Holiday Happenings
Christmas at Sugar Creek Sat., Nov. 30, 10am-3pm. Vendors, lunch items, bake sale and used books. The Blood mobile will on site to take donations. Bring a food donation for the local food pantry. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, Chatham, 1022 New City Road, 622-7953.
Christmas on Vinegar Hill Sat., Nov. 23, 8am-4pm. Multiple locations for crafts, antiques, holiday gifts and food. Hot cider, coffee, event maps and Christmas decorations at the Mt. Pulaski courthouse historic site. mtpulaskiil.com. Mt. Pulaski.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner Sat., Nov. 23, 5pm. CORAL will provide the traditional entrees, potatoes, dressing and drinks. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share or a food donation for the food pantry. Free. Lincoln Park, Fifth St. and Sangamon Ave., 217-544-1751.
Downtown Holiday Walk Wednesdays, Saturdays through Dec. 21. A variety of events through the season. downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield.
Memorial’s Festival of Trees Sat., Nov. 23 through Sun., Dec. 1. A nine-day holiday event featuring more than 200 decorated trees and wreaths, hand-crafted gingerbread village structures and live entertainment. Adults $5, children ages 3-12 $3 and ages 2 and under are free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Pathway Services Festival of Trees Fri., Nov. 22, 9am-8pm, Sat., Nov. 23, 9am-8pm and Sun., Nov. 24, 11am-2pm. View designer trees, wreaths, centerpieces and gingerbread creations. Kids' activities and train rides, craft sale, concessions and a variety of entertainment. Pathway Services Unlimited Inc., Jacksonville, 1905 W. Morton Ave., 217-479-2300.
Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights Fridays-Sundays, 5-9pm. Stroll through the zoo as you admire the light displays. Enjoy some hot beverages or fresh sweets while you warm up near the bonfire. There will be caroling, performances and, of course, a visit from the big guy. $7 adults, $5 children 3-12, age 2 and under are free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.
WJVO Christmas parade Fri., Nov. 29, 6pm. Jacksonville Downtown, Jacksonville, Central Park Plaza, 217-243-5678.
Books & Authors
13 Steps for Charlie Birger Thu., Nov. 21, 5:30pm. Author Kevin Corley, known for his research and writing about the coal mining industry and Illinois unions, will discuss his novel that is based on the life of one of southern Illinois’ most well-known gangsters. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.
Alison Blasdell Book Signing Sat., Nov. 23, 5-8pm. The author will be signing copies of her recently released third novel, The Assassin’s Protégé. Copies can be purchased at the book signing, on Amazon or at Cocoa Blue in Rochester. Danenberger Family Vineyards, New Berlin, 12341 Irish Road, 217-488-6321.
Theater & Comedy
Anne of Green Gables Fri., Nov. 22, 7-9pm. Adults $10, students and seniors $8. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 217-546-6363.
Brew Ha Ha Sat., Nov. 23, 8pm. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St., 217-679-4157.
John Evans Fri., Nov. 22, 7:30 & 9:30pm and Sat., Nov. 23, 7:30 & 9:30pm. Tickets $15 and $17. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.
Pat Godwin Fri., Nov. 22, 8pm and Sat., Nov. 23, 7pm. $15-$17.50 prepaid with credit card or cash only at the door. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, Mason City, 114 E. Chestnut St., 217-482-5233.
Patti Vasquez Sat., Nov. 23, 8-10pm. Part of the Laugh Out Loud UIS Comedy Series. $15 in advance $20 at the door. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Spring Awakening Fri., Nov. 22, 8pm, Sat., Nov. 23, 8pm and Sun., Nov. 24, 2pm. Join this group of late 19th century German students on their passage as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming-of-age anxiety. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Special Music Events
Elvis Show Sat., Nov. 30, 7pm. A tribute to Elvis featuring artists Russ Brittain and Mike Hartney. $10 at the door. Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 217-529-6626.
Dance
Books on Stage Sat., Nov. 23, 3 & 5pm and Sun., Nov. 24, 3 & 5pm. See children’s literature brought to life through music and movement by the Springfield Youth Performance Group. $8. Hoogland Center for the Arts, Theatre 3, 420 S. 6th St., 523-2787.
Dance for Hope Fridays. $8 per person. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 217-522-9106.
Art & Architecture
Eleanor Spiess-Ferris: Daphne’s Sister Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-4:30pm and Sundays, 12-4:30pm. Paintings and drawings trace the development of the artist’s distinctive figures across her career. Museum admission. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Glass blown ornament workshop Mon., Dec. 2, 1-4pm. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Glass blown suck bowl workshop Wed., Dec. 4, 6-9pm. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Glass paperweight workshop Tue., Dec. 3, 6-9pm. With resident glassblower Mario Clarke. $45 members, $55 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Monday Glass Demo Days Mon., Nov. 25, 1-3pm. Glass blowing demonstration by Resident Artist Mario Clarke. $10 at the door. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
On My Own Time Thu., Nov. 21, 9am-5pm, Fri., Nov. 22, 9am-5pm and Sat., Nov. 23, 10am-3pm. Final citywide exhibition of the participants’ works. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Papermaking: Cards Sat., Nov. 23, 6-8pm. Instructed by Betsy Dollar, participants are invited to come create their own handmade paper cards in holiday shapes and colors. $20 members, $30 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel Tour Sun., Nov. 24, 1:30pm. Enjoy an up-close encounter with this pristine mid-century modern architectural gem. Accessible facility. Free, but preregistration is required. Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St., 787-0481.
Film & Television
Route 66 Film Festival Fri., Nov. 22, 6:30-11:30pm and Sat., Nov. 23, 12-11:30pm. A diverse lineup of films. Both evening sessions are for mature audiences. $10 per session at illinoistimestix.com. Bundle of 4 tickets for $35. 217-529-6626. Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. St. Joseph St.
Children’s Corner
Caring Santa Sun., Dec. 1, 9-11am. The necessary adjustments will be made to the environment to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children of all abilities for their visit with Santa. Free. RSVP. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Fun Frosty Friday Fri., Nov. 29, 10am-1pm. Fun for the entire family including planes, trains, automobiles, face painting, balloon art and a life-size candy land adventure. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Parent’s Night Out Wed., Dec. 4, 5:30pm. Parents can drop off their kids while they enjoy time out shopping for the holidays and downtown Springfield’s holiday walks. Supervised fun, educational activities and a healthy meal will be provided. Admission is $25 per child. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.
The Polar Express Pajama Party Sun., Nov. 24, 5:30pm, Mon., Nov. 25, 5:30pm and Tue., Nov. 26, 3pm. Everybody in their jammies for crafting and cocoa before a screening of the film. Includes a photo with our special guest from the North Pole. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Sensory-friendly Frozen 2 Sat., Nov. 30, 10am. For autistic children and their immediate families. Sponsored by Autism Support of Central Illinois. Free. AMC Showplace Springfield 8, 2945 South Dirksen Parkway.
Sensory-friendly times Thu., Nov. 21, 5-7pm. These are times where we turn down the lights and noises to allow our friends with sensory differences and mobility issues to explore and discover the galleries at their own pace.. Kidzeum General Admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.
Lectures & Meetings
Alateen and Al-Anon Sundays, 6:30pm. Two separate group meetings that take place at the same time and location, but in different rooms. 217-502-6777. spi-alanon.weebly.com. Real Life Church, 2701 Hermitage Rd.
Family and Friends of Prisoners Support Group Last Tuesday of every month, 6pm. King of Kings Christian Assembly, 520 S. Livingston, 217-525-2337.
Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Fridays, 7am. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.
Bulletin Board
Cutting the cord: How to live without cable Sat., Nov. 23, 2pm. Learn what you need to become a fullfledged cord cutter with access to (almost) everything you would get via regular cable TV. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.
North Mac Glo Bingo Sat., Nov. 23, 5:30pm. Sponsored by the North Mac Public Schools Foundation. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Virden Knights of Columbus, Virden, 1320 N. Dye St., 965-3665.
Sex Addicts Anonymous Mondays, Thursdays, 6-7pm. A 12-step meeting for those seeking freedom from addictive or compulsive sexual behavior. Confidentiality assured. Email [email protected] or call 217-306-7335 for meeting location.
History
Horses and authenticity in the movies Thu., Nov. 21, 7pm. Presented by Dr. Karl Luthin, a large animal veterinarian who has assisted with several Civil War productions. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.
Faith & Philosophy
Area Thanksgiving Service Tue., Nov. 26, 6pm. An offering will be given to the Ministerial Alliance to assist those in need throughout the holidays and cold winter months. Light meal will follow the service. Indian Point Presbyterian Church, Athens, 24562 Indian Point Ave., 217-636-8132.
A Course in Miracles Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.
Finding the Pathway to Unity Fri., Nov. 22, 6:30-8pm. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9171.
Hope Wed., Dec. 4, 6:30pm. Cancer Companions ministry team will conduct nine group sessions offering encouragement and support to anyone in treatment, post treatment or their caregivers. Free. stjohnsspringfield.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.
We Welcome All to the Table Greater Springfield Interfaith Association’s annual Thanksgiving Service. Words of inspiration from members’ respective traditions and musical offerings as well as the presentation of the Humanitarian of the Year award. Temple Israel, 1140 Governor St., 546-2841
Health
Community Yoga Mondays, 5:15-6:30pm. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat. A few mats are available to borrow. Open to any adult and all skill levels, but the class is geared toward beginners. Free, but donations to the instructor are welcome. Family Service Center, 710 E. Vine St., 217-528-8406.
Restorative Yoga Tue., Nov. 26, 6pm. Bring your own mat. Registration at chathamlib.org. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.
More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.
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