gurnee-Mills. The Santa Photo Experience is open through December 24.
Friday-Sunday, December 9-11; Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-7 p.m., Sun.: noon-2:30 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Admission: free, photographer packages cost extra. Gurnee Mills Entry C or D, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
Marie Osmond’s “A Symphonic Christmas Tour” stops at the Genesee Theatre Friday. The holiday performance features music from her 2021 album “Unexpected,” yuletide favorites, opera melodies and Broadway show tunes. A full orchestra joins Marie Osmond while she performs favorites like “Jingle Bells,” “Silver Bells,” “Paper Roses,” “Merry Christmas Darling,” “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” and more. The two-time, Grammy-nominated artist’s career began at four years old as a member of her siblings’ group, the Osmond Brothers. She has entertained millions on television, radio and Broadway throughout her five-decade career. The multi-genre music star has also written books including, “Might As Well Laugh About It Now,” “The Key is Love” and “Healing From The Heart.” Visit GeneseeTheatre.com to buy tickets.
Friday, December 9; 8 p.m. Admission: $50-$99. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
The Improv Playhouse Theater in downtown Libertyville performs its interpretation of the beloved 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play.” The holiday feature follows protagonist George Bailey, who puts his big dreams on hold during the Great Depression as he takes over his father’s business, who abruptly passes away. Bailey faces adversities and makes maneuvers that save his hometown of Bedford Falls. Down on his luck, frustrated with life and questioning his existence, Bailey ponders suicide. A guardian angel named Clarence saves his life and shows him a world without the story’s main character. The Improv Playhouse Theater production runs on weekends through December 18. Tickets start at $7.50. This “BYOB” show includes a $5 corking fee for participating individuals ages 21 and older. The Libertyville theater accepts cash only at the door if tickets are not purchased in advance. Visit ImprovPlayhouse.com for tickets or call 847-968-4529 directly.
Friday-Sunday, December 9-11; Fri.- Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Tickets from $7.50-$25. Improv Playhouse Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Visit the Antioch Fine Arts Foundation (AFAF) on Sunday for its annual Holiday Market in the village’s historic downtown area. The pop-up gathering features various products for purchase, including handcrafted art, glassware, jewelry and more. After shopping locally made art pieces, indulge the taste buds with fare from Lovin Oven Cakery, Johnny’s Snack Shop, Oliverii North, The Rivalry Alehouse, The Lodge of Antioch, The Mexican Paradise Café and other eateries. The AFAF market runs on select weekend afternoons through December 18.
Sunday, December 11; noon-4 p.m. Admission: free. Antioch Fine Arts Foundation, 952 Main St., Antioch.
Transport your mind to the snow-covered Alps while visiting Buffalo Creek Brewing’s Alpine Biergarten and Ski Village in Historic Downtown Long Grove. The Lake County Libation Trail partner transforms its biergarten to match the winter weather. The Bavarian-themed event showcases its scenic pine forest backdrop equipped with multiple fire pits, cozy chairs to kick back in, twinkling lights, outdoor holiday décor, games and table service. Before cozying up by the fire pit with a brew, stroll the streets of Historic Downtown Long Grove for their Vintage Holidays. The annual holiday happening celebrates the classic small-town feel you find with the shops, classic winter aesthetic and family memories. Festivities include delectable fare, live performances, visits from Santa and more. People who spend $150 or more in Historic Downtown Long Grove shops and eateries receive a complimentary gift from participating businesses. Historic Downtown Long Vintage Holidays runs on select days through December 18. The village’ horse-drawn carriage rides are through holiday event; however individuals are encouraged to visit LongGrove.org as seating periodically open for a last-minute reservation. Buffalo Creek Brewing’s Alpine Biergarten and Ski Village runs on select days through late March.
Friday-Sunday, December 9-11; Alpine Biergarten and Ski Village: Fri.: noon-11 p.m., Sat.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun.: noon-7 p.m. Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove. Vintage Holidays: various times. Admission: free. Additional activities cost extra. Various locations in Historic Downtown Long Grove, Long Grove.
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Make the most of the season when you Holiday Your Way in Lake County, Illinois!
Speaking of Buffalo Creek Brewing, see where else to have a beverage on the Lake County Libation Trail.
