IT Picks

Several churches and organizations offer free meals to anyone who needs food on Christmas, is looking not to be alone or for any reason would like a hot feast on Christmas Day with others. In Springfield, Christmas Day Feast will be held at Broken Chains Church, 501 W. Monroe in the fellowship hall behind the […]

Enjoy your favorite holiday classic as you never have before. In this stage production, you’ll witness a live 1940s radio broadcast that includes actors reading scripts in front of old-fashioned microphones, ’40s-era costumes, period commercials and sound effects sounding out via the cast and sound guy, Karl Bockemeier. Beardstown’s Nathan Carls takes the lead as […]

Dec. 17 and 19 are two of the best nights during the holidays to visit the 12,600-square-foot Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, which will be closed Jan. 1 for several months for major rehab work. While the site is decorated throughout December and tours are available Wednesday through Sunday to view the Victorian-themed holiday home […]

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestra Karen Lynne Deal is joined by Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony, Sangamon Valley Community Orchestra, The Four Sopranos, Springfield Youth Performance Group and St. Andrew’s Pipes and Drums for this year’s Holiday Pops concert. Enjoy an audience singalong; a reading of The Christmas Story; a visit by […]

See and learn about 19th century Christmas artifacts as the Springfield Art Association begins its new series of history talks beginning Dec. 9 with Dr. Marcia Young, site superintendent of David Davis Mansion. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience at the mansion, Young presents ways Victorians celebrated Christmas, from trimming the tree to […]

The Springfield Handel Choir, a 56-member local choir, presents the Christmas portion of The Messiah: An Oratorio by Handel under the direction of conductor Janet Lea Cobb-Myers Dec. 12 at St. Agnes Church. The “Hallelujah Chorus” will be enhanced by Fred Greenwald on the trumpet, Jeremy Davidson on the timpani and Dr. See Tsai Chan […]

New York-based actor Jay Randall (pictured) suits up as Crumpet the elf in the cult classic, The Santaland Diaries, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room. Written by NPR humorist David Sedaris, this adult production follows not just any merry elf, but Crumpet, an out-of-work actor trying to earn some bread, who tastes […]

Springfield Theatre Centre presents a traditional holiday musical for the family.  Based on the 1954 film and directed by Leigh Ann Smith, two evening performances and two matinees are planned with audience members having a chance to win gift certificates or a diamond necklace from Denney Jewelers. Additionally on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., […]

Tour six historic homes dressed up for the holidays in Lincoln Park neighborhood at: 1225 N. Third, 1317 N. Third, 1345 N. Third, 1422 N. Fourth, 407 E. Keys and 607 E. Black. Purchase your tickets at any of these locations. In addition, there will be caroling and a bake sale. Proceeds help with neighborhood […]

Hospital Sisters of St. Francis open the doors of the Motherhouse for a viewing of more than 100 nativity sets that capture the birth of Jesus and many cultures from around the world in wood, clay, porcelain, paper mache, metal and more. Each miniature display comes with a unique story of origin and tradition. Visitors […]

Still on fire from the fall release of their CD, Bronze Images, Bells in Motion, an experienced group of approximately 15 handbell musicians from around the Midwest, heat up the winter night with holiday harmony. Accompanied by string bass and percussion and directed by Michael Lamb, this concert features Christmas favorites and carols from around […]

Springfield Theatre Center presents a traditional musical for the entire family. Based on the 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, the story is about two friends, Bob and Phil, who find their soulmates in two sisters while performing at a Vermont Inn during the holidays. Many Berlin songs are included in the stage […]