Holiday Happenings

Candlelight Tours Dec 19, 5-8pm Sat. See Iles house bathed in lights and decked out for the holidays. Docents discuss 1830s, 1850s, 1890s and 1910s Christmas celebrations and traditions. Light refreshments. Free. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Holiday Lights at the Zoo Dec 17-23, 5-8pm Thu-Wed. $3.50 adults, $2.25 children. hensonrobinsonzoo.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Live Reindeer Dec 19-20, 10am-5pm Sat-Sun. Meet reindeer, write letter to Santa. Free, photos for purchase. scheels.com/ events. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Old Capitol Holiday Walks Dec 23, 5-8pm Wed. Unique shopping, Santa House, entertainment, festive holiday decor and more. Free. 217-544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

Holiday Farmers Market Dec 19, 9am-1pm Sat. 35 central Illinois vendors selling a wide variety of products. Kids’ activities hosted by U of I Extension. Lunch available for purchase. Free. buyfreshbuylocalcentralillinois.org. 217-528-1563. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Twelfth Annual Holiday Interfaith Breakfast Dec 25, 8:30am-12pm Fri. Hot breakfast, open to public. All faiths welcome. $6 adults, $.25 children ages 12 and under. Proceeds support Senior Services of Central Illinois. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St., 525-1360.

Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 17-20, 12-4 Mon-Fri, 12-5 Sat-Sun. Theme is Alice’s Adventures in Winter Wonderland. Stunning display of poinsettias, tropical plants and decorated evergreens. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Winter Wonderland Sale and Jewelry Show Dec 18-20, 4-7pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat-Sun. 26 Danbry Dr., Westchester, 793-0139. Theater & Comedy

Comedian Christine Stedman Dec 26, 9:30am Sat. Finalist in Nick and Nite’s “Funniest Moms” contest. Seen on Comedy Central and “Bob and Tom.” $13, 15. donniebscomedyclub. com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian Richie Holiday Dec 18-19, 9:30pm, 7:30pm Fri- Sat. Seen on college campuses and in clubs across America. Free. $13, 15. donniebscomedyclub.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Music: General Events

2015 Advent Brown Bag Concert #4 Dec 23, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. Featuring Rudolf Zuiderveld, organ. Free admission. Bring lunch or purchase at door for $5. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

An Evening with Chris Mann Dec 18, 8pm Fri. One of the most sought-after, versatile singers today. Seen on NBC’s “The Voice” and in the Broadway touring production of The Phantom of the Opera. Admission. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, One University Plaza, 206-6160.

Baroque Fire Dec 18, 7:30-9:30pm Fri. Illinois Symphony Orchestra performs Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto,” Handel’s “Concerto Grosso in B-fl at,” Telemann’s “Suite in D,” Haydn’s “Symphony No. 59.” $20. ilsymphony.org. 217- 206-6160. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Christmas in Jazz Dec 20, 6-8pm Sun. Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church presents 11th Annual Christmas in Jazz, “Joy To The World, Our Savior is Born.” Free. 217-503-9680. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 544-8115.

The Dual Piano Christmas Show Dec 18-20, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Mark and Damien sing and play Broadway to classical, swing to jazz and more. $18 adults, $16 seniors and students. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Art & Architecture Holiday Wednesday Dec 23, 6-8pm Wed. Affordable artworks by Pharmacy member artists. Free admission. pharmacygallery.com. 217- 720-2222. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801-810-9278.

LARGE WORK and small work Dec 17-19, 22-23, 12-7pm Tue-Sat. prairieart.org. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Millikin Senior BFA Exhibitions Dec 17-18, 12-5pm Thu-Fri. A variety of outstanding works by Millikin senior BFA students in partial fulfi llment of their degree requirements. Free to public. Perkinson Art Gallery, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424- 6318.

Neo-Surrealism: Third Eye Exhibit Dec 17-19, 24-26, 11am- 6pm Sat, 217-720-2222. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801-810-9278.

The Best Gifts Dec 22-19, 23, 12-7pm Thu- Sat. prairieart.org. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Film & Television

It’s a Wonderful Life Dec 18, 7pm Fri. Continuing the tradition of Christmas Classics on the grand screen. $10. AtTheLegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Meet Me in St. Louis Dec 19, 7pm Sat. Continuing the tradition of Christmas Classics on the grand screen. $10. AtTheLegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006. Children’s Corner

Make a Cookie with Mrs. Claus Dec 21, 6-7pm Mon. Decorate Christmas cookie for Santa, listen to Christmas story read by Mrs. Claus herself. Hosted by Scheels Kids Klub. Free. scheels.com/events. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Nature

Bobcats in Illinois Dec 17, 7-8pm Thu. Dr. Christopher N. Jacques from Western Illinois University discusses the natural history of bobcats and their current status in Illinois. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473. Christmas Bird Count Dec 20, 1-3pm Sun. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Volunteer Work Day Dec 20, 1-3pm Sun. Volunteer Work Day with Friends of the Sangamon Valley. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings BEST and Parent Support Group Dec 17, 6-7:30pm Thu. Support group for those with a disability and their parents. Free. scil.org. 217-523- 2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427.

Camera Club Dec 17, 7pm Thu. First and third Thursday of the month. Visitors always welcome. More info, 546-5021 or hrm1935@ aol.com. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Chatham Kiwanis Club Meeting Dec 18, 6:15pm Fri. Every Thursday. 217-725-6467. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483- 2713. Heads Up Group Dec 20, 1-3pm Sun. For individuals with traumatic brain injury. $12.47, includes buffet, drink. RSVP by Dec 17, 523- 2587. Pizza Ranch, 1001 Lejune Dr., 546-0507. LGBT yOUTh Group Dec 18, 25, 6-10pm Fri. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave., 528-5253.

Sertoma Club Dec 21, 12pm Mon. Noon, fi rst and third Monday of every month. More information, 546- 2782. 217-494-2099. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, 2309 S. MacArthur Blvd., 698-6033. Stamp Collecting Club Dec 21, 7pm Mon. Meets third Monday of each month. 217- 546-5021. Carpenters Union Hall, 211 W. Lawrence Ave., 528-7571.

TranSupport Group Dec 17, 6:30-8:30pm Thu. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave., 528-5253.

Victim/Survivor Support Group Dec 17, 6-7pm Thu. Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 217- 523-6233 x7760. MADD Illinois, 2070 W. Monroe St. #B.

Bulletin Board PFLAG Dec 21, 7-8:30pm Mon. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Health

Depression/Bipolar Disorder Support Group Dec 22, 6:30-8pm Tue. Support for those affected by a mood disorder, including friends and family. Free. 217-761-4710. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

FREE HIV Testing Dec 17-18, 21-23, 28-30, 12- 3pm Fri. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave., 528-5253.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Dec 17, 24, 6:30pm Thu. 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816-1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

Faith & Philosophy Blue Christmas Service Dec 20, 6-7pm Sun. Holiday service for those who are experiencing grief during the holiday season. Reservations, questions to program. com@aluuc.org by Dec 13. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550. Blue or White? Dec 27, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Listen to poetry and music to uplift spirits, clear minds and laugh. Led by Penny Wollan- Kriel. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Dec 24, 6-7pm Thu. Carols and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Free. churchbywatersedge.com. 217- 361-3343. Chatham Community Center, 109 W. Mulberry St., Chatham, 483-2488.

Christ. Community. Coffee. Dec 20, 27, 9-10am Sun. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

Christmas Day Divine Service Dec 25, 10am Fri. Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated. trinity-lutheran.com.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 220 S. Second St., 522-8151.

Christmas Eve Service Dec 24, 6-7pm Thu. Services feature poetry, readings, holiday songs and the ritual lighting of candles. Refreshments to follow. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550. Christmas Eve Services Dec 24, 7pm, 11pm. 7pm service suited for families with small children and early bedtimes. 11pm service more traditional. trinity-lutheran.com. Trinity Lutheran Church, 220 S. Second St., 522-8151.

What War on Christmas? Dec 20, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Insights by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

Jr Blues Teddy Bear Toss Dec 18, 7:05-9:30pm Fri. Versus Topeka Roadrunners. Teddy bear toss for Toys for Tots. Advance tickets: $8 adult, $5 children 12 and under. jrblues.com. 217-652-7516. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Jr. Blues Holiday Skate Dec 19, 7:05-9:30pm Sat.

Versus Topeka Roadrunners. Visit with Santa. Holiday Skate with team to follow game. Admission. jrblues.com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

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

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