Lincoln Home - A Historic Christmas Dec 17, 1-5pm, 1860s historic carols sung by Sound Celebration Chorus, 1:15-1:45 p.m. Theater 1, Visitor’s Center. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St, 217-391- 3221.
Lindsay Home - A Historic Christmas Dec 17, 1-5pm, Candle-lit tour, poetry, piano music until 3 p.m. Make a Christmas ornament, refreshments. Sound Celebration Chorus, 3:15 p.m. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.
Pasfield House - A Historic Christmas Dec 17, 1-5pm, Tour and see holiday decor of 1896 Georgian-Revival house. 525- 3663. Pasfield House, 525 S Pasfield St.
Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony Winter Concert Dec 17, 1:30-3pm, 300 beginners through accomplished high school musicians in their respective orchestras play lively classics and sparkling music of the season. $10, $5 students over 10. 753-8000. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.
TriCity High School Madrigals Dec 17-18, 2pm Sat-Sun, 7pm Sat, Enjoy Madrigal feast on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. or tea with wassail and flaming pudding at 2 p.m. Sat. or Sun. $16-$8. Tickets at school office. Tri-City High School, 324 West Charles Street, Buffalo, 365-4530.
Rankin-Bass Christmas Special Spectacular Dec 17-18, 2-6pm, Watch the shows you loved as a kid: Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Year without a Santa Claus. Free on grand screen. Bring new unwrapped toy for Toys-for-Tots. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence.
Springfield Figure Skating Club’s Holiday Exhibition Dec 17, 6pm, Bring nonperishable food item, get a free pass to skate immediately following the free exhibition. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 553-7708.
Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue Dec 17, 5pm and 8pm, Seasonal blend of hilarious scenes, songs and improvisation. $28-26. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street, 217-523-2787.
Illinois Symphony Orchestra Dec 17, 8pm, “Holiday Pops.” Holiday favorites with Kenneth Kiesler, conductor. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207- 6960.
Luminaria Evening at Dana-Thomas House Dec 18, 4-8pm, 1000 candles in paper sacks line sidewalks and ledges. Silent tours with live music. $5-$3. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 782- 6776.
Service of Light and New Beginnings Dec 18, 5pm, Service for people who are not joyous this season. Share this with friends and loved ones who will benefit from hearing about the love of Christ in a sensitive setting. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W.
Candle Lighting Service Dec 18, 6:30pm, Traditional service featuring The Christmas Story with Unity Choir and soloists, U4ia and Don Schneider with a focus on the metaphysical meaning of Christmas. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 523- 5897.
Advent Brown Bag Concert Series Dec 21, 12:15-12:45pm, Rudolf Zuiderveld, organist, leads Christmas carols. Free lunchtime concerts on Weds during Advent. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh Street, 528-4311.
Christmas At The Front Dec 22, 6-9pm, Experience a soldier’s Christmas in the trenches of WW1 at the Military Museum. Bring a Toy for Tots. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 North MacArthur Blvd. 761-3910.
Christmas Eve Services Dec 24, 3:30pm, 7pm and 11pm, Casual Service at 3:30 p.m. (sneakers and jeans if you like). Harp music performed by Christina Marshall at 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. half hour before both Traditional Candlelight Services at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W.
Christmas Eve Service: Candles and Carols Dec 24, 6pm, Featuring musical talents of Bonnie Ettinger, the ALUUC choir and all assembled. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 585-9550.
The Bill Hickerson Christmas Show Dec 25, 6am-12pm, Bill Hickerson and co-host Charles Curry present an entertaining variety of music, humor and talk for Christmas. WQNA 88.3 FM, 217-529-0312.
Holiday Interfaith Breakfast Dec 25, 8:30am-12pm, Public invited to Christmas breakfast of scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, pancakes, coffee, dessert and juice served to benefit Helping Hands of Springfield. $6, $5 seniors, $.25 per year for children 12 and under. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth Street, 525-1360.
Christmas Morning Celebration Service Dec 25, 10am, Bring a dish or goodies to share for Christmas Open House following church until 1 p.m. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.
Poinsettia Give-Away Dec 28, 3:30-4:30pm, Remember to bring your own container to transport your new poinsettia in. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-753-6228.
First Night Dec 31, 6:30pm, Alcohol-free event for entire family featuring live music, dance and theatrical performances. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217- 523-2787.
First Night - The Yellow Wallpaper Dec 31, 7pm, Compelling 1892 drama starring Aasne Vigesaa, directed by Kevin Purcell. Part of First Night, reservations required, 524-0901. Can leave voice mail. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth Street.
Midnight in Paris Dec 31, 7pm-2am, French and American hors d’ourves. Music by KFD. Prizes, champagne toast. $30, $50 couple. 899- 9517. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Drive.
“Get Your Rock On” New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Dec 31, 8pm, Bret Michaels’ concert and party of a lifetime with filming of his new single video. Three ticket packages feature party, games, hors d’oeuvres, after party with band and more. $49-$99. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 800-745- 3000.
New Year’s Eve Party Dec 31, 8pm, Music of Robert Sampson. Free snacks and sandwiches. Drinks not included. Advance tickets only. $15, 635- 9900. (Reservations for lodging at River Bank Lodge, 10 min. away, 632-0202.) Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Rd, Oakford.
Grand Ballroom Bash Dec 31, Dinner for two, dancing until 1 a.m., New Year’s Eve toast, party favors, breakfast or lunch after overnight stay. $319 couple. Hilton Springfield, 700 E. Adams. 217-789-1530.
