The Scene

Celebrate New Year's Eve at one of these exciting parties and events in McHenry, Kane and DuPage counties.

Now in its 13th season, Aurora's Paramount Theatre has emerged as the nation’s largest subscription theater with more than 37,000 subscribers.

Holiday light shows and shopping markets in Geneva, Aurora, Joliet, Lemont, Ottawa shine bright with festive fun this month.

Leave the cooking to someone else on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Enjoy a holiday meal at one of these restaurants.

The Joliet Drama Guild and the Playnfield Players are both presenting performances of "A Christmas Carol" this weekend.

Looking for something to do over winter break? Visit these award-winning bowling alleys, family recreation spots for nonstop fun.

National Maple Syrup Day is Dec. 17, so treat the whole family to a pancake breakfast at one of these award-winning restaurants near you.

Looking for some good sushi, Thai or Chinese food? Here's a list of award-winning Asian restaurants in the Illinois Valley, Kane, DeKalb, McHenry counties.

Here's a listing of some local retailers in northern Illinois that offer one-of-a-kind shopping experiences.

Lee Center UCC Church and Amboy Lions Club will host chili luncheon Jan. 12.

Join in on reindeer games in Crystal Lake and celebrate Festivus in McHenry this weekend.

Featured wine bars in Kane County bring delicious sips and savors.

Theater construction upgrades still underway; grand opening will be March 2 with the National Touring Broadway Show, “Spamilton."

For those of you still looking for Christmas activities prior to the holiday, there are some weekend events and attractions to keep the spirit going in La Salle, Ottawa, Princeton and Streator.

Explore two wineries that were instrumental in the establishment of the American wine industry, and catch a wide array of tasting note recommendations perfect for the holiday season and beyond.

Tickets are on sale for "Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble" at the Rialto Square Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.

Kane County will feature a Christmas drive-thru light show, Cocoa With Santa, Open Studio event and more.

There will be a Holiday Radio Play, Family Workshop Experience and more in Kendall County.

Tickets are still available for Lonestar's concert at Joliet's Rialto Square Theatre Sunday, Dec. 22.

Ring in 2025 as some of the best stand-up comedians take the stage at Raue Center in Crystal Lake for a classic comedy show complete with music, games and the year in review.

Children will get to decorate a variety of holiday-themed cookies, from jolly snowmen to cheerful reindeer, using an array of colorful icing, sprinkles and other fun toppings.

The Iron Maidens cover Iron Maiden material from all eras of the band’s career, encompassing their biggest hits, as well as fan favorites.

The seven-piece all-star powerhouse group will take audiences on a captivating journey through the rich sounds of southern rock blended with blues on Jan. 31.

The new activities join an already action-packed roster of activities at The Forge: Lemont Quarries including climbing, ziplining, kayaking, laser tag, archery, axe throwing and more. 

Legendary artist Kenny G will bring his holiday concert to the downtown St. Charles theatre Nov. 20. The theatre has many additional holiday performances and events scheduled through December.

The weather forecast has prompted Johnsburg to cancel its Holiday Magic Parade, which was to take place Saturday.

Festive concerts to feature Elgin Master Chorale, Integrity School of Dance, Santa Claus Dec. 14-15.

Audiences will hear Bonn’s unique, chilling insights from examining Dennis Rader (BTK Strangler), David Berkowitz (Son of Sam), Rex Heuermann (alleged Long Island Serial Killer), Jeffery Dahmer and more.

Light shows, the festively decorated McCormick House and Taylor Swift-themed nights highlight Christmas at Cantigny in Wheaton.

Think Floyd USA, renowned for its stunningly authentic tribute to the legendary Pink Floyd, presents a mesmerizing celebration of the 50th anniversary of the album “Wish You Were Here.”

Among the eclectic items on display at Historic Auto Attractions in Roscoe include the Secret Service limo that drove behind President John F. Kennedy in Dallas the day he was assassinated, the red pickup from TV’s “Sanford and Son,” weapons owned by Jesse James and more.

The 1937 MAR Theater in Wilmington will host its annual Christmas show benefiting Kuzma Care Cottage food bank and featuring holiday music favorites.

Starved Rock Lodge, Grand Bear Resort to host New Year's Eve parties for all ages.

Lake Geneva goes all out with several holiday events, happening now through late-December and early January.

Enjoy family-friendly holiday events at Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby.

You don't need to travel to the Big Apple to find New York-style pizza here in Illinois. Check out our list of suburban pizzerias that serve the ultra-thin-crust delicacy.

Holiday celebrations continue in McHenry County this weekend with a Flurry Fest in Lake in the Hills and a parade in Johnsburg.

Lighted parades and Christmas walks in Oglesby and Ladd part of eventful weekend that includes holiday-themed performances.

Try one of these hot locations if you're planning to reconnect with friends and family in the Chicago suburbs.

Shop one of these award-winning retailers to find that perfect Christmas gift.

Ring in the New Year at Raue Center for the Arts as Elton Rohn, a tribute to Elton John, performs at 7 p.m. Dec. 31.

Looking for something to do in the Sauk Valley? Here is a list of five suggestions for events happening over the next few weeks.

Kendall County will feature the Oswego Holiday Express, a Holiday Trivia Night and other exciting festivities.

There will be a New Year's Eve hike, Brunch With Santa and more in Kane County.

The new musical comedy cabaret gets creative with nostalgic inspiration from the television specials of those "happy golden days of yore."

These six amazing artisan businesses are crafting appealing presents and stocking stuffers.

The concert includes an array of vocal and instrumental solos.  In addition, Sinfonietta Bel Canto continues its theme of celebrating Holst’s 150 anniversary.

Experience breathtaking lights woven throughout beautiful Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford.

WGN TV's Ana Belaval, along with Jeanie Doogan and Chelsea Hood star in a night of holiday stand-up comedy Dec. 14.

Another bar is coming to downtown Cary that will also operate an outdoor mobile space at the future community plaza.