HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

A Storybook Christmas

Dec 2-3, 5-9pm Fri, 8am-2pm Sat. Beloved characters from Christmas stories fi ll the streets of Hillsboro. Christmas parade, tree lighting, live entertainment, hot food and drinks, more. Hosted by Imagine Hillsboro. Free. imaginehillsboro.org. 217-313- 9962. Downtown Hillsboro.

Annual Cookie Walk

Dec 3, 8-11am Sat. Wide variety of cookies and treats. $6 per lb. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave., 546-7170.

Arts and Crafts Fair

Dec 3, 10am-3pm Sat. Featuring handmade items. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Candlelight Christmas Tours

Dec 3, 12-4pm Sat. Candlelit tours, period decorations and other entertainment. Free admission. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Christmas Auction

Nov 26, 5pm Sat. Food available for purchase. Clementine Memorial Church, 2075 N. 11th St., 638-1648.

Christmas in the Country

Nov 26, 8am-3pm. Craft tour of 20 locations in Athens, Cantrall and surrounding areas.691-0504. Athens.

Christmas Parade

Nov 25, 6-7pm Fri. Parade travels around the downtown Jacksonville square. Hosted by WJVO. jacksonvilleil.org. 217-245-5119. Downtown Jacksonville’s Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Christmas Parade of Lights

Nov 26, 7:30-9:30pm Sat.

Parade begins in Horace Mann parking lot and loops around the Old State Capitol on Fifth and Sixth Streets. Hosted by the Springfi eld Jaycees. Free. 217-341-2969. Downtown Springfi eld.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Nov 30, 7:30pm Wed. New Cirque show, Broadway musical and family Christmas spectacular features more than 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 artists from all over the world.

Admission. sangamonauditorium. org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Clayville Christmas

Dec 3, 10am-4pm Sat. Santa, face painting, children’s store, caroling groups starting at noon. Donations accepted. clayville.org. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572- 4984.

Cookie Walk

Dec 3, 9am-12pm Sat. Cookie decorating for kids, cookies for purchase, more. 217-679-1979. Cotton Hill United Methodist Church, 5931 N. Cotton Hill Road, 529-2736.

Franciscan Nativity Festival

Dec 2-4, 2-7pm Fri, 12-4pm Sat-Sun. Featuring more than 100 nativity sets, many of which are new entries. Free. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Fresh Evergreen Wreath Making Seminar

Dec 3, 9am-12pm 1:30-4:30pm Sat. Bring pruning shears and custom decor for fi nishing wreaths. Evergreen material, wire frames and simple ribbons supplied. $30 members, $35 non. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Fun Frosty Friday

Nov 25, 10am-1pm Fri. Life-size Candyland activities, crafts, games, balloon art, face painting, photos with a reallife princess and more. Free.

PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558- 8844.

Holiday Lights at the Zoo

Dec 2-4, 5-8pm. See the zoo as a winter wonderland. Thousands of lights, light displays, Santa Claus, hot chocolate, plus karaoke and bonfi res on Saturdays. $3.75 adults, $2.50 children; free with Toys for Tots donation. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Holly Fair Greek Bake Sale

Dec 3, 10am-4pm Sat. Free admission. St. Anthony’s Hellenic Orthodox Church, 1600 S. Glenwood Ave., 522- 7010.

Kleiner Christkindlmrkt

Nov 26, 10am-3pm. Indoor/ outdoor little Christmas market feature food, drink, German Christmas items, photos with St. Nikolaus, Kids Korner and more. Rain or shine. Engel’s on Edwards, 552 S. MacArthur, 744-0607.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees

Nov 24-27, 10am-8pm Mon- Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. Open 4-8pm Thanksgiving Day. More than 200 artistically decorated trees and wreaths, handcrafted Gingerbread Village, Little Elves’ Workshop craft area, Snapshots with Santa, entertainment, more. $5 adults, $3 ages 3-12, free to ages 2 and under. memorialsfestivaloftrees. com. 788-4301. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

Nativity Tour

Nov 27, 4-6pm Sun. Largest nativity tour in Illinois features more than 500 displays plus live music and refreshments. Free. decaturfbc.com. First Baptist Church Decatur, 1320 Arbor Dr., Decatur, 875-8034.

Pancakes, Paws and Santa Claus

Dec 3, 8:30-10:30am Sat. Enjoy breakfast alongside a visit with Santa and the zoo’s animals. Pre-registration required. Residents: $12 adults, $10 children. Non: $13 adult, $11 child. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

The Polar Express Experience

Dec 2-4, 6pm Fri-Sun. Wear pajamas and enjoy hot chocolate, a cookie and the 2004 fi lm The Polar Express. Visits with St. Nick to follow movie. Tickets. arleetheater. com. Arlee Theater, 139 S. Main St., Mason City, 482- 9999.

Reindeer Games

Dec 3, 10am-5:30pm Sat. Second annual Ski Ball Pub Crawl supporting Children’s Miracle Network: St. John’s Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis. Ages 21+. $30 per team of two. 217-341-2969. Downtown Springfi eld.

The Polar Express Pajama Party

Nov 25-27, 5:30 Fri; 1pm, 5:30pm Sat; 3pm Sun. Preshow party features crafts and cocoa followed by screening of The Polar Express, with a special North Pole visitor afterward. Sensory-friendly party and showing Nov 26 at 1pm. $15 advance, $20 day of. AtTheLegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Vespers

Dec 3-4, 2pm Sat, 7:30pm Sun. More than 300 musicians star in an evening of carols, choirs and candlelight. $12 adults, $8 seniors and children. kirklandfi nearts.com. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424- 6318.

Village Christmas Bazaar

Dec 3, 9am-1pm Sat. Vendors, bake sale, more. Free admission. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496- 2338.

Winter Art Sale

Dec 1-2, 10am-2pm Thu- Fri. Wide variety of original artwork such as ceramics, fi ne art and more created by LLCC students during the fall semester. llccfoundation.org/ trutter-museum. 217-786- 2785. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786- 2200.

Winter Holiday Floral Show

Dec 3-7, 12-4 Mon-Fri, 12-5 Sat-Sun. Stunning display of poinsettias, tropical plants and decorated evergreens. Free. springfi eldparks.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Christmas at Sugar Creek

Nov 26, 10am-3pm Sat. 60 vendors, bake sale, lunch. Free. sugarcreek.org. 483- 2270. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622- 7953.

THEATER & COMEDY

Comedian Andy Beningo

Dec 2-3, 8-9:30pm Fri- Sat. A clever, clean comic. Named “Best Comedian” by the Detroit Metro Times and Detroit Hour Magazine. $12.50 cash only at club, prepay online. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482- 5233.

Comedian Gonzo

Nov 25-26, 7:30pm Fri-Sat. Relatable comic has been featured on the “Bob and Tom Show.” $14, $16. donniebscomedyclub.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian Mike Marvell

Nov 26, 8-9:30pm Sat. Clean comedian refl ects upon work, family and life. $12.50 cash only at club. Prepay online. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482- 5233.

The Music Man Jr.

Dec 2-4, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Iconic musical follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill. Presented by Springfi eld Theatre Centre. Admission. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Todd Yohn’s Jokes and Jams

Nov 25, 8-10:45pm Fri. Offthe-cuff remarks coupled with fresh, clever and original comedy tunes. $15. mclimits. com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

A Ringing Christmas

Dec 3, 7-8:30pm Sat. Community handbell ensemble Bells in Motion presents their annual Christmas concert. Directed by KC Congdon. $15. bellsinmotion.org. 217-522- 3220. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

Elvis Rock ‘n’ Remember Christmas Show

Dec 2, 8pm Fri. Christmas show by former top-ten fi nalist on “America’s Got Talent.” $25-30. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Chorale

Dec 3, 3-6pm Sat. Popular holiday concert by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Chorale plus the Jacksonville High School Concert Choir. jaxsym.com. 217-243-5678. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus

Nov 26, 6:30-7pm Sat. Performing at The Festival of Trees. Admission. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

LOLC Cabaret and Dinner

Dec 2-3, 6-8:30pm Fri-Sat. Dinner and cabaret show featuring holiday, sacred and winter favorites. Tickets. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622-7953.

Lutheran High School Madrigal Dinner

Dec 3-4, 6:30-8:30pm Sat, 5-8:30pm Sun. An evening of Renaissance and general Christmas music, a skit by the jesters and a full meal.

$12 seniors, students; $15 adults. 217-546-6363. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

85th Annual Beaux Arts Ball

Nov 26, 5:30pm Sat. Hosted by Springfi eld Art Association. Theme is “Le Bal de L’artiste” and features introduction of court, dinner, silent auction, dancing to the music of Brooke Thomas and the Blue Suns, more. $125 adults, $50- 75 children. springfi eldart.org. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.

Artful Readers Book Club

Nov 30, 7-8:30pm Wed. Casual and engaging literary discussion with fellow art and book lovers ages 21+. Book is The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe’s Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War by Lynn H. Nicholas. Registration, offi ce@ springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Be Charmed Downtown and Meet the Artists

Dec 2, 5-8pm Fri. Meet the holiday decor artists. studioon6thart.com. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 522-8006.

Cute Creep Exhibit

Dec 2-3, 12-6pm Fri-Sat. On display through Dec 3. Free. pharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801-810-9278.

Moodscapes

Dec 1-7, 11:30am. New photography exhibition by David Brodsky, awardwinning graphic designer and photographer. Free. brodskyphotoart.com. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544-1793.

Testimony

Nov 24-26, Dec 1, 12-7pm Thu- Sat. Exhibition is a testament and response to nature featuring oil and acrylic paintings by Jane Frey and inspirational photography by Bob Leffl er. On display through Dec 1. Free. springfi eldart.org. 217-523- 2631. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

FILM & TELEVISION

Life and Debt

Dec 2, 7-8:30pm Fri. Showing of fi nal fi lm in the Foreign and Independent Film Series. Free. uis.edu. 217-206- 4703. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 206-6073.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Junior Naturalists

Dec 3, 9am-12pm Sat. Children ages 5-8 years explore the Garden while focusing on a different topic each month. All three sessions: $40 members, $45 non. Individual sessions: $15 members, $18 non. Registration. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529- 1111.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

GriefShare

Nov 29, 6:30-8:30pm Tue. 14- week program utilizes video seminar series, workbook and sharing time as participants work through their stages of grief. Register, 899-9418 or [email protected]. griefshare.org. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.

GriefShare

Nov 30, 6:30pm Wed. 13-week grief recovery program utilizes video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Registration, 414-0126 or griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

Human Rights Authority of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

Nov 29, 5:30pm Tue. Complaints regarding alleged violations of the rights of persons with disabilities by public and private service providers will be received. 217-785-1540. Stratton Building, 401 S. Spring St.,

Overeaters Anonymous

Nov 28, 5:30pm Mon. 12-step meeting. Mondays. 217-369- 0386. Unity of Springfi eld, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.

Overeaters Anonymous

Nov 26, Dec 3, 10am Sat. 12-step meeting. Saturdays. 217-369-0386. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

BULLETIN BOARD

APL Pet Adoption

Nov 25. Cats and dogs 11am- 4pm. apl-shelter.org. 217- 544-7387. Farm and Home Supply, 3030 Wabash Ave., 217-546-6680.

APL Pet Adoption

Nov 26. Cats available 11am- 4pm; dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 217-544- 7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

APL Pet Adoption

Nov 27, 12-4pm Sun. Cats available 12-4pm; dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter. org. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

Small Business Saturday

Nov 26, 9am-2pm Sat. Visit with Santa and elf, enjoy snacks, specials, singalong with carolers, more. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. Jacksonville Downtown, Central Park Plaza, 243-5678.

HISTORY

Civil War Saturdays

Nov 26, 1pm, 3pm Sat. Reenactor Troy Gilmore portrays a Union soldier during the Civil War. Free, but $5 per person donation suggested. illinois. gov/ihpa. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785- 9363.

AUDITIONS

Capital City Men’s Chorus

Nov 27, 5:30-7pm Sun. Open fall rehearsals for men’s chorus Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

HEALTH

Cancer Companions

Nov 28, 6:30-8pm Mon. Nine-week session hosted by Bringing Hope to the Journey, a ministry to current or former cancer patients, their loved ones, friends and co-workers. oursaviors-church.org. Our Savior’s Church and School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-4531.

DBSA Central Illinois Support Group

Nov 29, 6:30-8pm Tue. 217- 816-8523. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528- 3407.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

A Course in Miracles

Nov 29, 6pm Tue. 217-415- 5823. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Science of Happiness

Nov 27, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Paula Brayden. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

SPORTS & FITNESS

Springfield Jr. Blues

Nov 25, 6:05-9:05pm Fri. Springfi eld Junior Blues vs. Topeka RoadRunners. $6 adults, $5 students with ID, $4 ages 12 and under. 702-985- 5270. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Cookies and Cocoa Dash

Nov 26, 9-11am Sat. Enjoy two cocoa and cookie stops along the 5K race route. Hosted by Nestle, Triple Threat Training and Jacksonville Main Street. $25 for ages 10 and up, free for ages 9 and under. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Gobble Wobble

Nov 24, 7am Thu. Zumba workout. $5 donation. Springfi eld YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Gobble Wobble

Nov 24, 7am Thu. Ultimate workout. $5 donation. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

MMRD/CCH Fresh Meat Program

Nov 29, 7-9pm Tue. New skaters practice with Mayhem and Hooligan roller derby skaters every Tuesday night, allowing them to learn quickly about the sport plus roller derby culture and community. Bring mouthguard. MidStateMayhemRollerDerby. com. $5 admission; gear rental for $5. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr., 546-4543.

Tradition Night

Nov 26, 5:05-8:05pm Sat. Celebration of local food traditions along with ice hockey game featuring the Springfi eld Junior Blues vs. Topeka RoadRunners. Tickets at door: $12 adult, $8 for ages 12 and under. 702-985-5270. 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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