Holiday Happenings

Annual Cookie Walk Dec 2, 8-11am Sat. $6 per pound. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave., 546-7170.

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.

Candlelight Tours Dec 6, 5:30-8:30pm Wed. See the historic house decorated for Christmas in a variety of styles to illustrate how American Christmas practices and traditions evolved during the 1800s. Free. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

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. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2338 Ext 5.

Christmas Concert Dec 5, 7pm Tue. Holiday concert featuring “Sleigh Ride” and “A Christmas Festival” by the Capital Area Concert Band. Free. Trinity Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 515 S. MacArthur, 546-4055.

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.

Christmas Open House Dec 3, 2-4pm Sun. Cookies, punch, live holiday music and more. fairhillsres. com. 971-1732. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622.

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.

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. childrensmuseumofi l.com. Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 South Country Club Road, 423-KIDS.

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 much more. Multiple locations. Virden.

Cranberry Christmas Dec 1-2, 5-8pm. Fri, 9am-3pm Sat. Holiday craft show featuring more than 35 vendors. 764-3505. Blue Mound Civic Center, 551 N. Lewis St., Blue Mound, 692-2777.

Downtown Holiday Walks Dec 2, 6, 5-8pm. 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.

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.

Girl Scout Elf on the Shelf Dec 2, 12-2pm Sat. Ride the Polar Express train, fi nd the Girl Scout elves, and write a letter to Santa. getyourgirlpower.org. 720-2091. Macy’s, 101 White Oaks Mall, 787- 9900. Holiday Craft Sale Dec 2, 9am-4pm Sat. Featuring handcrafted items. jubileefarm.info. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927. 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.

Holidays at the White House Nov 30, Dec 1-6. Exhibition depicts how past presidents and their loved ones enjoyed the holidays in the White House. On display through Jan 7. illinois.gov. 558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

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.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Dec 1-2, 7pm Fri-Sat. 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.

Live Window Displays and Kids’ Crafts Dec 6, 5-8pm Wed. Free. Urban Sassafras, 104 N. Sixth St., 210-2303.

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.

Sangamon Valley Group Sierra Club Dec 1, 6-8pm Fri. Annual holiday get-together. Bring dish to share. Free. svgsierraclub. org. 899-9996. Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, 210 S. Fifth St., 522- 2020.

Santa Stop Dec 2, 10am-12pm Sat. Photo opportunities with Santa. Free. 309-243-7761. Green View Companies, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.

Santa’s House Dec 1-3. 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.

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.

The Polar Express Dec 1-3. 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.

Twilight Christmas Parade Dec 2, 5pm Sat. Theme is “Winter Wonderland.” Parade features fl oats, walking groups and vehicles. Hosted by DowntownTaylorville.org. 824-3555. Taylorville square, Taylorville.

Vespers Dec 2-3, 2pm Sat, 7:30pm Sun. More than 250 musicians star in an evening of carols, choirs and candlelight. $12 adults, $10 seniors and children. kirklandfi nearts.com. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424-6318.

Vintage Carriage Rides Dec 1, 5-8pm Fri. 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.

Winter Art Sale Nov 30, Dec 1, 10am-2pm Thu-Fri. Featuring one-ofa-kind student-created art.

Complimentary coffee and cookies. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 2-6, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12- 5pm Sat-Sun. 44th annual show features a 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.

Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights Nov 30, Dec 1-3, 5-9pm Thu- Sun. Enjoy a walking tour set to Cool 93.9 holiday music, thousands of twinkling lights, animated LED light displays and more. $7 adults, $5 ages 3-12, free to ages 2 and under. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Fairs & Festivals

Alternative Holiday Fair Dec 1-2, 4-8pm Fri, 8am- 2pm Sat. Featuring fair-trade items made by craftspeople in developing countries plus a bake sale, international foods and more. Free. 1stcob.net. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Harry Potter Family Fest Dec 2, 6-9pm Sat. Enjoy kid-friendly brews, get photos taken at Platform 9 3/4, and visit wizarding classes. $20 adults and ages 7+, $30 at door, free to ages 6 and under. rhiannon@ ourvibrantcommunity. com. 331-2027. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Books & Authors

Poets in the Parlor Dec 3, 2-4pm Sun. Open mic, reading and book signing with Ted Morissey, author of Crowsong for the Stricken. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

Theater & Comedy Avenue Q Dec 1-3, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Presented by Springfi eld Theatre Centre. Directed by Mac Warren. springfi eldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Bob Jay Dec 1-2, 8pm Fri-Sat. Man of 999 voices. Has been described as a mix of Billy Crystal and Rich Little. $12.50. mclimits. com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian Ragin Cajun Dec 1-2, 9:30pm Fri-Sat. 7:30pm Sat. Has been seen on HBO and Comedy Central. $15, $17. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Motown The Musical Nov 30, 7:30pm Thu.

Musical highlights Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Student-Directed Scenes Dec 4-5, 7:30pm Mon-Tues. A variety pack of 15-20 minute scenes from contemporary American plays. uis.edu. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 206-6160.

Tolton: From Slave to Priest Dec 2, 6:30pm Sat. A oneman drama performed by actor Andrae Goodnight and directed by Leonardo Defi lippis of Saint Luke Productions. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Free-will offering. springfi eldop. org. Sacred Heart-Griffi n High School, 1200 W. Washington, 787-1595.

Music: General Events

Carrollton Dec 1, 7pm Fri. $5 per person. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793- 9760.

Holiday Music Concert Dec 1-2, 7-8:30pm Fri-Sat. Concert titled “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by the Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus. $18. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Madrigal Dinner Dec 2-3, 6:30-8:30pm Sat, 4-6:30pm Sun. Annual event features Renaissance and general Christmas music, skit by jesters, and a full catered meal. $12 seniors, $15 adults. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 546-6363.

The Alley Cats Dec 6, 7pm Wed. Holiday concert by The Alley Cats, a doo-wop group from Los Angeles. $10, $17, $18. hcfta. org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

The Sangamon Brass Dec 6, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. Complimentary lunchtime concerts held on Wednesdays during Advent. BYO lunch or purchase one at the door for $5. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass Dec 1, 7pm Fri. Concert features hymn classics with a contemporary fl air. $18 adults, $8 children under 12. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 793-3933.

Dance

Dance for Hope Dec 1, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Latin dance night every fi rst Friday of the month. danceforhope3111. com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

Making Spirits Bright Dec 2-3, 7pm Sat, 2pm Sun. Refreshments to follow show. $15 adults, $10 children. dancecreationsdancestudio. com. Dance Creations Dance Studio, 1401 E. Cottonwood St., 529-8888.

Art & Architecture

Artist Kim Minder Dec 1, 5-8pm Fri. Meet-andgreet event with artist and Chartruse owner Kim Minder. studioon6thart.com. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 522-8006.

David Brodsky Opening Reception Dec 2, 6-8pm Sat. Opening reception for “Perceptions” by photographer David Brodsky. Gallery talk at 6:30pm. On display through Dec 23. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243- 9390.

Edwards Place Restoration Tour Nov 30, 5:30pm Thu. See Edwards Place decorated for the holidays and view the second fl oor restoration progress. Free. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Motown-themed Canvas + Cocktails Dec 1, 7-9:30pm Fri. BYO wine, cheeses and desserts. Ages 21+. Preregistration. $35. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Open Studio Springfield Dec 4-5, 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 30, Dec 1-6. Exhibition features artworks by Bernie White Hatcher and Adam G. Perschbacher. on display through Dec 7. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Robert Middaugh: Machines Inherit the Earth Nov 30, Dec 1-6, 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.

Ted’s Pop Up Art Show Dec 2, 7pm Sat.

Featuring art, poetry and more by Ted Keylon, Christopher Martin, Bri Skeels, Ross Dickie Pierro and others. Free. 691- 1301. Gallina’s Pizza, 432 E. Monroe St., 522-5271.

The Handmades Sale Art Show Dec 1-2, 4-9pm Fri, 10am- 5pm Sat. Featuring 28 artists and makers with a wide range of artwork. Plus art raffl es, poet James Escher and blind contour portraits by Kristin Diehl. Free. hooeybatiks.com. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 787-2360.

Toy Box - Inspiration Through Play Nov 30, Dec 1-6. Featuring artwork by working artists across Illinois. on display through Feb 11. $5 ages 19-64; free to members, children, seniors and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Children’s Corner

Gingerbread Decorating Workshop Dec 2, 1-4pm Sat. Gingerbread building and decorating for all ages. $15. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

It’s a Gift! Super Saturday Dec 2, 11am-3pm Sat. Learn about the history of winter holidays in Illinois and create a gift or two to give away. For children ages 5+ and their families. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Junior and Senior Naturalists Dec 2. Junior naturalists (ages 5-8) meet 9am-12pm. Senior naturalists (ages 9-12) meet 1-4pm. Registration required. All three sessions: $40 members; $45 non. One session: $15 members, $18 non. lincolnmemorialgarden. org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529- 1111.

Parents Night Out Dec 2, 6-8:30pm Sat. Kids age 6-12 play, swim, dance and enjoy story time. Bring your swim suit. Pajamas welcome. Pizza available $1 per slice. $10 members, $20 public. springfi eldymca.org. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Zooper Edventures Dec 2, 1-3pm Sat. Themerelated games, crafts, zoo discovery walk, and other fun learning activities for ages 5-6. Advance registration required. $13 resident, $15 non. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Science Illinois Bicentennial Celebration Dec 3, 11am-3pm Sun. Open to the public from 11am-2pm; open to ISM members only from 2-3pm. View a display of the best objects from the Illinois Legacy Collection. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics Dec 5, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. [email protected]. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049. Beer School 101 Dec 2, 10am-12pm Sat. Enjoy a brief introduction to beer making plus a tour through a working brewery, a comparative sampling of brews, and more. Free. 523- 4466. Obed & Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St., 670-0627.

Capital City Toastmasters Dec 6, 12-1pm Wed. Every Wednesday. Develop public speaking and leadership skills. 131-3356. toastmastersclubs. org. Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway.

Celebrate Recovery Dec 1, 5:30-8pm Fri. Every Friday. A Christ-centered recovery program for hurts, habits and hang-ups. livingfaithbaptist.org. Living Faith Baptist Church, 7575 West Outer Road, Sherman, 496-2590.

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

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.

Trump and the World Economy Dec 4, 7:30pm Mon. Presentation by Dr. Steven Livingston of the Business and Economic Research Center. mywacci.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Bulletin Board Breast Friends Forever Trivia Night Dec 2, 6-10pm Sat. In support of the Breast Friends Forever Susan G. Komen Walk. BYO snacks. Cash bar. $100 per table of 10. 788-0706. Dove Conference Center, Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St., 544-6464, ext. 44619.

History

Attention to Detail Dec 2, 10:15am-12:15pm Sat. Tour explores the details and stories of the House that enrich our understanding of art, architecture and the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. Reservations. $20 suggested donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

How Illinois Became a State Dec 6, 7-8:30pm Wed. Presentation by Robert E. Church highlights the role of land surveying in the development of the United States. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Of Glass and Wood Dec 2, 1:15-3:15pm Sat. Tour focuses on the details of the House’s amazing art glass collection and Frank Lloyd Wright-designed furniture. Reservations. $20 suggested donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782- 6776.

Faith & Philosophy

Christmas in Africa Dec 6, 5:45-7:30pm Wed. Enjoy West African stew, speaker presentations, a short worship service, and themed tables where participants can touch, see and experience life in Sierra Leone and Swaziland. RSVP required. Free. peacelutheranspringfield.org. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Living Poetry, Living Spirituality Dec 3, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe features the poetry of Jackie Jackson, Rodd Whelpley, Sydney McCabe, Martin Woulfe and special guest Shatriya Smith. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

What Baha’is Believe Dec 1, 7-8pm Fri. 546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Sports & Fitness

Biggest Loser Nov 30, 6:30-7:30pm Thu. An interactive, modified fitness challenge. $50. 638-8989. St. John AME Church, 1529 E. Capitol Ave., 533-3969.

Frostbite Festival 2M and 10M Dec 3, 9am Sun. Choose from 2-mile or 10-mile out-andback course. Registration.

srrc.net. FitClub West, 2811 W. Lawrence Ave., 787-1111.

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