Spaghetti Dinner -- 5-8 p.m. FridayKaty Cavins Community Center, 308 E. 5th, O'Fallon. Parker Haller suffered a spinal cord injury while swimming at Virginia Beach. After two surgeries to align his ruptured vertebrae, Parker is recovering, with his mother Mariam at his side, at the Shepherd Center for Spinal Cord Injury in Atlanta, Ga. Cost: $9 in advance, $10 at door for adults; $5 in advance, $6 at door for kids (9-under), free for kids (3-under). Dinner includes spaghetti, salad, breadsticks, drink. Silent auction, food, fun, prizes. To purchase tickets or make a donation, call Angela Barbee at 618-972-2179, Julie Stoelzle at 618-580-6035, Rita Bentivoglio at 618-719-1123, Lori Baggett at 618-792-4767, John Weilmuenster at 618-304-8733.

Concerts

Coffee & Jazz Concert -- 7 p.m. Friday Belleville East High School Cafeteria, 2555 West Boulevard, Belleville. Featuring Jazz Band, Concert Jazz Orchestra and two Vocal Jazz Ensembles. Admisstion $3, children (under 5) free, includes coffee, bottled water, popcorn. Snacks availabe at additional cost. Hosted by Belleville East Band/Orchestra Parents.

Winter Bluegrass Show -- 7 p.m. Saturday, Mascoutah American Legion, Illinois 177 across from Mascoutah High School, Mascoutah. Cost: $7 adults; $3.50 children. Music by George Portz and Friends of Bluegrass, Thunder & Lightning Cloggers, Brenda Cook , Jr. Fiddle Jam. Free cake. Information: 618-632-1384.

Christ Is Come Christmas Tour -- 4 p.m. Saturday, United Methodist Church, 210 S. Main St., Shiloh. Featuring Big Daddy Weave and Mikeschair. Free. Celebrating World Aids Day. First come, first seated. Information, call 618-632-6913 or www.shiloh-umc.org.

Southern Gospel Chirstmas -- 7 p.m. Saturday, Bethalto Church of God, 800 E. Bethalto Drive, Bethalto. Featuring Woodsmen Quartet. Offering will be taken. Information: Tom and Sheron at 618-259-0065 or www.southerngospel4u.org.

Sounds of Harmony -- 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Men's barbershop chorus performing. Part of the church's Fine Arts Series. Free will offering. Reception to follow. 618-235-3876.

Christmas Concert -- 7 p.m. Sunday, Edwardsville High School Auditorium, 6161 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville. Edwardsville Municipal Band. Free. Information visit www.edwband.com.

Christmas Candelight Concert -- 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Performances by the Bach Society of St. Louis chorus and orchestra and the St. Louis Archdiocesan Children's Chorus. Celebrate the "joy of Christmas" with the beautiful candlelight procession. Tickets: $20 to $75. Information, 314-534-1700.

"Messiah" -- 4 p.m. SundayWhitlock Music Center, Greenville College campus, Greenville. Greenville Choral Union and Orchestra. Seating begins at 3:30 p.m. Offering will be taken. Information, call 618-664-6560.

Doyle Grisham at Grafton Winery -- 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, 300 W. Main St., Grafton. Doyle Grisham, who tours with Jimmy Buffet and is a member of the Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, will perform. Also, sample award-winning wines. Information 618-786-3001 or www.TheGraftonWinery.com.

Dances

Friday Dance -- 7-9 p.m. Friday, Collinsville Senior Center, 420 E. Main St., Collinsville. Admission $3. Doors open 6 p.m. Dale Willeford Trio. No potluck this month. Information 618-344-7787.

Ballroom Dance -- 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Swansea/Belleville Moose Lodge, 2435 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Music by The Casuals.

Square Dance -- 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Gibault Catholic High School, Columbia Ave. & Moore St., Waterloo. Sponsored by the Waterloo Quadrilles Square Dance Club. Fingerfood availabel. Caller is Kate Garrison. Information 618-939-7069.

Events

Festival of Trees -- 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, New Baden Civic Center, 100 E. Birch, New Baden. Admission: $5 adults, $3 kids (3-12); $1 off with donation of non-perishable food item to St. George-Zion UCC Food Pantry; today, seniors (55 and over) and active military get a $1 discount. Decorated Christmas trees, nativity displays, entertainment, homemade Christmas items. Several trees will be raffled; drawing at 5 p.m. Saturday. North Pole Shoppes wil be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Pajama and movie party at 6 p.m. Friday. Pajama Party and Breakfast with Santa, 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday; $7.50 per person (information: www.zion-ucc.net).

Lebanon's Winder Wonderland -- through December, Hoerner Park, 11119 Widicus Road (one mile north of Lebanon on Route 4, turn west on Acorn Way and right on Monroe St. to park), Lebanon. Over a mile of beautiful lights and Victorian scenes. Donations accepted at entrance to park.

Way of Lights Display -- through Dec. 31, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville. Over one million white lights featured along a 1.5 mile route depicting the Journey to Bethlehem. 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.

Christmas Lights Wonderland -- 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 1, American Farm Heritage Museum, 1395 Museum Drive, (Exit 45 on I-70, Greenville. Admission free, donations appreciated. Santa taking Christmas wishes at lil red barn. One mile train ride. Tickets for train $2 per passenger (3 & up). Information, call 618-664-3050 or email amheritagemuseum@yahoo.com.

Birthday Festival -- today through Saturday, several locations. Celebrating the 75th birthday of East St. Louis poet laureatee Dr. Eugene B. Redmond. Today: Kwansaba Poetry Panel plus SIUE student readings with open mike, free, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 29, first floor, SIUE Lovejoy Library, Edwardsville; reception 1:30-2 p.m. On Friday, East St. Louis High School Jazz Band and guest student poets, time to be determined, 4901 W. State St., East St. Louis; 7-9 p.m. Friday Jazz & Poetry Festival at East St. Lois City Hall (adults only). On Saturday, invitation-only banquet.

Miracle on Main -- 6:30 p.m. Fridaydowntown Mascoutah. Lighted Santa parade and festivities. Parade will form at Moose Hall, chuch and Second streets, head down Main Street, left on Lebanon Street, ending at Regions Bank.

French Wine Party -- 6-11 p.m. Friday, Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center, 13653 Lodge Blvd., Grafton. Night of wine, food, dancing, buffet. Check in at 3 p.m., party 6-9 p.m., check out at 11 a.m. next day. Cost $219 inclusive, double occupancy and one complementary bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau per room. Reservations required. Contact Leslie at 618-786-2331 ext 338 for information.

Holiday Home Tour -- 6 p.m. Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Zion Church (starting point), Millstadt. Tickets Friday $30. Tickets Saturday, $10 in advance, $15 day of tour.

Christmas On The River -- Friday through Sunday in Chester. Lighted Parade is 7 p.m. Friday. Santa will arrive by barge on the Mississippi at 10 a.m. Saturday. Christmas concert at 2 p.m. Sunday. Arts and crafts.

The Bethlehem Journey -- Friday-Sunday, Grace Church, 5151 N. Illinois, Fairview Heights. An interactive walking tour with a large cast and live animals, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 on the church grounds at 5151 N. Illinois in Fairview Heights. Admission is free. Your family can walk through the city of Bethlehem during the time of Christ's birth, encountering Roman guards, wisemen, shepherds, angels, the markets in Bethlehem, and the Christ child lying in a manger. Stop for hot chocolate and homemade cookies at the end of the journey. Information: www.thebethlehemjourney.com

Holiday Train Show -- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Glen Carbon Firehouse, 180 Summit St., Glen Carbon. Sponsored by Metro East Model Railroad Club. 18-by-27-foot HO scale model railroad. Admission and holiday snacks, free.

Breakfast With Santa -- 9 a.m. Saturday, Dupo VFW Post 6368, 200 N. 5th St., Dupo. Sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Call Dupo Library for advanced tickets.

Breakfast With Santa -- 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Bluff Grange, (5 miles north of Millstadt on Illinois 163), Millstadt. $7 per person. Children under 5 free.

Breakfast With Santa -- 8 a.m. Saturday, Southwestern Illinois College, Main Complex Cafe, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. Games, photos, breakfast food, visit from Santa. Reservations needed. Tickets $7 each, includes breakfast and one photograph. Tickets by calling 618-235-2700 ext. 5561 or Belleville Campus, Main Comples, Room 1246. Additional photos $5 each, morning of breakfast.

Santa Paws Pictures -- 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Petsmart, 1570 W. U.S. Highway 50, O'Fallon. Holiday photo package $9.95 (picture and frame). Proceeds to benefit Benld Adopt-A-Pet, a not for profit, no kill animal shelter.

Taste of Chocolate -- noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, 300 W. Main St., Grafton. Enjoy dozens of homemade chocolate treats, coffee, hot chocolate. Sponsored by Grafton Chamber of Commerce. Tickets $7 per person.

Home for the Holidays -- 2-5:45 p.m. Saturday, Village of Elsah. Tour homes, museum, churches, bed and breakfasts, ride in horse-drawn carriage. Caroling and Santa at 5:45-6:30 p.m. at the Civic Center. Lunch available at Farley's Music Hall between 1-6 p.m. Admission $15, available by Nov. 1 at Alton Visitor Center or www.elsahevents.com/olidaytour. Information, call Michelle at 618-374-1684.

Country Christmas Stroll and House Tour -- noon-5 p.m. Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Okawville. Four residences and St. John's UCC Church in Johannisburg featured on tour. Cost of the tour is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, at the Original Springs Hotel in Okawville. Reservations at 618-243-5694; children eat free. Country Carft fair, festival of trees at Community Club building; admission is $2. Flea market and vendor show in Immanuel School gym. Christmas in the Barn at the Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo. Information call 618-243-5694 or tourokaw@606front.net.

A Celtic Christmas --7:30 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday, College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1702 Clawson, Alton. Free. Information, call 618-465-2315 or www.GRCS-SING.org.

Olde Alton Arts & Crafts Fair -- 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Alton High School, 4200 Humbert Road, Alton. More than 200 booths and crafters selling their best wares. Admission $2, Saturday; $1 Sunday. Children (12 & under) free. All proceeds to benefit music program for Alton School District. Information 618-474-6996.

All-Breed Dog Show -- Saturday-Sunday, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Exposition building, 200 S. Belt East, Belleville. Sponsored by the Edwardsville Illinois Kennel Club. Admission and parking free and open to public.

Santa in Swansea -- 6-8 p.m. weekdays and 1-5 p.m. weekends, Dec. 23, Melvin Price Memorial Park, 1500 Caseyville Ave., (next to Lehr Center), Swansea. Pictures with Santa, $5.

Santa At City Park -- 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-4 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 22, Santa's House, Edwardsville Public Library (front), 101 S. Buchna Ave., Edwardsville. Hosted by the Edwardsville Parks Department. Information, call 618-692-7538.

Holiday Story Time -- 9 & 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23, Eckert's Garden Center, 951 S. Greenmount Road, Belleville. Hear the story of the gingerbread man and make a gingerbread craft. Free. Information, call 618-233-0513.

Breakfast with Santa -- 8 a.m.-noon Sunday, Dec. 23, Eckert's Garden Center, 951 S. Greenmount Road, Belleville. Reservations suggested. Meal includes scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, biscuits/sausage gravy. Cost: $12.99/child; $8.99/adult. Information, reservations, call 618-233-0513 ext. 3.

Gingerbread House Workshop -- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23, Eckert's Country Store, 951 S. Greenmount Road, Belleville. Cost: $12/gingerbread house. Information, call 618-233-0513.

Holiday Light Display -- Saturday Jan. 1, Coulterville City Park, Coulterville. Featuring more than 400 wooden Christmas figurines, more than a million lights, 15 animated displays, walk-through display, Christmas music, Mrs. Claus's Workshop. Free.

Weihnachtsfest -- 10 a.m. Sunday, St. James Parish Center, 423 W. Madison St. (one block south of Illinois 158), Millstadt. Weihnachtsfest means German Christmas Festival. Featuring holiday decorations, hand-crafted jewelry, apparel, uniques gift items. German food (sauerbraten, bratwurst, roast pork, potato pancakes, red cabbage, sauerkraut, strudel) beginning 11:30 a.m. Cookie walk. St. Nikolaus arrives at noon.

Santa Parade -- 1 p.m. Saturday, East Carondelet and Dupo area.

Pride Inc. Holiday Home Tour -- 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Homes of Alton & Godfrey, Godfrey. Trolly transportation optional. Tickets: $12/person at Alton Visitors Center, 200 Piasa St. Information 618-467-2375.

German Christmas -- 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Maeystown. Shops open at 11 a.m. All merchants offering unique shopping, gifts, coffee, tea, sweets. Band Room Brass strolling ensemble, noon to 2 p.m.; Carl Seavers and Jim Abbot at the mill from noon-5 p.m.; Larry Forsting on piano Corner George Inn ballroom, 1-1:45 p.m.; Valmeyer High School instrumental and choral ensembles in ballroom, 2-2:45 p.m.; German carol sing in ballroom, 3 p.m.; carol sing and lighting of village Weinachtsbarum, 4:30 p.m. at the rock mill. Christkindlmarkt, sponsored by the St. John Women's Fellowship in basement of church hall, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; proceeds will help a family in need. Pictures with Sankt Nikolaus, 2:30-3:30 p.m., downtown area. Carriage rides around village, 1-3 p.m. Information 618-458-6660 or 618-458-7463.

Holiday Open House & Quilt Show -- 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Madison County Historical Society, Museum complex, 719 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Award- winning quilts by Sharon Helms. Sights and sounds of the holidays. Refreshments. Free.

Volksmarch -- 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Springs Hotel, Okawville. Be off trail by 1:30 p.m. Have lunch at the hotel restaurant. Start location at corner of Hanover and Belleville streets.

Edwardsville's Downtown in December -- Dec. 22, Edwardsville. Kickoff is Dec. 1, caroling throughout the day. Santa at Wildey Theatre in the Marquee Room (2nd floor), 9-11 a.m., in City Park 1-4 p.m. Elves Workshop from 1-3 p.m. (ages 5-12). Drop children at Wildey Theatre for holiday fun and gift making. Parents enjoy shopping. Cost $10 and pre-registration required. Sign up at www.cityofedwardsville.com. Bring a toy while visiting Santa or being Elf on Dec. 1 for Toys for Tots Toy drive. A local Marine on site with Santa at Wildey Theatre from 9-11 a.m. to take pictures and collect toys. Information, visit www.cityofedwardsville.com.

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.

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.

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.

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 & 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.

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.

Turtle Soup -- 10 a.m. Saturday, South Side Improvement Assoc., 800 S. 6th St., Belleville. $12/gallon. Call-in's welcome. 618-233-9380.

Walton's Chicken Dinner -- 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 5420 Old Collinsville Road. Homemade desserts. For carryouts call 632-5222.

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.

Luncheon & Card Party -- noon, Tuesday, St. Luke's Hall, 226 N. Church St., Belleville. $6/person lunch, includes turkey, dressing, gravy, apple salad, cake, coffee. Cards and bingo. Sponsored by St. Luke Perpetual Help Sodality.

Markets

Book Sale -- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday Caseyville Public Library, 419 S. Second St., Caseyville. Hardbacks $1/each; softcovers, $1/bag. 618-345-5848.

Grab and Go Gift Show -- Nov. 30 through Dec. 28, Edwardsville Arts Center, 6165 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville. Opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7. More than 20 artists participating. Featuring jewelry, glass, pottery, paintings. Reasonably priced and available upon purchase.

Holiday Market -- noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Blum House, 414 W. Main St., Collinsville. Hosted in conjunction with Collinsville Main Street Associatin's Holiday House Tour. Meet local authors and artists. Books, art, jewelry, unique finds, more.

St. Mary's Craft Fair -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, St. Mary's Church, 17th and West Main streets, Belleville. Proceeds benefit the St. Mary's/St. Augustine's Energy Club.

Cookie Walk -- 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, St. Joseph's Parish Center, 6 N. Alton St., Freeburg. Homemade cookies sold at $7/pound.

ICS Craft Fair -- 9a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Immaculate Conception School, gym and cafeteria, 320 S. Main St., Columbia. More than 65 vendors. Cookies, candy (sold by the pound). Breakfast, lunch, snacks.

Girls Day Out -- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Hecker Community Center, 230 E. Washington St., Hecker. Vendor shopping event. $2 admission to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Society. Free coffee, tea, water, snacks.

Christmas Vendor Fair -- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, St. Agatha Parish Center, 207 S. Market St., New Athens. Christmas shopping with more than 15 crafters and vendors.

Super Sale Sunday -- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, St. Stephen Voigt Hall, 901 S. Main St., Caseyville. Silent auction, rain out sale, gift baskets and gift cards available for purchase. All proceeds to be used to parish ministries.

On Stage

"A Christmas Carol" -- Friday-Saturday, Dupo High School, Dupo. Sponsored by the Drama Club. Seeking artificial Christmas trees (before the play) to decorate the stage, gym and hallways. Afterward, the trees will be donated to families in town who do have a Christmas tree.

"A Christmas Carol" -- 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday, Lindenwood University, 2600 W. Main St., Belleville. Performances in the newly-restored auditorium. To order tickets, 618-239-6296. Information: www.westbelleville.org.

"Mary's Baby" -- 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Grace Baptist Church, 2600 Edwards St., Granite City. Pre-school Christmas program directed by Valerie Haas.

Shoots

Benefit Meat Shoot -- 12-5 p.m. Saturday, Villa Hills American Legion, 201 Eiler Road, Belleville. $3 rounds, gun limit, multiple attendance prizes, silent auction, 50/50, pot shots rounds, raffle prizes. Food provided by friends/family. Proceeds donated to Towanda Coffman Trust Fund.

Trivia

Collinsville -- 7 p.m. Saturday, Collinsville Township Senior Center, 420 E. Main St., Collinsville. Benefits Collinsville Township Food Pantry. Admission: 3 or more non-perishable food items, new/unopened toy per person, three food items or one toy for one person's admission. Raffles, door prizes, mulligans, 50/50. Reservations: 618-344-7787. All trivia categories have holiday themes. Visitors from North Pole at intermission.

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@bnd.com. Fax to 236-9773. For information, call 239-2557.