Holiday Happenings
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.
Candle Lighting Service Dec 17, 7pm Sun. Unity Church, 417 E. Cordelia St., 523-5722.
Candlelight Tours Dec 16, 5-8pm Sat. 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. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.
Celebrate Christmas Dec 18, 6-7pm Mon. Enjoy games and crafts, decorate a Christmas cookie, write letters to Santa, and visit with Mrs. Claus. Free. experience.scheels.com. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.
Children’s Christmas Musical Dec 17, 4pm Sun. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793- 9760.
Christmas on Celluloid Dec 14, 5:30-7:30pm Thu. Multi-media program “Christmas on
Celluloid” features actual 16mm films and sound filmstrips, played on
vintage projectors. BYO drinks and snacks. Free. The Cardologist, 627 E.
Adams St., 525- 4121.
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.
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.
Greek Christmas Dec
19, 6-8pm Tue. Greek sororities and fraternities host a Christmas
celebration and enjoy a friendly tree decorating competition.
spiaahm.org. 391-6323. African- American History Museum, 1440 Monument
Ave., 877-757-2246.
Holiday Family Reading Night Dec
20, 4pm Wed. Holiday book giveaway and family reading night. RSVP.
Family Communication Centers, 817 E. Enos Ave., 717-0195.
Holiday Farmers Market Dec 16, 9am-1pm Sat. Featuring farm-fresh products and
unique local gifts. Organized by Illinois Stewardship Alliance. Free.
ilstewards.org. 528-1563. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition
Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782- 6661.
Holidays at the White House Dec
14-20. 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.
Live Window Displays and Kids’ Crafts Dec 20, 5-8pm Wed. Free. Urban Sassafras, 104 N. Sixth St., 210-2303.
Meet and Greet the Practitioners Dec 15, 4-7pm Fri. Heartland Healing Arts Center, 907 Clocktower Dr., 726- 5400.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks Dec
16, 20, 5-8pm Wed, 12-6pm Sat. Featuring visits with Santa, horse-drawn
carriage rides, History Comes Alive programs, shopping and more through
Dec 20. downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield.
Photos with Santa Dec
14-20, 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.
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec
16, 3-6pm Sat. Take family photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. BYO
camera. $10. ifightpoverty. org. 765-532-2586. Wild Rose, 115 N. Sixth
St., 572-1884.
Santa’s House Dec
14, 17, 20. 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 Great Cookie Debate Dec 20, 11am-2pm Wed. Cookie baking and sharing. RSVP. Family Communication Centers, 817 E. Enos Ave., 717-0195.
The Polar Express Experience Dec
16-17, 6pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, a
viewing of The Polar Express, and a visit with St. Nick and other Polar
Express characters. $10 at door. arleetheater.com. Arlee Theater, 139 S.
Main St., Mason City, 482-9999.
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.
Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec
14-20, 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.
Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights Dec
15-17, 19-20, 5-9pm. 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.
springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr.,
585-1821.
Books & Authors
Author Ken Mitchell Dec
16, 10am-2pm Sat. Book signing for local author Ken Mitchell’s latest
memoir about his high school days in the early 60s at LHS. Noonan’s True
Value Hardware, 801 N. Grand Ave. E., 528-1513.
SPW Open Mic Dec
20, 6-8pm Wed. A Springfield Poets and Writers event. Hosted by Thea
Chesley, third Wednesday of every month. Free. 544-3611. Robbie’s, 4 S.
Old State Capitol Plaza, 528- 1901.
Theater & Comedy
A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec
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. Comedian John Roy Dec 15,
9:30pm Fri. A highenergy comic. Has been seen on Comedy Central and
heard on XM radio. $14, $16. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455
Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.
Comedian Rob Durham Dec
15-16, 8-9:45pm Fri-Sat. Described as “freaking hilarious” by Bob Saget
and “very funny” by Louie Anderson. $12.50. mclimits.com. Mason City
Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.
Joke Lab Dec
14, 7:30pm Thu. Featuring stand-up comedy by experienced performers.
Free. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.
Music: General Events
Collegiate Choir Dec
15, 7:30pm Fri. Winter concert by Illinois Wesleyan University’s
premier vocal ensemble, directed by Dr. J. Scott Ferguson. Blessed
Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut Street, 528-7521.
Eric Lambert with Josh Mcpartland Dec
14, 7pm Thu. Concert features international touring artist Eric Lambert
and mandolinist Josh Mcpartland. $10 adults, $8 museum members and
children under 12. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State
Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.
Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra Dec
15, 7:30pm Fri. Featuring Robyn Bollinger on violin and countertenor
Daniel Moody. $20 general admission, $5 students with valid student ID.
ilsymphony. org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St.,
528-4311.
The Capital Chamber Singers Women Dec
20, 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.
Dance
Country Music Dance Dec 15, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. $5 cover. 789-4725. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 523-7523.
Art & Architecture
Best Gifts Dec
15, 5-7pm Fri. Enjoy a cookie and cider reception with the artists.
Free. springfieldart.org. 523-2631. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth
St., 544-2787.
Christmas Event Dec 20, 5:30-8:30pm Wed. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.
Robert Middaugh: Machines Inherit the Earth Dec
14-20. 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
14-20. 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.
Children’s Corner
Mascot Day Dec
16, 1-3pm Sat. Make baseball crafts, tour the “Cubs vs. Cardinals: The
Rivalry” exhibit, and meet the Cardinals and Cubs mascots. $5.
presidentlincoln. illinois.gov. 558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential
Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.
Winter Family Fun Day Dec
16, 1-4pm Sat. An afternoon of fun and games inspired by the “Toy Box:
Inspiration through Play” art exhibition. Free with museum admission.
illinoisstatemuseum. org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring
St., 782- 7386.
Zooper Edventures Dec
16, 1-3pm Sat. Theme-related games, crafts, zoo discovery walk, and
other fun learning activities for ages 7-9. Advance registration
required. $13 resident, $15 non. springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson
Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.
Science
Brown Bag Lecture Series Dec
20, 12-1pm Wed. Presentation titled “Bound to the Western Waters:
Looking for Lewis and Clark at Ft. Kaskaskia, Illinois” by Mark Wagner.
Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum Research
& Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.
Nature
Asian Carp Dec
14, 7-8pm Thu. Matt O’Hara of the IDNR discusses ongoing work in the
upper Illinois River and Chicago Area to control Asian Carp. Free. Adams
Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.
Lectures & Meetings
Adult Children of Alcoholics Dec 19, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@ yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.
Breakfast Optimist Club Dec 15, 7am Fri. Every Friday. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.
Capital City Toastmasters Dec
20, 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
15, 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.
CIDR’s Snowmobile Club Dec
20, 7:30pm Wed. Meetings every third Wednesday of the month. iasc.com.
306-4751. Bunkers Bar, 220 Old Route 36, Illiopolis, 486-5100.
Heads Up Group Dec
17, 2-4pm Sun. Support group for those with a traumatic brain injury.
Free. 523-2587. Springfield Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand
Ave. West, 523-0427.
NAMI Springfield Dec
20, 7pm Wed. Meetings first Saturday (1pm) and third Wednesday (7pm) of
the month. For families, caregivers, friends and those with mental
illness. Questions, 522-3571. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St.,
528-3407.
Springfield Backgammon Club Dec
20, 6pm Wed. First time is free; $5 per entry after that.
onvalleybackgammon.com. 622-9447. Capitol Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave.,
546-2111.
Stamp Collecting Club Dec 18, 7pm Mon. Meets third Monday of each month. 546-5021. Carpenters Union Hall, 211 W. Lawrence Ave., 528-7571.
Bulletin Board
Business After Hours Dec
14, 4:30-7pm Thu. Monthly mixer provides a casual atmosphere conducive
for networking. Hosted by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
$5 members, $15 non. business.gscc.org. 525-1173. Hy-Vee, 2115 S.
MacArthur Blvd, 726-1001.
Food
Bake Sale Dec 16, 8am-6pm Sat. In support of The Helping Paw Project. Free. 891-1968. Shimmy Shack Style, 1135 W. Governor St., 891-3680.
History
Holiday Open House Dec 16, 10am-4pm Sat. Featuring Civil War-era treats. Free. duvcw. org. DUVCW Civil War Museum, 503 S. Walnut St., 544-0616.
Health
ACA Enrollment Event Dec
15, 3-10pm Fri. Meet with certified 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.
Intermittent Fasting Presentation Dec 20, 6pm Wed. Public informational seminar
presents the experiences of the CrossFit Instinct intermittent fasting
study. Media room, Springfield Clinic First, 900 N. First St., 528-7541.
Faith & Philosophy
Christmas in South America Dec
20, 5:45-7:30pm Wed. Featuring guest presenter Sister Anita Cleary, who
spent two years in ministry in Peru, plus a light meal and short
worship service. RSVP’s appreciated. Free. acelutheranspringfi eld.org
Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.
Four Different Future World Views Dec
15, 7-8pm Fri. Humanistic, Pessimistic, Prophetic and Baha’i.
Discussion. Free. 546- 9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth
St., 544-9595.
Find more details and gigs in our online calendar at
