Joseph, Spirit of Peoria Cruises, Forever Plaid, Stocking Stuffer Store, Gifts Galore & Christmas Homes Tour
Published: Thu, 12/03/15
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Published: Thu, 12/03/15
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Please Forward to Your Friends & Family and follow us
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Winterfest, Peoria's
Newest Holiday Tradition, will feature ice skating outside tonight (Thursday) from 5 - 10 pm, Friday from Noon - 11 pm, Saturday from Noon - 11pm and Sunday from Noon - 10 pm on the corner of Fulton St. and Jefferson Ave. in downtown Peoria. Admission is $10 with skate rental, $8 with your own skates, $5 for children 3 and under or $65 for a season pass. For full details including hours and other special promotions, visit 
Folepi's Winter
Wonderland opens on Thursday night and will run 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 
The 35th Annual Paul Reatherford Memorial
featuring Dexter O'Neal and Funk Yard will take place tonight (Thursday) at the Limelight Eventplex (located at 8102 N. University in Peoria) beginning at 7 pm. Admission is free, however donations are requested for needy families in the area. For more information, visit 
The Central
Illinois Herpetological Society will meet tonight (Thursday) at Forest Park Nature Center at 7 pm featuring a speaker, raffles, announcements of trips and exhibits and opportunities for hobbyists to interact with one another. Admission is free. For more information, visit 
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) tonight (Thursday) through Saturday with the buffet beginning at 6 pm and the show at 7:30 pm. Featuring the classic musical that features the tight 4-part harmony 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.
Whisper & Shout will
take place at the Contemporary Art Center tonight (Thursday) beginning at 8 pm and is an open mic for sharing and inspiring poetry. Admission is $4 for members or $8 for non-members.
Live at the Five Spot at the Contemporary Art Center will feature Rooster Alley on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $8 for members, $12 for non-members, $7 for student & senior members and $11 for student & senior non-members. 
Salsa at the Contemporary Art Center will also take place on Friday featuring a dance lesson from 8:30 - 9:30 pm and open dancing to DJ Ed Caballero from 9:30 pm - 12:30 am. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $4 for members or $7 for non-members. For more information, call
309-674-6822 or visit 
Sara Evans will perform
at the US Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7:30 pm. The concert is a fundraiser for the Bloomington-Normal YMCA's Strong Kids program. Tickets are $100, $60, $45 and $30 and are available at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum box office, by calling 800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at 
Caroline Rhea will
perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight (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 
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 
The Christmas on Court Luminary
Walk will take place on Friday from 5 - 8 pm in the downtown businesses on Court Street in Pekin. Featuring more than 1,000 luminaries with strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit 
The CIAO First Fridays
Artists' Tour will take place on Friday from 5 - 9 pm at 10 different locations in downtown Peoria including The Mill, the Contemporary Art Center, and the Peoria Art Guild plus The Speakeasy Art Center in Pekin where visitors can view artist demonstrations as well as purchase pieces. For a complete map of the locations, visit 
The Holiday Shop and
Stroll at Forest Park Nature Center (located at 5809 North Forest Park Drive in Peoria Heights) will take place on Friday from 6 - 8:30 pm. Featuring a nighttime stroll on a forest path lit with luminaries, live holiday, storytelling and caroling, hot wassail and goodies plus unique nature-related artwork and eco-friendly, organic, and Fair Trade items. A $2 donation is requested. For more information, call 309-686-3360 or visit 
Mitch Williams will
perform table-side close up magic at the New Amsterdam Bar & Restaurant on the Peoria riverfront (located at 120 Southwest Water Street) on Fridays and Saturdays through November from 6-8:30 pm and is free for customers. For more information, visit 
Red Hot Christmas will
take place at the Par-a-Dice Hotel (located at 21 Blackjack Blvd. in East Peoria) on Friday beginning at 6 pm. The event will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres, draft beer, wine, soda and live music from Patrick n Swayze plus a chance to purchase or win some great items including a pendant from Bremer's Jewelry. A fundraiser for the Salvation Army, attire of attendees should include red ties and/or dresses Tickets are $75 per person and are available at 
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. For more information, call 309-686-3362 or visit 
Bloom, the women's group at Riverside
Community Church will host the Shine Christmas Tea at the church, 207 NE Monroe St, Peoria) on Friday beginning at 6 pm. Featuring a dinner and speaker, tickets are $10 and are available by calling 309-676-7700.
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) on Friday with dinner seating beginning at 6 pm. Admission for the dinner & show are $38 per person. For reservations, call 309-494-9100 or visit 
Wine & Cheese Under the
Stars will take place at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on Friday from 7 - 9 pm in the Dome Planetarium. Featuring wines from Kickapoo Creek Winery, you'll relax with a variety of local wines under a full-dome spectacular night sky. Enjoy the latest news from space and take a real-time Uniview tour across the Universe with an astronomy expert as your guide. Guests will receive up to three glasses of wine or sparkling juice, and a variety of cheese & crackers with paid admission.
Tickets are $25 for Museum members or $30 for the public and are available by calling 309-686-7000 or online at 
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 
The Swon Brothers will
perform at the Limelight Eventplex (located at 8102 N. University in Peoria) on Friday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $17 in advance or $20 the day of the show (plus $3 under 21 surcharge collected at the door) and are available now at the Limelight Eventplex box office or online at 
An Irish Christmas will
take place at the Peoria Civic Center Theater on Friday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $34 & $49 and are available at the Civic Center box office, by calling 800- 745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets or online at 
Bradley University's Theatre
Department will present Fall Forward at 8 pm on Friday & Saturday and at 2:30 pm on Sunday at Hartmann Center on campus. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for Bradley faculty & staff & senior citizens and $7 for students and are available at the Hartmann Center box office or by calling 309-677-2650.
A Breakfast with Santa
will take place at the at the Peoria YMCA (located at 7000 N. Fleming Lane in Peoria) on Saturday 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.
Critter Christmas will
take place at the Peoria Zoo on Saturday 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 
The Peoria Jingle Bell Run/Walk
5K will take place at the Riverplex on Saturday 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 
Christmas with the Animals
will take place on Saturday at Wildlife Prairie Park with two sessions: one from 10 am - 12 pm or 1 - 3 pm. 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 
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) on Saturday 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 
Central Illinois Ballet's
The Nutcracker will be presented at ICC Performing Arts Center in East Peoria on Saturday 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) on Saturday 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.
The Splendor of Christmas Past
Home Tour featuring Flanagan House, Pettengill-Morron House Museums plus 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 on Saturday from 5 - 9 pm and Sunday from 1 - 5 pm. Enjoy the Christmas charm, local history, and delightful décor for the magic of Christmas past, tickets are $20 at the door and children 12 and under are free with purchase of an adult
ticket. For more information, visit 
Jeff Dunham will present
Perfectly Unbalanced at the US Cellular Coliseum on Saturday 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 
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 
The Bradley Braves will
take on North Dakota at the Peoria Civic Center on Satuday beginning at 7 pm. Tickets are $8, $14, $20 and $55 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 309-673-3200 or online at 
The Peoria Pops Orchestra
will present their holiday concert at Five Points Performing Arts Center (located at 360 N. Wilmor Rd. in Washington) on Saturday 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 
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) on Sunday 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.
Christmas with the Philharmonic
Chorale will take place at the ICC Performing Arts Center on Sunday 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 
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) on Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation.