If you aren’t in the festive spirit already, check out these fun weekend events with family and friends. For more event listings around the suburbs, visit the Pioneer Local events calendar.
Chicago Master Singers Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday
Chicago Master Singers under the direction of Alan Heatherington, with Lyric Opera principal harpist Lynn Williams, Ars Viva principal oboist Steven Colburn and organist Brian Locke, present its annual Christmas concert. The program features brilliant arrangements of sacred Christmas classics by Paulus, Willcocks, Rutter, Luboff and others, along with original compositions by such great choral composers as Herbert Howells, Geoffrey Burgon, George Chadwick and George Frideric Handel. Chapel of the Holy Spirit (Divine Word), 2001 Waukegan Road, Techny, Northbrook. $15-$48.
It’s Christmas Charlie Brown! The Musical, 10 a.m. Saturday
Join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang as they prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Filled with holiday cheer, this special Actors Training Center (ATC) Repertory Company’s production warms the hearts of audience-goers and includes a sing-a-long at the end of the show, in which the cast goes into the audience and invites the little kids onto the stage and sings Christmas Carols with them. Claire Bigley is musical director and Jeff Award winner Janet Louer, Musical Theatre director of ATC’s Repertory Company, directs the production. Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. $18.
Meet-and-Greet with Award-Winning Author Gary Karton, 10 a.m. Saturday
Glencoe native Gary Karton meets-and-greets, talking about reading, writing and the power of imagination. One lucky child has a chance to be a character in Gary Karton’s next book, “The Rock of Sarraka!” Every purchaser of The Last Akaway from now until Dec. 31, 2014, enters into a drawing; one winner drawn at random on Jan. 5, 2015. Recommended for ages 8-13. Visit Brodyboondoggle.com for more details. The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. Free.
A Toy-ful Celebration! Holiday Concert, 7 p.m. Saturday
Concert benefits the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. Enjoy music of the holiday season featuring the Glenview Concert Band, along with the “Toys Choir”! In the spirit of giving, consider bringing new unwrapped toys to the concert to donate at the door and help the Marines raise toys for underprivileged children. For those that can’t attend — consider dropping off new toys at any of the Glenview Fire Stations Toys for Tots boxes! Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview.
Film Festival, 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah, is once again presenting its popular Film Festival series. The first of three features the movie “The Jewish Cardinal,” the true story of Jean-Marie Lustiger, the son of Polish immigrants, who maintained his cultural identity as a Jew even after converting to Catholicism at a young age and later entering the priesthood. Lively discussion led by congregant Jonathan Lehrer following the movie. Refreshments served. Beth Hillel Congregation, 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette. $10.
Bittersweet Christmas Band, 8 p.m. Saturday
Popular Second Saturday Coffeehouse is hosted by Vicki Elberfeld. Featured once again is the Bittersweet Christmas Band. On guitar, drum, dulcimer, and penny whistle, musicians Cooper, Nelson, and Early, join songwriter Susan Urban with many perspectives on the holiday season, from the reverent to the ridiculous. Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, 7574 North Lincoln Ave., Skokie. $8 donation.
Centennial Volunteers Somme Woods East, 10 a.m. Sunday
Join a group of volunteers who are interested in improving the local environment. Site will be chosen to begin work at based on past monitoring and observations done by Habitat 2030. There are quite a few distinct areas that need help to remove choking invasive brush and open up the canopy. No skills necessary, but wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Meet at the far end of the Somme Woods East parking lot on Dundee Road. RSVP at www.fpdcc.com/cv. Somme Woods East, 2284 Dundee Road, Northbrook.
Annual Winter Festival, 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Tom Hoeppner and Katherine Ross lead in traditional celebration of the winter solstice. Enjoy a candle-lighting ceremony, decoration of a “mitten tree,” group singing, and musical and dramatic performances by children. Donations of new winter clothing and non-perishable food items adorn the tree and are sent to those in need. Coffee begins at 10 a.m., and following the Festival enjoy hot chocolate and homemade cookies. All are welcome to Sunday programs. Childcare is available. For more information, please visit ethicalhuman.org. Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, 7574 North Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Free.
Hanukkah/Family School Party, 11 a.m. Sunday
Temple Beth Israel’s Annual Brotherhood Hanukkah/Family School Party features Magician Dennis Dubont. Lunch includes chicken fingers, noodles, salad and jelly doughnut holes (Israeli styled). Call or visit website to RSVP. Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie.
Menorah Workshop at Home Depot, 1 p.m. Sunday
Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook in conjunction with Chabad of Deerfield and Camp Gan Israel have partnered with Home Depot to offer a Pre-Hanukkah Menorah Workshop. Children and their families are invited to craft their own unique Menorah from wood and a host of other supplies available at The Home Depot. Meet Judah Maccabee and enjoy Hanukkah refreshments. Call to register. Home Depot, 655 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield. Free.
Sunday Soiree – Midwest Young Artists, 2:30 p.m.
Sunday Soirees are chamber music performances by groups from Midwest Young Artists, the premier youth music education and ensemble organization in the Midwest which represents some of the best young musicians in the country. These are free concerts. Bennett Gordon Hall, Ravinia, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park.
Family Service Posada Celebration, 3 p.m. Sunday
Bring the whole family to celebrate with traditional music, watch beautiful dances, and enjoy delicious holiday food. Fun booths supported by Highland Park High School clubs and other groups feature items and adventures of all kinds. All proceeds benefit the Latino educational and health-and-wellness programs of Family Service: Prevention, Education and Counseling NFP. At the high school, use (H entrance parking). Questions — call 847-432-4981. Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Ave., Highland Park. $1 per person.
Evanston Children’s Choir Holiday Concert, 3 p.m. Sunday
Join Directors Gary Geiger and Monica Blacconeri as they lead the entire Evanston Children’s Choir in their most popular concert of the year, celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa in typical ECC style! Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston.
True Light Christmas Concert, 5 p.m. Sunday
In the middle of a dark and cold Chicago winter, we can all use a little light! Join in a concert filled with music to illuminate the season and warm one’s spirit with light and life. Childcare is provided. Free-will offering taken for Good News Partners of Rogers Park. Winnetka Presbyterian Church, 1255 Willow Road, Winnetka. Free.
