Holiday Happenings

1850s Carol Sing Dec 8, 6-7pm Sat. Join Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln for special music, worship and a carol sing. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

19th Annual Cookie Walk Dec 8, 8:30am-12pm Sat. Enjoy one of the area’s largest cookie walks plus visits with Santa, entertainment, vendors, auctions and more. Free admission. St. John Vianney Church Activity Center, 902 Saint Johns Dr., Sherman.

45th Annual Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 6-12, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun. View a stunning display of poinsettias, tropical plants and evergreens. Free. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

A Greek Christmas Dec 11, 6-8pm Tue. Greek sororities and fraternities come together to celebrate Christmas and enjoy a friendly tree decorating competition. Free. spiaahm.org. 391-6323. African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 877-757-2246.

Advent Worship Celebration Dec 9, 9:30-10:30am Sun. Learn why waiting, though hard, can be a time to stop and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. chathampresbyterian.com. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut St., Chatham, 483-4204.

Alternative Holiday Fair Dec 7-8, 4-8pm Fri, 8am-2pm Sat. Featuring fair-trade items made by artisans in developing nations such as toys, jewelry, housewares, scarves, baskets, handbags, unique Christmas ornaments, a bake sale and more. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Annual Christmas Cantata Dec 9, 6pm Sun. Featuring The Tommies Reunion Choir and more. $20. eventbrite.com. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 544- 8115.

Breakfast with Santa Dec 8, 8:30-10:30am Sat. Enjoy breakfast, face painting, balloon animals and a visit with Santa Claus. Free for children; donations requested from adults. aasr-spi.org. Springfield Masonic Center, 1020 Rickard Road, 793-7728.

Candlelight Tour Dec 7, 6-8pm Fri. See periodauthentic 19th century Christmas decorations illuminated by candlelight and lamplight. Light refreshments served. Free. ileshouse.org. ElijahIles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Caroling at the Carillon Dec 9, 4-5pm Sun. Sing holiday carols and enjoy a roaring bonfire, cookies and hot chocolate, a special visit from Santa and seasonal interludes by the Trinity Wind Ensemble. Free. springfieldparks.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.

Celebrate the Season with Kidzeum Dec 8, 10am-5pm Sat. Featuring kids’ fitness classes, including yoga, plus holiday activities and a new reading area. Free with admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 971-4435.

Christmas Cantata Dec 9, 9am and 10:30am Sun. Featuring the combined New Life Adult Choir, Handbell Choir, OneVoice Youth Choir, K-6th grade children’s choirs and the Lincoln Land Community College Choir accompanied by a full orchestra. Free. springfieldfirst.org. Springfield First United Methodist Church - Sanctuary, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793- 9760.

Christmas Card Lane Dec 6-12. An outdoor exhibit/competition comprised of larger-than-life “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 on the Hilltop Dec 8, 7:30pm Sat. Concert titled “And the Angels Sang” featuring music of the season spanning a multitude of musical styles and eras. Presented by the Illinois College choirs and Wind Ensemble. Free. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Downtown Springfield Inc. Holiday Walks Dec 8, 12, 12-5pm Sat, 5-8pm Wed. Featuring carolers, a 16-foot Christmas tree on the plaza, performers and more. downtownspringfield.org. 544- 1723. Downtown Springfield.

Happy Holly Days Dec 8, 10-11:30am Sat. Enjoy fishing for candy canes and make a fun Christmas craft plus a yummy holiday treat. $27 residents, $37 non. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Pavilion, 1400 Williams Blvd, 544-1751.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair Dec 8, 10am-3pm Sat. Featuring handmade items by vendors. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Holiday Cookie Walk Dec 8, 8am-12pm Sat. Featuring live entertainment plus holiday cookies and candies. $6 per pound of cookies/candies. 502-2595. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 546-6363.

Holiday Open House Dec 8, 9am-5pm Sat. Featuring refreshments for human and furry friends. tailstoremember.com. Tails to Remember, 3036 N. Peoria Road, 725-9511.

Holiday Party with Santa Dec 8, 2-3:30pm Sat. Make holiday crafts to take home and take family photos with Santa. Free. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 498-8454.

Holiday Tours Dec 8, 10am-3pm Sat. Enjoy the beautiful sanctuary with its seven Tiffany windows and the Lincoln family pew. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Holidays at the White House Dec 6-12. 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.

Pet Photos with Santa Dec 9, 7-8pm Sun. Free visit with Santa; photo packages $24.99+. simon.com. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 787-0110.

Printed Cards and Gift Wrap Workshop Dec 8, 1-3pm Sat. Create a holiday print on a linoleum block that you can use to create a set of greeting cards or your own wrapping paper. For ages 12+. $20 SAA members; $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Santa House Dec 8-12, 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. 544-1751. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 753-0700.

Santa Spectacular Dec 8, 10am-2pm Sat. Complimentary photos with Santa, special Christmas activities, decorate a cookie, create an ornament and enjoy games, prizes and more. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 726-6330.

Santa Visit Dec 6, 5-7pm Thu. Free Simply Fair, 2357 W. Monroe St., 679- 0591.

Santa Visit Dec 7, 6-8pm Fri. Santa visit and magician. Free. Manners Park, South Main Street, four blocks south of square, Taylorville, 824-3110.

Santa Visit Dec 8, 9-11am Sat. New Salem Facility of Alliance Community Bank, 14202 State Hwy 97, Petersburg, 632-2100.

Santa Visit Dec 8, 12-4pm Sat. Free Magro’s Meat and Produce, 3150 Stanton Ave., 679-3161.

Santa Visit Dec 10, 5:30-7:30pm Mon. Santa visit, balloon artist and face painter. Free. Manners Park, South Main Street, four blocks south of square, Taylorville, 824-3110.

Sidewalk Prophets Christmas Concert Dec 7, 7-10pm Fri. Concert featuring traditional Christmas music, Christmas music by Sidewalk Prophets and other songs. $10. springfieldfirst.org. Springfield First United Methodist Church - Sanctuary, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793- 9760.

Southeast PTO Holiday Bazaar Dec 8, 10am-3pm Sat. Food entertainment, food, vendors and more. In support of educators and Southeast High School’s Post Prom. Free admission. sps186.org. 454-7875. Southeast High School, 2350 E. Ash St., 525-3130.

Special Recreation Holiday Dance Dec 7, 7-9pm Fri. For ages 7 and up. Semi-formal dress attire. Popcorn and drinks provided. Free. springfieldparks.org. 503- 4576. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 585- 2941.

Springfield Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade Dec 8, 5:30-6:30pm Sat. Parade starts at the Horace Mann parking lot on Washington Street and loops around the Old State Capitol to Monroe Street on Fifth and Sixth streets. Free. springfieldjaycees.net. 617- 7152. Downtown Springfield.

Stained Glass Ornament Workshop Dec 6, 5:30-8:30pm Thu. Learn stained glass basics to create a beautiful snowfl ake ornament to hang in a window on the tree. For adults 18+ only. $20 SAA members, $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy Dec 8, 5pm or 7pm. A festive evening featuring dinner and live musical entertainment. $20 in advance for dinner; $5 entertainment only. christiancountyhistorical.com. Christian County Historical Museum, Near IL Routes 29 and 48 on Morrison Dr., Taylorville, 824-6922.

Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights Dec 7-9, 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, and free to ages 2 and under. springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Fairs & Festivals Holiday Extravaganza Dec 9, 9am-4pm Sun. Featuring live holiday entertainment, Santa, an oldfashioned cake walk, craft vendors and more. $4 adults, $2 ages 13-18, free to ages 13 and under. 816-3835. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

Theater & Comedy A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage Dec 12, 7:30-9:30pm Wed. A new, touring production of Charles Schulz’s timeless story about the spirit of Christmas. $25-$59. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

A Christmas Carol: The Musical Dec 7-9, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Play about Ebenezer Scrooge, who is forced to face his selfish 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.

Comedian Dak Rakow Dec 7-8, 8-9:30pm Fri, 7-8:30pm Sat. Has performed on HBO’s Comic Relief II, “Comic Strip Live” on Fox and MSNBC’s “Headliners & Legends” with Matt Lauer. $12.50. mclimits. com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 482-5233.

Kevin White Dec 7-8, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat. A hilarious Bostonian Southerner. $16 general; $18 VIP. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Music: General Events

A Calvary Christmas Dec 9, 4-5:15pm Sun. A funfilled night of Christmas music for all ages, activities for kids and photo opportunities for all. Free. CalvarySpringfield.org. Calvary Church Hazel Dell Campus, 501 W. Hazel Dell Road, 546-9700.

Brown Bag Concert Dec 12, 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.

Debby Eddy Flute Choir Dec 8, 3pm Sat. Part of the Families First Youth Performance series. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., 782-6450.

Fall Carillon Concert Dec 12, 12pm Wed. Featuring classical, folk and popular music. Free. springfieldparks.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.

Handel’s Messiah with Orchestra Dec 8, 7:30pm Sat. 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.

Holiday-Themed Concert Dec 7, 7-11pm Fri. Featuring The Deep Hollow. Arlington’s, 210 Broadway, 679-6235.

The Christian Gospel Singers Dec 12, 10am Wed. Every Wednesday. All are welcome. 303-2422. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 528-4035.

Dance Dance for Hope Dec 7, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Latin dance night every first Friday of the month. $8 per person. Free admission to one dance of your choosing during your birth month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

The Nutcracker Dec 8-9, 2pm and 7pm Sat, 2pm Sun. Featuring elaborate scenery, colorful costumes, exquisite dancing and beautiful music. Presented by the Springfield Ballet Company. $17, $27, $37. springfieldballetco.org. 544- 1967. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206- 6160.

Art & Architecture 25 - Art Show Dec 7-8, 6-9pm Fri-Sat. Featuring music, sculptures, paintings, drawings and mixed media artworks by members of the Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space. Free. pharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

Art of Illinois Exhibition Tour Dec 6-12. 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.

GLASS! Exhibition Dec 6-12, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. An exhibition featuring glasswork by many regional artists. On display through Dec. 22. Free. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

no cake, no trophy Dec 6-7, 10-12, 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.

One Nighter: Collage Earrings Dec 8, 6-8pm Sat. Instructed by Cookie Kienzler, participants will make up to five sets of paper-layered drop earrings with wrapped fabric. BYOB or food. $15 members, $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Paint Your Pet Dec 6, 5:30-9pm Thu. Paint in acrylic and glitter on a 12x12 canvas. The portraits will be prepared ahead of time. Half of proceeds support the APL. Reservations. $50 per adult, $25 per kid under 18. christystudios.com. 773-235- 5600. Christy! Studios, 2501 W. Wabash Ave., 546-0953.

SAA Collective Members Exhibition Dec 6-8, 11-13. Featuring new works by SAA Collective member artists. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Silent Auction and Exhibition Closing Reception Dec 6, 5:30-7pm Thu. Final bidding for auction featuring more than 100 items donated by local and regional artists, plus a performance by UIS Music Camerata scholarship students, food, drinks and fun. uis.edu. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, 1 University Plaza, 206-6506.

Victorian Christmas Tea Dec 8, 11am-12:30pm Sat. Sing carols, share holiday stories, and learn about 19th century holiday traditions and practices over tasty tea and delectable desserts. $25 SAA members, $30 non. springfieldart.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Film & Television I, Daniel Blake Dec 7, 7-9pm Fri. A 59-yearold carpenter recovering from a heart attack befriends a single mother and her two children as they navigate their way through the impersonal, Kafkaesque benefi ts system. Rated R. Free. uis.edu. 206-4762. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 206-6073.

Children’s Corner Kidzeum Holiday Walk After Hours Dec 12, 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 E. Adams St., 971-4435.

Specially-Abled Low-Sensory Time Dec 11, 5:15-7:15pm Tue. Low-sensory time for children with disabilities and/or special needs and their family and friends. Open to all children who would benefit from a lower-sensory Kidzeum experience. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 971-4435.

The Harlem Globetrotters Dec 9, 3pm Sun. An exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theater and comedy in their style of play. $25.50-$275.50. theboscenter.com. Bank of Springfi eld Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Winter Wonderland Story Time Dec 11, 10-11am Tue. For preschool children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Learn more about winter time with stories and a craft. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Lectures & Meetings Breakfast Optimist Club Dec 7, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Education Meeting Dec 11, 6pm Tue. Meetings held on the second Tuesday of every month. Hosted by Faith Coalition for the Common Good. faithcoalition-il.org. 717-1525. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 544-8115.

Focus on Fixed Income Dec 7, 10-11am Fri. Presentation by Nate Clemmer, financial advisor at Edward Jones and Christian Haymond, a representative from MFS Investment Management. Free. shermanlibrary.net. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

Mary Lincoln at 200 Dec 11, 12-1pm Tue. Program by author and historian Jason Emerson helps unravel the misinterpretation of Mary Lincoln’s medical diagnosis and legacy. Free. 391-3244. SIU School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge St., 545-2155.

Memory Cafe Dec 11, 3-4pm Tue. An hour of engaging conversation, crafts, activities, music and shared experiences in a relaxed environment. Open to those with memory loss and their caregivers. Free. 726-7900. Bella Milano, 4525 Wabash Ave., 547-0011.

North End Association Take Two Dec 10, 6-6:45pm Mon. Open to all with an interest in improving Springfield’s north end. Free. 502-682-6165. Fulgenzi’s Pizza and Pasta, 1168 E. Sangamon Ave., 544- 8520.

SCIL Annual Meeting Dec 11, 6-8pm Tue. Speaker is Kate Downing, director of Sangamon/Menard Area Regional Transit (SMART). $25 suggested donation. Reservations. scil.org. 523- 2587. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 523-4466.

Voter Engagement Meeting Dec 6, 6pm Thu. Meetings held on the fi rst Thursday of every month. Hosted by Faith Coalition for the Common Good. faithcoalition-il.org. 717-1525. Calvary Baptist Church, 2208 E. Kansas St., 544-1424.

Bulletin Board

Handmade Trivia Dec 12, 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.

Intro to Contemporary Parents Dec 10, 7-8pm Mon. Parents learn how to build an encouraging child safety file and discover why it is important. Free. Decatur Township Community Room, 1620 S. Taylorville Road, Decatur, 464-0406.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon Dec 12, 11am-1pm Wed. Theme is “It’s Christmas.” Featuring four retired teachers providing music using hand bells and speaker Shirley Wheatley with a presentation titled “Cups of Life.” $15. 303- 9768. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 523-7900.

Teen Advisory Board Dec 7, 5-12pm Fri. Ages 13- 18 are invited to share ideas for community projects or activities. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 498-8454.

Tour of Homes Dec 8, Sat. Call 792-5117 for information. Mt. Pulaski.

Young at Heart Dec 11, 9:30-11:30am Tue. Featuring a program, short devotion and complimentary lunch. Open to all area seniors. Free. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

History

Bicentennial and Beyond! The Illinois Legacy Collection Dec 6-12, 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-million object Illinois Legacy Collection to highlight the dynamic story of Illinois. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Mary Lincoln: A Life Remembered Dec 11, 5:30-7:30pm Tue. Author and historian Jason Emerson presents a special program discussing the latest scholarship concerning Mary Lincoln’s life and legacy. Lincoln Home NHS Visitors Center, 426 S. Seventh St., 492-4150.

Faith & Philosophy

Angel of Hope Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony Dec 6, 7pm Thu. Annual ceremony for families and the community to honor and remember the children they’ve lost. Free. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Death Cafe Dec 11, 10:30am and 7:30pm Tue. Drink tea, have cake, and talk about death with others in a safe space. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.

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

Meditation Dec 9, 4:30-6pm Sun. Interfaith devotional service. Readings, prayers, music, followed by light refreshments. Free. 546- 9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

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

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