Concerts

Hymnfest -- 2 p.m. Sunday, St. Peter's Cathedral, 200 W. Harrison St., Belleville. Free. Features choirs from throughout Southern Illinois will perform as part of the 125th anniversary celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville. Free and open to the public.

Thanksgiving Concert -- 6 p.m. Sunday, Family Life Center, Troy United Methodist Church, 407 Edwardsville Road, Troy. Troy United Methodist Church Worship Band. Free. Free coffee and refreshments. Child care provided for children 3 and under.

Youth Bands -- 7 p.m. Wednesday, Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Music by Mellow D's & Exit 12. For tickets and information, call 618-307-1750 or go to www.wildeytheatre.com

Dances

Ballroom Dance -- 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Swansea/Belleville Moose Lodge, 2435 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Music by Second Generation Swing Band.

Events

Quarter Auction -- 7 p.m. today, St. Henry Parish, Monsignor Voss Parish Center, 5315 W. Main St., Belleville. Individual paddle $5, all-in-paddle $25. Spend $40 at any vendor, earn a free paddle.

Quarter Mania -- 7 p.m. today, St. Stephen Voigt Hall, 901 S. Main St., Caseyville. Doors open 6 p.m. Paddle $3, all-in paddle $23. Snacks, drinks sold or bring your own. Sponsored by St. Anne's Society of St. Stephen Parish. Information, call Pat 618-344-1582 or Rosemary at 618-344-5308.

Taste of Downtown -- 5-8 p.m. today, Argosy Casino, 1 Piasa St., Alton. Sample food from your Alton's downtown dining and drinking establishments. Cost $15 per person. Information, call 618-463-1016.

Lebanon's Winter Wonderland -- opens at 5 p.m. Friday, Hoerner Park, 11119 Widicus Road (One mile north of Lebanon on Illinois 4, turn west on Acorn Way and right on Monroe St. to park), Lebanon. Open daily 5-9 p.m. Over 1 mile of beautiful lights and Victorian scenes. Donations accepted at entrance to park.

Tree Lighting in Alton -- 6-8 p.m. Friday, Lincoln-Douglas Square, Broadway and Landmarks Boulevard, Alton. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by trolley at 6 p.m. Free festivities include caroling, candy, cookies, hot cocoa until 6:45 p.m. when Mayor Tom Hoechst turns on the tree lights. From 5:30-7:30, free trolley transportation between Lincoln-Douglas Square and Riverbender.com Community Center, 200 W. 3rd St. Do crafts, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, warm up with refreshments until 9 p.m.

Bowling for Backstoppers -- 6 p.m. Friday, St. Clair Bowl, 5950 Old Collinsville Road, Fairview Heights. $12 each, includes 3 games of bowling and shoe rental. Silent auction, 50/50 raffle, other surprises. Attendance prizes. Proceeds to benefit BackStoppers Inc. Sponsored by LCIE Graduate Management Cluster at Lindenwood University-Belleville.

Poetry Slam -- 7 p.m. Friday, Collinsville Public Library, Blum House, 414 W. Main St., Collinsville. Open mike poetry slam; local poets are encouraged to share their work. Free. Refreshments provided. Music by Wiggpaw. Information: 618-344-1112.

Frauenabend -- 5-9 p.m. Friday, Town Center, Maeystown. Frauenabend ("Ladies night") features dining, shopping and pampering for the holiday season. Ladies can enjoy a leisurely carriage ride around town. Vici's Front Porch and Tea Garden are open for dinner from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Private label food samplings at the Maeystown General Store, featured Smooth Brew and teas at the Village Kaffeehaus. Corner George Inn Bed and Breakfast is offering ladies a discount on overnight accommodations. Cost is $12 per person. Reservations: 618-539-3665. Information: 618-458-6660 or 618-458-7463.

Victorian Holiday Festival -- Friday-Sunday, downtown Lebanon. Celebrates the city's most famous visitor, author Charles Dickens. On Friday evening, all lights are turned off while The Old Lamplighter walks the streets and lights the downtown for the holidays. Photos with Victorian Father Christmas, horse-drawn carriage rides, street vendors; restaurant and taverns serve food and beverages. Mermaid Inn open to the public for free guided tours. Merchants and restaurants open until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Saturday afternoon features storytelling, crafts, more. Information, visit www.victorianholiday.org or www.lebanonil.org.

Way of Lights Display -- Friday through Dec. 31, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville. More than 1 million white lights featured along a 1.5-mile route depicting the Journey to Bethlehem. Free; donations appreciated. Camel, donkey, pony rides, petting zoo, kettle corn. Carriage ride reservations at 618-397-6700. Children's village, puppet show, souvenir photos, Christmas tree display, community choirs, wreath display, silent auction at Visitors Center. Lazer show new this year at Guild Center. Information, call 618-397-6700 or 314-241-3400, visit wayoflights.org.

Pro Wrestling -- 8 p.m. Saturday, East Carondelet Community Center, 823 State St., East Carondelet. Seven matches. Main Event, Champion Ricky Cruz takes on the "Big Texan" for the CWC title. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: 618-286-4848.

Art & Wine Walk -- 5-9 p.m. Saturday, starts at Regions Bank Lobby, 19 Public Square, Belleville. $10 per person (includes wine glasses and wine tastings). Register any time between 5 and 9 p.m. at Regions. Stroll through downtown shops while enjoying artwork from local artists and sampling a variety of wines. Place wine orders from 7 to 9 p.m. at Governor French Academy, 219 W. Main St. Drawing for attendance prizes, 9 p.m. Information: 618-233-2015 or visit ww.bellevillemainstreet.net.

Train Display -- 10 am.-3 p.m. Saturday, Glen Carbon Firehouse, 180 Summit St., Glen Carbon. View the Club's 18-by-27 foot HO Scale model railroad. Sponsored by The Metro East Railroad Club. Admission and holiday snacks free. Information: Bob at 618-476-9228 or Bill at 618-254-6596 or visit www.trainweb.org/memrc.

Mineral Springs Haunted Tour -- 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Mineral Springs Mall, 301 E. Broadway, Alton. Doors open 7 p.m. Walk to haunted locations, including underground railroad slave tunnels and old Enos Sanitarium. Return to Mineral Springs for tour of most haunted building in Alton, the Mineral Springs Hotel. Attend a seance. End with a Tarot card reading. Last tour of the 2012 season.

Belleville Walking Tour -- 10 a.m. Saturday, Historic Village of West Belleville, 1106 W. Main St. (West End Park), Belleville. Tour is approximately 16 blocks long. Lasts about 60 minutes. $10 per person. 12 years and up. Benefit Belleville Historical Society. Reservations required by calling 618-236-7481.

Comic Convention -- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St. (Illinois 159), Collinsville. Sponsored by the Metro East Comic Book Convention. Admission is free. Comics from golden age to present, along with related collectibles.

Basket Bingo -- 1 p.m. Sunday, St. Agatha Parish Center, 205 S. Market St., New Athens. Doors open at noon. Chicken salad sandwiches, barbecue sandwiches, desserts, coffee, tea. 25 games/25 baskets. Baskets valued at $50.

Poinsettia Wonderland -- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Millstadt Gardens, 6667 Route 158, Millstadt. Sponsored by Millstadt Optimist Club. Featuring guided tours, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Christmas carolers, holiday cookies, crafters. Reservations: Mickey 618-476-7200 ext. 301.

Family Fun Skate -- 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Fun Spot Skating Center, 1400 West Blvd., Belleville. Admission $6; skate rental $2. Family package: 5 admissions, 5 skate rentals, large Desdemona's Pizza, pitcher of soda for $40. Fun Spot is celebrating 44th birthday. Attendance prizes, birthday cake.

Exhibits

"Cornucopia of Quilts" -- through Nov. 23, Edwardsville Arts Center, 6165 Center Grove Road (on the campus of Edwardsville High School), Edwardsville. Fiber arts exhibition showcases the work of talented regional quilters. Traditional and art quilts.

Museums -- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. tours Monday-Friday, St. Clair County Historical Society's Victorian-Home Museum, 701 E. Washington St., Belleville. By appointment Saturday-Sunday. Call office at 618-234-0600 or Monty at 618-277-8335 to arrange visits. Emma Kunz House Museum, 602 Fulton St., Belleville, open by appointment only, week-day or week-end. Call above numbers to make arrangements. Closed on holidays. Adults $2 each; children (6-12) $1 each.

Food

Aviston Fish & Chicken Fry -- 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton St., Aviston. Eat in or carry out. 618-228-7311.

Caseyville Fish Fry -- 4-7 p.m. Friday, Caseyville VFW Post 1117, 415 N. Long, Caseyville. Fried fish and other foods at 4 p.m. Bingo at 7 p.m. Lighted off-street parking.

Collinsville Fish Fry -- 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, Illinois 157, Collinsville. Eat in or carry out.

Fairview Heights Fish Fry -- 3-8 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 5420 Old Collinsville Road. Walton's Fish Fry. Homemade desserts. Carryouts: 618-632-5222.

Fairview Heights Fish Fry -- 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Fairview Memorial VFW Post 8677, 5325 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights.

Highland Fish Fry -- 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Eat in or carry out. 618-654-6367.

Mascoutah Fish Fry -- 5-8 p.m. Friday, Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, 620 Donaphan St., Mascoutah. Dine in or carry out. 618-566-2288.

Millstadt VFW Fish Fry -- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Friday, Millstadt VFW Post 7980, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Open jam session from 6 p.m. Sponsored by Millstadt VFW Post 7980.

O'Fallon Fish Fry -- 4-8 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon. Sponsored by KC and Ladies Auxiliary. Eat in or carry out. 618-632-6229.

O'Fallon Fish Fry -- 4-8 p.m. Friday, VFW Post 805, 221 W. First St., O'Fallon. Sponsored by Sgt. Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805 and Ladies Auxiliary. Fried and grilled fish and chicken, homemade sides and desserts. Children's menu. To go orders delivered to car. 618-624-2651.

O'Fallon Fish & Chicken Fry -- 5-8 p.m. Friday, O'Fallon American Legion, 109 N. Penn, O'Fallon. Carry-outs available. 618-632-8879.

Okawville Fish Fry -- 5-8 p.m. Friday, American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Eat in or carry out. 618-243-6545.

Scott VFW Fish Fry -- 5-8 p.m. Friday, Scott VFW Post 4183, Belleville. DJ, 8-1 p.m.

Shiloh Fish Fry -- 5-8 p.m. Friday, 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Sponsored by Eagles No. 545. Cod, Walleye, shrimp, chicken strip plates. Eat in or carry out. 618-624-5412.

South Side Fish Fry -- 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, South Side Improvement Assoc., 800 S. Sixth St., Belleville. Eat in or carry out. 618-233-9380

Summerfield Fish Fry -- 5:30 p.m. Friday, Summerfield Lions Club, 100 E. park St., Summerfield.

Swansea Fish Stand -- 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 301 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, shrimp and more. 222-7171.

Waterloo Fish Fry -- 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Waterloo VFW Post 6504, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Fish, shrimp, chicken, burgers, pies. Dine in or carry out by calling 618-939-7999. Sponsored by VFW Post 6504 & Auxiliary.

Spaghetti for Scholarships -- 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Lebanon First United Methodist Church, 603 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon. Proceeds to help Lebanon Rotary fund college scholarships for Lebanon High School seniors. Regular pasta or gluten-free pasta, meat sauce or meatless sauce. Tickets at door children (4 and under) free; children (5-10) $4; Ages (11-adult) $7.

All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast -- 8-11:30 a.m. Sunday, New Baden American Legion, 105 E. Illinois, New Baden. Sponsored by New Baden American Legion. Cost: $7 adults, reduced prices for children. Featuring fresh Behrmann's sausage. Information: Scott Feist at 618-604-3297.

Armenian Church Bake Sale -- noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Holy Virgin Mary/Shoghagat, 200 Huntwood Road, Swansea. Lunch, pastries.

Games

Cribbage -- 6:30 p.m. today, Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Drive, Collinsville. 9 games against 9 different opponents. Information: Phil at 618-288-7910 or Dee at 636-233-8032.

Noel Card Party -- 6 p.m. Friday, St. Teresa School, 1108 Lebanon Ave., Belleville. Cost: $7 includes chicken salad plate and chance to win table prizes and attendance prizes. Quilt raffle, Santa sack booth, Christmas booth, bakery booth.

Eucher Tournament -- 7 p.m. Friday, Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Everyone welcome.

Card Party -- 1 p.m. Sunday, St. Anthony's Church Hall, Lively Grove. Doors open 11:30 a.m., lunch available at 11:30 a.m. and during intermission. Benefiting Autism Speaks. Sponsored by St. Anthony's Parish.

Game Day Luncheon -- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Riverbender.com Community Center, 200 W. 3rd St., Alton. Hosted by The Adult Social Circle. Admission $5 per person, includes lunch and door prizes. RSVP by Friday to 618-465-9850, ext. 212. Play card or board games, video games, billiards, foosball, darts, table tennis, air hockey, watch movie. Free parking at West Fifth and Belle streets, with a shuttle running from lot to front doors of center. Information: www.riverbender.com/communitycenter.

Markets

Book Sale -- 9 am.-1 p.m. Saturday, Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Books, magazines, puzzles, games, DVD and tape donations accepted during library hours or on day of sale. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Winter Wonderland Bazaar -- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, St. John's United Church of Christ, 7 South St., Smithton. Sponsored by St. John's Women's Fellowship. Items include jewelry, white elephant, gifts, cookies, candy, bake shop. Cafe serving, chicken/dumplings, pork plates, homemade soup, sandwiches, homebaked pie, cake, other desserts. Cafe hours: Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Information, call 618-233-8496.

Holiday Hope Craft Fair -- 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Grafton Winery and Brewhaus, 300 W. Main St., Grafton. Bring a new unwrapped toy and get free raffle tickets. Door prizes, 50/50 drawing, wine and beer tasting. Information: Milly at 618-541-9206.

Soup/Dessert Luncheon & Christmas Bazaar -- 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Friedens United Church of Christ, 820 N. Main St., Marissa. Homemade soup plus dessert and drink for $5. Homemade cookies, coffee cakes, breads, apple butter, jellies, Christmas candy, peanut brittle, crafts, hand sewed items. Quilt and other raffle items given away on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Belleville Antique Flea Market -- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Illinois 13 & 159, Belleville. Free admission and parking. Over 400 vendors and 600 tables featuring antiques and collectibles. Information, call 618-233-0052 or www.bcfairgrounds.net.

On Stage

"Twelve Angry Men" -- 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Looking Glass Playhouse, 301 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon. $10 reserved seating; $9 seniors, students and military with ID. Reservations: 618-537-4962 or Lookingglassplayhouse.com. Drama depicts a jury forced to consider a homicide trial.

"The Mystery of the Magi's Gold" -- 8 p.m. Friday, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S. De Mazenod Drive, Belleville. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and Shrine Staff invite you to the "Sister's Christmas Catechism" by Maripat Donovan. One-woman comedy with lots of audience participation. General admission seats $35; dinner and show $85 or a table of six for $450. Register online at wayoflights.org/sister or call 618-397-6700 or 314-241-3400.

Nutcracker Ballet -- 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Scottish Rite Bodies Cathedral, 1549 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville. Presented by Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra, Belleville School of Ballet, Belleville Philharmonic Chorale. Ticket information, visit www.bellevillephilharmonic.org. (See story and photos on page C1.)

Shoots

Turkey and Meat Shoot -- noon, Saturday, American Legion Post 1255, 201 Eiler Road, Belleville. Pool team. Meat and dessert raffles, attendance prizes. Information, 618-538-5445.

Elks Meat Shoot -- 11 a.m.-dusk Sunday, 161 and Old Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights. Free soup. Rffles. Shoot for ham, bacon, loins, turkeys and more. 12- and 20-gauge house guns availble.

Columbia Meat Shoot and Raffle -- noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Fountain Inn Tavern, Columbia. Shoot outside, raffle inside. Shoot for hams, turkeys, fillets, pork steaks, smoked pork chops, bacon, pork sausage. Sponsored by Columbia Blue Jay Football Association.

Trivia

O'Fallon -- 6-10:30 p.m. Friday, Regency Conference Center, O'Fallon. Sponsored by Friends of Moye. Trivia night and auction. Proceeds to benefit Delores Moye Elementary School, O'Fallon. Admission $12.50 per person in advance at Moye School, $25 per couple, $100 for a table of eight; $15 each on Friday. Cash bar available.

Fairview Heights -- 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Knights of Columbus, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, Fairview Heights. $15 per person. Team reservations for 6-10 players. Silent auction at 6 p.m. 50/50 raffle, attendance prizes. Bring snacks, cash bar, no outside beverages. Proceeds to benefit Highland Animal Shelter. Reservations: 618-281-7791 or 314-477-5157.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot take items by telephone. The deadline for Local Events is noon Monday. Send information to What's Happening, c/o Lifestyle, 120 S. Illinois St., P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. E-mail to lifestyle 236-9773. For information, call 239-2547.