Saturday:
A Breakfast with Santa will take place at the at the Peoria YMCA (located at 7000 N. Fleming Lane in Peoria) from 9 – 10:30 am. Activities include taking a photo with Santa, crafts, a goody bag for each child, mail your letter to Santa, plus pancakes, sausage, fruit and juice. Adults are $6.50 and children $3.50. Registration is required by December 2nd by calling 309 692 7631 or emailing membership@peoriaymca.org
Central Illinois Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be presented at ICC Performing Arts Center in East Peoria at 2 pm and 7 pm. Featuring three professional guest artists from New York and Chicago along with 10 resident professional dancers plus area students. Tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for children with special discounts available for groups. For more information, call 309-620-3164.
Christmas in the Barn will take place at Linden Hill Farms (located at 8412 W. Middle Rd. in Peoria) from 4 – 5 pm. The Christmas story will be read among the farm animals and Christmas carols will be sung also. Dress warmly and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. There is no admission charge, however donations are accepted. Reservations are requested and may be made by calling 309-697-4041 or emailing farm@lindenhillfarms.com
Christmas with the Animals will take place at Wildlife Prairie Park in two sessions: one from 10 am – 12 pm or 1 – 3 pm where you can celebrate the season of giving by working with Park Staff to create toys for their animals. The toys you create will stimulate the animals with texture, food, smell, and more. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Cost is $5 for members or $5 plus regular admission for non-members, which is $9 for ages 13 – 64, $7 for senior citizens aged 65+, $ 6 for ages 3 -12 and free for ages 2 & under. Reserve your spot by calling 309-676-0998. For more information, visit http://wildlifeprairiepark.org
Critter Christmas will take place at the Peoria Zoo from 9 – 11 am. Enjoy a light breakfast and crafts in the lodge for the first hour, then watch as the animals will get Christmas gifts: everyone from meerkats to lions to tigers will receive special treats throughout the day. Santa will be making a visit too, so make sure to bring a camera. Admission is $6 for members or $12 for non-members. For more information, visit www.peoriazoo.org
Folepi’s Gifts Galore Shop and Stroll will take place in the Historic Four Corners District in East Peoria (bounded by Washington Street and McKinley Street) from 1 – 4 pm. Featuring unique shopping, holiday treats, face painting will be available from Elsa of the movie Frozen and horse-drawn carriage rides with Santa plus caroling by the Caterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus, the event is free. For more information, visit www.folepi.org
Jeff Dunham will present Perfectly Unbalanced at the US Cellular Coliseum beginning at 5 pm. Tickets are $49.50 and are available at the U.S Cellular Coliseum Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com
The annual Santa Train, featuring Santa Claus who will make six stops along the railroad line to visit children, provide railroad safety demonstrations and to confirm their Christmas lists. Admission is free. The schedule includes Mapleton at Mapleton Road – 8:30 am arrival, Glasford at Oak Street (near City park) – 9:35 am arrival, Breeds at Co. Road 23 – 11:20 am arrival, Canton at 2nd Avenue (near former TP&W Railroad Office) – 1:30 pm arrival, Cuba at 3rd Street – 3:45 pm arrival and Smithfield at Main and Front Street – 5:15 pm arrival. Santa will arrive at each location by train and will visit with the children aboard his holiday caboose. For more information, visit www.pioneer-railcorp.com
Keokuk Junction Railway Santa Train is sponsored by Pioneer Railcorp and Keokuk Junction Railway Co. If you are interested in sponsorship please contact, Meghan Peterson at mpeterson@pioneer-railcorp.com
About Pioneer Railcorp
Pioneer Railcorp is a shortline railroad holding company with 24 railroad operations in 13 states with over 600 miles of track. For more information, please visit the Company�s website at www.pioneer-railcorp.com. Times are subject to change. In case of inclement weather the alternative Santa Train date is Saturday, December 12, 2015. )
The Peoria Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5K will take place at the Riverplex beginning at 10 am. Participants dress in costumes appropriate for the season and thos with a bib will receive free admission to the Peoria Park District’s Klondike Festival. Cost is $30 for individuals or $35 the day of the race, $25 for ages 18 & under or $30 the day of the race, or $15 for ages 3 – 8 for the 200 yard fun run or $20 the day of the race benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. For more information and to register online, visit www.jbr.org/peoria
The Arthritis Foundation’s long-running Jingle Bell Run is a festive race that helps champion arthritis research and brings people from all walks of life together, to say Yes to furthering a great cause. This annual event is a fun way to get out, get moving and raise funds and awareness. Whether you prefer to walk or run, wear your ugly Christmas sweater or tie jingle bells to your shoes, this 5K is sure to spread smiles, holiday cheer and a winning spirit.
The Peoria Pops Orchestra will present their holiday concert at Five Points Performing Arts Center (located at 360 N. Wilmor Rd. in Washington) beginning at 7 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $8 for students and groups of 8 or more and are available online at www.fivepointswashington.org
Flanagan House & Pettengill Morron House Museums’ four private Peoria historic homes will be full of holiday finery and open to tour to enjoy the ambiance, craftsmanship and architecture for the spirit of the season from 5 – 9 pm. Enjoy the Christmas charm, local history, and delightful décor for the magic of Christmas past, tickets are $15 in advance at Harp & Thistle, Kelleher’s, Gregg Florist & the PHS office (before Dec. 3rd). and $20 at the door. Children 12 and under are free with purchase of an adult ticket
The Corn Stock Winter Playhouse will present And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little at the Corn Stock Theatre Center (located in upper Bradley Park) beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students aged 18 and under with ID and are available at the Corn Stock box office, by calling 309-676-2196 or online at www.CornStockTheatre.com
Enjoy a Candlelight Walk through the Pointsettia Show at Luthy Botanical Garden (located at 2520 N. Prospect in Peoria) on Fridays and Saturdays through December 19th from 6 – 9 pm. The walk takes you through the Poinsettia Show at night, under the warm glow of hundreds of candles, while enjoying live performances of holiday music. The show runs throughout the days also from 10 am – 5 pm. Admission will be waived during the holidays, although donations are accepted. For more information, call 309-686-3362 or visit www.peoriaparks.org
Caroline Rhea will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club on Thursday at 8 pm and Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $20 except for the Thursday and the Friday late shows which are $15. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com
Folepi’s Winter Wonderland runs Thanksgiving night through New Year’s Eve at the VFW Post 2078 Park off Springfield Road (located at 123 Par 3 Lane in East Peoria). The drive-through electric park is the Festival of Lights’ signature event featuring the majority of the Parade of Lights floats and many other lighted displays. Hours are 5 – 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays and 5 – 11 pm on Fridays & Saturdays. Cost is $10 for all vehicles excepts full size buses, which are $150. For more information, visit www.folepi.org
The Metamora Thespian Society will present Forever Plaid in a dinner Theater production at Metamora Fields Golf Club (located at 801 Progress St. in Metamora) with the buffet beginning at 6 pm and the show at 7:30 pm. Featuring the classic musical that features the tight 4-part hatmony of the “guy groups” of the late 50’s and early 60’s, dinner & the show are $35 and reservations are available by calling 309-367-4000.
Howlin’ on Water Dueling Pianos will take place in the Ballroom at the MAXAM Building (located at the corners of Liberty and Washington in Downtown Peoria) with dinner seating beginning at 6 pm. Admission for the dinner & show are $38 per person. For reservations, call 309-494-9100 or visit www.howlinonwater.com/
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be presented by Eastlight Theatre in the East Peoria High School Auditorium beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday & Saturday and at 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $19 and are available online at http://www.eastlighttheatre.com For more information, call 309-699-SHOW (7469).
A Murder Mystery Cruise will take place on the Spirit of Peoria beginning at 7 pm on Saturday. An interactive event featuring the cast of the Champaign-Urbana Theater Company who will dine and mingle with you as the mystery unfolds, tickets are $47 for adults and $23.50 for kids 4-12 and and are available online at www.spiritofpeoria.com For more information or to reserve your seats via phone, call 309-637-8000.
The 32nd Annual Stocking Stuffer Store will take place at Northwoods Mall & the Shoppes at Grand Prairie through December 20 where children ages 12 and under can shop (with the assistance of a volunteer) for holiday presents for parents, grandparents, siblings – whomever they wish – while parents relax in a seating area located outside the store. Gifts range from $1 – $15. Locations & Hours are: Mondays – Fridays from 4 – 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 am – 8 pm and Sundays from noon – 5 pm at Northwoods Mall and Saturdays & Sundays from noon – 5 pm at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on Saturdays & Sundays only December 6 – 7, 13 – 14 and 20 – 21 from Noon – 5 pm. All proceeds benefit Crittenton Centers. For more information, call 309-674-0105 or visit crittentoncenters.org
Sunday:
Christmas with the Philharmonic Chorale will take place at the ICC Performing Arts Center beginning at 3 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens and are available at the ICC Box Office, by calling 309-694-5136 or online at www.ArtsAtICC.com
The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus will perform at the United Presbyterian Church (located at 2400 W. Northmoor at the corners of Allen and Northmoor in Peoria) beginning at 3 pm. Celebrate the season with new and old favorites in four part harmony with a wide variety of choral styles including Silver Bells, Nuttin’ for Christmas, September Song, Frostiana, Whisper! Whisper!, Salvation is Created, Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Something told the Wild Geese, and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Admission is $5 at the door with no reserved seats.
Ring in the holidays with Christmas charm, local history and delightful décor for the magic of Christmas past at Flanagan House (located at 942 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria), Pettengill Morron House (located at 1212 W. Moss Ave Peoria) and 4 additional private historic homes in Peoria from 1 – 5 pm. Tickets are available for $15 in advance (before Dec. 3rd) at Harp & Thistle, Kellehers, Gregg Florist and the PHS office or are $20 at the door. Children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Addresses of private homes are printed on the tickets. For more information, visit www.peoriahistoricalsociety.org
What the Dickens, a presentation of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens will be performed by Doug Day at the Grand Army of the Republic Hall (located at 416 Hamilton Blvd. in downtown Peoria) at 3 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation.
Enjoy a Candlelight Walk through the Pointsettia Show at Luthy Botanical Garden (located at 2520 N. Prospect in Peoria) on Fridays and Saturdays through December 19th from 6 – 9 pm. The walk takes you through the Poinsettia Show at night, under the warm glow of hundreds of candles, while enjoying live performances of holiday music. The show runs throughout the days also from 10 am – 5 pm. Admission will be waived during the holidays, although donations are accepted. For more information, call 309-686-3362 or visit www.peoriaparks.org
Folepi’s Winter Wonderland runs Thanksgiving night through New Year’s Eve at the VFW Post 2078 Park off Springfield Road (located at 123 Par 3 Lane in East Peoria). The drive-through electric park is the Festival of Lights’ signature event featuring the majority of the Parade of Lights floats and many other lighted displays. Hours are 5 – 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays and 5 – 11 pm on Fridays & Saturdays. Cost is $10 for all vehicles excepts full size buses, which are $150. For more information, visit www.folepi.org
The 32nd Annual Stocking Stuffer Store will take place at Northwoods Mall & the Shoppes at Grand Prairie through December 20 where children ages 12 and under can shop (with the assistance of a volunteer) for holiday presents for parents, grandparents, siblings – whomever they wish – while parents relax in a seating area located outside the store. Gifts range from $1 – $15. Locations & Hours are: Mondays – Fridays from 4 – 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 am – 8 pm and Sundays from noon – 5 pm at Northwoods Mall and Saturdays & Sundays from noon – 5 pm at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on Saturdays & Sundays only December 6 – 7, 13 – 14 and 20 – 21 from Noon – 5 pm. All proceeds benefit Crittenton Centers. For more information, call 309-674-0105 or visit crittentoncenters.org