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.
Holiday Skating Exhibition Dec 03, 7pm, Watch ice skaters of all levels perform to both traditional and contemporary holiday classics. Refreshments. Bring a new or used cold weather item or canned good for free skate afterward. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 494-4134.
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 town-square 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.
Pancakes, Paws & Santa Claus Dec 04, 8:30-10:30am, Enjoy pancake breakfast with Santa and Henson Robinson Zoo animal friends. Each child gets a free photo with Santa Claus. $8, $6 child. 753-6217. Lincoln Greens Golf Course, 700 E. Lake Shore Dr.
Cookie Walk Dec 04, 8:30am-12pm, Cookies cost $3 per pound. St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington Street, 793-3933.
Senior Center Cookie Walk Dec 04, 9am-2pm, Support the Springfield Senior Center and get some tasty treats. Springfield Senior Center, 701 W. Mason St, 528-4035.
Cookie Walk Dec 04, 9am-1pm, Variety of homemade Christmas cookies and breads. Lower level of the church, use Pawnee Street entrance. Presented by Baptist Women’s Fellowship. First Baptist Church, Taylorville, 303 E. Market St, Taylorville. 824-8081.
Village Christmas Dec 04, 9am-2pm, Craft booths, cookie walk, tea room, children’s area, turkey/noodle lunch. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Rd, Sherman, 496-2338.
Petersburg Christmas Dec 04-05, 9am-4pm, Santa arrives at the Old Smoot Hotel, 102 N. Sixth Street. Home tour and craft bazaar. Parade on Saturday. 632- 7363.
St. Anthony’s Holly Fair Dec 04, 10am-4pm, Greek pastries and crafts. Reserve your food order 522-7010, leave message. St Anthony’s Hellenic Orthodox, 1600 S.
Glenwood Ave.
Ansar Shrine/Springfield Jaycees Holiday Parade Dec 04, 10am, Catch the holiday spirit as over 90 units thrill onlookers when the Holiday Parade winds down the streets of Springfield. 899-5104. Downtown Springfield.
Incredible Art at Incredibly Delicious Dec 04, 10am-3pm, Do your holiday shopping for unique fine art gifts at the historic Weber House and sample new food creations in a holiday product showcase. Incredibly Delicious, 925 S. Seventh St, 528-8548.
Holiday Workshops Dec 04, 11, 10:30am-12:30pm, Holiday Cards and Paper, Incredible Ornaments, and Gingerbread Houses. Registration required. $10-$20. 523-2631. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St.
Taking Tea in Taylorville Dec 04, 11am, The pageantry of tea time at the London Ritz provides the inspiration for this year’s tea. Includes style show of holiday attire and commemorative cookbook of holiday recipes. Sponsored by the Taylorville Tourism Council. $20 at Cottage Rose Gift Shoppe, east side of square, Taylorville. 824-9447.
Storytime with Santa Dec 04, 1-5pm, Children can listen to stories, create gifts in the Elf Workshop and visit with Santa in the children’s area. In a separate event, register to visit Mrs. Claus in the café and have hot chocolate, cookies, and help writing letters to Santa. Reservations required
continued on page 18
