HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Holiday Interfaith Breakfast Dec 25, 8:30am-12pm Thu. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St., 525-1360.

Nutcracker Storytime with Lisa Dec 20, 10-11am Sat. Storytime and crafts for the whole family. Free to public. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217-391-7628.

A Starlight Christmas Candlelight Tours Dec 19, 26, 5-8pm Fri. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, 219 E. Woodlawn St., Clinton, 217- 935-6066.

A Very Hoogland Christmas Dec 19-21, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. The Hoogland’s third annual holiday musical revue featuring the Hoogland Kids and Teens. $18-$16. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Annual Luminaria Event Dec 21, 5-9pm Sun. Hundreds of candles on display outside historic home. Prairie-inspired fl oral displays by Springfi eld Civic Garden Club. New glass-tiled Christmas tree. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.

Candlelight Tours Dec 20, 5-8pm Sat. Free admission. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 217-492-5929.

December Holiday Farmers Market Dec 20, 9am-1pm Sat. Find local meat, produce, cheese, artisan breads, Illinois wine, beer and more for your holiday meal. Kids activities. Lunch available for purchase. Free admission. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

First Night Dec 31, 1-4pm and 5-11:15pm.

Afternoon free activities for kids at Springfi eld High School. Evening music, dance and more at various downtown locations. springfi eldartsco.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Holiday Lights at the Zoo Dec 18-23, 5-8pm Mon-Sun. Walking tour of light displays that transform the zoo into a winter Wonderland. Nightly visits with Santa. Admission is $3.50 per adult and $2.25 per child or bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots to get in free of charge. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Light Up The Park Dec 19-20, 6pm Fri-Sat. Holiday drivethrough display featuring lights and holiday cheer. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham.

Santa at SCHEELS Dec 18, 5:30-7:30pm Thu. Bring your camera for free photos with Santa. All children will recieve a free ferris wheel ride (height restrictions apply). Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217- 726-6330.

Santa House Dec 18-21, 5-8pm Mon- Fri, 12-4pm Sat-Sun. Through Dec. 21, Springfi eld Park District hosts. Free. Pictures $5 or bring camera. Robin Roberts Stadium, Lanphier Park, N. Grand Ave and Michigan Ave.

Winter Holiday Floral Dec 18-21, 12-5pm Sat- Sun. A stunning display of poinsettias, tropical plants and evergreens – perfect for a holiday photo op.

Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Book Signing with WWII Vet Dec 20, 1-3pm Sat. Storyteller and author Vincent Speranza debuts and signs his recently published book on the Battle of Bastogne called “Nuts.” Free to public. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217-391-7628.

ArtLiterations Dec 18, 5-7pm Thu. Celebration of “art, authors and aesthetically pleasing sounds”. Music by Ocean State, featured artists and featured author Lisa Higgs. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

THEATER & COMEDY

Comedian Mike Armstrong Dec 19-20, 8pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat. A retired police offi cer and a favorite of Bob and Tom. Seen on Comedy Central. $13, $15. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE.

Comedian Rob Haney Dec 19-20, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. Rob Haney turns the trivialities of daily life into humor we can all relate to. $12.50 cash only at the club; VIP plus $1. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian Ryan Singer Dec 26-27, 31, 8-9:30pm Fri- Sat, 8-9:30pm Wed. Selected as one of “10 LA Comics to Watch” in 2014 by LA Weekly. $12.50 cash only at the club; buy online for + $1 per ticket.

Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Sister Act Dec 19, 8pm Fri. Musical comedy about a wannabe diva who sees a crime and cops hide her in a convent. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

This Christmas Dec 19, 6:30pm Fri.

An evening of Christmas jazz, classical and blues music featuring Zakia Hart and others. Cash bar, refreshments served. Free to public. 217-220-8286. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St.

DANCE

BAM Dec 19, 8pm Fri. Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217- 546-9515.

Old Fashioned Square and Round Dance Jan 11, 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

A Community Sketchbook Dec 18, 8am-4pm Thu. The community is invited to pin a piece of visual art, prose or poetry to the James S. Murray gallery walls. No framed or stretched work. All work must be collected by Dec. 18 at 4 pm. Free to public. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786- 2200.

Best Gifts Exhibit & Sale Dec 18-31, 12-7pm. Exhibition/Sale features a variety of original and handmade. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Down from the Attic Exhibit Jan 9, 10am-3pm Mon-Sat. Explore curiosities from the Springfi eld Art Association’s attic that rarely see the light of day. Free to public. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Holiday Hall Dec 18-20, 9am-5pm Thu- Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. View and purchase fi ne arts and crafts by local artisans. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

L. Philip Trutter Commemorative Exhibit 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.

The 10 Artists - Yule Party Dec 20, 6:30-9pm Sat. Featuring SALA Open-Format Open Mic. Lotus Fire Belly Dancers. Fine art gallery. Presented by Amanda J. Bryan. Cash bar. Free. 217-904-3050. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

FILM & TELEVISION

Holiday Classics Dec 19-20, 7pm and 10pm. Four fi lms in two days. Dec. 19 – It’s A Wonderful Life (7pm), Gremlins (10). Dec. 20 – White Christmas (7), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (10). Doors, bar open 6pm, 9pm. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

CHILDREN’S CORNER Family Game Night Dec 29, 6-8pm Mon. Traditional board games, Wii video games, Winter Bingo. No registeration, drop-ins welcome! Free. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Drive, Rochester, 498-8454.

Satur-Play! - Pop-Up Snowflake CaRoads

Dec 20, 11am-3pm Sat. A fun, easy craft for ages 3-10 and their families. Start with a homemade paper snowfl ake and end up with a beautiful card that pops. Free to public. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Satur-Play! - Winter Weather Experiment Dec 27, 11am-3pm Sat. For ages 3-10 and parents. Learn how temperatures, ice and salt work in this fun winter weather experiment. Free to public. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Scheels Kids Klub Party with genHkids Jan 5, 6-7pm Mon. “My Choice Challenge.” Features stations on nutrition, respecting your body, making better choices and physical activity. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217- 726-6330. NATURE Birds vs. Emerald Ash Borer

Dec 18, 7-8pm Thu. Dr. Christopher Whelan, Avian Ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey discusses his research on bark foraging birds and the emerald ash borer. Free to public. 217-725-7650. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544- 2473.

Christmas Bird Count Jan 4, 1-3pm Sun. Counting of birds. Volunteers needed to walk trails outside and indoor volunteers needed to count at feeders. Beginners welcome. Refreshments provided. Free to public. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Springfield Audubon Annual Meeting Jan 11, 2-4pm Sun. Greg Hunter will talk about the new Amboy Marsh Sanctuary. Potluck to follow. Free to public. 217-725-7650. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544- 2473.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Chatham Jaycees Meeting Jan 1, 8-9pm Thu. 217-414- 9637. VFW Post #4763, 501 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 217- 483-4613.

Coffee Cupping and Lecture Jan 3, 1-2pm Sat. Taste and learn about different coffees from the three growing regions in the Costa Grande Mountains of Mexico. Free to public. 217-391-7587. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217- 391-7628.

Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference Jan 7, 10pm-12am Wed. 309-557-2107. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 217-529-7777.

Springfield Chapter DAR Meeting Dec 20, 11:30am Sat. Monthly meeting features Clarence “Bud” and Leah Beckhoff on “Creative Wood Caving”. $20. For reservations, call 741-7463 or email bradley1818@ gmail.com by Dec. 17. Illini Country Club, 1601 S Illini Road, 217-546-4614.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Dec 22, 29, 7:30-8:30pm Mon. Twelve-step recovery group for those seeking freedom from addictive sexual behavior. Contact springfi [email protected]. Anonymity assured. Various locations.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Dec 18, 6:30-7:30pm Thu. 217-737-8356. Various locations.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Meeting Jan 5, 9-11:30am Mon. “Do-It-Yourself” theme. Members present their best gaRoadening and home projects, inlcuding pinterest and DIY boaRoads. Pinterest demonstration will follow. Free and open to public. 217-971-6888. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522- 4415.

Springfield Parental Alienation Advocacy Group Meeting Jan 5, 6-8pm Mon. 217-793-3586. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530.

BULLETIN BOAROAD

Backgammon Club Jan 14, 31, 6pm Wed, Every Wed. Online, new and experienced players welcome. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave., 217-546- 2111.

Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide Program Dec 18, Jan 8, 6:30-8pm Thu. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St., 217-793-1330.

Citizens Club Policy Breakfast Dec 19, 7:30am Fri. “New Collaboration on Community Health Needs.” Speakers and discussion on the Sangamon County Health Needs Assement. Coffee reception 7:30am. Program 8-9am. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

Teen Program: Touch Screen Gloves

Dec 23, 3:30-5pm Tue. Turn an ordinary pair of gloves into touchscreen gloves using AnyGlove and puffer paint. Registration required. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Drive, Rochester, 498-8454.

Women’s Personal Defense Seminar Jan 3, 10:30-11:30am Sat. Free one-hour course for women by Professor Mark Commean, Head Instructor and owner of Grancie Humaita. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217-726-6330.

POLITICS Living Liberally - Evening Group Dec 18, 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 20, 27, 9am Sat. County Market, 210 E. Carpenter Street.

HEALTH

Coffee With Caregivers Dec 19, 9am Fri. Caregivers whose loved ones have cancer. Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 W. Carpenter, 217-545-0798.

Get Covered Sangamon County Dec 23, Jan 2-14-22, 9am- 5pm Tue, 9am-5pm Fri- Wed, 9am-5pm Thu-Mon. Springfi eld Urban League, Inc., 1551 E. Madison Street, (217) 522-0407.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Dec 18, 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.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

Advent Candlelight Service of Carols Dec 21, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Biblical readings of birth story and traditional Christmas carols. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Christmas Eve Service Dec 24, 5-6pm Wed. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Holiday Youth Pageant “Spirit of Santa” Dec 21, 10:30-11:30am Sun. A celebration of Santa via song. Speaker Ed Schultz. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217- 585-9550.

What is Baha’i? Dec 19, 7:30-9pm Fri. Introductory ideas from the Baha’i Faith are presented followed by discussion. Free. Springfi eld Bah·’Ì Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544- 9595.

Winter Solstice: Warm Reflections Dec 21, 6:30-8pm Sun. Light supper served. $15. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927.

Yule Winter Solstice Celebration Dec 20, 6-8pm Sat. A winter solstice celebration in the style of our ancestors. $5 suggested donation, please bring snack to share. Trailhead Healing Arts Center, 802 S. Grand Ave. West, 217- 698-8177.

SPORTS & FITNESS

National Skate Month Jan 3, 9-11:30am Sat. Free skating lessons and demonstrations for all ages, including a hockey demo, followed by free skating until 1:30pm. Goodie bag for fi rst 50 registrants. Register at sfsc4u.com. Open to public. 217-206-5526. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

Springfield Park District Lacrosse Jan 4, 11, 6-9pm Sun, 6-9pm Sun. Capital City Lacrosse Team. $80 for 8 weeks of Sunday night play. Kids 13 and under from 6:00-7:30pm. Kids 14 and over 7:30-9pm. 217-753-0700. Goals Indoor Sports, 3604 North Peoria Road, 217 789-GOAL.

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

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