Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 27-Dec 1, Wed 10am-8pm, Thu 4-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 10am-5pm. A holiday tradition featuring more than 200 decorated trees and wreaths, hand-crafted gingerbread village structures, hand-decorated cookies 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., 725-8047.

Design Ideas Holiday Store Nov 29-Dec 15, Fri and Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 11am-6pm. Four nonprofit organizations will split this year’s sales – the Animal Protective League, Helping Hands of Springfield, Hoogland Center for the Arts and Spark. Shop ‘n Save, 1755 Wabash Ave., 800-426-6394.

Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights Nov 29-Dec 29, Fri-Sun, 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., 585-1821.

WJVO Christmas parade Nov 29, Fri 6pm. Jacksonville Central Park Plaza, 243-5678.

Fun Frosty Friday Nov 29, Fri 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., 558-8844.

The Polar Express Pajama Party Nov 29-Dec 1, Fri and Sat 5:30pm and Sun 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. Sensory-friendly party and screening. Sat, Nov 30, 1pm. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Old State Capitol Holiday Music Performance Nov 30, Sat 2:30pm. Debbie Eddy Flute Choir. Hosted by the Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources. Free. 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Christmas at Sugar Creek Nov 30, Sat 10am-3pm. Vendors, lunch items, bake sale and used books. The blood mobile will be 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 in the Country Nov 30, Sat 8am-3pm. The annual craft tour of 20 locations in Athens, Cantrall and surrounding areas. Maps available in Athens stores and Chaditos on Rt. 29. Athens community area, 691-0504.

Old Capitol Holiday Walks Nov 30-Dec. 21, Sat 12-5pm and Wed 5-8pm. A variety of events throughout the season. Christmas tree on the plaza, Santa and more. downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield, 544-1723.

Holiday Walks Evening Tours Nov 30, Sat and Dec 4, Dec 11 and Dec 18, Wed 5:15, 6:30 and 7pm. The house, built between 1902 and 1904, has more than 400 pieces of specially made art glass and original furnishings. Reservations are required. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

Caring Santa Dec 1, Sun 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., 787-0110.

Adult Craft Class: Christmas Bows, Tags and Cards Dec 2, Mon 6:30pm. Learn how to make your own bows, tags and cards for Christmas. This class is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 243-5435.

Painting Party Dec 3, Tue 7pm. A painting party for adults. Paint a snowman with instructor Allison Pratt. All materials provided. Wear clothes for painting or bring an apron. Registration required. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 243-5435.

Old State Capitol Holiday Music Performance Dec 4, Wed 6:30pm. Lincoln Magnet School Chorus. Hosted by the Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources. Free. 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Parent’s Night Out Dec 4, Wed 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., 971-4435.

Amazing Alleluias Dec 6, Fri 7:30pm. Soprano Awet Andemicael. Tickets at uispac.com. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Appalachian Christmas Quartet Dec 6, Fri 7:30pm. An evening of traditional Christmas music. Free. West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Lane, 793-2800.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Dec 6-7, Fri-Sat 7pm. Presented by the Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus. Everyone 100 years old and older gets in free. $10- $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Martina McBride – The Joy of Christmas Dec 6, Fri 8pm. A multiple Grammynominated country music icon. $39.50+. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 206-6160.

It’s a Wonderful Life: Radio Hour Dec 6-8 and Dec 13-15, Fri-Sat, 8pm and Sun 2pm, A beloved American holiday classic, the story of idealistic George Bailey comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Springfield Theatre Centre, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Printmaking cards Dec 6, Fri 6-8pm. Instructed by Corie Decker. $20 members, $30 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Alternative Holiday Fair Dec 6, Fri 4-8pm and Dec 7, Sat 9am- 2pm. International fair trade toys, games, desk accessories, musical instruments, baskets, jewelry, house wares and unique holiday items. International foods for dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday. Free admission. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 685-1610.

Franciscan Nativity Festival Dec 6-8, Fri-Sun 2-7pm. Saint Francis of Assisi’s Feast of Feasts visualized through more than 100 nativity sets, each with a unique history and significance. Free. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.

The Handmades Sales 2019 Dec 6, Fri 2-7pm and Dec 7, Sat10am- 5pm. Shop for handmade holiday gifts. The show features the work of over 35 local and regional artists. Free. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St., 847-533-7829.

The Polar Express Dec 6, Fri 6pm, Dec 7, Sat 6pm and Dec 8, Sun 2pm. Everyone can wear their pajamas and enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie while watching the movie, followed by a visit from Santa. Discounted advance tickets. 691-7229. Arlee Theater, Mason City, 139 S. Main St., 482-9999.

Old State Capitol Holiday Music Performance Dec 7, Sat 2:30pm. Old State Capitol Chorale. Hosted by the Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources. Free. 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Architectural Tours Dec 7, Sat 5pm and 6:30pm. The House, built between 1902 and 1904, has more than 400 pieces of specially made art glass and original furnishings. Reservations are required. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

Christmas Open House and Art Exhibit Dec 7, Sat 1-4pm. Celebrate the season and view works by local artists. Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 391-6323.

Fresh Evergreen Wreath Making Workshop Dec 7, Sat 9am. Bring pruning shears and any custom decorations for your wreaths. Plant materials, wreath frames and wire will be provided. Ages 18+. Pre-registration and prepayment are required. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Gingerbread House Workshop Dec 7, Sat 1-4pm. Decorate pre-made houses with assorted candies and frostings. Advance tickets are $15 members, $20 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Holly Fair and Bake Sale Dec 7, Sat 10am-3pm. Gyros, Italian beef, vegetable soup, spinach pie, baklava and more. Free admission. St. Anthony’s Hellenic Orthodox Church, 1600 S. Glenwood Ave., 522-7010.

Madrigal Dinner Dec 7, Sat 7:30pm. Renaissance and Christmas music, a skit by the jesters and a full meal. Adults $15, students and seniors $12, children 5 and under $5. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 546-6363.

Christmas at Clayville Dec 7, Sat, 10am-3pm. Visit with Santa, listen to Christmas songs and have cocoa and cookies. Clayville, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 572-4984.

A Calvary Christmas Dec 7, Sat 5pm and Dec 8, Sun 3pm and 6pm. Christmas music for all ages, activities for kids, cookies, cocoa and photo opportunities for your family and friends. Free. Calvary Church Hazel Dell Campus, 501 W. Hazel Dell Road, 546-9700.

Annual Cookie Walk Dec 7, Sat 8am-1pm. Complimentary drinks will be available and carryout help, if needed. Homemade candies $8 per pound and cookies $7 per pound. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St., 528-0457.

Candlelight Tour Dec 7, Sat 5-8pm. Period decorations will show how the holiday was celebrated in the 19th century. Light refreshments. 481-4397. Free. Clayville, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 572-4984.

Christmas in Petersburg Dec 7, Sat 9am-4pm. Shop, dine and see historic Petersburg. Free carriage rides 1-3pm with a donation to a local food pantry or pet shelter. Vendors at PORTA school 8am-3pm. Santa visit 11am-1pm. Home tours $12 or $10 in advance. Petersburg Square, Petersburg, N. Seventh St. at W. Douglas Ave.

Cookie Walk Dec 7, Sat 8-11am. $7 per pound. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave., 546-7170.

Governor’s Mansion Holiday Open House Dec 7, Sat 1-4pm. Reservations not required. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., 782-6450.

Holiday Craft Fair Dec 7, Sat 9am-3pm. Shop for unique and handcrafted items, home-baked goods, woven items, pottery, wood work, bead work, jewelry and wooden Christmas trees. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927.

Holiday Walk Dec 7, Sat 1-4pm. Listen to carols and explore the home decorated for the season. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Iles House Candlelight Tours Dec 7, Sat 5-8pm. Luminaria will light the outside of the home while candle and lamp light will be inside. Live music, spiced cider and cookies will be served. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade Dec 7, Sat 5:30pm. Route is from the Horace Mann parking lot on Jefferson Street to Fifth to Monroe to Sixth to Washington. Downtown Springfield.

Pre-Kwanzaa Extravaganza Dec 7, Sat 10am-4pm. Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, 300 S. 15th St., 544-0548.

Busy Elves Workshop Dec 7, Sat 10-11:30am. Make a holiday craft and treat along with playing seasonal games. Early registration is recommended. Ages 3-5. Washington Park Preschool, 1400 Williams Blvd., 546-3970.

Holly Jolly Saturday Dec 7, Sat 10am-7:30pm. Christmasthemed activities all day. Special guests will be by for other activities throughout the day. Open late after the downtown Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade. Free with general admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 971-4435.

Parent’s Night Out Dec 7, Sat 5-10pm. Need to finish Christmas shopping or just need a night away? Bring your children for an evening of games and fun. Dinner included. Call to register. First child $20.00, second child $10 and each additional child $5. St Aloysius School, 2125 N. 21st St., 544-4553.

Santa Meet and Greet Dec 7, Sat 4:30-6:30pm. Hosted by Autism Support of Central Illinois. Christmas crafts and refreshments. Hope Pavilion, 5220 S. Sixth St., 585-5437.

Winter Wonderland Super Saturday Dec 7, Sat 11am-3pm. Join us as we explore this magical time of year. Discover how animals adapt to the change in the seasons through a museum search, build your own snowman, get creative with wintery art and more. $5 adults ages 19-64. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-6044.

Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 7-Dec 22, Sat and Sun 12-5pm, Mon-Fri 12-4pm. Over ten varieties of poinsettias will be nestled amongst the decorated fresh evergreens and lush tropical foliage. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Christmas around Europe Dec 8, Sun 7pm. Featuring Christmas music with rich European roots presented by Blackburn College Choir and Blackburn Voices. Free. Blackburn College, Carlinville, 700 College Ave., 854-3231.

Caroling at the Carillon Dec 8, Sun 7pm. 4pm. Sing holiday carols along with the sounds of the carillon. Keep warm by the bonfire. The Trinity Wind Ensemble will provide seasonal interludes. Cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.

First Sunday Holiday Bazaar Dec 8, Sun 7pm. 8am-4pm. Mimosas on the wine patio, samples of dips, sausages and sweet treats, music and fantastic holiday finds. APL will have adoptable pets and food vendors will be present. $4 Adults, 12 and under free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

Animals in the Snow Story Time Dec 10, Tue10-11am. Some animals migrate in the winter, others hibernate and some just like to play in the snow. Learn more about animals in the winter with stories, a craft and animals from our collection. $5 adults ages 19-64. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-6044.

Old State Capitol Holiday Music Performance Dec 11, Wed 5:15pm and 6:30pm. Prairie Winds Flute Ensemble. Hosted by the Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources. Free. 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Christmas with the Alley Cats Dec 12, Thu 7pm. Enjoy a night of great singing and comedy. $22-$25. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Holiday Design Tour Dec 12-14, Thu-Sat 5:15 and 6:30pm. Tours with members of the Springfield Civic Garden Club. Reservations are required. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

Candlelight Tour Dec 12, Thu 6pm. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 391-3221.

Live Nativity Dec 13-14, Fri and Sat 7-9pm. Features holiday lights, choirs of angels, beautiful displays and period-dressed actors. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-4531.

Handel’s Messiah Dec 14, Sat 7:30pm. The Springfield Choral Society will perform with a full orchestra under the direction of their new conductor, Dr. Abby Musgrove. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or online. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 522-3342.

Old State Capitol Holiday Music Performance Dec 14, Sat 2:30pm. Springfield Youth Symphony Orchestra. Hosted by the Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources. Free. 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

The Nutcracker Dec 14-15, Sat and Sun 2pm. A grand holiday tradition presented by the Springfield Ballet Company. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 206-6160.

Glazed Cookie Plate Dec 14, Sat 6-8pm. With instructor Kathy Adams. $20 members, $30 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Christmas Tea Dec 14, Sat 11am and 3pm. Guests will learn about 19th century holiday traditions and practices while enjoying tea and desserts. Caroling, holiday stories to share and gifts to take home. $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Cookie Walk Dec 14, Sat 8am-12pm. Purchase cookies and other baked goods to support the Lutheran High music and drama departments. $6 per pound. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 546-6363.

Candlelight Christmas Tour Dec 14, Sat 4-10pm. Tour the site and warm up in front of the massive stone fireplace. Free admission, but donations are welcome. Clayville, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 572-4984.

1850s Carol Sing Dec 14, Sat 6pm. Join Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln for special music, worship and carols. Everyone is invited to attend in period costumes. Reception to follow. Free but donations to charities are welcome. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

30th Annual Holiday Cookie Walk Dec 14, Sat 8am-12pm. Countless varieties of homemade cookies and candy available until they are sold out. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 546-4631.

APL Tree of Lights Dec 14, Sat 12-5pm. Enjoy cookies and punch, take a tour of the shelter and meet some of the furry residents. Accepting $5 donations for lights on the tree. apl-shelter. org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387.

Breakfast with Santa Dec 14, Sat 8-10:30am. Springfield Masonic Center, 1020 Rickard Road, 793-7728.

Historic Christmas Open House Dec 14, Sat 1-4pm. Period decorations will show how the holiday was celebrated in the 19th century. Light refreshments. 481-4397. Free. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Southeast PTO Holiday Bazaar Dec 14, Sat 10am-3pm. Listen to young local musicians while shopping for the holidays. Free admission. Southeast High School, 2350 E. Ash St., 525-3130.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony Dec 14, Sat 11am-12pm. The laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes. Everyone is invited to come help remember our fallen veterans and honor those who serve. Free. Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, 553-6103.

The Sanctuary Bronze Handbell Choir Dec 15, Sun 4pm. With the Harpestry Harp Circle, piano solos by Judy Davis and soloist Linda Goza. Monroe Street Christian Church, 1229 E. Monroe St., 544-7881.

Luminaria Display Dec 15, Sun 5-8pm. Hundreds of luminaria line the home’s walks and ledges. Reservations suggested. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

The Great Cookie Debate Dec 17, Tue 10am-2pm. Everyone is welcome to help bake, share and eat holiday cookies. Free. Family Communication Centers, 729 S. 9th St., 717-0195.

Children’s Holiday Book Giveaway Dec 17, Tue 2:30-5pm. Select books and wrap them for holiday gifts. Enjoy some cookies while you browse. Free. Family Communication Centers, 729 S. 9th St., 717-0195.

Old State Capitol Holiday Music Performance Dec 18, Wed 6:30pm. Fantastic Falcons from Franklin Middle School. Hosted by the Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources. Free. 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Sister’s Christmas Catechism Dec 18-19 Wed and Thu 7:30pm, Dec 20, Fri 8pm and Dec 21, Sat 2pm. A mystery extravaganza from the author of Late Nite Catechism. Sister takes on a mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages. $35 in advance, $40 day of show. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 206-6160.

A Curious Christmas: Odd Holiday Traditions Dec 18, Wed 12-1pm. Christmas in America wasn’t always Santa Claus and snowmen. Join Erika Holst to learn about oddball traditions from two centuries of Christmases past, including creepy cards, chocolate insects, skinny Santa and Krampas. Free. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 558-6696.

Parent’s Night Out Dec 18, Wed 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., 971-4435.

Christmas Around the World Dec 19, Thu 6-7pm. Wildwood Strings and Friends will be performing Christmas music to brighten the holiday season. Free. Prairie Skies Public Library Pleasant Plains, Pleasant Plains, 555 Buckeye Road, 626-1553.

Art Glass Tour Dec 19, Thu 5:15 and 6:30pm. The house has more than 400 pieces of specially made art glass and original furnishings. Reservations are required. 782-6776. Dana- Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

The Dual Piano Christmas Show Dec 20- 21, Fri and Sat 7pm, Dec 22, Sun 2pm. Some of your holiday favorites coming from two pianos, four hands and two creative brains that let loose for an evening of fun. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Christmas Classics on the Grand Screen Dec 20-21, Fri and Sat 7pm. It’s a Wonderful Life on Friday and Meet Me in St. Louis on Saturday. $10 at the door or $5 with a food bank donation. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Christmastime in Soy City Dec 21, Sat 7pm. A rockin’ musical revue. $15. Decatur Civic Center, Decatur, 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, 422-7300.

Old State Capitol Holiday Music Performance Dec 21, Sat 2:30pm. Christian Trade Gospel Singers. Hosted by the Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources. Free. 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Holiday Pops in the Heartland Dec 21, Sat 7:30pm. Celebrate the holidays with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Admission. ilsymphony.org. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 206-6160.

Winter Solstice Evening Dec 21, Sat 6:30pm. An opportunity to contemplate the goodness of the seasons and how their rhythms form our sense of life’s journey with wonder. $20. Includes a meal of soup and bread. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.

Gingerbread House Decorating Class Dec 21, Sat 1pm. Learn how to decorate a festive gingerbread house. This program is free and all materials are provided. Registration is required. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 243-5435.

Candle Lighting Service Dec 22, Sun 6:30pm. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.

Christmas Tree Display and Open House Dec 22, Sun 1-4pm. Trees decorated with White House ornaments and those reflecting the Lincoln era. Civil War era Santa display. Light refreshments. Free. Pasfield House, 525 S. Pasfield St.

Christmas Eve Service Dec 24, Tue 5pm. Celebrate Christmas with a candlelight service. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Christmas Eve Vespers Service Dec 24, Tue 6-7pm. A casual service that will include music, prayer and quiet time. Light refreshments immediately following the service. love offering. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.

First Night Springfield Dec. 31, Tue. Complimentary afternoon activities for kids at Springfield High School. Ticketed shows feature evening music, dance and more at various downtown locations at night. Fireworks at 8pm. $18 in advance or $20 on Dec. 31. springfieldartsco.org. Downtown Springfield. 753-3519.