Holiday Happenings

Annual Nativity Tour Nov 26, 1-4pm 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.

Christmas at Sugar Creek Nov 25, 10am-3pm Sat. Featuring 60 vendors, lunch, bake sale, used book and CD sale and more. Free admission. 725-4359. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622-7953.

Christmas in Greenview Nov 18, 9am-2pm Sat. Holiday vendor event features crafts, clothing, baked goods, candy, jewelry, wine and more. Village Square, Greenview.

Christmas in the Park Nov 17-18, 4-8pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat. Holiday craft sale features Christmas decorations, ornaments, hand-pieced pillows, themed trees and plenty of Santas, snowmen and angels. Free. 626-1738. Country Place Condo Clubhouse, 1/2 mile east of Toronto Road and 1/2 mile north of North Cotton Hill Road.

Christmas on Vinegar Hill Nov 18, 8am-5pm Sat. 29th annual event. mtpulaskiil.com Multiple locations in Mt. Pulaski and Chestnut.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner Nov 18, 5-9pm Sat. Hosted by C.O.R.A.L. Meal at 6pm. Main dishes provided, bring a side dish to share. Canned goods will be collected. 741- 7739. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546- 4116.

Community Thanksgiving Service Nov 21, 6-7:30pm Tue. Annual Athens- Cantrall Community Thanksgiving Service. Finger foods and refreshments to follow. Free. athenschristian.net. 636-8463. Athens New Life Baptist Church, 207 N. West St., Athens, 636- 8076. Craft Fair Nov 18, 10am-2pm Sat. Featuring locally made crafts, vendors and fl ea market-type tables. In support of the Helping Paw Project. Free. 816-5592. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.

Downtown Holiday Walks Nov 25, 5-8pm Sat. Featuring visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, History Comes Alive programs, shopping and more. Sat and Wed evenings from Nov 25-Dec 23. downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld.

Fun Frosty Friday Nov 24, 10am-2pm Fri. Featuring a roving magician, face painting, balloon art, life-size Candy Land adventure, visits with Santa, games and more. Free. illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Holiday Farmers Market Nov 18, 9am-1pm Sat. Featuring farm-fresh products and unique local gifts. Organized by Illinois Stewardship Alliance. Free. ilstewards.org. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Holiday Market Nov 17-19, 4-7pm Fri, 9am- 4pm Sat, 1-4pm Sun. Hand-crafted items such as centerpieces, swags, wreaths and one-of-a-kind Christmas tree ornaments. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Holiday Market - Cookie Walk Nov 18, 8am-2pm Sat. Annual event featuring gift items and holiday cookies. Hosted by the Springfi eld Ceramics and Crafts Club. Springfi eld Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfi eld St.

Holidays at the White House Nov 17, 9am-5pm Fri. Exhibition depicts how past presidents and their loved ones enjoyed the holidays in the White House. illinois.gov. 558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Nov 19, 7pm Sun. “Honoring our Heritages” presented by the Greater Springfi eld Interfaith Association. Refreshments to follow. Springfi eld and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 391-6323.

Jacksonville’s Festival of Trees Nov 17-19, 5pm Fri, 9am- 8pm Sat, 11am-2:30pm Sun. Featuring designer Christmas trees, wreaths and decorations plus live entertainment, a holiday decor shop, homemade cookies and candy, and more. $5 adults, $3 students, free to ages 5 and under. Pathway Services Unlimited Inc., 1905 W. Morton Ave., Jacksonville, 479-2300.

Kleiner Christkindlmrkt Nov 18, 10am-3pm Sat. Little Christmas market features food, drink, German Christmas items, photos with Santa and more. Engel’s on Edwards, 552 S. MacArthur, 744-0607.

Light a Candle of Love Nov 26, 2-4pm Sun. A message of hope and encouragement regarding coping with the recent death of a loved one during the holidays. Bring a small, framed photo of your loved one to display on the memory table. Free. staabfuneralhomes.com. 528- 6461. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753- 0702.

Live Reindeer Nov 24, 11am-6pm Fri. See live reindeer during an indoor viewing. Free. experience. scheels.com. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Santa Claus is Coming Nov 18, 9am-12pm Sat. Take family pictures with Santa and his sleigh and receive a complimentary digital photo. Plus holiday activities, refreshments and more. Free. Town and Country Bank, 3601 Wabash Ave., 787-3100.

Santa’s House Nov 24-26. Hours vary. Photos with Santa for children ages 10 and under. BYO camera. Santa line is outside; dress warmly. Free. Jacksonville Square, 200 E. State, Jacksonville.

The Ball Brothers Nov 18, 6-8:30pm Sat.

Christmas concert featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary music by The Ball Brothers, an award-winning gospel quartet. Love offering. theballbrothers.com. Mt. Pulaski Family Life Center, 114 N. Lafayette St., Mount Pulaski, 792-5417.

The Polar Express Nov 17-19, 24-26. Read along with the story as the train makes its round-trip journey to the North Pole. mrym.org. Monticello Railroad Museum, 992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello, 762-9011.

Fairs & Festivals

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 18-26, 10am-8pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, 10am-8pm Wed-Mon, 4-8pm Thu, 10am- 8pm Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. Nine-day holiday event featuring more than 200 artistically decorated trees and wreaths; Little Elves Workshop, Snapshots with Santa, live entertainment and 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.

Books & Authors

Pondicherry Lodge Sherlock Holmes Society Nov 18, 9-11am Sat. Discussion of The Adventure of Black Peter. Free. sherlock.lolopop.org. 546-8387. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

The Gift of Haiku Nov 16, 7pm Thu. Presentation by Dr. Randy Brooks titled “The Gift of Haiku: The Literary Art of Sharing Our Lives.” Complimentary sushi samples provided. Free. Taylorville Public Library, 121 W. Vine St., Taylorville, 824-4736.

Third Thursday Reading Series Nov 16, 6-8pm Thu. Featured authors Hal Hassen and Dawn Cobb. Free. twelvewinters. com. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

Theater & Comedy

An Evening with Nathan Carls Nov 17, 7:30pm Fri. $10 at door. Playhouse on the Square, 68 E. Central Park, Jacksonville, 491-3977.

Maurice Shaw Nov 25, 8pm Sat. Presented by Belly Laffs Comedy. Show also features Joe Lancey. Hosted by Buddah Eskew. $10 cash. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Once on This Island, Jr. Nov 17-19, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Presented by Springfi eld Theatre Centre. Directed by Becky Collins. springfi eldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Peculiar Inspirations: An Original Play Nov 17-18, 7:30-9pm Fri- Sat. Fictional play about modern Springfi eld writer Amy Lombard, who is commissioned to write a play about Abraham Lincoln. $15 SAA members, $20 non. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Music: General Events

Capital Big Band Nov 21, 2:45-4pm Tue. Festival of Trees concert featuring more than 200 tunes. 494-4369. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047. Fall Concert Nov 20, 7-8pm Mon. Fall concert featuring Junior Strings, Preparatory Orchestra and Sinfonia Orchestra. $10 adults, $5 students, free to ages 12 and under. svys.org. 753-8000. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Handel’s Messiah Nov 25, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. The Springfi eld Choral Society performs Handel’s Messiah, with orchestra. $15. 787-4868. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 522-3342.

Holiday Pops in the Heartland Nov 18, 7:30pm Sat. Concert features festive music and holiday songs by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. $20-60. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band Nov 18, 11am Sat. PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764. Seasons of Love Nov 19, 4pm Sun. Concert by the Capital City Men’s Chorus. $10. 494-8859. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

Youth Orchestras Fall Concert Nov 20, 7pm Mon. Concert by the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony Junior Strings, Preparatory Orchestra and Sinfonia Orchestra. $10 adults, $5 students, free to ages 12 and under. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Dance

Dance for Hope Nov 17, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. West coast swing dances every third Friday of the month. danceforhope3111. com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

Dance for Hope Nov 24, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. All styles of dance every fourth Friday of the month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

Salsa Nights Dance Nov 18, 9pm-12:45am Sat. $4 per person. Omar’s Latin Fusion Restaraunt, 6901 Preston Dr., 415-5568.

Art & Architecture

Benjamin Lowder Artist Talk Nov 16, 7pm Thu. Local artist Benjamin Lowder describes his artistic process, inspirations and infl uences. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Brown Bag Lecture Nov 17. Lecture by Dr. Christopher Schnell titled “Lawyers in Visual Culture: the Courtroom in 19th Century American Genre Art.” Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Campus Sculpture Walk Nov 18, 11am-6pm Sat. Guided, interactive outdoor tour at the top of each hour of sculptures on campus. Hot chocolate provided. Free. ic.edu. Illinois College, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Canvas + Cocktails Nov 17, 7-9:30pm Fri. Inspired by the work of artist Christa Rijneveld. BYO wine, cheese and dessert. $15 SAA members, $25 non. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Morphology Nov 16-17, 20-22, 9am-5pm Thu-Fri, 9am-5pm Mon-Wed. Exhibition features sculptures by Benjamin Lowder. On display through Nov 22. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Open Studio Springfield Nov 20-21, 27-28, 6:30- 9:30pm Mon-Tue. Figure drawing session featuring a clothed model on Mondays. Life drawing session featuring a live nude model on Tuesdays (parent/guardian sign-in required for under 18). Easels, drawing boards and clips provided; bring your own or make use of community drawing materials. All welcome. $15; $10 high school students. Open.Studio. Springfi [email protected]. 789- 9787. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

Pedestrian Nov 16-18, 21-22, 24- 25, 28-29. Exhibition features artworks by Bernie White Hatcher and Adam G. Perschbacher. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Robert Middaugh: Machines Inherit the Earth Nov 16-29. Exhibition features 20 artworks ranging in date from 1964-2005. On display through Feb 11. $5 for adults; free admission to children, seniors, veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Toy Box - Inspiration Through Play Nov 24-29. Featuring artwork by working artists across Illinois. $5 ages 19-64; free to members, children, seniors and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum. org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Film & Television

An American Home Nov 19, 1:30pm Sun. Screening of An American Home: Frank Lloyd Wright’s B. Harley Bradley House. Sponsored by the Dana- Thomas House Foundation. Free. anamericanhomefi lm.com. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Monkey King II Nov 16, 6-9pm Thu. Part of LLCC’s “Through a Different Lens: Cultural Perspectives through Film” fi lm and discussion series. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Children’s Corner

An American Ice Princess and Her Doll Nov 19, 11:45am-1:45pm Sun. Fall skating event and tea party. Hosted by the Springfi eld Figure Skating Club. Pre-registration. $15. sfsc4u.com. 753-2800. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525- 2589.

Nature

Coles County Plover Project Nov 16, 7-8pm Thu. Presentation by Dr. Michael Ward on the Plover Project in Coles County. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics Nov 21, 5:15pm, Tues. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@ yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

Capital City Toastmasters Nov 22, 12-1pm Wed. Every Wednesday. Develop public speaking and leadership skills. 131-3356. toastmastersclubs. org. Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway.

Central Illinois Film Commission Nov 16, 7pm Thu. CIFC promotes central Illinois as a historical and fi lm-friendly region while promoting and supporting the talent, services and experiences of its members. Meets third Thursday of each month. centralIllinoisfi lmcommission.

com. 725-1187. Wyndham Springfi eld City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 979-3992.

Financial Peace University: FLEX Nov 19, 6:30pm Sun. Weekly meeting held every Sunday for nine weeks includes discussion, activities and accountability. Registration. daveramsey.com. 801-7464. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

GriefShare Nov 21, 6:30pm Tue. Nondenominational grief-recovery program utilizes video seminars, a workbook and a support group environment. Two-hour sessions weekly for 13 weeks. $15. 899-9418. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787- 2323.

Heads Up Group Nov 19, 1-3pm Sun. Support group for those with a traumatic brain injury. Free. scil.org. 528-0969. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427. I

ns and Outs of Medicare Nov 20, 11am-12pm Mon. Presentation by Mitch Hudson an American Republic Insurance Services. Registration required. Free. shermanlibrary.net.

Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Round Table Nov 16, 7pm Thu. Presentation by Ted Henry titled “From the Perspective of a Re-enactor: What You Didn’t Know and Didn’t See Behind the Scenes at the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Re-enactment.” Free. Schnucks, 2801 Chatham Road, 698-2980.

Sangamon DSA November Social Nov 18, 7-9pm Sat. Free. sangamondsa.org. 312-566- 9420. No Name Bar, The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams, 528-5100.

Springfield Backgammon Club Nov 22, 6pm Wed. First time is free; $5 per entry after that. sangamonvalleybackgammon. com. 622-9447. Capitol Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave., 546-2111.

Stamp Collecting Club Nov 20, 7pm Mon. Meets third Monday of each month. 546-5021. Carpenters Union Hall, 211 W. Lawrence Ave., 528-7571.

Bulletin Board APL Fall Trivia Night Nov 17, 7-10:30pm Fri. Play trivia in support of the APL. Tables of 8-10. $20 per person at door. IllinoisTrivia.com. 544- 7387. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 787-2360.

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 18. Cats available 11am- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 19. Cats available 12- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Pet Supplies Plus, 1805 W. Morton, Jacksonville, 245-2694.

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 24, 11am-4pm Fri.

Adoptable cats and dogs. aplshelter.org. 544-7387. Petco, 2721 S. Veterans Parkway, 793-7387.

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 25. Cats available 11am- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 26. Cats available 12- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

Business After Hours Nov 16, 4:30-7pm Thu. Monthly mixer provides a casual atmosphere conducive for networking. Hosted by the Greater Springfi eld Chamber of Commerce. $5 members, $15 non. business.gscc.org. 525-1173. Ace Sign Co., 2540 S. First St., 522-8417.

Small Business Saturday Nov 25, 10am-12pm Sat. Hosted by Retro Rodeo. Downtown Mason City, Mason City.

Springfield Railroad Society, Inc. Nov 18, 12-4pm Sat. See a 4-scale mile layout representing the Joliet to Brooklyn, Illinois route. Free. Pavilion, Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544- 1751.

SSCI Day Trip: Christkindlmarket in Chicago Nov 25, 7:30am-10pm Sat. Explore the heart of Chicago and enjoy shopping opportunities. $70; does not include meals. Reservations. ssoci.org. 503-4629. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason, 528-4035.

Stuff A Truck Nov 16-19, 10am-7pm Thu, Sun. 10am-7pm Fri, 8am- 7pm Sat, 9am-3pm Sun. 10am-7pm Fri, Featuring non-perishable food items. Hosted by Mid-West Family Broadcasting stations. wnns. com. 629-7077. Hy-Vee, 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd, 726-1001.

Food

Turkey Dinner Nov 19, 11am-6pm Sun. $10 adults, $5 ages 10 and under.

Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 787-2360.

History

The Gettysburg Address Nov 16-22, 24-26. View a copy of the Gettysburg Address, written by Abraham Lincoln himself. PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Health

Caregivers Presentation Nov 17, 12:30-1:30pm Fri. Hosted by FitClub and HSHS St.John’s Hospital Community Outreach. Free. FitClub South, 3631 S. Sixth St., 787-8348.

Stress Management Workshop Nov 18, 12-1pm Sat. Dr. Kevin A. Imhoff discusses the effect stress has on your body, how to reduce stress in your life, and how to stay healthy when stressed. Free. 585-6720. FitClub South, 3631 S. Sixth St., 787-8348.

Faith & Philosophy

Catholic and Lutheran Common Prayer Nov 19, 5-7pm Sun. Prayer, hymns and music in the Taize tradition. Meal to follow service; reservations required. Free-will offering. 522-3965. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St., 793-1330.

The State of Church and State Relations Nov 19, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Why So Many Gods? Nov 17, 7-8pm Fri. Discussion. Free. 546-9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595. Sports & Fitness

Biggest Loser Nov 16, 20, 27, 6:30-7:30pm Mon. An interactive, modifi ed fi tness challenge. $50. 638- 8989. St. John AME Church, 1529 E. Capitol Ave. 533- 3969.

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Find more details and gigs in our online calendar at www.illinoistimes.com.