Holiday Happenings

18th Annual Cookie Walk Dec 9, 8:30am-12pm Sat. One of the area’s largest cookie walks, plus entertainment, vendors, auctions and more. Free. St. John Vianney Church Activity Center, 902 Saint Johns Dr., Sherman. 28th Annual Cookie Walk Dec 9, 8am-12pm Sat. Featuring dozens of homemade cookies and candy of countless varieties. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 546-4631.

A Historic Christmas Dec 9, 1-5pm Sat. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, make holiday crafts, and tour the holiday-decorated Lincoln Home. Free. 492-4241. Lincoln Home Visitors Center, 426 S. 7th St., 492-4150.

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.

Breakfast with Santa Dec 9, 9-10:30am Sat. Jacksonville Elks Club Lodge #682, 231 W. Morgan Ave., Jacksonville, 245-5215.

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 Springfi eld, 1020 Rickard Road, 793-7735.

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.

Cathedral 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 Cantata Dec 10, 9am Sun. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793- 9760.

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.

Christmas Vendor Fair Dec 7, 5-7pm Thu. Free. Cedarhurst of Jacksonville, 2225 W. Morton Ave., Jacksonville, 919-9300.

Christmas Vespers Dec 10, 4pm Sun. Featuring the music of Schubert, Bach, Friedell, Stopford, Faure, Mathias and others. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.

Cookie Walk Dec 9, 8am-12pm Sat. Annual cookie walk features homemade cookies, candy and fudge. $6 per pound. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 546- 6363.

Old Capitol Holiday Walks Dec 9, 13, 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 20. downtownspringfi eld. org. Downtown Springfi eld.

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.

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. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

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.

Historic Christmas Dec 9, 1-5pm Sat. Enjoy seasonal fun for all ages and see the historic home decorated for an 1800s-style Christmas. Free. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Holiday Arts and Craft Fair Dec 9, 10am-3pm Sat. Featuring unique handmade items by vendors. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Preview Dec 8, 6-8pm Fri. Dinner is $10 per person. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Holiday Cookie Walk and Bake Sale Dec 9, 9am-12pm Sat. Baked goods and cookie decorating. Free. cottonhillumc.org. Cotton Hill United Methodist Church, 5931 N. Cotton Hill Road, 529- 2736.

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 Springfi eld 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 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 Springfi eld Jaycees. Free. Springfi eldJaycees.net. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Holiday Open House Dec 10, 1-3pm Sun. Featuring refreshments and music. Free. Cedarhurst of Jacksonville, 2225 W. Morton Ave., Jacksonville, 919-9300.

Holidays at the White House Dec 7-13. 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.

ICON Annual Holiday Party Dec 13, 5-9pm Wed. Featuring speaker Vasudha Pinnamaraju, executive director at the McLean County Regional Planning Commission. $35. springfi eldicon. org. 528-9803. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 523-4466.

Live Nativity Dec 8-9, 7-9pm Fri-Sat. Drivethrough a realistic, live Nativity scene featuring holiday lights, angel choirs, displays, animals, period-dressed actors and more. Free. oursaviors-church.org. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-4531.

Live Window Displays and Kids’ Crafts Dec 13, 5-8pm Wed. Free. Urban Sassafras, 104 N. Sixth St., 210- 2303.

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.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony Dec 7, 11am Thu. Presented by by Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the World War II Memorial Committee. Springfi eld Elks Lodge #158, 409 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-0158.

Photos with Santa Dec 9-13, 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. springfi eldparks.org. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 753-0700.

Porch Pot Demo Dec 9, 10am Sat. Complimentary demonstration plus a makeand-take project. Green View Companies, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.

Santa’s House Dec 8-10. 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.

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.

The Nutcracker Dec 9-10, 2pm Sat-Sun, 8pm Sat. Springfi eld Ballet Company presentation features elaborate scenery, colorful costumes, exquisite dancing and beautiful music. Adv: $33, $21. Day of: $38, $26. springfi eldballetco.org. 544-1967. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

The Polar Express Dec 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.

Tree of Lights Dec 9, 12-6pm Sat. 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.

Vintage Carriage Rides Dec 8, 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 Holiday Floral Show Dec 7-13, 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 Dec 10-13. 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.

Books & Authors

William Crook Jr. Book Release Dec 8, 6-9pm Fri. Book release for SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS: A Pen and Ink Artist Looks at his Hometown by William Crook Jr. Short reading at 7pm. Signing to follow. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810- 9278.

Theater & Comedy

A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec 8-10. 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.

Avenue Q Dec 8-10, 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.

Comedian Ryan Singer Dec 8-9, 8-9:45pm Fri-Sat. Comedian, creator and host of one the top science and medicine podcasts on iTunes, “Me & Paranormal You.” $15. mclimits. com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian Steve Kramer Dec 8-9, 9:30pm Fri-Sat, 7:30pm Sat. Known for his sets which feature music and voices. $14, $16. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Naughty List Dec 9, 8pm Sat. Featuring comedians Amy Watson, Buddah Eskew, Michelle DeSutter, Richard Bailey and Tim Laffey. $10. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

The Harlem Globetrotters Dec 8, 7pm Fri. Worldfamous Harlem Globetrotters vs. the Washington Generals. $25.50+. harlemglobetrotters. com. Bank of Springfi eld Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.

Music: General Events

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.

Matthew Nall Dec 13, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. Piano concert. 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.

The Dysart Family Band Dec 10, 6:30pm. Love offering. Salisbury Baptist Church, Byron Street, Pleasant Plains, 544-3207.

Dance Country Music Dance Dec 8, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. $5 cover. 789-4725. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 523-7523. Dance for Hope Dec 8, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Ballroom dance every second Friday of the month. danceforhope3111. com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522- 9106.

Kevin Turner Dec 8, 8-11pm Fri. Playing the Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Art & Architecture

Annual Event Dec 7, 5:30-7pm Thu. Annual silent auction event. Supports UIS Visual Arts Gallery programming. uis.edu. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 206-6506.

Final Opening Art Reception Dec 8, 6-8:30pm Fri. Featuring “Outside Jokes” with emcee Jesse Malmed and “to Home” by Jade Hoyer and Tatiana Potts. On display through Dec 30. Free. demoprojectspace.com. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Open Studio Springfield Dec 11-12, 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 eld@gmail. com. 789-9787. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

Robert Middaugh: Machines Inherit the Earth Dec 7-13. 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 Dec 7-13. 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

Romero! Dec 7, 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

Kids Night Out Dec 9, 6:30-9:30pm Sat. Activities include swimming, art, games, dance and more. Bring your swim suit and money for concessions. $10 members, $20 public. springfi eldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544- 9846.

Project H.O.W.L. Dec 9, 1-3pm Sat.

Program about animals and their ecosystems for children age 10-12 highlights owl-ology. $13 residents and members; $15 non. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics Dec 12, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@ yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

BEST and Parent Transition Support Group Dec 13, 6-7:30pm Wed. Support group for teens with a disability and their parents. December topic is: “The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers.” Free. scil.org. 523-2587. The Early Learning Center, 2501 S. First St., 525-3163.

Breakfast Optimist Club Dec 8, 7am Fri. Every Friday. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

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

Springfield Backgammon Club Dec 13, 6pm Wed. First time is free; $5 per entry after that. sangamonvalleybackgammon. com. 622-9447. Capitol Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave., 546-2111.

Bulletin Board

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon Dec 13, 11am-1pm Wed. Theme is “Looking a lot like Christmas.”

Speaker is Glenda Smith on “Looking for love.” $15. 303- 9768. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900.

Health

ACA Enrollment Events Dec 9, 3-10pm Sat. Meet with certifi ed ACA application counselors. By appointment only. Call 814- 4308 for appointments. getcoveredillinois.gov. Yellow Rose Tea Room, St. John’s Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter St., 544-6464.

Breaking Bad Habits Dec 12, 6:30-8pm Tue. Video featuring Joel Fuhrman, M.D., gives tips to make changing to a more healthy diet easier and more successful. Sponsored by the Springfi eld Vegetarian Association. Free. 546-9171. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Stress Less Workshop Dec 9, 9am-12pm Sat.

Learn stretches, breathing and postures you can do for challenges such as anxiety, feeling stuck, being overwhelmed, feeling helpless, low energy, emotionally numb and more. $25. amydenney. com. 801-7464. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Faith & Philosophy

Christmas in Asia Dec 13, 5:45-7:30pm Wed. Enjoy Korean dumplings and a theme of worshipping. Free. peacelutheranspringfi eld.org. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Cowboy Church Dec 10, 5pm Sun. Held the second Sunday of each month. Meal at 5pm; music at 6pm. Clementine Memorial Church, 2075 N. 11th St., 638-1648.

Interfaith Devotional Service Dec 10, 4:30-6pm Sun. Prayers, readings and music followed by light refreshments. Free. 546- 9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Religion Renewed Dec 8, 7-8pm Fri. Elevated topics on various spiritual subjects. Free. 546-9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

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