Ongoing Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed
The American Red Cross Meals on Wheels program has an ongoing need for volunteer
drivers during the holiday season. The American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr.
For more info, call 787-7602, ext. 237
Holiday Hall Exhibition and Sale
Through Dec 13, Springfield Art Association’s juried 4th Annual Holiday Hall exhibition and sale. Springfield Art
Association, 700 North 4th St. For more info, call 523-2631 or go to
www.springfieldart.org.
Golden Heart Hypnosis Toys for Tots Donation Drive
Through Dec 15, 9am-6pm, Give a new unwrapped toy or donation of $20 value or
more. Get 1/2 hour service. Golden Heart Hypnosis Center, Chatham. For more
info, call 483-7200 or go to http://www.GoldenHeartHypnosis.com.
Springfield Urban League Wish Tree
Through Dec 18, be a part of something greater than yourself this Christmas by giving to those
in need. Select a child’s name from the “Wish Tree” and receive the child’s wish list. Items must be dropped off by Dec 18. Springfield Urban league. For
more info, call 789-0300.
Green View Trees on Display
Through December 25, Green View Nursery will have a “Pets in Need Tree” and a “Giving Tree” on display. Proceeds from the trees go to local nonprofit organizations. 3000
W. Jefferson. For more info, call 787-4700.
Holiday Shopping at The Museum
Through Dec 22, 10am-5pm, Mon-Fri, 12-5pm, Sun. Find something for everyone at
the Illinois State Museum. Shopping includes educational toys, gift books, art
and jewelry and more. 502 S. Spring St. For more info, go to
www.museum.state.il.us.
Toys for Tots Drive
Through Dec. 24, 9am-10pm, Donate toys to Toys R Us, Inc., the largest retail
partner of Toys for Tots. They again serve as Giving Headquarters of toys and
cash. Any size donation welcome. Babies/Toys ‘R’ Us, 2601 Veterans Parkway. For
more info, call 546-0367.
November St. John’s Breadline Thanksgiving Meal
Nov 27, 11am-1:30pm. Feast on a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey,
dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls, cranberry sauce and more. Free.
St. John’s Breadline, 430 N. Fifth St. For more info,
call 528-6098.
Memorial’s Festival of Trees
Nov 27, 4-8pm, Nov 28-30, 10am-8pm. A holiday tradition featuring trees, wreaths
and centerpieces; entertainment, a gingerbread village, the candy cane express
train and the holiday market filled with unique gifts. $5 adults, $2 children.
Orr Building, the Illinois State Fairgrounds. For more info, call 788-4301 or
go to www.MemorialsFestivalofTrees.com.
Thanksgiving Day Service
Nov 27, 10:30am. The hour-long service will include a Bible lesson, hymns of
thanksgiving, and expressions of gratitude given by those in the congregation.
Child care will be provided, and no collection will be taken at the service.
All are welcome. First Church of Christ Scientist, 601 S. Second St. For more
info, call 522-5969
Jacksonville Theatre Guild Presents…
Nov 28-30, 7:30pm, Nov 29 and 30, 2pm. Christmas Schooner is based on the true story of a Michigan shipping Captain 1890s’ Chicago who gives Christmas trees to German immigrant families. $12 adult, $6
children 12 years and younger. Sophie Leschin Theatre, Jacksonville. For more
info, call 245-1402.
Kountry Korner Shoppes
Nov 28-29, 9:30-7pm, Dec 30, 9:30-5:30pm, Enjoy holiday gift bags and Christmas
treats at the holiday open house. Kountry Korner Gift Shoppes, 3301 Robbins Rd.
For more info, call 787-3308.
Design Ideas Holiday Warehouse
Nov 28-Dec 27, A liquidation of thousands of decorative and organizational
products for the home and office at 75% off the retail price. Proceeds will
benefit local charities. CVS, 2309 S. MacArthur. For more info, call 546-5374.
Children’s Holiday Store
Nov 29-Dec 23, Mon-Fri 4-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun, 12-5pm, Let the kids do their
own shopping at the The Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery’s Children’s Holiday Store. Gifts range from $1-$10. Town and Country Shopping Center, 2415
S. MacArthur. For more info go to www.miniobeirne.org.
Decorate the Elijah Iles House
Nov 29, 12pm, Help decorate the Elijah Iles House for Christmas. Elijah Iles
House, 628 S. Seventh St. For more info, call 492-5929.
Illinois Wings Holiday Open House
Nov 29, 9am-1pm, Shop for the holidays and help support local
uninsured/underinsured breast cancer patients. Brinkerhoff Home, 1500 N. Fifth
St. For more info, call 726-9572.
Ringing in the Season – Bells In Motion
Nov 29, 7-8:30pm, Spend Christmas with Bells In Motion as they ring in the
holiday season. $10. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St. For
more info, call 899-2128 or go to www.bellsinmotion.org.
Ringing in the Season – Bells In Motion
Nov 30, 4-5:30pm, Sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of Christmas with Bells
In Motion as they ring in the holiday season. $10. First Baptist Church, 2502
E. College St. For more info, call 899-2128 or go to www.bellsinmotion.org.
December LLCC Jazz Band and Stolen Moments “Hope and Jazz” Concert
Dec 1, 7:30pm, The Lincoln Land Community College Jazz Band and Stolen Moments
ensemble, will perform such tunes as “Shining Star,” “Yo Tannenbaum,” and “The Look of Love” featuring LLCC students Shayla Logan, Lewis Parrish, Adam Pallai, Reggie
Hohenstein and Larry Black, along with an arrangement of “Living for the City” by Michael Withrow. Free. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St. For more info, call 786-2218.
“ThinkFirst” Poinsettia Fundraiser
Dec 2, 10am-4pm, Poinsettias and Christmas cactuses will be available in various
sizes and colors. Proceeds will be used to purchase bike helmets, child saftey
seats and safety educational material for children in central Illinois. $5-$25.
327 W. Calhoun Ave. deadline for placing orders is Nov 25. For more info, call
545-7700.
Advent Concert Series
Every Mon, Dec 3-17, 12:15-12:45pm, Bring your lunch or buy lunch at the Brown
Bag Concert Series. Relax on a winter afternoon and hear songs of the season.
Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St. For more info, call
528-4311 or go to www.lincolnschurch.org.
Christmas with the Lincolns
Dec 3-Jan 7, 8:30am-5pm, Find out how the Lincolns would have spent Christmas
during a holiday tour of the historic Lincoln Home. The tour includes
decorations inspired by the 1860s such as poinsettias, a cloved orange pyramid,
ropes of cranberries and more. The neighborhood around the home will also be
decorated. Free. Visitors Center, 426 S. Seventh St. For more info, call
492-4241.
Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec 3, 6:30pm, Join Mayor Tim Davlin as he kicks off the Downtown Holiday Walk
by lighting the Old State Capitol Plaza Christmas tree. There will also be a
performance by the Sound Celebration Chorus and Lincoln Magnet School show
choir. Old State Capitol Plaza South. For more info, call 544-1723 or go to
www.downtownspringfield.org. Springfield.
Fair Trade Coffee and Tea Tasting Nights
Dec 3-4, 5-9pm, 10, 17, and 18, 5-8pm, Taste organic Fair Trade tea and coffee
from Ethiopia and South Africa. Fashion Afrique, 318 E. Monroe. For more info,
call 544-1289.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Dec 3, 4, 10, 17 and 18, Tour downtown Springfield and enjoy unique shopping,
dining and free entertainment. The walks also include a horse-drawn trolley and
a visit to Santa’s House. Free. Downtown Springfield. For more info, call 544-1723.
Photos with reindeer
Dec 3, 17-18, 6:30-9pm, Make your way downtown to take photos with reindeer from
Morning Star Productions. Individual and group photos may be taken. $20 for 1
8×10 or 2 5×7 photos. Old State Capitol Plaza South. For more info, go to
www.downtownspringfield.org
Santa House
Dec 3-4, 10,17-18, 6:30pm-8pm, Dec 6, 13, 20 10am-2pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will
be on hand to listen to Christmas wishes and take photos with children. Old
State Capitol Plaza South. For more info, go to www.downtownspringfield.org.
Heart of Illinois Brass Band
Dec 4, 6-8pm, The Heart of Illinois Brass Band will be performing a concert to
celebrate the holiday season. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 212 N.
Sixth St. For more info go to www.downtownspringfield.org.
Visit Santa’s House
Dec 4-23, 5p-7pm Mon-Fri, Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm, Bring your wish list and sit on
Santa’s lap for a photo opportunity. $3 photo with Santa. Santa House, 1415
North Grand Ave East. For more info, call 753-070
A Tuna Christmas
Dec 5, 6, 12, and 13, 8pm, Dec 7 and 14, 2pm, Sequel to Greater Tuna. Radio Station OKKK personalities report on the holiday activities in the third
smallest town. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. For tickets, call 523-2787.
Alternative Holiday Fair
Dec 5, 4:30-8pm, Dec 6, 7:30-1pm, The fair will offer free trade goods from
around the world with an array of items including toys, jewelry, musical
instruments, chocolates and more. They will also be serving international food
and vegetarian dishes. Free admission. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale
Blvd. For more info, call 523-5212.
Calvary Academy Christmas Musical
Dec 5, 7pm, Meet Me at the Manger is a musical retelling the birth of Christ. The event will also feature the
junior and high school choirs. Calvary Sanctuary, 1730 W. Jefferson. free. For
more info, call 546-9700 ext 245.
Candlelight Tours
Dec 5, 12-13, 6pm, Tour Springfield’s oldest home by candlelight. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St. For more
info, call 492-5929.
Christmas in Virginia
Dec 5, Fri 5-8, Sat 9-6 Indoor crafts, food, music, cookie walk, silent auction,
gallery hop, kids games, Santa parade and visit with Santa at Log Cabin. Also
features a horse-drawn wagon ride and turkey dinner. Court yard & log cabins, Virginia. For more info, call 452-7786.
ISO Candle Light Concert
Dec 5, 7:30pm, Get into the holiday spirit at the ISO Candle Light Concert. The
chamber orchestra will perform holiday melodies including Handel’s The Messiah. $23.50. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos Ave. For more info, call 522-2838.
Willy Wonka Jr.
Dec 5-6 and 13-14, 7pm, Dec 7 and 14, 2pm, The tale of Willy Wonka is staged in
a kid-centric version. $11 adults, $8 children. Hoogland Center for the Arts,
420 S. Sixth St. For more info, call 523-2787.
Christmas at Anderson Mansion
Dec 5-7, 2pm-9pm, Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm Sat, 11am-3pm, Sun, Walk through the historic
Anderson mansion featuring 13 rooms with holiday decorations. A Christmas tree
will be displayed in each room. The tour also includes an operating blacksmith
shop, the print shop, the antique barn, and the old General Store. $3 adults,
$1 children. Anderson Mansion, Carlinville. For more info, call 854-3400.
Carlinville Christmas Market
Dec 5-7, 3-9pm, 9am-8pm, Sat, 11am-3pm, Sun. Walk around the festive downtown
square featuring heated tents with arts and crafts. There will be caroling,
trolley tours and Santa. Town Square, Carlinville. $1 admission to tents. For
more info, call 854-6663 or go to www.CarlinvilleChristmasMarket.com
Franciscan Nativity Festival
Dec 5-7, 2-8pm, Fri. 12-4pm Sat-Sun, More than 100 nativity sets from around the
world will be set up as a celebration of the Incarnation. Free. Chiara,
Motherhouse of the Hospital Sister of St. Francis, 4875 Laverna Rd. For more
info, call 523-0901.
Holiday Lights at the Zoo
Dec 5-7, 12-14, 18-23 and 26-28, 5-8pm, Tour the zoo decorated in holiday
lights. Free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Dr. For more info, call 753-
6217.
Angel of Hope
Dec 6, 7pm, Bring a candle and white flower to the Angel of Hope statue and
remember all the children who have passed on to a better place. Angel of Hope,
Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. For more info, call
753-6228.
Ansar Shrine and Jaycees Christmas Parade
Dec 6, 10am, Theme of the parade is “Christmas Scenes Silver Screens.” The parade will feature high school bands, floats, Christmas clowns and of
course Santa. The parade route is west on Jefferson, south on 5th, east on
Capitol, and north on 6th. Free. Downtown Springfield. For more info, go to
www.springfieldjaycees.org.
Annual Holiday Concert
Dec 6, 7:30pm, The Fleming Academy of Performing Arts annual holiday concert
will feature students performimg selections of folk, classical and sacred songs
of the season. $18 adults, $16.75 seniors and children. Hoogland Center for the
Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. For more info, call 787-6556.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec 6, 8am and 10am, Parents can fellowship while children enjoy having
breakfast with Santa. $6 adults, $4 children 11 years and under. Fellowship
Hall, Calvary Temple, 1730 W. Jefferson St. For more info, call 546-9700.
Christmas Bazaar and Cookie Walk
Dec 6, 9am-2pm, Take in the aroma of a tea room and eat cookies. The bazaar also
includes granny’s attic, children’s activities and a live nativity scene. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E.
Andrew Rd. For more info, call 496-2338.
Electric Banquet
Dec 6, 6-8:30pm, Enjoy the company of others while exploring and dining at the
oldest home in Springfield. $20. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St. For more
info, call 492-5929.
Fresh Greens into Containers
Dec 6, 10am, A seminar on mixing fresh greens with cool containers for a holiday
spin on container gardening. Free. Green View, 3000 W. Jefferson St. For more
info or reservations, call 787-4700
Have a Bite with Santa
Dec 6, 9am and 10:30 am, Spend some quality time with the kids and eat a
wholesome breakfast. Santa will also be visiting and taking time to hear
Christmas wishes. $5. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave. For
more info, call 525-1866.
Jacksonville Symphony Christmas Concert
Dec 6, 7:30pm, The Concert will be particularly audience friendly this year,
offering favorites like Sleigh Bells, White Christmas, Canadian Brass Christmas, Jingle Bells Forever, and the popular sing-along in the first half of the program. Santa will arrive
to visit families with children and pass out candy canes. $12.50 at door,
children and students free. Rammelkamp Chapel, Illinois College, Jacksonville. For more info, call 245-1181
or go to www.jaxsym.com
Pancakes, Paws and Santa Claus
Dec 6, 8-10am, Have a pancake breakfast with Santa Claus and animal visitors.
Reservation only. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East lake Dr. For more info or
reservations, call 753-6217.
SVYS Winter Concert
Dec 6, 1:30pm, Enjoy traditional sounds of the holidays at the Sangamon Valley
Youth Symphony Orchestra Concert. Free. First United Methodist Church, 2941
Koke Mill Road. For more info, call 753-8000 or go to www.svys.org.
Springfield Choral Society Winter Concert
Dec 6, 7pm, Featuring a performance called “A Quiet December.” $10 a ticket. Central Baptist Church, 501 S 4th St. For more info,
call 523-3639.
St. Anthony’s Church Holly Fair
Dec 6, 10am-4pm, The fair will feature Greek pastries and crafts including gift
baskets, pastries cakes, spinach pie, baklava and more. Lunch will also be
served. 1600 S. Glenwood. For more info, call 522-7010.
Take Photos with Santa
Dec 6, 11am-2pm, Don’t miss out on the Christmas photo opportunity. Take your child and or pet and
have their photo taken with Santa Claus. $5 donation. Green View Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St. For more info call 787-4700.
The Nutcracker
Dec 6, 2pm and 8pm, Dec 7, 2pm, See the magic of Christmas come alive at The Nutcracker. This year’s production will feature new costumes and choreography. $25 adults, $23
seniors, and $15 students and children. Sangamon Auditorium. For more info,
call 206-6160 or go to www.uis.edu/sangamonauditorium/tickets.
Tubman/ Anthony Center Bazaar
Dec 6, 11am-4pm, The bazaar will feature unique gifts for the entire family plus
live music by Chahrm Band, and Tebe Zalango, concert pianist. There will also
be book signing by Ida Byther-Smith, author of We’re All Connected. Free admisison. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St. For more info, call
528-2343.
Winter Holiday Floral Show
Dec 6-28, Mon-Fri 12-4pm, Sat-Sun 12-5pm, Annual Winter Holiday Floral Show
features poinsettias amid a tropical collection and decorated poinsettias with
decorated evergreens. Free. Washington Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall and
Conservatory, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. For more info, call 753-6228.
Wreath Making Workshop
Dec 6-7, 10am-1:30pm, Custom make an evergreen wreath. Materials provided, but
bring a pair of pruning shears. $25 members, $30 non-members. Washington Park
Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette. For more info, call 753-6228.
An 1850s Community Sing: Christmas Melodies and Messages
Dec 7, 6:30pm, Everyone is invited to attend in period costumes. Featuring music
from the Prairie Aires, and more. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St.
For info, go to www.lincolnschurch.org.
Lincoln Park Historic Home Tour
Dec 7, 12-5pm, Visit six beautiful locations including this year’s jewel of the tour, the Ursuline Sisters’ Chapel circa 1894. Proceeds will benefit the Springfield Parks Foundation’s Lincoln Park Lagoon restoration effort. $10 in advance, $12 at the door of
each of the homes the day of the tour. For more info, call 725-3228 or go to
www.lpnaspringfield.org
Lowe Family Christmas
Dec 8, 7:30-10pm, The show will feature six-part harmony melodies of Christmas
favorites. $25-$30. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center
Plaza. For more info or to buy tickets, call 788-8800
Wreaths Across America
Dec 8, 11-11:30am, Wreaths Across America will kick off with a nation wide State
house wreath-laying ceremony starting to coincide with the departure of the
wreaths from Maine to Arlington, Va. Free. Hall of Flags, 501 South Second St.
For more info, call 891-8719 or go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Sangamon Valley Community Orchestra Winter Concert
Dec 10, 7:30pm, Let the Sangamon Valley Community Orchestra transport you to a
winter wonderland with sounds of violins and flutes. Free. Hoogland Center for
the Arts, 420 S. 6th. For more info, call 753-8000 or go to www.svys.org.
Fundraiser Holiday Bazaar
Dec 13, 9am-3pm Hosted by Southeast’s 21st Century and Cooperative Work Training programs, the Holiday Bazaar
provides a perfect opportunity for students and their parents to purchase gifts
at reasonable prices. Buy a fish dinner to eat and look around for others.
Items include perfume oil, natural soaps, jewelry, African clothing, books,
Mary Kay cosmetics, plus much more. Southeast High School commons. For more
info, call 525-3150.
Christmas Cabaret
Dec 12-13, 7pm, The Land of Lincoln and Sweet Adelines barbershop choruses are
putting on a holiday cabaret concert titled “North Pole Harmony.” The evening includes a mostaccioli dinner and music by Group Therapy, Leisure
and True Blue. $13, $15 VIP. Little Flower School Activity Center, 900
Stevenson Dr.For more info, call 787-6110 or go to www.landoflincolnbarbershop.
com.
LLCC Madrigal Dinner
Dec 12 and 13, 6;30pm, Dec 14, 4:30pm, Celebrate the holidays at the Lincoln
Land Community College 30th annual Madrigal Dinner. The special anniversary
concert will have a Scottish theme. $27. Student Union, Menard Hall, LLCC
campus. For info or reservations , call 786-2762.
Southeast High School Madrigal Dinner
Dec 12-13, 6pm, The melodic holiday sounds of the Southeast High School
Sensations will usher in Christmas. Reservations must be made by Dec. 7. Knox
Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Cottonwood Street. $20 adults, $10 children 10 and
under. For more info or reservations, call 525-3130.
Baby’s Photo with Santa
Dec 13, 1-4pm, Bring your baby for free photos with Santa! Children ages 0-5 are
welcome to meet Santa Claus, then visit with Sgt. Wes Barr, Toys for Tots
Marine. Bring a toy. Free. Babies R Us, 2601 Veterans Parkway. For more info,
call 546-0367.
MDSO Holiday Pops Concert
Dec 13, 7:30-10pm, Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s holiday pops concert features favorite songs of the season. $10-$24. Kirkland
Fine Arts Center, Millikin University, Decatur. For more info, call 424-6383 or
go to www.millikin.edu/kirkland.
Springfield Tuba Christmas
Dec 13, 2-2:30pm, A tuba concert will be held as part of the Downtown
Springfield Holiday walk. Old State Capitol Steps. For more info go to
www.downtownspringfield.org.
Super Saturday at the Illinois State Musuem
Dec 13, 10am-4pm, Learn how people in other countries celebrate the holiday
season. For children four to six years of age. Activities take about 30-45
minutes and include crafts to take home. Free. Place for Discovery Hand on
gallery, Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St. For more info, call 782-6044.
Wreaths Across America
Dec 13, 11-11:45, The Soldiers Angels will conduct the Wreaths Across America
ceremony this year at the Camp Butler where seven ceremonial wreaths will be
placed to honor, remember and teach. Free. Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063
Camp Butler Rd. For more info, call 753-9139 or go to
www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Christmas at the Carillon
Dec 14, 4:30pm, Watch the winter sunset and sing Christmas carols around a
bonfire. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served. Free. Washington Park Carillon,
Fayette Ave. and Chatham Rd. For more info, call 753-6219.
French Christmas Concert
Dec 14, “Un Joyeux Noel,” a French Renaissance Christmas concert presented by
the Prairieland Voices. $10. Episcopal Church of St. Paul, 815. S. Second St.
For more info, call 523-8810 or go to www.springfield.org
Taize Advent Prayer 2008
Dec 14 7-8pm, Taize Prayer is a quiet, simple way of prayer designed for people
of all Christian traditions.Includes simple chants sung repeatedly, rich
silence and prayers of praise and intercession. Sacred Heart Convent Chapel,
1237 W. Monroe St. For more info, call 787-0481 or go to www.springfieldop.org.
Springfield Holiday Concert
Dec 16, 7pm, A concert featuring all the choirs of Springfield high school. The
event will also include student-made cookies and treats. Free admission, $5 per
plate. Springfield High School, 101 S. Lewis St. For more info, call 525-3100
or go to www.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield.
Christmas Cantata
Dec 17, 6:30pm, Listen to the sounds of holiday gospel at a Christmas Cantata.
Free. Abundant Faith Christian Center, 2525 Taylor Ave. For more info, call
585-4000
Holiday Bake Sale
Dec 17, 3-7pm, You order it…we bake it. Request an old favorite or order a specialty cake made by students from area
high schools. Bake goods include butter cake: chocolate, marble, or decadent
vanilla, Mexican fruitcake, Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie, Puppy Chow, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate oatmeal cake, lemon poke cake,
Sock-It-To-Me Cake, Death by Chocolate Cake. Janis Gregory, professional baker,
will assist youth in baking holiday goodies. Place your order Dec 8-12, Bake Sale on 17. Butter Cake $7, Pies $8, Cakes $10,
cheesecake $12. Donations accepted. Southeast High School Commons, 2350 E Ash
St. For more, call 525-3150.
Men’s Night Out
Dec 18, 5-8pm, Any man who comes to holiday shop downtown will be given holiday
tokens to receive discounts at downtown bars. Part of Down town Holiday Walk.
Downtown Springfield. For more info, go to www.downtownspringfield.org.
Santa Claus is Calling
Dec 18-20, 6-8pm, Children can receive a call from Santa Claus. Give child’s
name, age, item they want and telephone number. All proceeds benefit Salvation
Army charities $20 minimum donation. For more info or to sign up, go to www.tsaspringfield.org.
Christmas Spectacular
Dec 19-20,8pm, Dec 21, 2pm, Lavish costumes, and a 10-piece orchestra make Christmas Wishes a musical revue to be enjoyed by all. Featuring traditional Christmas songs like
“Deck the Halls,” “Winter Wonderland,” “O Holy Night” and more. $16 adults, $12 children. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth
St. For more info, call 523-2787.
Holiday Dinner and Dancing at the Elks Lodge
Dec 19, 8-11pm, The Don Smith Quintet will provide entertainment for a dinner
dance. Members and guests welcome. $25 per person. Springfield Elk’s Lodge #158. For more info and to RSVP, call 698-1916.
Home for The Holidays- Holiday Pops
Dec 20, 2pm and 8pm, Celebrate the coming of Christmas with The Illinois
Symphony Orchestra, Saint Andrew’s Pipes and Drums, and local guest artists.
Santa Claus will also make an appearance. $20-$42. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS.
For more info or to purchase tickets, call 206-6160 or go to
www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Music for Christmas
Dec 21, 4pm, The Westminster Choir, Choirsters, The Walnuts and others will give
a concert titled,
“A Gift of Music for Christmas.” Westminister Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut
St.
For more info, call 522-4415.
Festival of Lessons and Carols
Dec 24, 7:30pm, Spend a cozy Christmas Eve among candles and reading from Holy
Scripture and listening to Christmas carols. Westminister Presbyterian
Church,533 S Walnut St. For more info, call 522-4415
Christmas Breakfast
Dec 25, 8:30am-12pm, Enjoy a Christmas breakfast and fellowship with others.
Breakfast includes pancakes scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, coffee and juice.
$6 adults, $5 seniors, $.25 for every year kids 12 and under. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St. For more info, call 787-7223.
Camp Nkiru Jr.
Dec 26, 29-31 and January 2, 5, 8am-5:30pm
A winter day camp for youth in grades 1-5. Children engage in fun and empowering
activities that teach good citizenship. Trip participants will work as Jr.
Counselors. $20 per day or $100 for the 6-day session. Lunch is provided. Union
Baptist Church, 1405 Monroe. For more info, call 525-3150.
Family Skate Night
Dec 28, 5-7pm, Take a break from the holiday rush and have fun with the family
at a family Skate Night hosted by Abundant Faith. $6. Skateland South, 1500
Recreation Dr. For more info, call 585-4000.
New Year’ Eve Early American Ball
Dec 31, 7:30 pm, Dancers practiced for weeks to learn steps to early American
dances to perform at the Early American New Year’s Eve Ball. The ball is part
of the First Night Springfield festivities. Dress in period costume and spend
the evening sipping champagne and dancing. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum,
212 N. Sixth St. For more info, call 652-8085.
First Night Springfield
Dec 31, 5pm, The theme of the event is “There’s Magic in the Air.” There will be several magicians including Walter King , the spellbinder. Join
in or watch salsa, swing, or square dancing and attend the Early American Ball . The event also includes art
exhibits and theater performances focusing on Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial. Don’t miss the firework show as Springfield rings in the New Year. $12 advance, $15
on site, $5 children 5-18, $30 for family pack includes two adults and two
youth. Downtown Springfield. For more info, call 753-3519 or go to www.springfieldartsco.org.
Lincoln Birthday Celebration
Dec 31, 8pm, Grammy Award-winning composer/folklorist duo Jay Ungar and Molly
Mason will lead a musical “Early Birthday Celebration for A. Lincoln.” $37.
Sangamon Auditorium, UIS. For more info or to purchase tickets
call 206-6160
New Year’s Eve Service
Dec 31, 9pm, As an alternative to New Year’s Eve craziness Abundant Faith is holding a New Year’s Eve service for those who would rather spend the evening in praise. Abundant
Faith Christian Center, 2525 Taylor Ave. For more info, call 585-4000
This article appears in Nov 20-26, 2008.
