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. December 1st Very Merry Marion Holiday Parade 5:30 p.m. Parade runs east on Main Street from Marion Junior High School to Washington Elementary Christmas With The Alpacas 10am-3pm 1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL FREE ADMISSION Dress warmly, bring your best holiday spirit, and get ready for a day filled with love, creativity, and festive fun with the alpacas. Inquiries: [email protected] Website: [www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com](https://www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com) St Louis Zoo - Wild Lights 5pm - 8:30pm December 1st - December 29th Sensory Friendly - December 9th See yourself in the magic of Wild Lights! Enjoy brilliant displays featuring over 1 million twinkling lights, festive menus, Zoo attractions, kids' activities and more. For more information and ticket prices visit: https://stlzoo.org/events/wild-lights If you need assistance with your tickets, please call our Guest Experience team at (314) 646-4797. Holiday Lights Fair 5pm-9pm December 1st - 30th Duquoin State Fair Grounds - 655 Excutive Dr, Duquoin IL Join us for our Annual Holiday Lights Fair featuring over three miles of lighted displays - bigger and better than ever! Craft vendors, free entertainment, The Nutcracker - Saint Louis Ballet 2pm Blanch M Touhill Performing Arts Center, Bellerive, MO St. Louis' favorite holiday tradition! Gen Horiuchi’s The Nutcracker rings in the holidays with its display of talented dancing, magical sets and special effects. Matinee and evening performance times are available. Learn more at stlouisballet.org/thenutcracker. December 2nd African American Museum of Southern Illinois 22nd Annual - Santa in the Park Murphysboro Youth and Rec Center 6pm-8pm Come see Santa! Free hats and gloves and sweet treats for the kids! December 3rd African American Museum of Southern Illinois 22nd Annual - Santa in the Park 6pm-8pm Colp Village Hall - 109 Mayor Caliper Road Come see Santa! Free hats and gloves and sweet treats for the kids! December 4th African American Museum of Southern Illinois 22nd Annual - Santa in the Park 6pm-8pm Attucks Park, 800 N. Wall, Carbondale Come see Santa! Free hats and gloves and sweet treats for the kids! December 5th Helping Hands for the Holidays - Carbondale Community Resource Fair Carbondale Civic Center 10am-2pm Join us for a festive day of holiday cheer, support, and community connection! This FREE event will feature nearly 30 community organizations and agencies offering valuable information, services, and resources to help residents thrive through the holiday season and beyond. Attendees will enjoy complimentary treats and beverages while they explore the variety of free and low-cost resources available to them. Attendees will also receive a commemorative Carbondale holiday bag while supplies last and have a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the event. For tickets or more information contact: City of Carbondale 618-457-3282 [email protected] https://explorecarbondale.com/ CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE 7:15pm The Carson Center - 100 Kentucky Ave, Paducah, KY, Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. Contact the box office for ticket information Box Office Contact: Phone: 270.450.4444 A Christmas Carol 7:30pm -10pm McLeod Theater - SIU Communications Building 1100 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale Dickens’ often-told tale of a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his life and forecast his future takes on new meaning in this production as it is set in Cairo, Illinois in 1920. For more information and ticket prices contact: [email protected] or call (618) 453-5741 December 6th Carterville Christmas Parade 6:30 p.m. Line up at 1st United Methodist Church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1st Christian Church Holiday Lights Fair 5pm-9pm Duquoin State Fair Grounds Drive through and see some beautiful displays of lights. Murphysboro Hometown Christmas - 8th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 6pm-9pm Carl Lee Park, Murphysboro There will be food, music, carriage rides, hot cocoa, popcorn and more! Kids activities will be available at no charge as well. Santa's cottage will be open for pictures with the children! There will be a drop-off for Snowflake Square - The Giving Shop. In the spirit of giving, please consider giving/donating to this great cause! They are asking for new or gently used toys. A Christmas Carol 7:30pm - 10pm McLeod Theater - SIU Communications Building 1100 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale Dickens’ often-told tale of a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his life and forecast his future takes on new meaning in this production as it is set in Cairo, Illinois in 1920. For more information and ticket prices contact: [email protected] or call (618) 453-5741 December 7th 33rd Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade Parade at 6 p.m. at Illinois Avenue Letters to Santa - 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Carbondale Civic Center Cookie Walk - 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Downtown Carbondale Hot Cocoa Bar - 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Carbondale Civic Center Christmas Light Fight Parade 5 p.m. Downtown Mt. Vernon Cookies, crafts and Cocoa at Santa's Cottage after parade. Eldorado A Dickens of a Christmas Saturday 4pm-7pm Downtown Eldorado FREE Kids Christmas Movies & Popcorn FREE Kids Activities FREE Lighting of the Trees @ 5pm Food Vendors FREE Dicken's Musical 7-8:30 hosted at the Methodist Church FREE Horse & Carriage Rides Special Event Tickets Available A Reading of "A Christmas Carol” exclusive event is being held on Saturday Dec. 7 (2pm - 4pm) For more info & ticket purchase contact Karen (314) 753-9944 Gift Creation Station Marion Carnegie Library - Tech Lab 1pm Each Saturday in December, everyone aged 10 - 18 is invited to create FREE custom gifts like laser-engraved ornaments and 3D-printed jewelry in the MCL Tech Lab! No library card is required! NOTICE: All participants and parents understand and agree that photos taken at library events may be used in social media postings and future promotions. Guardian supervision is not required during PNG at MCL events Christmas With The Alpacas 10am-3pm 1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL FREE ADMISSION Dress warmly, bring your best holiday spirit, and get ready for a day filled with love, creativity, and festive fun with the alpacas. Inquiries: [email protected] Website: [www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com](https://www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com) A Christmas Carol 7:30pm - 10pm McLeod Theater - SIU Communications Building 1100 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale Dickens’ often-told tale of a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his life and forecast his future takes on new meaning in this production as it is set in Cairo, Illinois in 1920. For more information and ticket prices contact: [email protected] or call (618) 453-5741 December 8th Murphysboro Hometown Christmas- 8th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 6pm-9m Carl Lee Park There will be food, music, carriage rides, hot cocoa, popcorn and more! Kids activities will be available at no charge as well. Santa's cottage will be open for pictures with the children! Bring your phone or camera for photos! There will be a drop-off for Snowflake Square - The Giving Shop. In the spirit of giving, please consider giving/donating to this great cause! They are asking for new or gently used toys. Benton Christmas Light Parade 6 p.m. Industrial Park Road Santa, food, cookies at Benton Elks Lodge after parade Eldorado A Dickens of a Christmas Sunday 2pm-7pm Downtown Eldorado FREE Horse & Carriage Rides FREE Cocoa, Cookies & S'mores FREE Kids Activities Live Carolers Tiny Tim Shoppe Live Nativity Visit with Santa Numerous & Various Vendors Food Vendors Laughing All the Way- A Comedy and Carols experience for All Ages 6pm Central Christian Church 301 N 10th Street Mt Vernon IL A Charlie Brown Christmas - Live on Stage 7pm The Carson Center - 100 Kentucky Ave, Paducah, KY A present that the whole family can enjoy! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they sing, dance, and learn the true meaning of Christmas! Contact the box office for ticket information- Phone: 270.450.4444 Christmas With The Alpacas 10am-3pm 1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL FREE ADMISSION Dress warmly, bring your best holiday spirit, and get ready for a day filled with love, creativity, and festive fun with the alpacas. Inquiries: [email protected] Website: [www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com](https://www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com) Breakfast with Santa 9am-2pm Legends at Walker's Bluff - 326 Vermont Rd, Carterville Join us for a magical morning of delicious food and holiday cheer. Adults: $20 Kids (4-12): $12 Kids Under 3: Free Reservations Required Call 618-956-9900 (M-F 8:30 AM - 4 PM) to reserve yo A Christmas Carol 2pm McLeod Theater - SIU Communications Building 1100 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale Dickens’ often-told tale of a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his life and forecast his future takes on new meaning in this production as it is set in Cairo, Illinois in 1920. For more information and ticket prices contact: [email protected] or call (618) 453-5741 |
December 8th December 9th December 10th December 11th Little Princess Ball 5:30pm-7:30 pm Vine Street Venue, 35 S Vine St, Harrisburg IL Join us for a magical evening at the Little Princess Ball, a special Daddy-Daughter Dance celebrating the bond between fathers and their little princesses! This year’s event has a festive Christmas twist, bringing the warmth and joy of the holiday season to this enchanting night. Fathers, uncles, grandfathers, father figures—this is your chance to create lasting memories with the special little girls in your life. Enjoy an evening filled with music, dancing, fun holiday activities, and of course, some Christmas surprises! Live DJ and Dance Floor Photo Booth with Holiday-Themed Props Delicious Snacks and Desserts Whether you’re rocking suits and gowns or fun festive outfits, this night is all about making memories. Let’s make this Christmas season one to remember! Event by Saline County CEO Program Tickets $20.00 For more information call: (618) 294-8696 December 12th Harrisburg Lights Parade 6 p.m. East Side School Santa Pictures - 7 p.m. 1400 S. Main Street Giant Candyland Family Game Carbondale Public Library - 405 W Main St 5:30pm-7pm Join us for a whimsical journey through Candyland like you’ve never experienced before. Play through a life sized Candyland game with your family and collect treats along the way. December 13th Jen Kramer's Magical Holiday Show Marion Cultural and Civic Center, 800 Tower Square Plz, Marion. IL She turns the impossible into the impossible-to ignore, wowing audiences with her contagious smile and world-class sleight-of-hand. Jen headlines her own show in Las Vegas. Tickets currently on sale. Contact http://marionccc.com or phone (618) 997-4030 Very Merry Market 4pm-8pm 350 Tower Square Plaza, Marion IL The market will be right on the square now! FREE ENTRY! Shop Local Handmade Vendors Delicious Food & Treats Visit the Alpacas from the Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch Book a Carriage Ride Visit Santa Ice Skating Explore Downtown Marion and all that the City of Marion brings to our community! Please contact Rachel or Brenda @ [email protected] for any questions regarding the market. Please contact The City of Marion for any questions regarding the ice skating rink and carriage rides! December14th Gift Creation Station Marion Carnegie Library - Tech Lab 1pm Each Saturday in December, everyone aged 10 - 18 is invited to create FREE custom gifts like laser-engraved ornaments and 3D-printed jewelry in the MCL Tech Lab! No library card is required! NOTICE: All participants and parents understand and agree that photos taken at library events may be used in social media postings and future promotions. Guardian supervision is not required during PNG at MCL events Christmas With The Alpacas 10am-3pm 1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL FREE ADMISSION Dress warmly, bring your best holiday spirit, and get ready for a day filled with love, creativity, and festive fun with the alpacas. Inquiries: [email protected] Website: [www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com](https://www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com) Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Clause, and the Grinch 8am, 9am, or 10am Emily's Eatery and Events 302 Union Ave., Dowell, IL Join us for Reindeer Pancakes and some Christmas fun ! For more information or to reserve your table call (618) 568-0022. Placing Ceremony for Honor Wreaths for Veterans 9am Carterville Cemetery - 604 Willow St, Carterville, IL We are inviting all Carterville citizens, organizations, churches, and anyone who wants to show and remember our Veterans this day. It’s a great event for families and children. 9:00 AM Ceremony Begins with speakers, Honor Guard, and directions for locating and placing of the wreaths. 9:20 AM Placing of the wreaths by volunteers and community. 10:30 Completed (Depending on the number of volunteers) Home for the Holidays Open House - St Frances Animal Rescue and Education 584 D Blaney Miller Rd, Murphysboro IL 10am-1pm We will have a cozy space set up for you to get your pet/kids picture with Santa. Photos are $10 each. Awesome pet adoption specials! Be sure to get your raffle tickets for a chance to win a Christmas themed basket! Come hungry because Smokin' J's BBQ food truck will be set up in our parking lot from 10 am to 1 pm! Very Merry Market 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM 350 Tower Square Plaza, Marion IL The market will be right on the square now! FREE ENTRY! Shop Local Handmade Vendors Delicious Food & Treats Visit the Alpacas from the Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch Book a Carriage Ride Visit Santa Ice Skating Explore Downtown Marion and all that the City of Marion brings to our community! Please contact Rachel or Brenda @ [email protected] for any questions regarding the market. Please contact The City of Marion for any questions regarding the ice skating rink and carriage rides! December 15th St Louis Zoo - Wild Lights 5pm - 8:30pm December 1st - December 29th Sensory Friendly - December 9th See yourself in the magic of Wild Lights! Enjoy brilliant displays featuring over 1 million twinkling lights, festive menus, Zoo attractions, kids' activities and more. For more information and ticket prices visit: https://stlzoo.org/events/wild-lights If you need assistance with your tickets, please call our Guest Experience team at (314) 646-4797. Family Night at the Lights 5pm-9pm Cedarhurst Center for the Arts 2600 Richview Rd., Mount Vernon, IL Grab your family and friends - maybe a scarf and some mittens too. You don’t want to miss your chance to take in the twinkle and make your own magical memories at The Lights! The Lights offers a magical experience for families - and people of all ages - every weekend during the holidays. 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟲𝟭𝟴-𝟮𝟰𝟮-𝟭𝟮𝟯𝟲 Ticketing policy requires a minimum of one adult ticket for every four children’s tickets redeemed. Find full details about The Lights at https://cedarhurst.org/lights-events/. Breakfast with Santa 9am-2pm Legends at Walker's Bluff - 326 Vermont Rd, Carterville Join us for a magical morning of delicious food and holiday cheer. Adults: $20 Kids (4-12): $12 Kids Under 3: Free Reservations Required Call 618-956-9900 (M-F 8:30 AM - 4 PM) to reserve your spot. Christmas With The Alpacas 10am-3pm Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch 1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL FREE ADMISSION Dress warmly, bring your best holiday spirit, and get ready for a day filled with love, creativity, and festive fun with the alpacas. Alpaca Cuddles – Get up close and personal with our adorable alpacas! They’re just as excited as you are for the holiday cheer! Photo Ops – Capture magical holiday memories with family and friends across our beautifully decorated ranch! Feed Cups for Sale – For only $1, treat the alpacas to their favorite snacks. A perfect way to connect with these lovable animals! Craft Stations – Get creative with holiday crafts for all ages! Some free options available, with others starting at just $5. Cookie Decorating– Join Teresa’s Sweet Treats of Southern Illinois in our cozy Alpaca Party Room to decorate festive cookies! Sales & Giveaways – Shop for unique, handmade gifts and enter exciting giveaways! FREE ADMISSION– Our Christmas event is completely free, so bring your friends and family to celebrate with us! Inquiries: [email protected] Website: [www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com](https://www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com) Christmas Hope 7pm-8:30pm West Frankfort First Baptist Church 106 W Oak St, West Frankfort, IL Join with us in celebrating the music and the message of Christmas! You will hear our adult and children's choirs along with numerous musicians. There will also be a drama where you will meet Trash Man Ray, a man searching for a little Hope this Christmas season. Plus, over 20,000 synchronized lights! Plus, a special candle lighting moment at the conclusion. Admission is free! Hope to see you! Merry Christmas!! Very Merry Market 6pm 350 Tower Square Plaza, Marion IL Sunday, December 15th: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM The market will be right on the square now! FREE ENTRY! Shop Local Handmade Vendors Delicious Food & Treats Visit the Alpacas from the Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch Book a Carriage Ride Visit Santa Ice Skating Explore Downtown Marion and all that the City of Marion brings to our community! Please contact Rachel or Brenda @ [email protected] for any questions regarding the market. Please contact The City of Marion for any questions regarding the ice skating rink and carriage rides! Very Merry Ornament Making 12pm-6pm Tower Square Plaza, Marion IL We are so happy to be a part of this magical experience in Down Town Marion!!! We will have a table set up for children to decorate and take home their very own Christmas Ornament!! We will have multiple spinners available and over 300 plain ornaments to decorate!! Come do your Christmas shopping with some of Marion's finest Small Business Crafters and Food Trucks, enjoy the Ice Rink, Music, Carolers, Carriage Rides, and let your littles Make a Merry Ornament!! Friday Night and Sunday St Louis Symphony Orchestra - Muppet Christmas in Concert 2pm Stifel Theater, 1400 Market St, St Louis MO Tickets available at Ticketmaster For more information visit: http://www.stifeltheatre.com/ or call (314) 499-7600. Children's Musical: Candy Cane Lane: A Recipe for Life 10:30am McKinley Ave Baptist Church, 401 W Sloan St, Harrisburg IL Join us for a trip down Candy Cane Lane and meet memorable characters as we learn all about the true meaning of Christmas. |