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Holiday Hall and Fine Craft Exhibition Through Dec. 15. From more than 40 central Illinois
artists, an array of handmade gifts including coin purses, jewelry,
sculpture, and paintings. Proceeds benefit the artists and Springfield Art
Association’s gallery. Springfield Art
Association, 700 N. Fourth St. (217-523-2631)
Christmas at Dana-Thomas House Through Dec. 30. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed
house is decked out in holiday decorations and open for tours. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave.
(www.dana-thomas.org)
Downtown Springfield Old Capitol Holiday Walk Nov. 29. Walk around downtown and visit the
area’s shops. Trolley rides and music performers liven up the
streets. Downtown Springfield
(www.downtownspringfield.org)
Illinois State Museum’s Gallery Talk and
Holiday Shopping Nov. 29. Kent Smith, ISM art director, talks about
the ongoing exhibit “Chicago Painting 1895-1945: The Bridges
Collection,” preceded by shopping in the museum’s gift shop. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St. (217-782-7011)
Illinois Chamber Orchestra II — Messiah
Nov. 30. Performing Handel’s Messiah with conductor Karen Lynne
Deal. Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725
S. Walnut St. (www.uis.edu/sangamonauditorium)
Riders in the Sky — Christmas the Cowboy Way
Nov. 30. Singing cowboys take the stage for an
evening of holiday tunes done the country western way. Sangamon Auditorium, University of Illinois-Springfield
(www.uis.edu/sangamonauditorium)
Alternative Holiday Fair Nov. 30 & Dec. 1. Promoting social justice at
home and abroad, the fair sells fair trade products from around the world
including house wares, jewelry, coffee, chocolates, and more. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd.
(www.holidayfair.org)
Virden Country Christmas Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. A lighted Christmas parade,
breakfast with Santa Claus, lane of trees, gingerbread houses, and cookie
decorating, and more. Downtown Virden
(217-965-5496)
Christmas in Virginia Nov. 30 & Dec. 1. The celebration features more
than 45 craft and food vendors, carolers, a cookie walk, silent auction,
puppet show, kids’ games, a Santa Claus parade, and more. City Square, Virginia
Rockin’ and Rollin’ Into the Holiday
Season Dec. 1. Springfield Jaycees present the annual
holiday parade featuring walking groups, student organizations, businesses,
bands, and more. Begins at Horace Mann Parking
Lot (www.springfieldjaycees.com)
Sounds of the Season Dec. 1. Land of Lincoln Chorus with special guests
Gus Gordon, Mary Jo Curry, and Sweet Adeline’s Sound Celebration
Chorus sing holiday classics and little-known tunes. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. (www.scfta.org)
Photos with Santa Dec. 1. Green View snaps photos of children and pets
with Santa and offers hot cocoa, cookies, and candy to munch on. Green View Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson (www.greenview.com) Petersburg Christmas Tour of Homes Dec. 1. Tour five historic structures. Petersburg
(217-416-2897)
Pancakes, Paws, & Santa Claus Dec. 1. The zoo hosts a pancake breakfast where
children can get a photo taken with Santa Claus and view the animals. Henson Robinson Zoo, East Lake Drive
(www.hensonrobinsonzoo.org)
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Dec. 1. The orchestra conducted by Garrett Allman,
JSO Chorus, and Jacksonville High School Show Choir present “Holiday
Gems.” Rammelkamp Chapel, Illinois
College, Jacksonville (www.jaxsym.com)
Elkhart Holiday Home Tour Dec. 1. Tour five homes decorated for the holiday
season. Elkhart Public Library, 121 Bohan St.
(217-947-2313)
“Christmas in Wonderland” Ballroom Dance Dec. 1. Dance to the tunes of Sentimental Journey, an
18-piece orchestra. Limited seating. Reservations required. American Center, 1501 E. Griffiths Ave.
(217-529-9421)
Green View Holiday Seminar Dec. 1. “Adding Holiday Sparkle to Your Candles
and Chandeliers” seminar. Green View
Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson (www.greenview.com)
Stars in the Night: The Search for Light in Winter Dec. 1. The 60-member Springfield Choral Society
sings seasonal music. Marion van der Loo conducts. First Christian Church, Sixth and Cook streets (217-523-8810)
Evergreen Wreath-making Workshop Dec. 1 & 2. Pre-registration required. Washington Park Botanical Garden (www.springfieldparks.org)
Downtown Taylorville Christmas Parade Dec. 1 & 2. A parade cruises through downtown
Taylorville featuring Santa in a 1955 Thunderbird. Taylorville Square (www.downtowntaylorville.com)
Winter Holiday Show Dec. 1-30. See Washington Park Botanical decorated
for the holidays with poinsettias and holiday trees. Washington Park Botanical Garden (www.springfieldparks.org)
Holiday Organ Concert Dec. 2. An evening of holiday music and singing
performed with local organist Mark Gifford. Parkway
Christian Church, 2700 Lindbergh Blvd. (www.parkwaychurch.info)
Winter Birding for Children and Adults Dec. 2. Tour the garden, observe winter birds, and
try to spot a waterfowl or goldfinch. Families encouraged to attend.
Pre-registration appreciated. Lincoln Memorial
Garden, East Lake Drive (www.lmgnc.org)
Christmas Pottery Sale Dec. 2. A selection of different handmade pottery is
for sale from Jubilee Farm’s artist studio. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd., New Berlin
(www.springfieldop.org)
Lincoln Park Historic Homes Tour Dec. 2. Tour Lincoln Park’s homes including the
Rippon-Kinsella Mansion. Proceeds benefit Lincoln Park Neighborhood
Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Lincoln
Park (217-753-1216)
Mistletoe and Holly Dec. 2. Jane Hartman Trio performs a free afternoon
concert. Trutter Center, Lincoln Land
Community College (www.llcc.edu)
Downtown Springfield Old Capitol Holiday Walk Dec. 5. Walk around downtown and visit the
area’s shops. Trolley rides and music performers liven up the
streets. Downtown Springfield
(www.downtownspringfield.org)
Santa House Dec. 6-23. Santa visits Springfield to give out candy
canes and greet children. Santa House, 1415
North Grand Ave. (www.springfieldparks.org)
Impressions of Peace Opening Dec. 7. Imagine Foundation hosts a group
exhibition displaying artists’ interpretations of peace. Imagine Gallery at Lincoln Land, Jacksonville
(www.imaginefoundation.homestead.com)
Christmas Festival Concert Dec. 7. Illinois College Music Department presents a
holiday program featuring the concert choir, brass ensemble, strings, and
Renaissance Singers. Rammelkamp Chapel,
Illinois College, Jacksonville (www.ic.edu)
A Christmas Carol: The Musical Dec. 7-9 and 14-16. Jacksonville Theatre Guild
presents the Charles Dickens classic story put to music with a cast of more
than 70 people. Sophie Leschin Theatre,
Jacksonville (217-245-1402)
Lincoln Land Community College Madrigal Dinner Dec. 7-9. Madrigal singers transport diners to the
recreation of a holiday feast. Student Union
of Menard Hall, LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd. (217-786-2762)
Holiday Lights at the Zoo Dec. 7-9. The zoo is decorated for the holidays, and
patrons can view the animals and thousands of lights. Henson Robinson Zoo, East Lake Drive (www.hensonrobinsonzoo.org)
18th Annual Carlinville Christmas Market Dec. 7-9. An array of arts and crafts including
specialty soaps, jewelry, hand-carved bird feeders, purses, and more will
be available. The market also features children’s activities, music,
and food. Carlinville
(www.CarlinvilleChristmasMarket.com)
A Christmas Carol Dec. 7-16. Little Theatre on the Square presents the
classic Charles Dickens play featuring Patrick McCarthy as Ebenezer
Scrooge. Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E.
Harrison St., Sullivan (www.thelittletheatre.org)
Green View Nursery Seminar Dec. 8. “Elegant and Simple Holiday Ideas for
Festive Gatherings” seminar Green View
Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St. (www.greenview.com)
Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony Dec. 8. Preparatory, concert, symphony orchestra, and
Starter Strings perform a winter concert. First
United Methodist Church West, Koke Mill Road and Wabash Avenue
(217-753-8000)
Breakfast with Santa Adoption Fundraiser Dec. 8. Enjoy a hot breakfast, take photos with Santa
Claus, and participate in a silent auction of theme baskets, services, and
collectibles. Proceeds help pay adoption fees for families adopting
internationally. Rochester Christian Church
(217-498-7749)
Breakfast with Santa Dec. 8. Visit with Santa, hear a story, and eat
breakfast. Kids get a chance to meet St. Nick and take home a photo. Laurel United Methodist Church, South Grand Avenue West and
Walnut Street (www.laurelumchurch.org)
Illinois College Holiday Bazaar Dec. 8. IC students host a holiday bazaar and
marketplace where area residents are welcome to participate as shoppers or
vendors. Hilltop Shops, Illinois College
Residence Hall, Park Street and Edgehill Road, Jacksonville (217-245-3094)
Springfield Ballet Company — The Nutcracker Dec. 8 & 9. The Springfield Ballet
Company’s longstanding tradition continues as they perform the
classic dance production. Sangamon Auditorium,
University of Illinois-Springfield campus (www.springfieldballetco.org) Elijah Iles House Candlelight Tours Dec. 8 & 9. Tour Springfield’s oldest home
by candlelight. Elijah Iles House, 628 S.
Seventh St. (217-492-5929)
Bells In Motion Christmas Concert Dec. 9. Enjoy holiday songs such as “Jingle
Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” and Mannheim Steamroller’s
“Deck the Halls” played by a hand bell ensemble. First Congregational Church, 2100 S. Bates Ave. (www.bellsinmotion.org)
AAUW Salon and Aid to Artisans Marketplace Dec. 10. American Association of University Women
presents crafts including jewelry and clothing handmade by craftswomen in
developing countries. IEA Professional
Development Center, 3440 Liberty Dr. (217-546-0576)
Marie Osmond “The Magic of Christmas”
Dec. 11. Marie Osmond croons holiday favorites such
as “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Let
There Be Peace on Earth,” and a medley of classics from her
collection of hits. Sangamon Auditorium,
University of Illinois-Springfield (www.uis.edu/sangamonauditorium)
Downtown Springfield Old Capitol Holiday Walk Dec. 12. Walk around downtown and visit the
area’s shops. Trolley rides and music performers liven up the
streets. Downtown Springfield
(www.downtownspringfield.org)
Holiday Lights at the Zoo Dec. 14-22. The zoo is decorated for the holidays,
and patrons can view the animals and thousands of lights. Henson Robinson Zoo, East Lake Drive
(www.hensonrobinsonzoo.org)
Holiday Pops — Illinois Symphony Orchestra Dec. 15. Sangamon
Auditorium, University of Illinois-Springfield campus (www.ilsymphony.info)
Moscow Ballet — The
Nutcracker Dec. 15. The ballet performance features live music
from the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra. Kirkland
Fine Arts Center, Millikin University, Decatur
(www.millikin.edu/kirkland)
Imagine Foundation’s Christmas Soiree and Revue
Dec. 15. A festive party featuring Christmas carols
and holiday tunes, a light meal, dessert buffet, and eggnog. Asa Talcott House, 859 Grove St., Jacksonville
(217-473-2726)
Toy and Food Drive for Contact Ministries Dec. 15. Contribute a new toy or non-perishable food
item and celebrate the spirit of giving with music performances, a visit by
Santa and Abraham Lincoln, and a craft area for kids. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 212 N. Sixth St.
(www.alplm.org)
A Joyful Noyse Dec. 16. Prairieland Voices perform music of the
Renaissance-period in a candlelit setting. Marion van der Loo is music
director and conductor. Episcopal Cathedral of
St. Paul, Second and Lawrence streets (217-523-8810)
Christmas Caroling Dec. 16. Gather around a roaring bonfire and sing
Christmas carols accompanied by music from the carillon. Washington Park (www.springfieldparks.org)
Sangamon Valley Community Orchestra Dec. 19. The community orchestra hosts a winter
concert. Donations accepted. Hoogland Center
for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. (217-753-8000) A Christmas Carol — 1940s Radio Play Dec. 21-23. A live re-creation of a 1940s Christmas
radio broadcast of the Charles Dickens classic presented by Gordon
Productions. Starring Don Schneider as Scrooge. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. (www.scfta.org)
Dana-Thomas House Evening Holiday Tours Dec. 22. View the house in the evening decorated for
the holiday season. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E.
Lawrence Ave. (217-782-6776)
Winter Solstice Quiet Day Dec. 22. Observe the winter solstice and spend a day
of quiet and reflection at the Jubilee Farm. Pre-registration is required. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd., New Berlin
(www.springfieldop.org)
Downtown Springfield Old Capitol Holiday Walk Dec. 22. Walk around downtown and visit the
area’s shops. Trolley rides and music performers liven up the
streets. Downtown Springfield
(www.downtownspringfield.org)
Luminaria Sunday Dec. 23. Sara Lawrence Dana’s historic home,
designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, features a candlelit tour with 1,000
candles lining ledges and walkways throughout the house. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave. (217-782-6776)
Winter Solstice Sunrise Observance Dec. 23. Hear the history, function, and story of the
discovery of Woodhenge and watch the ancient sun calendar in use. Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville (www.cahokiamounds.com)
Holiday Lights at the Zoo Dec. 26-28. The zoo is decorated for the holidays,
and patrons can view the animals and thousands of lights. Henson Robinson Zoo, East Lake Drive
(www.hensonrobinsonzoo.org)
Children’s Story Hour Day Dec. 27. The former owner of the Dana-Thomas House,
Susan Lawrence Dana, often invited children for story time, and now the
home recreates the scene with three story hours throughout the day.
Reservations required. Dana-Thomas House, 301
E. Lawrence Ave.
(217-782-6776)
Burning Bowl Dec. 31. Set fire to outdated and unneeded beliefs,
thoughts, and habits. Start the year with a clean slate at the annual New
Year’s Eve burning bowl ritual. Unity of
Springfield, 417 Cordelia (www.unityofspringfield.com)
“New Years in Vegas” Dinner and
Ballroom Dance Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year with a prime rib
dinner, favors, champagne toast, and dancing to Kevin Turner Trio.
Reservations required. American Center, 1501
E. Griffiths Ave. (217-529-9421)
First Night Springfield Dec. 31. A family-oriented New Year’s Eve
celebration of the arts featuring performances from musicians, artists,
poets, actors, dancers, and a fireworks finale at midnight. Downtown Springfield (www.springfieldartsco.org)
This article appears in Nov 22-28, 2007.
