Holiday shows at the Norris and Batavia Fine Arts Centre this season

Two Tri-Cities stages have their holiday calendars posted, and between them you can find a ballet, an Irish dance show, a brass concert, free afternoon talks and a few nights of pure nostalgia. Here is what the Batavia Fine Arts Centre and St. Charles' Norris Cultural Arts Center have on the books for November and December.

Batavia Fine Arts Centre

The centre sits at 1250 W. Wilson St. in Batavia. It says you save $2 per ticket when you buy online.

• So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience, Friday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. Broadway performer Robert Neary sings 24 Neil Diamond songs. Tickets are $35 to $74.
• The Fox Valley Nutcracker, Nov. 27 to 29, presented by Fox Valley Ballet. The centre says more than 130 performers from nearly 30 local dance studios dance alongside professionals. Showtimes are 3 p.m. Nov. 27, 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 28, and 1 p.m. Nov. 29. Standard tickets are listed at $38 to $59, with kids 10 and under $10 less, and prices rise as seats sell.
• A Celtic Christmas from the A Taste of Ireland company, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. Expect Irish dancing, live music and carols. Tickets range from $43 to $108.
• The Midtown Men Holiday Hits, Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Local dance studios also bring their own Nutcrackers to the stage: Alma Dance Theater on Dec. 5 and 6, and Monarch Dance on Dec. 18 and 19.

Looking ahead, the centre's touring season picks up again with The Boulevards, a 1950s rock and roll band from London, on Jan. 8, 2027.

Norris Cultural Arts Center

The Norris splits its season between its home at 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles and the Baker Community Center at 101 S. Second St. This season celebrates the Baker Center's 100th year, and the Norris says the historic building has hosted most of its concerts since 2020 under an agreement with the St. Charles Park District. Several free events make this an easy pick for a weekday outing.

• Pianist Jeffrey LaDeur, Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Baker Center. The program ends with Buster Keaton's 1920 silent comedy One Week, with live piano. $30.
• Making a List: The Secular Songs of Christmas with Charles Troy, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. at the Baker Center. Free.
• Elgin Symphony Orchestra Holiday Brass Concert, Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Norris. $25, with tickets sold through the Elgin Symphony Orchestra's website.
• Fox Valley Concert Band, "Home for the Holidays," Sunday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m. at the Norris. Free.
• Holiday Magic with Bill Pack, Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m. in the Norris gallery. $21.40.
• Holiday Revelry with Fox Valley Opera, Saturday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. at the Baker Center. $30.

Tips before you go

Prices above are what each venue lists on its own site as of Oct. 22. Fees and dynamic pricing can change the final cost, so check the event page before you buy. Batavia Fine Arts Centre questions go to 630-937-8930, and the Norris can be reached at 630-584-7200.