The Peoria Art Guild Gallery and Gallery Store will be open today until 7 pm featuring hundreds of unique holiday gifts such as jewelry, scarves, ceramic pieces, ornaments and glass boxes. This is a wonderful time to not only support the local arts communities, but also to support local artists by purchasing their unique and beautiful pieces in a variety of styles and prices.

The Festival of Lights Winter Wonderland is a drive-through electric park featuring Parade of Lights floats and many other lighted displays. The Winter Wonderland is located at the VFW Post 2078 off Springfield Road in East Peoria and is open through December 31.  Hours are Sunday - Thursday 5-9 pm, Friday & Saturday 5-11 pm. Cars & vans are $10 each night, limos & RVs are $20, party busses (that hold more than 15 passengers) are $50 and full sized buses are $150.

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 through December 31.

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 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.  

Imagine a King, the Northwoods Community Church 2009 Chirstmas event, brings to life the timeless message of God's love through theatre and music. The show continues tonight at 7 pm, Thursday at 12:30 pm, and Friday at 3 pm. The show is free to the public and tickets are available at the church or online at nwoods.org. For more information, call 243-1550.

International Award winning magician Mitch Williams performs his tableside close up magic at Tyroni's Italian Cafe in Bartonville tonight from 5:30 to 8 pm. For info call 647-3692 or visit www.mitchwilliamsmagic.com.

Bring your family to celebrate Christmas at St. Paul's Cathedral Christmas Eve Family Mass & Pageant at 4 pm tomorrow at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Peoria. They will also feature a Christmas Eve Service featuring special music from The Fanfare Brass beginning at 10 pm on Thursday night.  On Friday, St. Paul's Christmas Day Mass will begin at 10 am. For more information, call 688-3436 or visit www.stpaulspeoria.com .

The Central Illinois Chapter and the Heart of America Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross will host their Scrubby Bear Program at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm.  During this fun, hands-on presentation, children of all ages can learn about their immune systems, how to cover coughs and sneezes, and how to thoroughly clean their hands. Red Cross instructors will also hand out Scrubby Bear coloring sheets outlining the six steps to proper hand-washing.

Learn the significance of Mishumaa Saba and Zawadi at Luthy Botanical Garden's Kwanzaa Display running through December 31 from 10 am - 5 pm Tuesdays - Sundays:  the display is closed on Mondays. Admission is $2 for adults 13+, free for ages under 12.