The lights are up, holiday music is on the radio and the festive season is underway. Here are some local events to burn a Yuletide log and lift your spirit.

Holiday Book Sale and Craft Fair

Where/When: The Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Why Go: Got a book lover on your holiday gift list? Check out gently used books available for a great price. Gifts will also be available for purchase from the Des Plaines History Center and Des Plaines Art Guild.

Pricing: Free admission.

Free Photo With Santa

Where/When: Lake Park Memorial Pavilion in The Optimist Club's Christmas tree lot, 2200 Lee St., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 17.

Why Go: Say cheese! Snap a classic, rite-of-passage shot with the big guy, and support a local youth organization at the same time.

Pricing: Free.

Earlier: Holiday lighting contest begins.

Slideshow of the Best Christmas Décor in the Chicago Area

Where/When: The Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Why Go: Want to check out the best Christmas decorations in the Chicago area without empting your wallet on gas? Mary Edsey, author of The Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland, takes an amusing look at the best holiday displays in the area and the interesting people who create them. Copies of Edsey’s book will be available for purchase.

Pricing: Free admission.

Children's Christmas Pageants

Where/When: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 766 Graceland Ave., 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11.

Where/When: United Church of Christ, 1492 Henry Ave., 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 11. Brunch will also be served.

Holiday Trunk Show

Where/When: Park Ridge Nonprofit Center, 720 Garden St. in Park Ridge, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 11.

Why Go: Get the rest of your holiday shopping done at this one-day-only trunk sale. Shop and sample some treats from Dove Chocolates, Mary Kay Cosmetics, My Thirty One and local handmade goods. Products are available for gifts of any budget including stocking-stuffers.

Pricing: Free admission.

Annual Winter Dance Showcase

Where/When: Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16 and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Why Go: Young performers from Artistry in Motion, the resident dance company at the Des Plaines Park District, will get into the groove of the season with a reason in their annual winter spectacular, Spectacular! A Journey Around the World.

Pricing: Tickets are $8. Admission for dancers, students and children under two years old is free.

Birthday Party for Jesus

Where/When: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 766 Graceland Ave., 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Why Go: Christmas crafts, an indoor jump house, snacks and cupcakes, the nativity story and Christmas songs and carols accompanied by the guitar picking of Frank Potempa.

Pricing: Free admission for children, preschool through third grade, parents and grandparents.

Christmas Caroling Bus

Where/When: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 766 Graceland Ave., The bus will depart from the church on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 18.

Why Go: Spread holiday cheer with song. Visit the homes of local church members and friends. An optional dinner will follow at the home of two congregation members. To attend, register at the church office.

Pricing: Free.

Home for the Holidays Concert

When/Where: The Des Plaines Theatre, 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23 and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24.

Why Go: Ron Hawking's Home for the Holidays concert is sure to have you tapping your feet along to favorites like Baby, It's Cold Outside and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

 Pricing: $38 for main floor and $50 for Cabaret seats, which also includes Ron Hawking’s Christmas CD.

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