The world of role-playing games hits the stage, laughter fills the street, Santa arrives in Lake County and much more going on this weekend November 15-17.
In need of a tree for you and your family to rock around this holiday season? Click here for our guide helping you find that perfect tree. Continue here to fall libations to help you unwind after a day of decking the halls.
We have reached the halfway point of November. Click here for the top things to do this month.
Here are the top five things to do this weekend November 15-17.
The countdown to the holidays is underway as the lights are set to turn on tonight at Deer Park Town Center. The night begins with a live performance by “Those Funny Little People,” a puppet dance group featured on hit show “America’s Got Talent,” followed by Santa Claus arriving in the Lake Zurich Fire Department’s truck to flip the switch to the holiday lights. The Kris Kringle fanfare is followed by a fireworks display beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m., honoring our veterans. Santa will listen to youngster’s wish lists through 8:30 p.m., and the man in the big red suit provides little visitors with antler headbands and a pouch of magical reindeer fare. Snap a photo with Mr. Claus and stick around the Deer Park area to complete early holiday shopping. Food trucks will also be in attendance at this year’s event.
Friday, November 15; 6 p.m. Admission: Free. Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park.
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Roll the dice and immerse yourself in a story that provides a comedic take inside the world of fantasy role-playing games. Originally created by acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen “She Kills Monsters” enters its final weekend at the College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake. Follow the production’s heroine Agnes as she discovers her sister Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook. Agnes embarks on an action-packed adventure in this imaginary world that was her sister would often escape to. This journey is filled with villainous creatures, 1990s pop culture and a whole lot of laughs.
Friday-Saturday, November 15-16; 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $8-$10. James Lumber Center, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.
There is a full slate of entertainment going on this weekend in Waukegan. Emmy Award-winning actor, comedy icon and author John Cleese makes his Genesee Theatre debut. Spend an evening with the member of the “Monty Python” troupe as Cleese shares his humorous perspective on his career. The laughter doesn’t stop there as comedian Brian Regan makes his stop in Lake County on Saturday. Known for his ability to find the funny in the most mundane situations, Regan is one of the premier comics in the business. Experience the sights and sounds of the city’s monthly ArtWauk festival. ArtWauk showcases the mediums of virtuosos and musicians in a can’t-miss night full of art and live entertainment.
John Cleese: Friday, November 15; 8 p.m. Tickets: $45-$65.
Brian Regan: Saturday, November 16; 8 p.m. Tickets: $39.50-$59.50. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
ArtWauk: Saturday, November 16; 5-10 p.m. Admission: Free. Downtown Waukegan, various locations on Genesee Street.
The City of Highland Park continues the year-long festivities of its 150th anniversary, kicking off the holiday season with its “Light up the Night” celebration. Enjoy a full day of holiday happenings, leading up to the annual tree lighting. The Lake County city’s celebration kicks off with the Sugar Plum Shopping Spree downtown. The event is highlighted by visits with Santa Claus and his trusty reindeer, carriage rides, live music, family-friendly activities, a light show and more.
Saturday, November 16; 1-5 p.m. Admission: Free. Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park.
Have a jelly good time as the holiday season jumps off to a sweet start during the Jelly Belly Tree Lighting. The Pleasant Prairie factory event is highlighted by the tree lighting ceremony, a meet and greet with It all begins with the tree lighting ceremony, which is followed by a meet and greet with Santa Claus, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and other holiday characters, face painting, balloon art, the warehouse tour (before the celebration begins) and more. Visitors can register for a chance to win a $100 shopping spree. The Jelly Belly Visitors Center also offer a slew of deals and discounts. Take a selfie with Kringle himself before he heads back to the North Pole.
Saturday, November 16; 5:30-8 p.m. Admission: Free. Jelly Belly Visitor Center, 10100 Jelly Belly Ln., Pleasant Prairie, WI.
For more things to do this weekend November 15-17, click here.
