Holiday Happenings

1850s-Style Community Carol Sing Dec 6, 6-7pm Sat. Music, worship, carol sing w/ special guests Abraham and Mary Lincoln, played by Klein Fritz and Pam Brown. Also featuring Illinois Symphony Brass Ensemble, Capital Chamber Singers, First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir, Prairie Aires, Becky Kemp and Dianet Dietz. Free to public. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311. A Starlight Christmas Candlelight Tours Nov 28-29, Dec 5, 5-8pm Fri-Sat. See the Homestead decorated, lighted with candles and fi lled with music in celebration of the holiday season. $3 adults; $1 children. 217-935-6066. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, 219 E. Woodlawn St. , Clinton, 217-935-6066.

Advent Hymn Sing Dec 2, 6:30pm Tue. Trinity Lutheran Church, 220 S. Second St., 217-522- 8151.

Alternative Holiday Fair Dec 5-6, 4-8 Fri; 7:30am-1pm Sat. Shop fair trade goods from around the world and visit with various peace and justice community agencies.

International foods will be served for Friday supper, Saturday lunch and a bake sale. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 217-523-5212.

Appalachian Christmas Quartet Dec 5, 7-8pm Fri. Traditional Christmas music on a variety of Appalachian instruments. Free to public. West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Lane, 793-2800.

Christmas Open House Dec 7, 2-4pm Sun. 13 beautifully decorated trees, family-friendly activities, holiday cookies and punch. Free. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622.

Christmas Skating Exhibition Dec 7, 2-4pm Sun. Springfi eld Figure Skating Club members skate to holiday music. Free with donation of canned good. 217-753-2800. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St. 217-525-2589.

First Congregational UCC Cookie Walk Dec 6, 8-11am Sat. Choose from a variety of cookies and candies. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave., (217) 546-7170.

Franciscan Nativity Festival Dec 5-7, 12-7pm Fri, 12-4pm Sat-Sun.

Free display of more than 100 Nativity Sets and tour of St. Francis of Assisi Church on the grounds of St. Francis Convent. 217-523-0901. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Free Thanksgiving Meal Nov 27, 12-2:30pm Thu. Dine-in at church. Public invited. Central Baptist Church, 501 S. Fourth St., 217-523- 3639.

Fresh Evergreen Wreath-Making Workshops Dec 6-7, 10am-1pm Sat-Sun. Plant material, wreath frames, wire, simple ribbons for bows provided. Bring your own pruning shears and any custom decorations for your wreath. $30 members, $35 non. Pre-register by phone, 217-546-4116. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave.

Holiday Gala Dec 2, 5:30pm Tue. Governor Duncan Association gala dinner with entertainment by Sherri Mitchell. Special appearance by Dr. E.C. Bone. $40 individual. Reservations and more information by calling 243- 9092. Hamilton’s, 110 N. East St., Jacksonville.

Lowder and Manning

Dec 3, 5:30-7:30pm Wed. Recycled Records, 625 E. Adams St., Springfi eld, 522- 5122.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 26-30, 10am-8pm W, 10am-5pm Fri-Sat. More than 150 trees, swags and wreaths decorated by area designers. (Thanksgiving 4-8 p.m.) $5-$3. Orr Building. 217-788-4301. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698. Old Capitol Holiday Walks Dec 3-4, 10, 5-8pm Wed-Thu. Unique shopping, Santa House, entertainment, festive holiday decor and more. Free. 217-544- 1723. Downtown Springfi eld.

St. Anthony’s Greek Church Holly Fair Bake Sale Dec 6, 10am-4pm Sat. Food and bake sale. Free admission. St. Anthony’s Hellenic Orthodox Church, 1600 S. Glenwood Ave., 217-522-7010. Virden Country Christmas Dec 5-6, . Light Christmas and pet parade on Friday. Free trolley rides, decorated homes and more. Virden square, Virden.

Books & Authors Book Signing with Martha Miller Nov 29, 11am-2pm Sat. Local writer, Martha Miller, will be signing her latest mystery, Widow. Prairie Archives Antiquarian Booksellers, 522 E. Adams.

Call for Teen Poetry Dec 1, 6pm Mon. Vachel Lindsay Association seeks 3-5 amazing poems by Springfi eld area teens to be showcased in a unique performance event in May 2015. For more information, contact [email protected]. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St. 217-524-0901.

Postmodern Pastoral Dec 7, 1-3pm Sun. Explore writing about nature from traditional and experimental places. Led by Adam Clay. Must pre-register and pay prior to scheduled workshop. $10. vachellindsay.wordpress.com Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St. 217-524-0901.

Theater & Comedy A Christmas Story: The Musical Dec. 5-7 and 12-14, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Springfi eld Theatre Centre production. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. Comedian Charlie Wiener Nov 28-29, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. $12.50 cash only at club.

Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233. Comedian Tim Northern Dec 5-6, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. Self described “do-it-yourself comedy”. $12.50 cash only at club. 217-482-5233. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482- 5233.

Music: General Events 2014 Advent Brown Bag Concert #1 Dec 3, 12:15-12:45pm. Featuring Eddy Flute Choir. Free concerts on Wednesdays during Advent. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

2014 Advent Brown Bag Concert #2 Dec 10, 12:15-12:45pm. Featuring 88 Keys for 2 with Maria Horvath and Pei-l Wang. Free concerts on Wednesdays during Advent. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311. A Ringing Christmas 2014 Dec 7, 4pm Sun. Familyfriendly jazz holiday concert. $10. 309-365-2910. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut, Chatham, 483-4204.

An Evening with Irving Berlin Dec 5-6, 7pm Fri-Sat. Annual cabaret show by Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus. Dinner at 6:30pm; show at 7:00pm. Tickets $20 advance, $25 at door; available by calling 953-0225 (day) or 871-9731 (night). landofl incolnchorus. org Little Flower School Activity Center (south of school), Stevenson Dr.

Annual Advent Concert Nov 30, 4pm Sun. Three parish choirs and orchestra will perform Schubert’s Magnifi cat and other works conducted by Jody Kienzler. $10 advance tickets; family tickets $25. Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut Street, 528- 7521.

Bells in Motion Christmas Concert Dec 7, 4-5pm Sun. “A Ringing Christmas”. Tickets at door; $10 adults, $5 kids 12 and under. 217-652-7009. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut, Chatham, 483-4204.

Cantus - All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 Dec 1, 7:30pm Mon. Acclaimed as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in United States. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160.

Chicago Blues Reunion Live Performance Dec 6, 8pm Sat. Barry Goldberg (Hammond B-3), Nick “The Greek” Gravenites (vocals/ guitar), Harvey “The Snake” Mandel (guitar), Corky Siegel (harmonica/vocals), Gary Mallaber (percussion) and Rick Reed (bass) Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Classical Guitarist Michel Chatara-Morse Nov 30, 4-5pm Sun. Highdemand classical guitarist. Free.

Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435. Kenny Humble Holiday Concert Dec 8, 12-1pm Mon. Live holiday music with Kenny Humble. A. Lincoln Commons. Free. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Rejoice: A Christmas Concert Dec 6, 4-6pm Sat. Christmas concert by the Capital City Men’s Chorus. Directed by Mary E. Myers. $10. For tickets, email [email protected] or call 629- 9439. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave. W, 217-525-1866. Rochester High School Madrigal Dinner Dec 5, 6:30pm Fri. Includes dinner and extended performance of Gian-Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Madrigal soloists and chorus backed by 18-piece chamber orchestra. $22. Free tickets available for show only (no dinner). Tickets, dinner reservations at RHS.Madrigals@yahoo. com Rochester High School, 3 Rocket Dr., Rochester, 217-498- 9761.

Rochester High School Madrigal Teas Dec 6-7, 2pm Sat, 12am Sun. Includes tea and performance of Gian-Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors by Madrigal soloists and chorus backed by 18 piece chamber orchestra. $12. Free tickets available for show only (no tea). For free tickets, tea reservations e-mail RHS.Madrigals@yahoo. com Rochester High School, 3 Rocket Dr., Rochester, 217-498- 9761. Springfield Choral Society Nov 29, 7:30pm Sat. Authentic Baroque version of Handel’s Messiah, with orchestra. $15. 787-4868. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth Street, 522-3342. Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass Dec 4, 7pm Thu. Praise and worship concert featuring classic hymns with a contemporary fl air. The King’s Brass uses trumpets, trombones, tubas, percussion and keyboards. $15 adults, $5 children. Tickets. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 793-3933.

UIS Music Fall Showcase Dec 5, 7:30-9:30pm Fri. Free and open to public. 217-206- 6240. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160.

Vespers 2014 Dec 6-7, 3pm and 7pm. Seasonal concert by 300 singers and instrumentalists. $12. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217- 424-6318.

Dance Inclusive Dance Dec 5, 7-9pm Fri. Monthly dance. Primarily for individuals with disabilities but open to all. Light refreshments, music. Free.

Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-753- 0702.

Old Fashioned Square and Round Dance Dec 7, 2:30-5:30pm Sun. Jim Davis, caller. Music by Judy, Fiddlin’ Phil Fry and Friends. $15 couple. 652-3499. Jacksonville Moose Lodge, Jacksonville.

Art & Architecture Art Exhibit and Opening Reception Dec 6, 6-8pm Sat. Artist Dianne Martia. Oil and wax, acrylic and collage paintings. Artist speaks at 6:30pm. Appetizers, wine, soda. Free to public. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217- 243-9390.

Full Spectrum Nov 28-29, Dec 2-6, 12-7pm Fri-Sat, 12-7pm Tue-Sat. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 544-2787.

Holiday Steampunk Spectacle Dec 6, 7-11:30pm Sat. Art show featuring local artists work with winter, holiday, Steampunk, Dieselpunk or Victorian-era themes. Live music by Sammy Flores, Solar Cadet, Dead Zebbra and Jukebox Casanova. Appetizers, wine-tasting and more. Free to public. Rt. 66 Monster Tattoos, 211 N. Main Street, Chatham, 217-717- 5692. L. Philip Trutter Commemorative Exhibit Nov 27, Dec 2-4, 9-10, 10am-3pm Tue-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.

Lincolnland Help Portrait 2014 Dec 6, 1-4pm Sat. Global event where photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists fi nd people in need and take, print and deliver their photo, free of charge. Dance Creations Dance Studio, 600 East Ash Street Suite #100, 217-341- 6748. Meet the Artists Dec 5, 5-8pm Fri. Live music, wine, refreshments, door prizes every half hour. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217-522-8006. Qui ne pensent glissement annuel vous Ítes Dec 5, 6:30-9:30pm Fri. 217- 503-8428. Driftwood, 11 Old Capitol Plaza West, 217-572- 1906.

TheGALLERY art exhibit Dec 4, 6-9pm Thu. 217-904- 3050. Joe Gallina’s Pizza and Restaurant, 432 E. Monroe St., 217-522-5271.

Film & Television Overdosed America Dec 2, 6:30-8pm Tue. Video on the pro-drug bias of the American medical system and its resulting mediocre results. Hosted by Springfi eld Vegetarian Association. Free to public. 217-546-9171. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

The Polar Express Pajama Party Dec 5-6, 7:30pm Fri, 6:30pm Sat. Wear your jammies (grownups, too) as you watch the fi lm. Preshows 1 1/2 hours prior include crafts and cocoa. Special North Pole guest after show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Children’s Corner Make an Ornament Dec 1, 6-6:45pm Mon. Scheels Kids Klub. Create two ornaments. Free. Kids 4-12. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217-726-6330.

Satur-Play! Puff Mobiles Nov 29, 11am-3pm Sat. Ages 3-10 and family. Engineer a car that runs on your own breath of air using everyday items such as index cards and Lifesavers. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Saturday Stories Nov 29, 11am Sat. For all ages and parents. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753- 4900. Story Time at the Museum Dec 8, 10-10:30am Mon. “Who? Who? Owls!” Ages 3-5 and caregivers. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Thursday Stories Nov 27, 10:30am Thu. For all ages and parent. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Science

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Dec 10, 7-8:30pm Wed. “Freshwater Mussels of the Illinois River Basin: Community Variation and Change” presented by Dr. Robert Warren, Illinois State Museum. Free to public. 217-785-0037. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

Environment Farmland Transition Roundtable Dec 2, 6-8pm Tue. An easy way to start thinking about the future of your farm. $20, light dinner included. 217-840-2128. U of I Extension Offi ce, 700 S. Airport Road, 217-782-4617.

Saving Seeds and Growing Community Dec 3, 5:30-7pm Wed. Bill Davison on the newly established Normal Seed Library, seed saving and how seed libraries play important roles in saving money, increasing biodiversity and more. Presented by Grow Springfi eld. Free. 217-528- 1563. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Lectures & Meetings Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens and Parent Transition Support Group Dec 9, 6-7:30pm Tue. Support group for teens with a disability and parents. 528-2587. Lawrence Education Center, 101 E. Laurel, 217-528-0969.

Chatham Jaycees Meeting Dec 4, 8-9pm Thu. 217-414- 9637. VFW Post #4763, 501 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 217-483- 4613. Sex Addicts Anonymous Dec 1, 8, 7:30-8:30pm Mon. Twelve-step recovery group for those seeking freedom from addictive sexual behavior. Contact springfi eldsaa@gmail. com. Anonymity assured. Various locations.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Dec 4, 6:30-7:30pm Thu. 217- 737-8356. Various locations, Springfield Civic Garden Club Meeting Dec 1, 9-11:30am Mon. “From Mansion to Homes.” Harry Lewis, Executive Mansion horticulturist. 217-971-6888. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415. Springfield Noon Lions Club Dec 2, 9, 12-1pm Tue. Tuesday meetings. Golden Corral, 1038

Le June Drive, 217-585-6830. Springfield Parental Alienation Advocacy Group Meeting Dec 1, 6-8pm Mon. 217-793- 3586. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530.

Bulletin Board Backgammon Club Dec 3, 10, 6pm Wed. Every Wed. Online, new and experienced players welcome. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave., 217-546- 2111. Beer School Dec 6, 10-11am Sat. Tour brewery, learn about beer making process, sample a few of brews. Free class limited to 20 participants. Phone to register. Obed & Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St., 217-670-0627.

Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide program Dec 4, 6:30-8pm Thu. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St., 217- 793-1330. Christmas at Sugar Creek Nov 29, 10am-3pm Sat. Vendors, crafts, food, dogs and cats for adoption, used book sale. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622-7953. St. Joseph Parish Holiday Fair Dec 7, 9am-12:30pm Sun. 217- 572-6004. St. Joseph Parish, 1345 N. Sixth St.

Politics Living Liberally - Evening Group Dec 4, 6:30pm Thu. Every Thursday, informal political discussion and socializing with fellow progressives. livingliberally.org/drinking/ chapters/IL/springfi eldil. Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, 210 S. Fifth St., 217-522-2020.

Living Liberally - Morning Group Dec 6, 9am Sat, 9am Sat. County Market, 210 E. Carpenter Street.

History Dedication of Original Third Street Entrance Dec 3, 12pm Wed. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 217-789-2340. Origins of World War I Dec 9, 6:30pm Tue. Historian Mark DePue on the origins of “the war to end all wars”. Free to public. Union Theater. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217- 782-5764.

Vietnam Christmas Remembrance

Vietnam Christmas Remembrance Dec 6, 1-2pm Sat. Hanging of ornaments for 66 soldiers still listed as POW or MIA and Christmas music by Lincoln Barbershop Chorus. 217-782- 2717. Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Auditions Old State Capitol Chorale Openings Dec 2, 5:30-6:30pm Tue. 217- 960-6060. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 785-9363.

Health DBSA Central Illinois

Dec 2, 9, 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.

Get Covered Menard County Dec 2, 9-10, 8:30am-4pm Tue-Wed. Georg St Community Center, #18 Georg St., Petersburg, 217-415-3134.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Dec 4, 6:30pm Thu. 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 Dec 2, 2pm Tue. 12-step support group for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. 217-816-1083. Real Life Church, 2450 Taylor Ave.

NAMI Springfield Monthly Support Group Dec 6, 1pm Sat. First Sat. of month. 217-341-3125. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 217-528-3407.

Sports & Fitness Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game Dec 6, 5-10pm Sat. 6th annual police vs fi refi ghter charity hockey game to benefi t Illinois Chapter of Concerns for Police Survivors. $5. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589. Werewolf Ride Dec 6, 4:30pm Sat. 217- 245-4178. Audubon Woods Mountain Biking Trails, Woods Lane north of Vandalia Road and south of Country Club Road, Jacksonville, 217-245-4178.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.

Searchable by date, venue, genre, name and more.