1. Add some metal to your holidays
Rock out and enjoy the light show while you bob your head to metal renditions of traditional Christmas songs. This year, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is playing all of the grandiose guitar ballads from its 1999 album, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. (Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, 8pm. $40.50-$72.50)
Sing along to this musical inspired by the true story of the NBA's first senior-citizen hip-hop dance crew. The Chicago production of Gotta Dance features actors André de Shields, Georgia Engel, Lillias White and Stefanie Powers. Find out everything you gotta know about Gotta Dance here. (Bank of America Theatre, 18 W Monroe St, 2pm and 7:30pm. $40-$97)
Suitable for all ages, head to the Art Institute of Chicago's family event Holly Days and make fun crafts fit for the holidays after gleaning inspiration from any of the Art Institute's fantastic exhibits. (Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, 10:30am-3pm. Free with admission)