The Stocking Stuffer Store, a Christmas Store for kids 12 and under to shop for parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, even the dog, is open through Saturday at Northwoods Mall & The Shoppes at Grand Prairie (weekends only at this location). All proceeds benefit Crittenton Centers' Crisis Nursery.

The Luthy Botanical Garden's Poinsettia Show continues this weekend. Christmas trees throughout the Conservatory will be decorated un unique and wonderful themes. Come visit us to pick out a special gift, get into the holiday spirit, or just enjoy the festive feeling in the air. Normal admission rates and hours apply. For more information, call 686-3362.

On Friday, the Peoria Rivermen take on the Iowa Chops beginning at 7 pm in Carver Arena at the Peoria Civic Center. Tickets are $8, $12, $15 and $20 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by phone at 673-3200 or online at TIcketmaster.com. Season tickets are also available. For more information click HERE.

Howlin' on Water Dueling Pianos features a two-entree buffet dinner and show at the Waterhouse on Friday night.  Cost is $31.95 per person and is inclusive of tax and gratuity.  For more information or reservations, call 494-9100.  The show is rated PG-13.

The Buckinghams Joy of Christmas Show will be at the Five Points Caterpillar Performing Arts Center in Washington on Friday beginning at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are $25 and are available at the Five Points Box Office.  For more information or tickets click HERE.  The show is presented by Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment.

Peoria Area Civic Chorale's "An American Family Christmas" will be in the Civic Center Theater beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 pm on Sunday. This year they will feature Harry Simeone's Sing We Now of Christmas, a colorful holiday program consisting of over thirty carols, hymns, and secular songs of the season. Tickets are $22 for adults, $12 for students and $17 each for groups of 10 or more. Call the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Box Office at 693-6725 to reserve seats. 

This weekend at the Forest Park Nature Center's Holiday Shop & Stroll, experience an evening stroll on a forest path lit with luminaries, holiday musicians, storytelling, caroling, hot wassail and homemade goodies, view the artwork in the Nature Art Show and Sale and shop for nature-related and eco-friendly items in the Trailhead Nature Store. For all ages. The stroll runs Friday & Saturday night from 6 - 8:30 pm and a $2 per person donation is suggested.

On Saturday, Amy Grant and Vince Gill will be live in concert at the US Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington beginning at 8 pm for a Christmas concert.   Tickets are $159.50 (for the fundraiser described above), $59.50, $49.50 and $39.50 and are on sale at the US Cellular Coliseum Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 309-454-5500 or online HERE.

Also on Saturday, the Illinois Valley Figure Skating Club's annual Christmas show, featuring local Olympian Matt Savoie, willbe held at Owens Center beginning at 4 pm. Then from 6 - 8 pm, Owens Center will feature a Skate with Santa session.  Regular admission rates apply.  For ticket information, call 686-3368.

The 2nd Annual Burnett Family & Friends Christmas Charity Performance will be held at the Apollo Theatre in downtown Peoria on Sunday from 5 - 8 pm. Three generations of Burnetts bring you Holiday Cheer with your favorite Christmas songs and family memories of Christmases Past, featuring guest musicians and a special appearance from Elvis! All proceeds will benefit the YWCA House Emergency Homeless Shelter. Admission is $5 per person, but additional donations are requested. As dental care is an issue for the homeless, please bring toothbrushes and dental care items to donate to the Shelter. For more information, contact Jenny Parkhurst at 685-7655.