Winter Art Sale Nov 30, Dec 1, 10am-2pm Thu-Fri. Featuring one-of-a-kind student-created art plus complimentary coffee and cookies. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.
Edwards Place Restoration Tour Nov 30, 5:30pm Thu. See Edwards Place decorated for the holidays and view the second floor restoration progress. Free. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523- 2631.
Franciscan Nativity Festival Dec 1-3, 2-7pm Fri, 12-4pm Sat-Sun. Featuring more than 100 Nativity sets, many which are new entries. Free. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523- 0901.
Alternative Holiday Fair Dec 1-2, 4-8pm Fri, 8am-2pm Sat. Featuring fair-trade goods made by artisans in developing countries plus a bake sale, international food and more. Free. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.
Cocoa and Cookies with Santa Dec 1, 6-8pm Fri. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies with Santa, an edible science project and a story read by a local celebrity. Preregistration. $2 members, $8 non. childrensmuseumofil. com. Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 South Country Club Road, 423-KIDS.
Vintage Carriage Rides Dec 1, 8, 26, 29, 5-8pm. Enjoy a charming ride for 4-6 people in a horse-drawn carriage, decorated for the holiday season. Reservations required. $60 per 30-minute ride. redgatefarmllc.com. 501-4234. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Dec 1-2, 7pm. Holiday concert presented by the Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus. $10, $17, $18. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Snow Globe Dec 1, 7:30pm Fri. Holiday music from around the globe featuring the UIS Flute Choir, UIS Camerata and UIS Band. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 206- 6160.
Country Christmas Dec 1-2. Hours vary. Two-day holiday extravaganza features Christmas vendors, hall of trees, tree-lighting ceremony, Polar Express train, lighted Christmas parade, visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Multiple locations. Virden.
Holidays at the White House Dec 1-Jan 7. Exhibition depicts how past presidents and their loved ones enjoyed the holidays in the White House. On display through Jan 7. illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782- 5764.
Santa’s House Dec 1-3, 8-10, 14, 17, 20-24. 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 Polar Express Dec 1-3, 8-9. 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.
Annual Cookie Walk Dec 2, 8-11am Sat. $6 per pound. firstucc. com. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave., 546-7170.
Christmas Bazaar Dec 2, 9am-3pm Sat. Free. New Beginnings Apostolic Church, 3121 E. Elm St., 971- 0125.
Christmas Bazaar and Cookie Walk Dec 2, 9am-1pm Sat. Free. shermanumc.org. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2338, Ext 5.
Christmas Gala Dec 2, 6-8:30pm Sat. Enjoy the oldest standing capitol in Illinois decorated in Christmas decor and candlelight. Plus live music, hors d’oeuvres and beverages. $50 per person. Vandalia Statehouse, 315 W. Gallatin St., Vandalia, 618-283-1161.
Clayville Christmas Dec 2, 10am-4pm Sat. Enjoy a children’s store, visits with Santa, face painting, Christmas caroling and more. clayville.org. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572- 4984.
Downtown Holiday Walks Dec 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 5-8pm. Featuring visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, History Comes Alive programs, shopping and more. downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield.
Holiday Craft Sale Dec 2, 9am-4pm Sat. Featuring handcrafted items. jubileefarm.info. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927.
Holly Fair Greek Bake Sale Dec 2, 10am-4pm Sat. Featuring gyros, Italian beef, spinach pie, baklava, Greek pastries, assortment plates, more. Free. St. Anthony’s Hellenic Orthodox Church, 1600 S. Glenwood Ave., 522-7010.
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec 2, 9-11am Sat. Take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy crafts and treats. Free. West Central Bank, 3600 Wabash Ave., 726-9600.
Santa Stop Dec 2, 10am-12pm Sat. Photo opportunities with Santa. Free. 309-243- 7761. Green View Companies, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.
Twilight Christmas Parade Dec 2, 5pm Sat. Theme is “Winter Wonderland.” Parade features floats, walking groups and vehicles. Hosted by DowntownTaylorville.org. Taylorville square, Taylorville, 824-3555.
Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 2-20, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat- Sun. 44th annual show features a stunning display of poinsettias, tropical plants and decorated evergreens. Free. springfieldparks. org. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546- 4116.
Bells in Motion Christmas Concert Dec 3, 4pm Sun. $15 adults, $5 for ages 5 and under. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut, Chatham, 483-4204.
Pilot Club Holiday Home Walk and Tea Dec 3, 1-5pm Sun. Visit beautifully decorated homes sponsored by the International Pilot Club of Jacksonville. $15 in advance. jacksonvilleil.org. Jacksonville Downtown, Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Poets in the Parlor Dec 3, 2-4pm Sun. Open mic, reading and book signing with Ted Morrissey, author of Crowsong for the Stricken. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524- 0901.
Springfield Civic Garden Club Dec 4, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting features Sandy Johnston on “Holiday Designs.” Free. 563-940-5735. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.
Christmas Concert Dec 5, 7pm Tue. Holiday concert featuring “Sleigh Ride” and “A Christmas Festival” by the Capital Area Concert Band. Free. trinity-lutheran.com. Trinity Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 515 S. MacArthur, 546-4055.
Holiday Gala Dec 5, 5:30pm Tue. Reception followed by a festive three-course meal. Special entertainment by Kristin Van Aken Jamison and Marcia Short plus silent and live auctions. In support of Governor Duncan Mansion. $40 singles; $320 per table of 8. 243-5678. Hamilton’s, 110 N. East St., Jacksonville, 675-2720.
Christmas Around the World Dec 6, 13, 20, 6:30pm Wed. Special programs and services celebrate African culture on Dec 6, Asian culture on Dec 13 and Peruvian culture on Dec 20. Meal at 5:45pm. Free. peacelutheranspringfield.org. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.
Live Window Displays and Kids’ Crafts Dec 6, 13, 20, 5-8pm Wed. urbansassafras. com. Free. Urban Sassafras, 104 N. Sixth St., 210-2303.
Jingle Bell Rock Dec 6, 7pm Wed. Holiday concert by The Alley Cats, a doo-wop comedy group. hcfta. org. $10, $17, $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Christmas Vendor Fair Dec 7, 5-7pm Thu. Free. Cedarhurst of Jacksonville, 2225 W. Morton Ave., Jacksonville, 919-9300.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony Dec 7, 11am Thu. Presented by Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the World War II Memorial Committee. elks158.com. Springfield Elks Lodge #158, 409 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-0158.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec 8-10, 15-17, 7pm Fri, 1:30pm and 4pm Sat-Sun. Presented by the Hoogland Education Department. $10, $12, $14. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
A Christmas Chaos Dec 7-8, 7pm Thu-Fri. Performance of A Christmas Carol by the touring Royal Shakespeare Company. Directed by Jan Hooten. Reservations by Dec 4. $45. theatre7.net. The Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur, 429-4200.
Alice’s Wonderland Dec 8-10, 8pm Fri-Sun. Presented by LLCC Theatre in collaboration with Cutlass Artists. Directed and adapted by Mark Hardiman. $15 advance. cutlassartists.com. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.
Holiday Arts and Crafts Preview Dec 8, 6-8pm Fri. Dinner is $10 perperson. alplm.org. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.
28th Annual Cookie Walk Dec 9, 8am-12pm Sat. Featuring dozens of homemade cookies and countless varieties of candy. douglasavenue.org. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 546-4631.
Cookie Walk Dec 9, 8am-12pm. Annual cookie walk features homemade cookies, candy and fudge. $6 per pound. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 546- 6363.
Holiday Fun Dec 9, 12-5pm. Enjoy seasonal fun and see the historic home decorated for an 1800s-style Christmas. Free. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.
Tree of Lights Dec 9, 12-6pm. Tree-lighting and reading at 5:30pm. Plus refreshments, adoptable cats and dogs. Free admission. $5 per tree light. apl-shelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387.
A Historic Christmas Dec 9, 1-5pm Sat. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, make holiday crafts, and tour the holiday-decorated Lincoln Home. Free. nps.gov. 492-4241. Lincoln Home Visitors Center, 426 S. Seventh St., 492-4150.
Breakfast with Santa Dec 9, 8:30-10:30am Sat. Meet and take a complimentary photo with Santa. Plus face painting, balloon animals and more. Reservations appreciated. Free to kids; donations requested of adults. 793-7728. Children’s Dyslexia Center of Springfield, 1020 Rickard Road, 793-7735.
Breakfast with Santa Dec 9, 9-10:30am Sat. Jacksonville Elks Club Lodge #682, 231 W. Morgan Ave., Jacksonville, 245-5215.
Christmas Market and Cookie Walk Dec 9, 10am-6pm Sat. Featuring gifts, decorations, homemade items and jewelry from crafters, artisans and vendors. Free. 622-4340. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 522-3342.
Christmas Lessons and Carols Dec 9, 6-7pm Sat. Join Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln for special music, worship and a carol sing. Reception to follow. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.
Frosted Fling-Scottish Dance Competition Dec 9, 1pm Sat. Hosted by the Saint Andrews Society of Central Illinois Celtic Dancers. Food available for purchase. $5. Elliott Avenue Baptist Church, 501 W. Elliott Ave., 528-2983.
Heritage Site Coalition Historic Christmas Dec 9, 1-4pm Sat. Featuring crafts for children and adults, refreshments and holiday cheer. spiaahm.org. 391-6323. African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 877-757-2246.
Holiday Arts and Craft Fair Dec 9, 10am-3pm Sat. Featuring unique handmade items by vendors. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585- 9550.
Holiday Lights Parade Dec 9, 7:30-8:30pm Sat. Annual parade starts at Horace Mann parking lot and loops around the Old State Capitol to Monroe on Fifth and Sixth streets. Hosted by the Springfield Jaycees. Free. SpringfieldJaycees. net. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams St., Springfield.
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec 9, 10am-3pm Sat. Take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. BYO camera. Free. experience.scheels.com. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.
Photos with Santa Dec 9-22, 5-8pm Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm Sat-Sun. Meet and have photos taken with Santa. Free admission. No charge for photos taken with own camera; $5 for souvenir photo. springfieldparks.org. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 753- 0700.
Santa’s Play N Shop Extravaganza Dec 9, 11am-3pm Sat. Event features a kids corner with crafts and activities, visits and photos with Santa, holiday shopping and more. Free. 441-2342. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 529-6626.
Statehouse Christmas Dec 9, 6pm-8am Sat. View the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois illuminated by more than 250 candles and trimmed with decorations appropriate to the 1840s. Tours run every 15 minutes. Vandalia Statehouse, 315 W. Gallatin St., Vandalia, 618-283-1161.
Holiday Jazz Dec 9, 7:30pm Sat. The Millikin University Jazz Sextet performs holiday classics with a jazzy swing. $10-25. millikin.edu. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424-6318.
Caroling at the Carillon Dec 10, 4-5pm Sun. Sing carols accompanied by the carillon bells, visit with Santa and enjoy cocoa and cookies. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.
Christmas Cantata Dec 10, 9am Sun. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793- 9760.
Holiday Extravaganza Dec 10, 9-4pm Sun. Featuring holiday entertainment, more than 100 craft vendors, visits with Santa, an old-fashioned cake walk, concessions and more. Hosted by the Springfield Zoological Society. $4 for ages 13 and up, free to ages 12 and under. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.
Holiday Open House Dec 10, 1-3pm Sun. Featuring refreshments and music. Free. Cedarhurst of Jacksonville, 2225 W. Morton Ave., Jacksonville, 919- 9300.
Gaslight Holiday Tour Dec 13, 6-7pm Wed. Tour Edwards Place, decked for the holidays, by gaslight and learn about mid-century century Christmas celebrations. $10. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
ICON Annual Holiday Party Dec 13, 5-9pm Wed. Featuring speaker Vasudha Pinnamaraju, executive director of the McLean County Regional Planning Commission. $35. springfieldicon.org. 528- 9803. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 523-4466.
A Dual Piano Christmas Dec 15-17, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Concert by Mark Gifford and Damien Kaplan features holiday favorites from two pianos, four hands, and two talented and creative brains. $18, $20. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523- 2787.
Cookie Walk and Pancake Breakfast Dec 16, 8am-12pm Sat. Cookies are $5 per pound. Breakfast: $5 adults, $3 per child. Williamsville United Methodist Church, 128 E. Jones, Williamsville, 566-3614.
Holiday Farmers Market Dec 16, 9am-1pm Sat. Featuring farm-fresh products and unique local gifts. Organized by Illinois Stewardship Alliance. Free. ilstewards.org. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725- 8047.
Victorian Holiday Tea Dec 16, 2-3:30pm Sat. Sing carols and learn about 19th century holiday traditions over tasty tea and desserts. $25 SAA members; $30 non. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Winter Exhibition and Public Skate Dec 16, 2-5pm Sat. An afternoon of holiday music and figure skating plus cookies and visits with Santa. Hosted by the Springfield Figure Skating Club. Free admission with canned good donation. sfsc4u.com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.
Winter Extravaganza Dec 16, 7pm Sat. Featuring selected works by the art department and performances by the band, chorus and drama departments. Routt Catholic High School, 500 E. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-8563.
Candle Lighting Service Dec 17, 7pm Sun. Unity Church, 417 E. Cordelia St., 523-5722.
Children’s Christmas Musical Dec 17, 4pm Sun. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793- 9760.
Greek Christmas Dec 19, 6-8pm Tue. Greek sororities and fraternities host a Christmas celebration and enjoy a little friendly tree decorating competition. spiaahm.org. 391-6323. African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 877-757-2246.
Eve Before You Leave Dec 20, 7pm Wed. Traditional and contemporary-blended service with communion. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793- 9760.
Holiday Family Reading Night Dec 20, 4-7pm Wed. Holiday book giveaway and family reading night. RSVP. Family Communication Centers, 817 E. Enos Ave., 717-0195.
The Great Cookie Debate Dec 20, 11am-2pm Wed. Cookie baking and sharing. RSVP. Family Communication Centers, 817 E. Enos Ave., 717-0195.
Winter Solstice Celebration Dec 21, 6:30-8pm Thu. Winter solstice celebration includes light supper. Reservations by Dec 18. $18. jubileefarm. info. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927.
Gingerbread Workshop Dec 22-23, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm, Fri- Sat. Make a gingerbread creation, no baking involved. Pre-registration. $15 members, $20 non. cmofil.com. Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 South Country Club Road, 423-KIDS.
Sister’s Christmas Catechism Dec 22, 7pm, Fri. Holiday mystery extravaganza and sequel to Late Nite Catechism. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Winter Camp Dec 22, 26-29, Jan 2, 7:00am-5:30pm. A holiday daycare solution for working parents and their kids ages 5-12. No camp Dec 25 or Jan 1. $25 per day residents, $28 per day non. springfieldparks.org. 753- 2800. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.
Holiday Camps Dec 22, 26-29, Jan 2, 7:30am-5:30pm. A winter break daycare solution for anyone with or without a disability, ages 5-25. No camp Dec 25 or Jan 1. $20 per day residents, $25 per day non. springfieldparks. org. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.
Christmas Eve Service Dec 24, 3pm Sun. Traditional and contemporary-blended service with communion and a children’s celebration. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.
Christmas Eve Service Dec 24, 5pm Sun. Featuring contemporary music and a children’s celebration. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.
Christmas Eve Service Dec 24, 7pm Sun. With contemporary music. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.
Christmas Eve Service Dec 24, 9pm Sun. With traditional carols. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.
Kwanzaa Celebration Dec 26, 12-4pm Tue. Weeklong celebration honoring African heritage in African American culture. spiaahm.org. 391-6323. African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 877-757-2246.
Happy Noon Year Dec 31, 10am-2pm Sun. Confetti balloondrop at noon plus music, crafts and fun. $6 members, $8 non. childrensmuseumofil. com Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 South Country Club Road, 423-KIDS.
First Night Springfield Dec 31, 1-11:15pm Sun. Afternoon free activities for kids at Springfield High School. Ticketed shows featuring evening music, dance and more at various downtown locations at night. Admission. springfieldartsco.org. 753-3519. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523- 2787.
New Year’s Eve Event Dec 31, 6pm Sun. 1970s-themed party features a costume contest, dueling pianos, prime rib meal and more. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622- 0099.
