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
Winter Holiday Floral Show Mon.-Fri. 12-4pm. Sat.-Sun. 12-5pm. Through Dec. 21. 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.
Winter Nights at the ALPLM Wednesday and Saturdays, 5-7 pm. Through Dec. 21. Extended hours and free admission so everyone can enjoy the exhibits and performances. Enjoy a free performance (ticket required) by the Copper Coin Ballet Company at 5:30pm. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks Saturdays 10am-7pm and Wednesdays 4-7pm. Through Dec. 21. Revel in the holiday spirit with visits with Santa Claus, Midwest sleigh rides, ice skating, shopping at locally owned businesses, kids' crafts, live entertainment and even a hot cocoa bar. Free. Downtown Springfield. 217-544-1723.
Holidays at the SAA Collective Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11am-5pm. Through Dec. 23. The juried artists of the SAA Collective present their ever-popular annual holiday art show. In addition to fine art, patrons can shop for holiday décor, jewelry, one-of-a-kind gifts, greeting cards and more. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 105 N. Fifth St., 217-544-2787.
Light up the Park Fridays-Sundays, 6-9pm. Through Dec. 25. A local holiday tradition. Get ready to be wowed by the nearly 1-mile drive through hundreds of thousands of lights and beautiful displays. A $5 per-vehicle donation is requested. Sponsored by the Chatham Friends of the Parks. Enter on Park Ave. Chatham Community Park, Chatham, 731 S. Main St.
"J. Capps & Sons, Ltd. A History of Nice Threads!" Through Dec. 30. Featuring the history of Jacksonville's first manufacturer, the exhibit traces the story of the company from 1839 through its closing in 1975. See original fabrics, tools, company records and photographs and read the reminiscences of Capps' employees. Jacksonville Area Museum, Jacksonville, 301 E. State St., 217-408-1197.
Alzheimer's caregiver support group Second Tuesday of every month, 1-2:30pm. The best thing you can do for the person for whom you are caring is to stay physically and emotionally strong. Support groups offer comfort and reassurance, and can be good sources of practical advice and even humor. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Legal Aid First Wednesday of every month, 9am-3pm. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid provides free civil legal help for eligible seniors. Call 217-503-4643 to make an appointment. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Springfield Poets and Writers open mic Third Wednesday of every month, 6-8pm. Read some poetry, prose or nonfiction, whether your original work or the work of a favorite author. You can also just relax and listen. Get the Zoom link at springfieldpoetsandwriters.com. Free. 217-725-9058.
Glucose and blood pressure screens Fourth Wednesday of every month, 9:30-11:30am. Provided by SIU School of Medicine. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Fasters meeting Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6-7pm. A group discussion and support for a healthy lifestyle through intermittent fasting and eating real food. CrossFit Instinct, 301 South Grand Ave., 217-725-6715.
Second Saturday Open Studio Second Saturday of every month. Watch pharmacy member artists at work and talk with them to learn about their creative process. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.
December
Dual Piano Christmas Dec. 16-17, 7pm. Dec. 18, 2pm. The ghosts of past entertainers such as Victor Borge and Liberace can be felt rampaging through the halls when Mark and Damien are at the ivories. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Holiday Pops in the Heartland Dec. 16, 7:30pm. A popular traditional performance by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra with the UIS Orchestra and Illinois Symphony Orchestra Youth Ensembles. Conducted by Jacobsen Woollen. $5-$63. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
A Royal Christmas Dec. 16, 11:30am. Wear your favorite velvet, plush or sparkling attire. Enjoy music, sweet treats, punch and a visit from Santa who will be bringing gifts for all. Free. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
The Jacksonville Symphony Chorale Dec. 17, 3pm. The Symphony Chorale and the Jacksonville High School Concert Choir join the orchestra with joyous sounds of the Christmas season in this always-popular concert. Bring the entire family to this afternoon holiday celebration. Santa promises to be in attendance. $20. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-370-2472.
The Knight Family Christmas Show Dec. 17, 7pm. Join Springfield's first family of drag for a holiday evening of cheer, laughter, treats and holiday glitz and glamour. $25-$35. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St.
The Nutcracker Dec. 17, 5:30pm. The Copper Coin Ballet Company and area dancers will bring Pyotr Tchaikovsky's classic music to life during Downtown Springfield, Inc.'s Old Capitol Holiday Walks. Performances are free, but a ticket is required for admittance. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market Dec. 17, 8am-12pm. Union Station, 500 E. Madison, 217-544-1723.
Candle-Lighting Service Dec. 18, 6:30-7:30pm. Recognize the spiritual awakening of the Christ light that comes from within. Join a celebration with live music and singing of traditional Christmas carols. A gathering for fellowship will follow. Love offering. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.
Capital City Men's Chorus Christmas Concert Dec. 18, 4pm. $10. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-473-2045.
Backgammon Club Dec. 21, 6-9pm. Live backgammon. Lessons are available for beginners and first-time entry is free. Harvest Market, 3001 Veterans Pkwy., 217-622-9447.
Brown Bag Concert Dec. 21, 12:15-12:45pm. Featuring Sangamon Brass. Brown Bag lunch available for $5 or bring your own lunch to enjoy. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
Life After Loss Grief Support Group Dec. 21, 1pm. Learn more about hospice and bereavement support with Robert Armidon, chaplain and bereavement coordinator with Kindred Hospice. Call to register. Free. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-503-4643.
Nutty Nutcracker Dec. 22, 7pm. Holiday surprises abound when this magical tale turns upside down. $5 general admission or $42 reserved. Performance by Copper Coin Ballet. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Tidings of Comfort & Joy Dec. 24, 5:30pm. A service of song and scripture. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd., 217-523-5212.
New Year's Countdown Dec. 30, 11:45am. Bring a list of items and wishes for your family, friends and yourself to share. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
First Night Dec. 31. On this night, Springfield's art, music and theater worlds meet in a spectacle of dazzling sights and sounds to celebrate the New Year. Bring the family to enjoy talented local and regional artists and performers at multiple venues. Hosted downtown by the Springfield Area Arts Council. 217-753-3519.
Burning Bowl Releasing Ceremony Jan. 1, 10-11am. Make a fresh start in the New Year with a symbolic Unity practice. The ceremony allows each person to release past shortcomings, regrets or things that no longer serve them, and begin the New Year with a peaceful, positive feeling. Love offering. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.
Healing Crystal Bowls Jan. 1, 6-8pm. Crystalize your intentions for the New Year with an immersive sound bath of crystal bowl tones and vibrations, and learn how the intentions will receive healing vibrations each month through the year. $20 love offering suggested. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.
New Year's Day Stone Soup Hike Jan. 1, 10am-12pm. Join an easy 2-mile walk before sitting down to a shared meal of hot soup. Bring a vegetable, grain or meat for the soup and your own bowl and utensils. Meat should be first cooked at home. Meatless soup will be available. Hosted by the Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group. RSVP on the Facebook event page. No dogs allowed in the garden. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-414-6325.
January Senior Crafty Creations Jan. 4, 10:30-11:30pm. Create sock gnomes while you connect with others in a relaxed environment. All supplies will be provided, but consider a donation of $5 to help with costs. Ball-Chatham Senior Center, Chatham, 111 W. Mulberry St., 217-483-2713.
Friends of Genealogy Meeting Jan. 7, 2-3:30pm. Are you interested in your family history? Have questions about how to break down brick walls you have in your family history research? Get tips and tricks on how to break down the walls. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.
Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market Jan. 7, 8am-12pm. Union Station, 500 E. Madison, 217-544-1723.
Photo Organization Jan. 12, 6-7pm. Learn how to create a photo legacy so that you can enjoy these memories now and share them with future generations to come. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.
Mayoral forum 5:30-6:30pm. Illinois Times, Springfield Business Journal and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will host a debate for city of Springfield mayoral candidates James Langfelder and Misty Buscher. Moderated by Bernie Schoenburg. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-726-6600.
"Growing Up X" Jan. 28-May 13. Gen X is the often-overlooked forgotten generation between Boomers and Millennials. Learn about the cultural touchstones that shaped this generation's youth which was the last generation to have had an analog childhood. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
February Senior Crafty Creations Feb. 1, 10:30-11:30am. Create fabric marker totes while you connect with others in a relaxed environment. All supplies will be provided, but consider a donation of $5 to help with costs. Ball-Chatham Senior Center, Chatham, 111 W. Mulberry St., 217-483-2713.
"Weird Al" Yankovic Feb. 4, 7pm. "The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour." Lower your expectations. Again. $39-$89. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
AARP Smart Driver Course Feb. 7, 9am-5pm. The eight-hour AARP safe driving class, certified by the state of Illinois, could help you become eligible for a discount on your auto insurance. Members $20, non-members $25. Bring your driver's license, payment in check only and insurance card. Bring a lunch or request a meal by calling the Daily Bread program by Friday, Feb. 3. 217-528-4035. $20-$25. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St.
Experience Rockballet Feb. 9, 6:30pm. A sensory-friendly performance intended for an inclusive audience of all ages with sensory or other needs. Presented by the dancers of the Copper Coin Ballet Company performing choreography to the music of rock band Queen. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Scintillating Shakespeare Feb. 10, 7:30pm. Jacobsen Woollen, conductor, Madison King, soprano and Carl Rosenthal, tenor. uis.pac. $5-$63.
Heathers the Musical Feb. 17-19 and Feb. 24-26. A hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal cult classic based on one of the greatest teen comedy movies of all time. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Jerry Seinfeld Feb. 17, 7-9pm. America's premier comedian. uispac.com. $67.50-$175. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala Feb. 23, 6pm. "Beads & Blings. It's a Mardi Gras Thing." Silent auction, Cajun dinner and music by deejay Troy Armstrong. Hosted by AgeLinc. agelinc.org. $60 per person. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.
Art as Relaxation Feb. 24, 10am-12pm. Watercolor 101, presented by Amy High. Call for reservations as seating is limited. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-503-4643.
Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market Mar. 4, 8am-12pm. Union Station, 500 E. Madison, 217-544-1723.
Star Wars & Beyond, the Best of John Williams Mar. 10, 7:30pm. A performance by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra with conductor Vince Lee. uis.pac. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Million Dollar Time Machine Mar. 11, 7:30pm. Twenty-four of the greatest artists that have ever lived will emerge one by one from a time machine and share the same stage for a truly epic show. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Train Fair Mar. 12, 10am-4pm. Visit the largest train show in downstate Illinois. See operating layouts. Early bird shopping ($10) starts at 9am. Hosted by the Springfield Model Railroad Society. $5. Under age 11 is free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled Mar. 17, 7pm. $5-$49.50. This ventriloquist, stand-up comedian and actor has appeared on numerous television shows. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
