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Memorial Medical Center’s Festival
of Trees
Through Nov. 25. A holiday tradition featuring more
than 100 decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces along with
entertainment, gingerbread cookies, and a children’s craft area. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds
(www.memorialsfestivaloftrees.com)
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)
Indian Market Days Nov. 23-25. American Indian artists and vendors sell
jewelry, paintings, weavings, pottery, and more. Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville (www.cahokiamounds.com)
Green View Holiday Seminar Nov. 24. “Bringing Fresh Greens Home For the
Holidays” seminar. Green View Nursery,
3000 W. Jefferson (www.greenview.com)
Holiday Boutique Open House Nov. 24. Pick up holiday items. Refreshments served. 2041 S. Sixth St.
Food for the Soul Concert Nov. 26. Lincoln Land Community College’s Big
Band and Stolen Moments, directed by Jane Hartman, perform jazz music to
benefit Kumler Food Pantry. Canned food items accepted at the door. First Christian Church, Sixth and Cook streets
(www.llcc.edu)
Downtown Springfield Old Capitol Holiday Walk Nov. 28 & 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)
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)
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 and 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)
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)
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)
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 decorated for the holidays, and
patrons can view the animals and thousands of lights. Henson Robinson Zoo, East Lake Drive (www.hensonrobinsonzoo.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 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)
Springfield Ballet Company — The Nutcracker Dec. 8 & 9. The Springfield Ballet
Company’s longstanding tradition continues as they perform the
classic dance performance. 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)
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)
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
for 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 Edwards 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 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)
“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 15-21, 2007.
