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.
Winter Holiday Floral Show
Through Tue., Dec. 21. Over 500 poinsettias nestled among the garden's tropical collections and decorated evergreens. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
April Sepich and Leigh Roberts
Through Thu., Dec. 23. Hand-glazed vintage tin art tiles and metalsmith art jewelry. David Strawn Art Gallery, Jacksonville, 331 W. College Ave., 217-243-9390.
Light Up the Park
Through Sun., Dec. 26. Bigger and better than ever, with more lights and displays. Hosted by the Chatham Friends of the Park. Chatham Community Park, Chatham, 731 S. Main St.
"Pastels Among the Pages"
Through Fri., Jan. 28. The largest annual show by the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society with over 60 paintings by 38 area pastelists. Open during regular library hours. COVID masking and distance protocols will be followed. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-9030.
Henson Robinson Zoo Lights
Fri.-Thu., Dec. 17-23, 5-9pm. Sun.-Thu., Dec. 26-30, 5-9pm. Take a stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of lights and displays. Hot cocoa bar, toasted marshmallows, photo opportunities for holiday pics. See the many zoo animals that are still active this time of year. Adults $7, kids 3-12 $5, ages 2 and under are free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.
It's a Wonderful Life
Fri., Dec. 17, 7pm. It's become a holiday tradition, just like the good old days. The theater is filled with Christmas music and the scent of popcorn in the air. The lights dim, the red velvet curtain parts and glorious movie magic begins. Tickets at the door. $10 or $5 with a non-perishable food donation. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Christmas Candlelight Tours
Fri., Dec. 17, 5-8pm. Take a self-guided tour of a Victorian mansion decorated in full holiday splendor, illuminated by candlelight and filled with festive music. No reservations necessary. Tours begin upon arrival. Doors are open until 7:30pm. $5. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, 219 E. Woodlawn St., 217-935-6066.
Dual Piano Christmas
Fri.-Sat., Dec. 17-18, 7pm. Sun., Dec. 19, 2pm. Starring Damien Kaplan and Mark Gifford. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
Fri., Dec. 17, 8pm. The smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the music of Pink Floyd. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Policy Breakfast
Fri., Dec. 17, 7:30am coffee reception, 8am program. This is the third collaborative assessment between HSHS St. John's Hospital, Springfield Memorial Health and the Sangamon County Department of Public Health about of Sangamon County community health needs, and the three organizations will discuss the results. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Winter solstice celebration
Fri., Dec. 17, 5-6pm. A time to gather to ignite the Christ light which will guide the path through winter's darkness and lead to the next phase of expansion. It will include an opportunity to celebrate in community following the ceremonial observation. Hosted by Unity of Springfield. Love offering. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-523-5897.
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Sat., Dec. 18, 7pm. Just like the ones we used to know. Join Bing and Rosemary, Danny and Vera-Ellen for one of the jolliest of all movies. Tickets at the door. $10 or $5 with a non-perishable food donation. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Sat., Dec. 18, 10am-7pm. Wed., Dec. 22, 5-8pm. Decorated trees, a gingerbread village, living windows, visits with Santa, carriage rides, live entertainment and holiday shopping. Downtown Springfield, 217-544-1723.
Carriage rides
Sat., Dec. 18, 2-7pm. Wed., Dec. 22, 4-7pm. Get a tour of the downtown holiday happenings at a leisurely pace in a carriage. Old State Capitol Plaza, Washington Street between Fifth and Sixth streets.
Holiday Pops in the Heartland
Sat., Dec. 18, 7:30pm. Performance by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. $22-$66. ilsymphony.org. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
"Voices and Votes"
Sat.-Sun., Dec. 18-19, 10am-4pm. Wed., Dec. 22, 10am-4pm. Examines why American revolutionaries established a government that entrusted the power of the nation, not in a monarchy, but in its citizens. Jacksonville Area Museum, Jacksonville, 301 E. State St.
The Ha Ha Holiday Show
Sat., Dec. 18, 8pm. Presented by Capital City Improv. A night of live improv, songs and sketches that will have you laughing all the way to the New Year. $15. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Holiday and Winter Farmers Market
Sat., Dec. 18 and the third Saturday of every month, 8am-12pm. Find fresh, local produce and proteins. EBT accepted and SNAP recipients can receive a Healthy Ways card that spends like SNAP benefits. Union Station, 500 E. Madison, 217-557-4588.
Winter Nights at the Museum
Sat., Dec. 18, 5-7pm. Wed., Dec. 22, 5-7pm. In partnership with Downtown Springfield, Inc. and Springfield Memorial Foundation. SMTD trolley pickup and drop off at Historic Union Station. Donations of personal care items to benefit Springfield Salvation Army Warming Center accepted for admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Wreaths Across America
Sat., Dec. 18, 11am-12pm. 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, and its mission is Remember, Honor, Teach. wreathsacrossamerica.org. Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, 217-553-6103.
Summer - The Donna Summer Musical
Sun., Dec. 19, 7pm. She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. $24-$89. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Cellist Chet Lord-Remmert
Wed., Dec. 22, 12:15-12:45pm. Part of the Brown Bag Concert Series on Wednesdays during Advent. Brown bag lunch available for $5 or bring your own lunch to enjoy. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
Springfield Chess Club
Wed., Dec. 22, 6pm. Casual games for the public and club members of all ages and skill levels. Meets Wednesdays at 6pm in the food court of White Oaks Mall at 2501 Wabash Ave. and at 6pm on the second Monday of each month in the multipurpose room of Lincoln Library at 326 S. Seventh St. springfieldchessclub.com. Free. 217-726-2584.
First Night Springfield
Fri., Dec. 31. A celebration of the arts. Snacks available for purchase. $20, children $5. Downtown Springfield, South Second Street and East Capitol Avenue, 217-753-3519.
New Year's Burlesque Fri., Dec. 31, 8:30-9:30pm and 10:30-11:59pm. A scintillating show full of classic burlesque, variety acts, singing, dancing and high-flying artistry presented by 217 Burlesque and Curiosities. Ages 18 and over. Masks required in the theater. $20 - $25. Salem on Seventh Theater, Petersburg, 119 S. Seventh St., 217-632-7089.
Mystery Movie Monday
First Monday of every month beginning Monday, Jan. 3. You won't know the title of the film until the curtain opens. Could be comedy, drama, suspense, musical, romance, western – everything but horror – from the 20th century to contemporary titles. Following each film, join in a discussion with Andy Egizii who teaches "Hollywood Heritage: The studio age" at UIS. Five films for $40. Free popcorn. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006. atthelegacy.com.
Matt Hughes meet and greet
Fri., Jan. 7, 6:30pm. Meet UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes. Enter a raffle to win his signed MMA gloves and other prizes. Held in partnership with the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Society. Dew Chilli #2, 2690 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-679-1910.
Elvis Himselvis
Sat., Jan. 8, 3pm. Rick Dunham is back as Elvis Himselvis to present the third part of his Elvis Top 40 trilogy. The DTCB Band will be joining him onstage to cover hits from 1968-1981. $18. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Photography exhibit
Sat., Jan. 8. Work by Charles Dana. David Strawn Art Gallery, Jacksonville, 331 W. College Ave., 217-243-9390.
Young at Heart
Tue., Jan. 11, 9:30am-12pm. Seniors and retirees are invited for free blood pressure checks, followed by a presentation at 10am, then a free lunch. Call or visit the website for details. Continues on the second Tuesday of each month. athenschristian.net. Free. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.
Legacy: Our wealth of music
Thu., Jan. 13, 7-9pm. Maggie Brown, daughter of the late lyricist and performer Oscar Brown Jr., has been using her talents to further her father's musical legacy and to inspire a greater sense of responsibility for the positive outcome of our future. Part of the State of Sound experience. Free, but reservations are required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Labyrinth Walk
Fri., Jan. 21, 7-8:30pm. Looking for a quiet yet invigorating spiritual exercise? Join a walking meditation using a canvass Chartres labyrinth. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.
Policy Breakfast
Fri., Jan. 28, 7:30am coffee reception, 8am program. A look at the new year. With Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter and Mayor Jim Langfelder. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Incredibly Italian
Fri., Jan. 29, 7:30pm. Performance by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. $21-$63. ilsymphony.org. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
ABBA Mania
Sun., Jan. 30, 2pm. Experience the flamboyance of the 70s and all the uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs from the Swedish supergroup, with fantastic costumes, staging, lighting and effects. $19-$49. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
That Golden Girls Show! a puppet parody
Thu., Feb. 3, 7:30pm. From Sophia's get-rich-quick schemes, Rose's tales from St. Olaf, Blanche's insatiable hunt for men and the Fountain of Youth, and Dorothy's daily struggle to make sense of her life – devoted fans will fondly remember the four girls. $29-$69. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Flora and Fauna
Fri., Feb. 18, 7:30pm. Performance by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. ilsymphony.org. Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington, 787-1595.
August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean
Feb. 18-19, 8pm, Sun., Feb. 20, 2pm, Feb. 25-26, 8pm and Sun., Feb. 27, 2pm. Set in 1904 at 1839 Wylie Avenue in Pittsburgh's Hill District. Aunt Ester guides Citizen Barlow on a soaring, lyrical journey of spiritual awakening to the City of Bones. Fog machine, loud sound effects, racially charged language and slight sexual situations. $20. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Pat Rued and Pat Kroth
Sat.-Sun., Mar. 5-27. Hand-painted fiber art. David Strawn Art Gallery, Jacksonville, 331 W. College Ave., 217-243-9390.
Pump Boys and Dinettes
Fri.-Sat., Mar. 11-12, 8pm, Sun., Mar. 13, 2pm, Fri.-Sat.., Mar. 18-19, 8pm and Sun., Mar. 20, 2pm. A celebration of life‚ love‚ Dolly Parton and catfish with the fellas from the gas station and the sisters next door at the Double Cupp Diner. $20. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
QUILTS 2022 Biennial Quilt Show
Fri.-Sat., Mar. 18-19, 10am-6pm. Over 400 quilts and quilted items on display. Bed turning featuring Judy Martin, quilts of valor, make and take, and a kids' scavenger hunt. Raffle, quilt appraisals (by appointment), charity sale, door prizes and many vendors. Springfieldquilts.com. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-0994.
Fiddler on the Roof
Thu., Mar. 24, 7:30pm. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. $24-$89. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
