Five great ways to spend weekends in Kane County

'BALLAD OF CC SCROOGE'
WHERE: Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles
WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 29 to Dec. 29
COST AND INFO: $23 to $28; steelbeamtheatre.com, 630-587-8521
ABOUT: A commissioned piece by local playwright John David Westby transforms the Dickens holiday classic into "The Ballad of CC Scrooge #ChristmasMakeover." As part of the theater's season called "Women of Steel," it turns "A Christmas Carol" into a modern-day tale of female redemption and joy – a holiday favorite with just the right blend of humor and pathos. The family show is directed by Marge Uhlarik-Boller.
HOLIDAY HOMECOMING
WHERE: Downtown St. Charles
WHEN: Nov. 29 and 30
COST AND INFO: Free; shawurl.com/3c20
ABOUT: Holiday Homecoming presents two days of festivities including Saturday's Electric Christmas Parade stepping off at 5:30 p.m., preceded by an open house at the Baker Community Center, where “Nutcracker” ballet previews will take place between 2 and 5:30 p.m. Visitors to the open house can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies. Dancers from Engage Dance Theatre will perform excerpts at 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., and also will appear at the St. Charles History Museum between 3 and 5:30 p.m.
'SEASONAL WRAPS' TO DELIVER FRESH TAKE
WHERE: Vero Voce Theater, 3755 E. Main St. (Route 64), Suite 158, St. Charles
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 to 15
COST AND INFO: $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students; tickets at www.wtproductions2.weebly.com
ABOUT: "Seasonal Wraps" by WT Productions is comprised of six short plays that look at the holidays from different perspectives, blending light and dark comedy with drama. The PG-13 show is written, produced and directed by Debbi Dennison and Carl Zeitler.
CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
WHERE: Downtown Batavia Riverwalk
WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1
COST AND INFO: Free; 630-879-5235
ABOUT: The Batavia Park District presents a variety of festival activities and attractions. Craig Foltos and the Batavia Community Band will lead a sing-along at 5:15 p.m., and Santa will arrive at about 5:30 p.m. Attractions include hay rides, roasting chestnuts and a decorated Christmas tree lane.
'SLEIGH BELLS RING'
WHERE: Central High School, 44W625 Plato Road, Burlington
WHEN: 1 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7
COST AND INFO: Free; chs.central301.net
ABOUT: Every instrumental and vocal ensemble at Central High School will take part in "Sleigh Bells Ring Extravaganza," which features a craft fair, children's activities, a musical petting zoo and horse-drawn sleigh rides for families by Tower Hill Stables. The event is presented by the Central High School Music Department, with an “All Community Sing” from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Food is offered by Cafe Roma.