Charlie Parker’s Diner Food Drive Nov 24-Dec 03, Drop off non-perishable food items for Central Illinois Foodbank while enjoying your favorite dish. Charlie Parker’s, 700 North St.
Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 25-28, 10am-8pm, (4-8pm Thu), Holiday tradition features over 150 decorated trees, wreaths and swags; a gingerbread village, Candy Cane Express train; and Holiday Market filled with unique gifts. $5, $2 children 3-12. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 788-4301.
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol Radio Show Nov 26-27, 2pm, Over the Moon Productions presents an unusual twist on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Free and open to public. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785- 7960.
Christmas in the Country Craft Tour Nov 27, 8am-3pm, Twenty-two locations in Athens, Cantrall and surrounding area. Maps available at local businesses. 691-0504.
Youth in Mission Vendor Fair Nov 27, 10am-3pm, Over 30 vendors of homebased businesses, hand-crafted items, bake sale and lunch items available for purchase. 725- 4359. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Rd, Chatham.
Miracle on 34th Street Nov 27-28, 1pm Sat-Sun, Famous Christmas classic film on the big screen in benefit of the Carlinville Christmas Market. $5. Marvel Theater, Carlinville, 854-3552.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks Dec 01-02, 08, 15, 22, 5-8pm, Discover the charm of downtown - stroll the festive streets and enjoy free entertainment, horse-drawn trolley rides, lighted holiday tree, extended shopping hours and more. 544-1723. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza.
We Need a Little MORE Christmas Dec 02-05, Songs, sketches and audience participation. Reservations required. $33-$37.
Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theater, 1451 Timberline Rd, Goodfield, 309-965-2545.
Christmas Luncheon & Holiday Bazaar Dec 03, 10am-2pm, One of Jacksonville’s longest standing Christmas traditions. Tickets, 243-2636. Trinity Church, Jacksonville, 359 W. State St, Jacksonville.
Taylorville Holiday Home Tour Dec 03-04, 10am-8pm Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, Three Centuries of Splendor is the theme of this year’s tour of six homes festooned for the sea son. Also, bazaar, cookie buffet, art and Lincoln photo exhibits. $9 at Cottage Rose and all event locations. 824-9447.
Franciscan Nativity Festival Dec 03-05, 2-7pm Fri, 12-4pm Sat-Sun, Over 100 Nativity sets, each with unique story of origin and tradition. Free admission and open to public. 523-0901. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Rd.
Alternative Holiday Fair Dec 03-04, 4-8pm Fri, 7:30am-1:30pm Sat, Support social and economic justice locally and internationally by purchasing unique items from nonprofit and trade organizations that support fair prices for Third World artisans. Supper available Friday evening and lunch on Saturday. Bake sale both days. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 217-523-5212.
Christmas in Virginia Dec 03-04, 4-9pm Fri, 8am-12pm Sat, Lighted Santa Claus Parade, food, crafts, music, live nativity scene and more. Virginia town square, 217-452-7786.
Dana-Thomas House Foundation Member Reception Dec 03, 5:30-7:30pm, Join the Foundation and join the holiday merriment. Admission and advance registration required. 782-6776. Dana- Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence
The Santaland Diaries Dec 03-05, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Written by the great American humorist David Sedaris, The Santaland Diaries follows one out of work actor who decides to become a Macy’s elf to pay the holiday bills. $15. Not recommended for young audiences. Little Theatre On The Square, 16 E. Harrison St, Sullivan.
Carlinville Christmas Market Dec 03-05, 3-9pm Fri, 9am-8pm Sat, 11am- 3pm Sun, Enjoy small town holiday magic, stroll through heated tents and enchanting townsquare shops for arts, crafts and gifts. Caroling, entertainment for all ages, trolley tours, Santa. $1 admission to heated arts/crafts tents, no charge to stroll the square. 854-3552. Carlinville Square, Carlinville.
Winter Wanderings: A Candlelight Concert Dec 03, 7:30pm, Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra features famous string music including Pachelbel’s Canon, Rutter’s Suite for String Orchestra, Barlow’s Winter’s Past and a joyous carol sing-along. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St, 800-401-7222.
White Christmas Dec 03-05, 10-12, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Springfield Theatre Center presents traditional musical to warm your heart. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 523-2787.
Breakfast with Santa Dec 04, 8am12pm, Eat breakfast, get picture with Santa, crafts, games, face painting, entertainment and more. Benefits In His Hands Orphans Outreach. Rochester Christian Church, 325 S. Walnut, Rochester, 381-6006.