Holiday Happenings

29th Annual Cookie Walk Dec 15, 8am-12pm Sat. Featuring dozens of homemade cookies and candy of countless varieties. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 546- 4631.

45th Annual Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 13-19, 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.

Advent Family Fun Day Dec 16, 3-5pm Sun. Make gifts, view a large train display, have photos taken with Santa, sing Christmas carols, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, bring gifts to be wrapped and more. Free. chathampresbyterian.com. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut St., Chatham, 483- 4204.

Advent Worship Celebration Dec 16, 9:30-10:30am Sun. A discussion of gifts in honor of the third Sunday of Advent. chathampresbyterian.com. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut St., Chatham, 483-4204.

An Historic Christmas Open House Dec 15, 1-5pm Sat. Special tours telling how holiday celebrations grew and evolved during the 19th century plus face painting, cookie decorating, caroling, live music and other holiday traditions. Free. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Candlelight Tour Dec 14, 6-8pm Fri. See period-authentic 19th century Christmas decorations illuminated by candlelight and lamplight. Light refreshments served. Free. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Celebrate the Music Dec 15, 3-5pm Sat. A festive holiday concert by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Chorale and the Jacksonville High School Concert Choir, featuring a special appearance by Santa. $18. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245- 3000.

Children’s Christmas Musical Dec 16, 4pm Sun. A musical titled Crazy, Busy, Peaceful Holy Night about a family running in every direction and potentially missing His peace in the middle of the crazy. Free. springfieldfirst.org. Springfield First United Methodist Church - Community Life Center, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

Christmas Card Lane Dec 13-15, 18-19. 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 Craft for Adults Dec 19, 6:30pm Wed. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-5435.

Christmas Open House Dec 15, 1-4pm Sat. Featuring crafts for children and adults, refreshments and holiday cheer. Free. spiaahm.org. 391-6323. African- American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 877- 757-2246.

Classic Nashville Christmas Dec 16, 2pm Sun. Jason Petty, Katie Deal and The Classic Nashville Roadshow cast bring you the greatest collection of country Christmas songs and the stories behind them. $32 adults, $30 seniors and students; $28 veterans and first responders. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Dana-Thomas House Holiday Walks Dec 19, 5-8pm Wed. View the beautiful holiday decorations that fill 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 19, 5-8pm Wed. Featuring carolers, a 16- foot Christmas tree on the plaza, performers and more. downtownspringfield.org. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

Downtown Springfield Inc. Holiday Walks Dec 15, 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.

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Dec 16, 4-6pm Sun. 100th anniversary celebration. Reception to follow. Free. stpaulspringfield.com. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., 544- 5135.

Holiday Party Dec 19, 10:30am Wed. Featuring Santa Bingo and musical performances by Phil Steinburg. centralILseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 528-4035.

Holiday Tours Dec 15, 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 13-19, 9am-5pm Thu-Wed. 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.

Hope for the Holidays Dec 15, 10am-12pm Sat. Featuring family photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, gingerbread man decorating, hot cocoa bar, crafts and more. Free. hope.vet. 503- 4804. Hope Veterinary Care, 4337 Conestoga Dr.

Luminarias Dec 16, 5-8pm Sun. See the exterior of the House lit with hundreds of luminarias and enjoy holiday decor provided by the Springfield Civic Garden Club. Donations. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

Lutheran High Choir Dec 13, 11am Thu. centralILseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 528-4035.

Madrigal Dinner Dec 14-15, 6:30pm Fri- Sat. Admission includes a full meal with drink and dessert along with a skit and full concert. $12 seniors and students; $15 adults. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 546- 6363.

Mrs. Claus in the House Dec 15, 12-2pm Sat. In support of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois. bunngourmet.com. Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet, 2941 Plaza Dr., 793-1840.

Porta High Jazz Choir Dec 14, 10:15am Fri. centralILseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 528-4035.

Santa House Dec 13-19, 5-8pm Mon-Fri, 5-8pm Thu-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 Visit Dec 15, 10am-12pm Sat. Free. Petefish, Skiles and Co. Bank, 121 N. Sixth St., Petersburg, 632-2247.

Santa Visit Dec 16, 5-7pm Sun. Santa visit and crafts. Free. Manners Park, South Main Street, four blocks south of square, Taylorville, 824- 3110.

Santa Visit Dec 18, 5:30-7pm Tue. Free Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

The Polar Express Experience Dec 15-16, 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. Pajamas encouraged. $10 at door. arleetheater.com. 691-7229. Arlee Theater, 139 S. Main St., Mason City, 482-9999.

TubaChristmas Dec 15, 1pm Sat. Conducted by Tom Philbrick, coordinated by Roger Schlichting and featuring several dozen musicians. Free with museum admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

We Need a Little Christmas Dec 16, 4pm Sun. A concert by The Capital City Men’s Chorus. $10. 494-8859. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

Winter Holiday Exhibition Dec 15, 1:30pm Sat. Featuring holiday music interpreted by figure skaters. Public skate to follow. Hosted by the Springfield Figure Skating Club. 753-2800. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights Dec 14-16, 19, 5-9pm Fri- Sun, 5-9pm Wed. 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.

Wreaths Across America Dec 15, 12-2pm Sat. Donations. wreathsacrossamerica.org. 415-6464. Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, 492- 4070.

Books & Authors

217 Comic Creator Meetup Dec 13, 5-10pm Thu. Killen Enterprises, 1650 Wabash Ave., 726-5801.

Theater & Comedy

Comedian Rob Little Dec 14-15, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat. $18 general; $20 VIP. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Mr. Lincoln’s 200th Birthday Dec 13, 7pm Thu. Starring Pam Brown. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Music: General Events

Brown Bag Concert Dec 19, 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.

Curtis and Loretta Holiday Concert Dec 13, 7-9pm Thu. A “Music at the Museum” concert featuring Curtis and Loretta, a husband-and-wife duo performing extraordinary harmonies on stringed instruments of all kinds. $10 adults; $8 museum members and children under 12. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Fall Carillon Concert Dec 19, 12pm Wed. Featuring classical, folk and popular music. Free. springfieldparks.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.

Holiday Pops in the Heartland Dec 15, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Festive music and holiday songs performed by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Bloomington- Normal Youth Symphony, Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony, Springfield Ballet Company, Springfield Youth Performance Group and the Twin Cities School of Dance. $21-$63 adults; $6 students with valid ID. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Pristine Piano Dec 13, 7pm Thu. A performance by Jane Hartman, LLCC professor of music and LLCC students. Menard Hall, Room 2250, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Springfield Youth Performance Group Dec 15, 3pm Sat. Part of the Families First Youth Performance series. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., 782-6450.

The Christian Gospel Singers Dec 19, 10am Wed. Every Wednesday. All are welcome. 303-2422. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 528-4035.

Art & Architecture

Art of Illinois Exhibition Tour Dec 13-19. 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 13-19. 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 13, 8am-4pm Thu. 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: Zentangles Dec 14, 6-8pm Fri. Instructed by Cookie Kienzler, participants will learn the relaxing art of making zentangles. BYOB or food. $15 members, $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

SAA Collective Members Exhibition Dec 13-15, 18-19. Featuring new works by SAA Collective member artists. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Film & Television Movie Night for Adults Dec 18, 6pm Tue. Enjoy a showing of Love Actually while eating complimentary snacks. Free. jaxpl.org. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-5435.

Children’s Corner

‘Reading with a Ranger’ and Winter Workshop Crafts Dec 15, 10am-12pm Sat. Join a Lincoln Home park ranger for a special children’s reading program followed by a winter workshop where children will get to make a selection of crafts. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Art of Illinois Sculpture Safari Dec 16, 2:30-3:15pm Sun. Explore some of Illinois’ abstract sculptures from different angles. Tour is designed for families with children ages 3-12. Registration. Free. illinoismansion.org. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., 782-6450.

Kidzeum Holiday Walk After Hours Dec 19, 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 16, 10am-12pm Sun. 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 lowersensory Kidzeum experience. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 971-4435.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Dec 18, 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 14, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Jobs and Job Training for Minorities and Women Meeting Dec 17, 12pm Mon. Held on the third Monday 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.

Navy Club Sangamon Ship 32 Auxiliary Dec 13, 7-9pm Thu. Discussion of the auxiliary’s future plans future plans and ways to help the community. Open to those with past or present family members in the water borne forces. Navy Club Ship 32, 3100 Stanton Ave., 585-9132.

Stamp Collecting Club Dec 17, 7pm Mon. Meetings held on the third Monday of every month. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Bulletin Board Adults Night Out Dec 14, 6:30-8:30pm Fri. Adults ages 21+ are invited to explore the Kidzeum and let our their inner child. Advance: $20 per individual or $30 per pair. Door: $25 per person.

Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 971-4435.

Coffee with a Ranger Dec 14, 9-10am Fri. Join a Lincoln Home Park Ranger in discussing the legacy of Mary Lincoln as wife, mother and First Lady. Wm. Van’s Coffee House, 503 S. Seventh St., 679-4726.

Handmade Trivia Dec 19, 7-9pm Wed. Donna Smargiassi doles out seven rounds of five trivia questions each. Free. buzzbombbrewingco.com. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co, 406 E. Adams, 679-4157.

Intro to Contemporary Parents Dec 17, 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.

Journey to Greatness: Character Lessons from the Past Dec 15, 1-4pm Sat. A celebration honoring students from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois 21st Century Program. Featuring guest speakers, an oratorical contest, trivia contest and more. nps.gov. Lincoln Home NHS Visitors Center, 426 S. Seventh St., 492-4150.

PFLAG Monthly Meeting Dec 17, 7-8:30pm Mon. Meets the third Thursday of each month. Group offers support to members of the LGBTQ community, their families and friends. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Food Mary Lincoln’s 200th Birthday Cake Throwdown Dec 15, 2pm Sat. Using Mary Lincoln’s famous white cake with almonds recipe, bakers will face-off and one will be crowned as “The MTL 200th Birthday Cake Throwdown Champion.” Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Politics DSA December Meeting Dec 13, 6:30-9pm Thu. DSA 101 and chapter elections. sangamoncountydsa.org. 815- 570-9348. Union Hall, 615 S. Fifth St., 320-566-9420.

History

Bicentennial and Beyond! The Illinois Legacy Collection Dec 13-19. 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.

Candlelight Tour Dec 13, 5-6:30pm Thu. A special candlelight tour on Mary Lincoln’s 200th birthday. Free. nps.gov. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 391-3221.

Cutting of Mary Lincoln’s Birthday Cake Dec 13, 12-1pm Thu. Lincoln Home NHS Visitors Center, 426 S. Seventh St., 492-4150.

From the Vault: Mary Remembered Through Artifacts and More Dec 13, 15, 2-3pm Thu, 9-10am Sat. Join us for a curator-led tour of a special Mary Lincoln-focused artifact exhibit and tour of the Lincoln Home. Lincoln Home NHS Visitors Center, 426 S. Seventh St., 492-4150.

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Lincoln Dec 13, 12:30pm Thu. State historian Samuel Wheeler highlights Mary Lincoln documents and artifacts in the ALPLM’s collection and interviews Mrs. Lincoln (portrayed by Pam Brown) with questions from the audience. Free. PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Historic Houses of Lincoln’s Illinois Dec 19, 12-1pm Wed. A Brown Bag Program presented by Erika Holst explores the connections Abraham Lincoln has to several historic buildings within the 42-county Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785- 0037.

There’s Something About Mary Dec 13, 10-11am Thu. A special ranger-led program commemorating Mary Lincoln’s life with an emphasis on her life in Springfield. Includes a Mary-focused tour of the Lincoln Home. Lincoln Home NHS Visitors Center, 426 S. Seventh St., 492-4150.

Auditions Farce of Nature Dec 18-19, 6:30pm Tue-Wed. Cast will include four men and five women of various ages. Please come prepared to read a selection from the script. Performance dates will be Feb 8-10 and 15-17. theatre7.net. Theatre 7, 131 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-2107.

Faith & Philosophy Children’s Holiday Pageant Dec 16, 10:30-11:30am Sun. An examination of holiday traditions, both in the congregation and through time, plus guest appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus and some reindeer. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Dec 14, 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.

Interfaith Devotional Service Dec 13, 6-8pm Thu. All faiths and denominations under God. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

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

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