Holiday Happenings

A Very VisionWay Christmas Dec 1, 9am-2pm Sat. Featuring 50+ crafters and vendors. Free admission. VisionWay Christian School, 1124 N. Webster St., Taylorville, 824-6722.

Advent Worship Dec 2, 9:30-10:30am Sun. Listen to music as trees go up, greens are hung and lanterns are set in place to prepare for Christmas. chathampresbyterian.com. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut St., Chatham, 483- 4204.

An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas Dec 4, 7pm Tue. Evan Tyrone Martin performs standards from the American Songbook and Christmas classics made famous by Nat King Cole. $30 adv, $35 day of. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838- 3006.

Annual Christmas Bazaar Dec 1-2, 8:30am-3:30pm and 5-6pm Fri, 10:30am-12:30pm Sat. Featuring Christmas items, baked goods and more. St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 1020 N. Milton Ave., 522-8555.

Annual Cookie Walk Dec 1, 8-11am Sat. $6 per pound. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave., 546-7170.

Bells in Motion Concert Dec 1, 7pm Sat. $12 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and under. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave., 546-7170.

Bicentennial Holiday Tour Dec 1, 1-4pm Sat. Visit with Civil War Santa, hear Christmas carols being played on the “Lincoln” piano, and take in the beauty of 19th century holiday decor in Springfield’s oldest home. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523- 2631.

Capital Area Concert Band Christmas Concert Dec 4, 7-8pm Tue. An hour-long program of Christmas carols, including such standards as “Sleigh Ride” and “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson. Free. 789-9753. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., 787-2323.

Caring Santa Dec 2, 9-11am Sun. Visit with and have photos taken with Santa and enjoy cookies, crafts and photos during this event that supports the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children of all abilities. Free. simon.com. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 787-0110.

Christmas Bazaar Dec 1, 9am-3pm Sat. Featuring crafts, baked goods and more. Free. 416-7926. New Beginnings Apostolic Church, 3121 E. Elm St., 971-0125.

Christmas Bazaar and Cookie Walk Dec 1, 9am-1pm Sat. Featuring craft and gift booths, baked goods and more. Proceeds support missions of the Women of the Sherman United Methodist Church. Free admission. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496- 2338.

Christmas Card Lane Nov 29-Dec 5. An outdoor exhibit/competition comprised of larger-thanlife “cards” created by local artists and groups based on the theme “Holiday Season Around the World.” Hosted by the Decatur Area Arts Council. decaturarts.org. Downtown Decatur.

Christmas in Petersburg Dec 1, 1-4pm Sat. Featuring a historic downtown holiday market, a baked goods and craft fair, horse-drawn carriage rides, plus music, treats and more. Historic Petersburg, 553-5981.

Cranberry Christmas Craft Fair Nov 30, Dec 1, 5-8pm Fri, 9am- 3pm Sat. Featuring 40 vendors offering handmade crafts for your home and those on your Christmas list. Free admission. 764-3505. Blue Mound Civic Center, 551 N. Lewis St., Blue Mound, 692-2777.

Dana-Thomas House Holiday Walks Dec 5, 5-8pm Wed. View the beautiful holiday decorations that fi ll one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most impressive works. Donations. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

Downtown Springfield Inc. Holiday Walks Dec 1, 12-5pm Sat. Featuring carolers, a 16-foot Christmas tree on the plaza, Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, performers and more. downtownspringfield.org. 544- 1723. Downtown Springfield.

Downtown Springfield Inc. Holiday Walks Dec 5, 5-8pm Wed. Featuring carolers, a 16-foot Christmas tree on the plaza, performers and more. downtownspringfield.org. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

Family Pictures with Santa Claus Dec 1, 10am-3pm Sat. Bring your family, including pets, for photos with Santa. $5 per photo. tailstoremember.com. Tails to Remember, 3036 N. Peoria Road, 725-9511.

Franciscan Nativity Festival Nov 30, Dec 1-2, 2-7pm Fri, 12- 4pm Sat-Sun. Featuring more than 100 Nativity sets, many of which are new entries. Free. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.

Fresh Evergreen Wreath Making Workshops Dec 1, 9am-12pm and 1:30- 4:30pm. Make your very own evergreen wreath. Greens with frame and wire included. Bring your own pruning shears and decorations. Preregistration. $30 residents and Botanical Garden members, $35 non. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Gingerbread House Decorating Dec 1, 12am-4pm Sat. Families are welcome to work on one house together or purchase a house for every child or family member. $15 SAA members, $20 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Holiday Craft Sale Dec 1, 9am-4pm Sat. Featuring handcrafted items, baked goods and more. jubileefarm. info. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927.

Holiday Home Walk and Tea Dec 2, 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.

Holidays at the White House Nov 29-30, Dec 1-5, 9am-5pm Mon-Sun. Featuring cards, documents and photos from Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush. Free with museum admission. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Holly Fair and Bake Sale Dec 1, 10am-3pm Sat. Featuring gyros, Italian beef, vegetable soup, spinach pie, baklava and more. Free admission. stanthony.il.goarch.org. St. Anthony’s Hellenic Orthodox Church, 1600 S. Glenwood Ave., 522-7010.

Santa Stop and Kids Craft Dec 1, 10am-1pm Sat. Photo ops for the whole family, including kids and pets. greenview.com. Green View Companies, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.

Santa Visit Dec 1, 10am-1pm Sat. Free Williamsville Community Center, 141 W. Main St., Williamsville, 566-3846.

Santa Visit Dec 1, 2-4pm Sat. Featuring Santa visit, story time, crafts and cookies. Free. Auburn 104 Store, 614 W. Jackson St., Auburn, 438-3093.

The ReGifters Nov 30, Dec 1, 7pm Fri-Sat. A hilarious holiday dinner theater performance by Theatre 7. Directed by Kathy Zientara. $45. theatre7.net. The Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur, 429-4200.

Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 1-5, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12- 5pm Sat-Sun. A stunning display of poinsettias, tropical plants and evergreens. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546- 4116.

Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights Nov 30, Dec 1-2, 5-9pm Fri-Sun. Behold the splendor of hundreds of colorful twinkling lights as you stroll through the pathways around the Zoo. $7 adults, $5 ages 3-12, free to ages 2 and under. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585- 1821.

XMAS ARTicles Grand Opening Event Nov 30, 5-7:30pm Fri. Grand opening event for XMAS ARTicles, a Christmas shop full of original art and fi ne crafts from 50 artists. Featuring festive live music, tasty holiday treats and more. decaturarts.org. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.

Theater & Comedy

A Christmas Carol: The Musical Nov 30, Dec 1-2, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Play about Ebenezer Scrooge, who is forced to face his selfi sh ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his past, present and future. $18, $20. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Reena Calm Nov 30, Dec 1, 8-9:30pm Fri, 7-8:30pm Sat. One of the most respected and requested comedians in the Midwest. Reservations. $12.50. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 482-5233.

The Ragin Cajun Nov 30, Dec 1, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat. John Morgan’s comedy features a little southern charm along with a look at life that will make you laugh. $16 general; $18 VIP. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., Music: General Events

Brown Bag Concert Dec 5, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. Lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays during Advent featuring a variety of music artists. BYO lunch or purchase one at the door for $5. Free admission. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Constellation Men’s Vocal Ensemble Nov 30, 7:30-9:30pm Fri. Performance by a Chicagobased men’s chamber choir dedicated to exceptional music making and spreading passion for choral music with community engagement and diverse programming. $15 per ticket. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Fall Showcase Nov 30, 7:30pm Fri. Featuring the UIS Chorus, Orchestra and Band. Free. uis.edu. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Handel’s Messiah with Orchestra Dec 5, 7:30pm Wed. A Springfield Choral Society presentation under the direction of Marion van der Loo, music director and conductor. $15. springfieldchoralsociety.org. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 522-3342.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Nov 30, Dec 1, 7-8:30pm Fri- Sat. Winter concert by the Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus featuring “Mele Kalikimaka,” “Feliz Navidad,” Home for the Holidays” and other holiday favorites. $18 adults, $10 ages 12 and under. hcfta.org. 553- 3324. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

LLCC Big Band Dec 3, 7pm Mon. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 787- 0110.

The Christian Gospel Singers Dec 5, 10am Wed. Every Wednesday. All are welcome. 303-2422. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 528-4035.

Dance Country Music Dance Nov 30, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. $5 cover. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 789- 4725.

Art & Architecture

Art From Different Minds Nov 30, 5-7pm Fri. A Sangamon Watercolor Society reception featuring art by Rosalinda Post- Lucas and Michael Delaney. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Art of Illinois Exhibition Tour Nov 29, Dec 1-5, 3-4:30pm Thu-Wed. Co-curated by Wendy Greenhouse and Sharon Darling, Art of Illinois features pieces dating back 750 years through the present day. Registration. Free. illinoismansion.org. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., 782-6450.

Attention to Detail: A Dana- Thomas House Specialty Tour Dec 1, 10:15am-12:15pm Sat. Tour led by Frank Marchant explores details and stories of the House that enrich our understanding of art and architecture and the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. $20 suggested donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

no cake, no trophy Nov 29-30, Dec 3-5, 8am-4pm Mon-Fri. A print exhibit by Felicia Cannon. On display weekdays through Dec 13. llcc.edu. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-4967.

Of Glass and Wood: A Dana- Thomas House Specialty Tour Dec 1, 10:15am-12:15pm Sat. Tour led by Frank Marchant focuses on details of the amazing art glass collection and the Frank Lloyd Wright designed furniture in the house.

Reservations. $20 suggested donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782- 6776.

One Nighter: Enamel Wine Stopper Nov 30, 6-8pm Fri. Instructor Poppy Vincent teaches techniques to create a colorful enameled wine stopper. BYO food. $15 members, $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

One Nighter: Fabric Bangle Dec 1, 6-8pm Sat. Instructed by Cookie Kienzler, participants will make up to three bangles with wrapped fabric. $15 members, $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Opening Reception and Gallery Talk Dec 1, 6-8pm Sat. Gallery talk at 6:30pm. Featuring alcohol paintings on metal by Jessica Freeman Richardson. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243- 9390.

SAA Collective Artist Exhibition Reception Nov 30, 5-7pm Fri. Final reception of the year featuring new work by all the SAA Collective artists as well as our holiday corner. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544- 2787.

SAA Collective Members Exhibition Nov 29, Dec 1, 4-5, 12- 7pm Thu-Sat and Tue-Wed. Featuring new works by SAA Collective member artists. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544- 2787.

The Handmades Sale Nov 30, Dec 1, 2-7pm Fri, 10am-5pm Sat. A holiday art show featuring local and regional artists. Organized by ArtHive 835. Free. arthive835.com. Casey’s Pub, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 241-7101.

Youth Ministry Craft Festival Dec 1, 9am-3pm Sat. Featuring a wide variety of handmade crafts, jewelry and more. oursaviors-church.org. 793- 6433. Our Savior’s Church and School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-4531.

Children’s Corner

Babes in the Woods Dec 4, 11am-12pm Tue. An adultpaced hike designed for parents and caregivers who carry their children. Not recommended for young children who walk. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Illinois Holiday History Super Saturday Dec 1, 11am-3pm Sat. Learn how the holidays in Illinois have been celebrated through the years with crafts, games, and more. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Kidzeum Holiday Walk After Hours Dec 5, 5-7pm Wed. Come wearing pajamas for a special storytime at 6pm and play in the museum after dark. Free with admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 East Adams St., 971-4435.

Nature Garden Family Adventures Dec 2, 1-4pm Sun. Featuring hands-on nature activities for families relating to a monthly topic. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Dec 4, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

Breakfast Optimist Club Nov 30, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Dec 3, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting. Presentation titled “Is it Holiday Time Already” by Rae Roberts-Griffi th. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.

Bulletin Board

Board Game Night Nov 29, 7-9pm Thu. Hosted by Lincoln Library and Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. Free. buzzbombbrewingco.com. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co, 406 E. Adams, 679-4157.

Drinkin Lincoln Craft Beer Walk Nov 30, 7-10pm Fri. Journey through the downtown historic Levy District, walking in Lincoln’s footsteps as we explore Springfield’s growing craft beer scene. Ages 21+. $45 per person. springfieldwalks.com. 502-8687. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Handmade Trivia Dec 5, 7-9pm Wed. Donna Smargiassi doles out seven rounds of fi ve trivia questions each. Free. buzzbombbrewingco.com. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. 406 E. Adams, 679-4157.

Facebook Community Boost Dec 3-4, 10am-5pm Mon, 8:30am-12:30pm Tue. A Facebook program designed to help small businesses grow and better compete in the new economy. Free with registration. fbcommunityboost.com. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Intro to Contemporary Parents Dec 3, 7-8pm Mon. Parents learn how to build an encouraging child safety fi le and discover why it is important. Free. Decatur Township Community Room, 1620 S. Taylorville Road, Decatur, 464-0406.

History Bicentennial and Beyond! The Illinois Legacy Collection Nov 29-30, Dec 1-5, 9am-4:30pm Mon-Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. Exhibition in celebration of the state’s 200th birthday features rare and rarely-seen artifacts from the Museum’s 13.5 millionobject Illinois Legacy Collection to highlight the dynamic story of Illinois. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Paul Mickey Learning Series: Mining Stone Dec 5, 7-8:30pm Wed. A presentation titled “Mining Stone: Exploring Cultural Significance of Mines and Quarries in the European Neolithic” by Lynn Fisher. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782- 7386.

We Were the Most Hated and Despised Men Dec 3, 6pm Mon. Presentation by Chadwick Boehlke, local Jacksonville historian, on Jacksonville’s Underground Railroad, 1824-1865. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-5435.

Faith & Philosophy

Companions on the Journey Dec 3, 11:30am-12:30pm Mon. A lunchtime gathering for seniors on the first Monday of each month. Includes meal, speakers and discussion period. Reservations. $20. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523- 0901.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Nov 30, 7-8:30pm Fri. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship to follow. Free. 546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

The Colors of Christmastime Dec 2, 10:30-11:30am Sun. A presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.

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