HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Blue Christmas Dec 19, 7pm. Music, prayer, scripture readings, communion and private refl ection providing hope and comfort to those in need. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St, 217-546- 7646.

Candlelight Tours Dec 20, 5-8pm. Open house tours every Friday evening except Christmas week. Special events each evening. DeWitt County Museum, 219 E. Woodlawn, Clinton, 217-935-6066.

Candlelight Tours Dec 21, Through Dec 22. 5-8pm. Holiday decorations and luminaria. Free. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

Carols at Noon Dec 26, 12pm. Mark Gifford plays Christmas carols on the organ. 217-523- 8609. Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut Street, 528-7521.

Chatham Light Up the Park Holiday Display Dec 20, Through Dec 21. 6-9pm. Friday and Saturdays. Drive-through display. 217-416-1142. Chatham Community Park, S. Main St., Chatham.

Children’s Holiday Store Dec 19, Through Dec 23. 4-8pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5:30pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Through Dec. 23, Kids shop with help of volunteers. Benefi ts Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery. Holiday Store, Town & Country Shopping Center, 2403 S MacArthur Blvd., 217-525-6800.

Christmas Day Volunteers Sought Dec 25, 9:30am. Help package or deliver meals to home-bound. No registration required, just show up. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 217- 523-5212.

Christmas Movie Classics Dec 20, 7:30pm. “It’s a Wonderful Life.” $10. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Christmas Play Dec 19, 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 2208 Kansas St, (217) 544-1424.

First Night Dec 31, 5-11:15pm. Afternoon free activities for kids at Springfi eld High School 1-4pm. Evening live music, dance and theatrical performances at many downtown locations. springfi eldartsco. org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Food Drive Dec 19, Through Dec 31. 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sun. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782- 7386.

Historic Christmas at the Mansion Dec 19, Through Dec 31. 9:30-11am, 2-3:30pm Tue, Thu and 9:30-11am Sat. Free tours. Illinois Executive Mansion, 410 E. Jackson.

Holiday Decorations Dec 19, 8:30am-5pm. Through Jan. 2, walk through decorated neighborhood. Free and ticket not needed Guided tours (except on Christmas and New Years Day check in at visitor center.) Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St, 217-391-3221.

Holiday House Dec 19, Through Dec 31. 5-9:30pm Sun-Thu, 5-11pm Fri-Sat. Computer animated Christmas light show. Tune into 103.3 on your radio. Free but accepting donations for The Autism Program. Holiday House, 1135 N. Patton St.

Holiday Interfaith Breakfast Dec 25, 8:30am-12pm. Scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, pancakes, coffee, fruit, dessert and juice to benefi t Fifth Street Renaissance. $6. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St, 525- 1360.

Holiday Lights at the Zoo Dec 19, Through Dec 23. 5-8pm. Through Dec. 23, Walking tour of lights and displays. $3.25, $2 kids. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821.

Holiday Music with Barry Cloyd Dec 20, 7:30pm. Playhouse on the Square, 68 E. Central Park, Jacksonville, 217-491-3977 .

Holiday Stories with Santa Dec 20, 6pm. Photos with Santa, stories and treats for the whole family. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.

New Year’s Eve Dance Dec 31, 10pm. Party favors, giveaways, midnight champagne toast. Dress to impress. $5. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S. Sixth St., 217-529-5511.

Noon Year’s Eve Dec 31, 11am. Games, crafts and lunch will all be included at this drop-off celebration. $10-$12. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821.

Polar Express Pajama Party Dec 21, 5pm. Pre-show cocoa party and Santa after. $15. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Santa and Live Reindeer Dec 21, Through Dec 22. 11am-6pm. Photos available for purchase. 217-726-6330. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726-6330.

Santa House Dec 19, Through Dec 21. 5-8pm Mon-Fri, 12-4pm Sat-Sun. Through Dec 23, Springfi eld Park District hosts. Free. Pictures $5 or bring camera. 753-0700. Robin Roberts Stadium, Lanphier Park, N. Grand Ave and Michigan Ave.

Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 19, Through Dec 23. 12- 4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun. Through Dec. 23, Conservatory fi lled with poinsettias among tropical collection. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546-4116.

THEATER & COMEDY

A Very Hoogland Christmas Dec 20, Through Dec 22. 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Old-fashioned Christmas revue featuring talents of local performers. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Comedian Heywood Banks Jan 3, Through Jan 4. 8pm. Headliner in 45 states, Canada, Japan, Greenland and Europe and opened for show biz legends. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian John Evans Dec 20, 7:30pm. $13-$15. 217- 391-5653. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE.

Comedian Pat Kilbane Dec 20, Through Dec 21. 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. p$15-$16. 217-482-5233. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedy Hypnosis Show Dec 31, 7:30pm. Nationally known hypnotist and comedian Doug Thompson. $22-$32. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch Happy New Year Dec 31, 8pm. Black Queen, wine tasting, musical, champagne toast, and dance party. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

DANCE

A Country Dance Dec 20, Through Dec 27. 7pm. Wednesdays and Fridays. $5. 217-428-1560. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 217-428-1560.

Ballroom Dance Dec 28, 7pm. $5. 217-428- 1560. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 217- 428-1560.

Dance Dec 20, Through Feb 28. 8pm. Every Friday night. $10. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Figurism: Narrative and Fantastic Figurative Art Dec 19, Through Mar 2. 8:30am-5pm. Historical and contemporary body-based art by over fi fty artists from ISM collection. 217-782-7440. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

L. Philip Trutter Commemorative Exhibit Dec 19, 10am-3pm Tue, Wed, Thu. Through July 2015, Trutter’s artwork including one-of-a-kind handmade puzzles, interview excerpts of his thoughts on growing up in Springfi eld, his art and architecture. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Third Thursday Art Show Dec 19, 6pm-12am. Free, open, all ages art show with local acoustic music and one band at end of night. 217-691-1301. Donnie’s Homespun, 107 West Cook Road, 323-782-9000.

FILM & TELEVISION

Central Illinois Film Commission Meeting Dec 19, 7pm. Third Thursdays in Highland room. 725-1187. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217- 789-1530.

Downton Abbey Season 4 Preview Event Jan 3, 5:30pm. Preview of pilot episode before it airs on Jan. 5. Call 217-483-7887 by Dec. 23 to reserve your spot. Free. 217- 483-7887. Pasfi eld House, 525 S. Pasfi eld St.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Decorate Cookies with Mrs. Claus Dec 23, 6pm. Make a cookie for Santa. For kids ages 4-12. 217- 726-6330. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726-6330.

DSI Santa House Dec 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free photo and candy cane. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Sts at Adams.

NATURE

Springfield Christmas Bird Count Dec 22, 1pm. Outside and inside counts. All levels welcome. Holiday refreshments. RSVP/ jfessett@illinoisaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544- 2473.

Stone Soup Hike Jan 1, 10am. Join the Sierra Club. Bring ingredients for soup pot (one for meat pot and one for veggie pot). Bring own bowl and silverware. Free. Carpenter Park Nature Preserve Pavilion, Cabin Smoke Trail off North Business Route 55 (Peoria Road), Sherman, 217-544-1751.

ENVIRONMENT

Effects of Bird Feeding Activities Dec 19, 7pm. Assistant Professor of Biology at Millikin University, Travis Wilcoxen, will discuss his fi ndings from a two-year study of the effects of bird feeding activities on health of birds and local bird populations. Free. 217-725-7650. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

ABATE Chapter Meeting Dec 19, 7pm. ABATE Lincoln Land Monthly Chapter Meeting. All motorcycle enthusiasts welcome. Third Thursday of every month. 217-836-3336. Northender’s VFW, 2349 Stockyard Rd, 217-523-7523.

Central Illinois Stuttering Support Group Jan 7, 7am. 414-0835 or ksmith0589@yahoo.com. Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave, 546-6951.

Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference Jan 8, Through Jan 10. 12pm. Three-day conference and 60-booth trade show with seed, equipment, bakery items, etc. for these same producers and roadside market operators. 309- 557-2107. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 217-529-7777.

LGBTQ yOUTh Group Dec 20, 6-10pm. Every Friday for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 13-17. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave, 217-528-5253.

Lincoln Land Depression Era Glass Club Meeting Jan 6, Through Jan 6. 6-8pm. Fenton Christmas. $5 dues. 546- 6795. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900.

Local Chapter National Stuttering Association Jan 7, 7-8:30pm. First Tuesday of month, chapter meeting. Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave, 546-6951.

McBrian Lincoln Toastmasters Dec 19, 6pm. Weekly meeting dedicated to helping individuals improve leadership and communication skills. 416-5127. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217- 546-4531.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Dec 19, 7:30pm Mon and 6:30pm Thu. For those seeking freedom from addictive sexual behavior. Meeting info, springfi eldsaa@gmail.com. Confi dentiality assured.

Bulletin Board

APL Pet Adoptions Dec 28, 11am-4pm. Dogs and cats available for adoption. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

BEST (Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens) and Parent Transition Support Group Jan 8, 5:30pm. 217-523-2587. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St, 217- 544-9846.

Citizen Club Policy Breakfast Dec 20, 7:30am. Bernie Schoenburg - State Journal- Register. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523- 2787.

Home for the Holidays Dec 21, 11am-2pm. Dogs and cats from Sangamon County Animal Control available for adoption. (Will also be at Farm and Home, west of Barnes and Noble.) Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Personal Assistant Employers Group Dec 28, 3pm. Support group for those who have a disability and hire personal assistance. 217- 523-2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-523-0427.

Springfield Chapter DAR Dec 21, 11:30am. Speaker: Lt. Col. (Retired) Craig Rush. About $16.00. Reservations (at least a week before), 217-741-7463. Illini Country Club, 1601 S Illini Rd, 217-546-4614.

HEALTH

DBSA Central Illinois Dec 24, 6:30-8:30pm. Tuesdays. For those affected by mood disorder, friends/family. Fellowship Hall, lower level. 414- 7368. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217-528-3407.

Free Testings Dec 19, 12-3pm Mon-Fri. Free HIV, hepatitis C, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Weekdays or by appointment. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave, 217-528- 5253.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Dec 19, 6:30pm. 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816- 1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W, 217-525-1866.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Jan 1, 2:30pm. Wednesdays, 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. 217-816-1083. Salvation Army Corps Community Center, 530 N. Sixth Street, 525-2196.

OCD Self-Help Group Dec 30, 6:30-8pm. Last Monday of month in library. 217-522-8446. SIU School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, 545-2155.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

Blue Christmas Service Dec 20, 6pm. For those who are experiencing grief during the holiday season. 217-585-9550. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Candlelight Service Dec 24, 7pm. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave, (217) 546-7170.

Christmas Eve: Candles, Carols and Choir Dec 24, 7pm. Poetry, readings, holiday songs and the ritual lighting of candles. 217-585-9550. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Spiritual Dimensions of Family Stories Dec 29, 10:30am. Jacqueline Jackson talks about teaching “Writing from Family Materials.” 217-585-9550. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Sunday Public Praise & Worship Dec 22, 9:30am-12:30pm. 217-364-5273. Body of Christ Church, 213 N. Main, Buffalo.

Winter’s Bouquet of Holidays and Holy Days Dec 22, 10:30am. Lesser known celebrations. 217- 585-9550. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

SPORTS & FITNESS

Skate with Santa Dec 21, Through Dec 22. 11:30am-1:30pm Sat, 2-4pm Sun. Santa visits (12-1 p.m. on Sat.) and (2:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday) public skate times. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525-2589.

Harlem Globetrotters Jan 2, 7pm. World famous basketball team. $23-$90. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Springfield Jr. Blues Home Game Dec 31, 7:05am. $12-$8 217- 525-2589. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525-2589.