American Icon Kenny Rogers will perform in concert at the US Cellular Coliseum beginning at 7:30 pm tonight. Tickets are $45 and $58 and are available at the US Cellular Coliseum or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Peoria Players presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a play based on the popular childrens book in which the Herdman family (supposedly "the worst kids in the history of the world") wreak havoc on a church Christmas pageant. The show runs tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and on Sunday at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $17 for Adults, $12 Students 18 & under and available by calling 688-4473 or at PeoriaPlayers.org.

The Festival of Lights Freedom Park pays tribute to those in the military at  East Peoria 's RiverFront Park along the Illinois River and features lighted emblems and displays. Admission is free. Hours are dusk to 10 pm nightly.

The Festival of Lights Narrated Nativity is open 24 hours a day through December 31. Funded by private donations through the Nativity Display Association, the life-size structures take on a three-dimensional appearance at night. A 2-minute narration is available by tuning to radio station 1610 AM.

The Stocking Stuffer Holiday Store is a Christmas store for kids 12 and under to shop for parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, even the dog. At Northwoods Mall, kids can shop today & Friday from 4 - 8 pm, Saturday 10 am - 8 pm and Sunday Noon - 5 pm.  At the Shoppes at Grand Prairie , hours are Saturday Noon - 8 pm and Sunday Noon - 9 pm.  The store's last day is Sunday and all proceeds benefit Crittenton Centers' Crisis Nursery. For more information, call 674-0105, ext 210.

The Luthy Botanical Garden Poinsettia Show runs through December 31 every Tuesday - Sunday from 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday from 12 - 5 pm. Admission is $2 for adults (13+) and free for ages 12 and under.  Candlelight Walks of the Poinsettia Show are Friday and Saturday from 7 - 9 pm under the warm glow of hundreds of candles with live performances of holiday music. Conservatory admission will be waived during these evenings, however, donations are always accepted. For more information, call 686-3362.

Michael Kosta will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight at 8 pm and Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10:30 pm. Tickets are $14 or $13 with cash except for the tonight's show and the Friday late show which are $10 with cash. Call 673-5853 for reservations. Michael's show is rated R.

The Contemporary Arts Center presents Lyfe on Water Street tonight from 7 -9 pm, an open event in which anyone can perform their talent or just watch. Admission is $4 for CAC members, and $7 for non-members.
Dexter O'Neal will perform holiday music at the CAC's Live at the Five Spot on Friday from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members, $9 for student & senior non-members, and 16 & younger $3.
The CAC also presents Salsa at CAC: A Latin Dance Event on Friday from 8:30 - 12:30 pm, featuring a dance lesson followed by open dancing to DJ Ed Caballero. Admission is $3 CAC Members and $6 for non-members.

Skate with Santa at Owens Center on Saturday from 6 - 8 pm.  On Sunday, families can enjoy a Family Holiday Skate at Owens Center from from 3 - 4:45 pm. Regular admission fees of $3 - $4 plus skate rental applies.

Enjoy an evening of Christmas Carols sung by some of Peoria's finest musicians at St. Joseph's Christmas Carol Concert on Saturday night. All proceeds from the concert will go to repair St. Joseph's historic pipe organ. Cookies and drinks will follow the concert. Doors open at 6:30 pm with concert starting at 7 pm. Tickets are $3 for individual or $5 for a family, and donations are accepted.

Peoria Area Civic Chorale's An American Family Christmas will be performed at the Caterpillar Performing Arts Center at Five Points Center in Washington at 7:30 pm on Saturday and 2:30 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $22 for adults, $12 for students and $17 for groups of 10 or more and are available by calling 693-6725 or online at PeoriaCivicChorale.com. For more information, call 693-6725.

The Peoria Journal Star will host its annual Christmas Sing in the Peoria Civic Center Great Hall on Monday beginning at 7 pm. Former Mayor Jim Maloof will be songleader and special guests will include Rebekah Bourland, Jill & Jeremy Tracey, Lee Wenger, Santa Claus and the Shrine Funmaker Clowns. There will be free hot chocolate and free parking in the Civic Center & Hamilton parking lots. For more information, call 686-3000.

The Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter is partnering with the Blood Services Region to support the 12 Hours of Giving Holiday Blood Drive to help ensure a stable blood supply during the last week of December, when blood collections are typically low. It will be held at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria on Monday from 7 am to 7 pm. To schedule an appointment, donors can visit givebloodgivelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.