The Store That Helped Build Chicago

• 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Fans of Marshall Field’s can celebrate its history with this warm look back at the beloved institution with author Gayle Soucek. Free; registration required. Visit www.itpld.org.

Mary’s Mission Christmas Parade and Program

• 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, Mary’s Mission and Shelter Care, 642 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan. Mary’s Mission will host its annual Christmas Parade and Christmas Program and Toy Giveaway. The parade lineup begins at 9 a.m. at Mary’s Mission and proceeds to the Lake County jail, 15 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. The holiday program and toy giveaway for needy families, done in conjunction with the Toys for Tots organization, begins immediately after the parade at the jail. In addition to toys, families in need receive food baskets. The organization is seeking contributions of turkeys and/or hams for holiday food baskets. For information about the event or to donate, call Mary’s Mission at (847) 623-2136 or Patricia Woodard, (847) 770-7994.

FullScore Chamber Orchestra ‘Welcome Christmas’

• 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, Village Church of Gurnee, 1319 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee. FullScore Chamber Orchestra and the worship ministries of Village Church of Gurnee present a rousing concert of Christmas favorites. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Children 12 and younger are free. Purchase tickets through the FullScore website at www.fullscore.org or call (847) 746-3472.

Dr. James Kinchen conducts ‘Messiah’

• 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, St. Peter Catholic Church, 557 Lake St., Antioch. Dr. James Kinchen, director of choral activities at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, will conduct the Festival Arts Choir, soloists and orchestra in a performance of the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah.” Free.

Lambs Farm Breakfast with Santa

• 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18, Magnolia Cafe and Bakery and Lambs Farm, 14245 W Rockland Road, Libertyville. Children can enjoy brunch and visit with Santa, choose a holiday gift, make a picture frame, decorate a gingerbread man, make sand art ornaments and more. Brunch and activities are $16.95 or $7.95 for children 23 months and younger. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050 or visit www.lambsfarm.org.