IT Picks

Celebrate the 200th birthday of Illinois with themed crafts and activities that teach children about the prairie state and its state symbols, such as plants, animals and food. Super Saturday events are hosted by the Illinois State Museum on the first Saturday of each month. All Super Saturday activities are geared towards children ages 5 […]

On Monday, Jan. 1, join the Sangamon Valley Group Sierra Club for a Stone Soup Hike. During this annual event, attendees are invited to enjoy vegetarian or meat-eater soups and a guided hike through Carpenter Park, a 434-acre wooded park and nature preserve nestled along the north bank of the Sangamon River. All attendees are […]

On Sunday, Dec. 31, children who can’t stay up late can still celebrate the coming year during the Children’s Museum of Illinois’ annual “Happy Noon Year” event. Enjoy a confetti balloon drop at noon, along with music, a craft and other festive fun. Admission is $6 for Children’s Museum of Illinois members and $8 for […]

Learn how past presidents celebrated holidays during the newest exhibition at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, titled “Holidays at the White House: A Presidential Christmas.” The exhibit, which opened Nov. 17 and runs though Dec. 31, showcases photos, videos and artifacts from the Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. […]

On Friday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m., take in a performance of Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold. The play is written by the creators of Late Nite Catechism and sponsored by Sterling Tax Service and Solomon Colors. During this hilarious holiday mystery, Sister, played by actress Mary Zentmyer, assembles a living […]

This Christmas Day, enjoy a hot breakfast in a comfortable and cordial atmosphere. The 14th annual Holiday Interfaith Breakfast, hosted by Temple B’rith Sholom, offers attendees a hearty meal in between the hustle and bustle of church services, gift exchanges and family gatherings. The breakfast consists of fluffy scrambled eggs with a chili-verde sauce, roasted […]

Don’t miss Collegiate Choir, the vocal ensemble of Illinois Wesleyan University, performing at Blessed Sacrament Church, Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. The concert is one of five appearances that the choir, under the direction of Dr. J. Scott Ferguson, will make on their 2017 winter tour, which features a blend of music from the […]

Don your pajamas, slippers and housecoats and make the short trip to Mason City’s historic Arlee Theater to experience the magic of the Polar Express. During this event, attendees will enjoy cookies and cocoa during a viewing of the 2004 computer-animated fantasy film The Polar Express, based off the 1985 Chris Van Allsburg book by […]

On Saturday, Dec. 16, baseball fans of all ages can enjoy an afternoon of baseball-themed crafts, a tour of the ongoing “Cubs vs. Cardinals: The Rivalry” exhibition, and a chance to mingle with the Cardinals and Cubs mascots during the Abraham Presidential Library and Museum’s Mascot Day. The “Cubs vs. Cardinals: The Rivalry” exhibition, developed […]

Don’t miss The Nutcracker, the timeless, holiday ballet performed annually by the Springfield Ballet Company. The Nutcracker features a cast of more than 120 SBC dancers, local adult actors, young dancers from the community and professional guest artists. It tells the tale of Clara and her Nutcracker, who journey from a lavish Christmas party to […]

Don’t miss the 2017 Old Capitol Holiday Walks, held Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-6 p.m. through Dec. 20. The walks offer local shopping at downtown’s charming brick-and-mortar stores, pop-up shops and restaurants, plus seasonal activities and attractions for all ages. Kids will enjoy visiting with Santa in the Old State Capitol, dropping […]

See The Alley Cats, the United States’ premiere doo-wop comedy act, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, as part of their 2017 nationwide holiday tour. The seasonal serenade will feature classic and traditional holiday tunes paired with The Alley Cats’ signature comedy act. The Alley Cats, founded […]