As events may be canceled or rescheduled at the last moment, please first check with the host or venue when making plans to attend an event.
Ongoing
Jacksonville Festival of Lights
Through-Dec. 31, 5-9pm. This magnificent drive-thru experience will be the festive highlight of the holiday season. Food pantry donations accepted. $10 per car. Morgan County Fairgrounds, Jacksonville, 110 N. Westgate, 217-245-5119.
Brown Bag Concert Series
Wednesdays, 12:15-12:45pm. Through Dec. 27. Enjoy a free concert during the lunch hour. Bring your own lunch or purchase a brown bag lunch for $5. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
Senior Crafty Creations
First Wednesday of every month, 10:30-11:30am. Through March 6. A series of casual craft meetups for seniors on the first Wednesday of each month. Connect, create and relax with other people in an easygoing environment. All supplies provided. To help with supplies, consider donating $5 per session. Free. Ball-Chatham Senior Center, Chatham, 111 W. Mulberry St., 217-483-2713.
Holiday Zoo Lights
Thursday through Sunday, 5-9pm through Dec. 17, then daily through Dec. 23. Take a stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of lights and themed lighted displays, stopping at the photo opportunities for your holiday pics. Enjoy the Zoo Choo Express hot chocolate bar or roast a marshmallow over the fire pit. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.
Holiday Tours
Experience the beautiful holiday decorations at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion with a 30-minute tour. eventbrite.com. Free. Illinois Governor’s Mansion,410 E. Jackson St., 217-210-1020.
Winter Nights at the Museum
Wednesdays, Saturdays, 4-7pm. Through Dec. 23. The museum is joining in the Holiday Walks with dance selections from The Nutcracker by the Copper Coin Ballet Company, and winter-themed arts and crafts for kids in the Winter Wonder Workshop. In Lincoln’s Cafe. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Winter Holiday Floral Show
Dec. 2-20. Monday-Friday 12-4pm, Saturday and Sunday 12-5pm. Enjoy over 500 poinsettias nestled among the decorated fresh evergreens and lush tropical foliage. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Giving Tree Fundraiser
Friday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Dec. 31. Help animals at the Animal Protective League of Springfield by visiting participating businesses and selecting an ornament off a displayed tree. Each ornament represents an item needed by the APL. Buy the item and place it in the donation bin at the business or bring it to the APL. See the website for a list of businesses. apl-shelter-org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 217-544-7387.
“Portraits”
Fridays, 12-6pm. Through Dec. 29. See a display of the exceptional portrait photography by Zach Adams. Also find artist-made gift items for the holidays. pharmacygallery.com. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 217-622-7903.
DECEMBER
Holiday Pops in the Heartland
Fri., Dec. 15, 7:30pm. Presented by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and led by one of four distinguished guest conductors vying to become the ISO’s next music director. Wonderful entertainment for the holiday season. uispac.com. $22-$66. Students $10. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Dual Piano Christmas
Dec. 15-16, 7pm and Sun., Dec. 17, 2pm. Damien Kaplan and Mark Gifford, a duo that has been called “Improvisational and strategically comedic,” are back for more mischief and music. hcfta.org. $18-$20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
1850s Community Carol Sing
Sat., Dec. 16, 6-7:30pm. Travel back in time to the 1850s this Christmas season, and join Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln for special music, worship and a carol sing. The Lincolns will greet visitors, and everyone is invited to attend in period costumes. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
Christmas Charity Concert
Sat., Dec. 16, 7-8:15pm. Ring in the holiday season with special guest performers. Featuring the cast of Holiday Inn, radio personality Jim Leach, the 2023 Miss Illinois Festival Queen, the Rochester High School cast of Back To The 80’s and many more local artists. Donations welcome. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St., 217-528-0457.
Wreaths Across America
Sat., Dec. 16, 11-12am. A part of wreath-laying ceremonies conducted across the country at the same time as the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization supported by volunteers and wreath sponsors. This year’s theme is “Serve and Succeed.” Free to attend. Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Rd, 217-492-4070.
The Office Christmas Party
Sat., Dec. 16, 6:30pm. The Office Christmas Party for All. Includes hors d’oeuvres, ugly sweater contest, games, photo booth, pictures with Santa, food truck, white elephant gift exchange and more. Launch event of The Culture Experience LLC. Partygoers must register at thecultureexperience.com.
Christmas Classics
Dec. 15-16, 7pm. Bring the whole family for these timeless classics. Friday showing It’s a Wonderful Life and Saturday showing Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. $10 at the door or $5 with a food bank donation. Doors and bar open at 6pm. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles
Sun., Dec. 17, 7-9pm. This Beatles tribute act gives attention to every detail of the iconic band’s performance – Liverpudlian dialects, vintage instruments and spot-on costumes. Then they present the top hits of the Beatles along with some great holiday tunes. uispac.com. $ 28.50 -$78.50. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Candle-lighting Service
Sun., Dec. 17, 6-7pm. Reawaken the Christ light within. Music, singing and fellowship. unityofspringfieldil.org. Donations accepted. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.
The Prophecy Show
Thu., Dec. 21, 7:30pm. A tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This St. Louis powerhouse, performing in the style of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, will bring its signature and highly-energized rock opera back to create an extravagant holiday musical production. uispac.com. $39-$85. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Treat Tree Workshop
Thu., Dec. 21, 9-11am. Get messy and make wildlife-friendly ornaments for your trees. Participants ages 5-9 will make different kinds of edibles out of birdseed, spices and fruits. springfieldparks.org. $35-$40. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Sinatra and Friends Christmas Show
Fri., Dec. 22, 7pm and Sat., Dec. 23, 2pm. Starring Robbie Howard, a world-renowned impersonator and tribute artist. Hear Dean Martin, Randy Travis, Andy Williams, Burl Ives and more. Students $28, adults $32 and seniors $30. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Christmas at West Side
Fri., Dec. 22, 5pm and 7pm, Sat. and Sun., Dec. 23 and 24, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. A starting point for people to discover how much the birth of Jesus matters for them. West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Lane, 793-2800.
Christmas with Hope Church
Sat., Dec. 23, 7-8pm and Sun., Dec. 24, 11am-12pm, 1-2pm, 3-4pm. See different pictures in different seasons of our life. This holiday season consider the different frames for Christmas and share the most wonderful time of the year. Children’s programming both days for kids up to fifth grade. ASL interpreter provided at Saturday’s 11am program. myhope.church. Hope Church, 3000 Lenhart Road, 217-787-1446.
Christmas Eve Service
Sun., Dec. 24, 5pm. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party
Fri., Dec. 29, 11:15am. Sparkling juice, appetizers, masquerade mask, and live music by Curt Smith. centralILseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
First Night Springfield
Sun., Dec. 31. An annual celebration of the arts with live music, dance and art exhibits at various downtown venues. A family-friendly, handicapped-accessible and affordable event. Snacks available for purchase. $20, children $5. Hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Downtown Springfield, Downtown, 217-752-1723.
JANUARY
Healing Crystal Bowls
Mon., Jan. 1, 6-8pm. relax into their vision of what you would like to create in the new year, and then allow the thoughts to surround you as you listen to the lovely crystal bowl vibrations. $25 suggested donation. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia St., 217-523-5897.
Live string quartet performance
Sat., Jan. 6, 1pm, Sat., Jan. 13, 1pm and Mon., Jan. 15, 1pm. Musicians will perform pieces written by Randy Erwin in the Illinois Gallery while visitors explore the “Here I Have Lived” exhibition. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Mystery Movie Monday
Sat., Jan. 6, 7pm. You won’t know the title of the film until the red velvet curtain opens on the grand screen. Movies from across the spectrum of genres will be shown – comedy, drama, suspense, musical, romance, western – everything but horror. Free popcorn. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
The Snow Queen
Sun., Jan. 7, 1-2, 3-4pm. A contemporary retelling of the story that inspired Frozen. Sisters, divided by an eternal winter, each set out on wondrous adventures filled with self-discovery, familiar frozen friends and the true meaning of love. Featuring the students of Dance Arts Studio. hcfta.org. $15. Children under age 6 $5. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Springfield’s Original Bridal Show
Sun., Jan. 7, 11am-3pm. Featuring premiere vendors. Pre-registration for brides is now open. Sponsored by Capitol Radio Group, Savvi Formalwear and Radio Pro DJ’s. Free. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.
AARP Tax Aid
Jan. 8-9, 10am-2pm, Tue., Jan. 16, 10am-2pm, Jan. 22-23, 10am-2pm and Jan. 29-30, 10am-2pm. AARP tax aid volunteers will be at Senior Services of Central Illinois. Stop by on the open dates and times to schedule your tax aid appointment. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour
Wed., Jan. 10, 7pm. Watch as the Globetrotters go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, showcasing their amazing basketball skills and outrageous athleticism with a non-stop good time. boscenter.com. $30-$296. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Nash
Wed., Jan. 10, 1-1:30pm. Visit with the pet therapy team, Christie and Nash. centralilsenior.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-503-4643.
Honoring & Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King
Fri., Jan. 12, 12:15-1pm. With speaker Ward 5 Alderwoman, Lakeisha Purchase. centralilsenior.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Merrily We Roll Along
Jan. 12-13, 7:30pm, Sun., Jan. 14, 2pm, Jan. 19-20, 7:30pm and Sun., Jan. 21, 2pm. An autobiographical(ish) story by the late Steven Sondheim that tells, in reverse, the complicated 20-year friendship of Franklin, Charles, and Mary. hcfta.org. $22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Nightmare at the Hot Mess Hair Salon
Sat., Jan. 13. Audition for one of the over-the-top caricatures of early 2000s stereotypes for this zany murder-mystery comedy written and directed by Courtney Wick. Show dates are March 15-17 and March 22-24. Visit the Springfield Theatre Centre website for more info. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Kiwanis Kids Bash
Sat., Jan. 13, 10am-2pm. Free event with fun activities including, bike giveaways, bounce houses, face painting, soccer darts, inflatable archery and more. Free haircuts from The Barbershop and free food. Salvation Army, 1600 Clear Lake, 217-789-4653.
White Stone Ceremony
Sun., Jan. 14, 10-11am. Celebrate new beginnings with an intention for the year ahead. love offering. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.
Community Blood Drive
Mon., Jan. 15, 10am-2pm. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is considered a Day of Service, Please consider rolling up your sleeve to give the gift of blood. Visit the museum’s website to schedule a donation appointment. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Mania – The Abba Tribute
Thu., Jan. 18, 7:30-9:30pm. Mania brings to life the flamboyance of the ’70s in this re-creation of one of ABBA’s most memorable concerts. Includes all of the uplifting, dance-inducing and heart-breaking songs from the iconic Swedish band, along with fantastic costumes, staging, lighting and effects. uispac.com. $30-$70. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Organist Adrienne Cox
Fri., Jan. 19, 7:30-9:30pm. Part of the Illinois College Fine Arts Series. $20. Students and children are free. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245-3192.
Illinois Secretary of State Driver’s License Mobile Unit
Wed., Jan. 24, 11am-2pm. Receive services for Real ID, driver’s license renewal, sticker renewal, voter registration and organ donation. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-503-4643.
Tunes from the Toons!
Fri., Jan. 26, 7:30-9pm. Go on a zany adventure as animated cartoon characters come to life through music. From the Mickey Mouse March to Remember Me from Coco to How Far I’ll Go from Moana, there’s something for everyone. Yaniv Dinur will be the conductor. ilsymphony.org. $22, $44, $66, Students (Age 24 and under): $10. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-522-2838.
Improv Game Night
Sat., Jan. 27, 8pm. Capital City Improv presents Clue, Pictionary, Cards Against Humanity – all your favorite board games, with a twist. hcfta.org. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Dean Z – The Ultimate Elvis
Sat., Jan. 27, 7:30-9:30pm. For nearly two decades, Dean Z has performed thousands of shows for Elvis fans around the globe. He was named by Elvis Presley Enterprises as the world’s greatest Elvis tribute artist in 2013. uispac.com. $29.50-$125. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
1619: The Journey of a People
Sat., Jan. 27, 7pm and Sun., Jan. 28, 2pm. A new musical by Ted Williams III. Three modern characters lead audience members on a journey through multiple performance pieces leaving viewers both inspired and challenged about the progress of America’s African sons and daughters. hcfta.org. $30-$75. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Elegant Wedding Expo Winter Edition 2024
Sun., Jan. 28, 12-4pm. Meet wedding professionals, win door prizes, enjoy catered treats and delicious cakes. elegantweddingexpo.com. $5 or $40 VIP. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Labyrinth Walk
Mon., Jan. 29, 6-8:30pm. This walking meditation is a unique spiritual experience. aluuc.org. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-801-2698.
FEBRUARY
Aging Mastery Program
Registration deadline is Feb. 23. A fun and innovative 10-week program that empowers seniors to improve their well-being, add stability to their life and strengthen ties to their community. Meets weekly March 6 through May 8. Registration fee is $65. A $60 refund is issued at graduation upon completion of 80% of the program. Call for info. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
This article appears in Winter 2023.
