Christmas magic and music mix for a special holiday message during “ONE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EVE” at The Pickwick Theatre. The Classics On Stage performance opens Wednesday with original songs and dance that complement the touching and humorous Dickens-style fable. The story ends on a joyous note and affirms the importance of keeping the spirit of the holidays alive all year round. $5.75 advance mail purchase; $6.75 day of performance. Group rates available. Wednesday through Dec. 21. Shows at 10:30 a.m. weekdays and noon Saturdays. The Pickwick Theatre, Touhy Avenue and Northwest Highway, Park Ridge. 773-989-0532.
Journey into the magical land of sugar plum fairies as “The Schaumburg Nutcracker” dances its way to the Prairie Center for the Arts stage. The splendor of Tchaikovsky’s score is enhanced by lavish costumes, striking sets and delightful special effects. Local dancers are joined by professional artists during this annual Schaumburg production. Tickets $18; $16 students and seniors. “The Schaumburg Nutcracker,” Dec. 4, 5, 6, 12 and 13. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. 847-895-3600.
Santa Claus has booked a special holiday appointment Saturday with the Des Plaines Public Library. Santa’s arrival includes entertainment, special guests, free family photos with the guest of honor and refreshments. Free. “Santa’s Arrival,” 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Des Plaines Public Library, 841 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines. 847-827-5551.
Music and theatrics spread the joy of Christmas this week at the Woodstock Opera House. First, the historic theater will present “Tuba Christmas,” featuring 40 low-brass musicians playing the music of the season on Sunday. You can join in a Christmas carol sing-along. $5. Then, Thursday marks the opening performance of “A Christmas Carol,” presented by the Woodstock Musical Theatre Company. $13. “Tuba Christmas,” 12:30 and 3 p.m. Sunday. “A Christmas Carol,” 8 p.m. Thursday and Dec. 3, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 5. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. 815-338-5300.
Have a howling good time when “Coyotes and Cocoa” combine. Explore the Hickory Grove Conservation Area during the night. Listen for owls and other creatures of the night during this family night hike. Learn the lore of some of the local animals, then return to the Living Land Farm for hot cocoa and socializing. Free. Registration needed. “Coyotes and Cocoa,” 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Hickory Grove Conservation Area, off Crystal Lake Avenue northeast of Cary. 815-678-4431.
