A Celtic Christmas -- 7 p.m. Friday, Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Sponsored by City of Edwardsville Parks & Recreation Department. Music by Great Rivers Choral Society. Appetizers from 6-7 p.m. on the 2nd floor Marquee Room. Tickets $12; call 618-692-7538, walk up sales at the Park Office in City Hall, 118 Hillsboro Ave.; online at www.wildeytheatre.com.

Christmas Concert -- 7 p.m. Friday, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 6325 W. Main St., Maryville. Featuring the Granite City Community Concert Band, the Devine Appeals Handbell Choir and the Immanuel United Methodist Church Choir. Free, donations are appreciated and tax deductible. Information, www.graniteband.com.

Doo-Wop Christmas -- 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Capitol Theatre, 202 S. Main St., Waterloo. Presented by Monroe Actors State Company. Music by the all male cappella quartet "Blend." Guest appearances by Frosty and Rudolph. Tickets $10 when reserved in advance and $12 at door; 618-939-7469 or www.masctheatre.org.

Alton Symphony -- 3-4 p.m. Saturday, Alton Symphony Orchestra, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. Sing along as the ASO plays your favorite holiday music. After the concert, visit with Santa and enjoy holiday treats for sale from Gentelin's Tickets, $10 adults, $5 seniors (62-plus), students (K-12) free. Information, 618-463-6933.

Belleville Philharmonic Chorale -- 3 p.m. Sunday, St. Luke Catholic Church, 301 N. Church, Belleville. Belleville Philharmonic Chorale, accompanied by orchestra members, presents "Christmas Wonders." Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens 55 and older and military with identification and $7 for students. Tickets are available in advance at Allison's Common Scents, Peace by Piece, Fletcher's Kitchen & Tap, Accent Music, Miller Music and Exeter Music. (See story on page C1.)

Sounds of Christmas -- 3 p.m. Sunday, Mascoutah High School Auditorium, Illinois 177, Mascoutah. Featuring Sounds of Harmony Barbershop Chorus and Bronze Expressions Handbell Ensemble. Sponsored by Mascoutah Noon Lion' s Club. Admission is $5. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. for ticket holders; 2:45 p.m. for tickets at door. Tickets available at Citizen's Community Bank, Tom's Supermarket, Dauber's Pharmacy and Flowers, Balloons, Etc. in Mascoutah.

Christmas Concert -- 4 p.m. Sunday, St. Paul Baptist Church, 1500 Bond Ave., East St. Louis. Music by Westbrook-Green Concert Choir, directed by Reginald Phillips. Traditional Christmas music and selections from Handel's Messiah. Free. Freewill offering will be collected.

Tia McGraff -- 7 p.m. Sunday, Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton. Christmas Concert. Tickets $10; seniors/students $8.

Dances

Country Western Dance -- 8-11 p.m. Friday, Belleville/Swansea Moose, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. DJ: Carol and Bob Schwartz.

Events

Lebanon's Winder Wonderland -- through December, Hoerner Park, 11119 Widicus Road (1 mile north of Lebanon on Illinois 4, turn west on Acorn Way and right on Monroe Street to park), Lebanon. Mre than a mile of 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 near Belleville. More than 1 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. Laser 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; $2 per passenger (3 & up). Information: 618-664-3050 or email amheritagemuseum@yahoo.com.

Santa in Swansea -- 6-8 p.m. weekdays and 1-5 p.m. weekends, through 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. Buchanan Ave., Edwardsville. Hosted by the Edwardsville Parks Department. Extended hours for downtown shops.

Holiday Story Time -- 9 and 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23, Eckert's Garden Center, 951 S. Green mount 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 Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Dec. 23, Eckert's Garden Center, 951 S. Green mount 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 -- nightly through Jan. 1, Coulterville City Park, Coulterville. Featuring more than 400 wooden Christmas figurines, more than 1 million lights, 15 animated displays, walk-through display, Christmas music, Mrs. Claus' Workshop.

Christmas Model Railroad Open House -- through Dec. 30, McGinley Chrysler Dealership, 7 Shamrock Blvd., Highland. 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, 21, 28; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, 22, 29; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, 23, 30. Sponsored by the New Switzerland Model Railroad Club.

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" -- 8:30 p.m. today, Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Free movie screening. Sponsored by TheBank of Edwardsville and The Wildey Theatre.

Journey to Bethlehem -- 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday; 5-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, , First Baptist Church Maryville, 7110 State Route 162, Maryville. Walk the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and experience the story of Jesus' birth. There will be live animals, fires to warm the way and complimentary refreshments. Information: 618-667-8221.

Meteor Shower Viewing -- 7 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, 435 Confluence Drive, Hartford. Steve Sands, St. Louis Astronomical Society, will give information about the night sky and will answer questions about the Geminids meteor shower. Event is better seen outside, dress accordingly and bring blankets. Hot chocolate available for guests. Tickets $5, includes tour ticket up into the tower. Reservations not required.

Wreaths Across America -- 11 a.m. Saturday, National Cemetery, 600 Pearl St., Alton. Program to remember the fallen, honor them and teach children the value of freedom. Graves will be decorated with balsam wreaths for the holiday season.

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. Information: Bob at 618-476-9228 or Bill at 618-254-6596, www.trainweb.org/memre.

A Visit With Santa -- 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Victory Family Church, 555 South Belt West, Belleville. Free. Photos with Santa, cookies, hot chocolate. First 100 children will receive a gift from Santa. Information: 618-235-6373.

Breakfast With Santa -- 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Friedens United Church of Christ, 207 E. Center St., Troy. Cost: $2. Breakfast of pancakes and sausage. Includes games, crafts and story time. Reservations: 618-667-6535 today.

Santa's Parade & Village -- parade 6 p.m. Saturday, Tri Township Park, 409 Collinsville Road, Troy. Santa's house is open weekdays 5-7:30 p.m.; weekends noon-3:30 p.m., Dec. 15-22. Pictures with reindeer Dec. 18. Sponsored by Troy Lions Club. Information, visit troymaryvillecoc.com or 618-667-8769.

Santa at the Tower -- noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, 435 Confluence Tower Drive, Hartford.

Breakfast With Santa -- 8-11:30 a.m. Sunday, New Baden American Legion, 105 E. Illinois St., New Baden. Cost: $7 adults, reduced prices for kids. All-you-can-eat fresh Behrman's sausage. Santa arrives at 8:30 a.m. Sponsored by New Baden VFW Post 3624.

Nature Nuts -- Tuesday, TreeHouse Wildlife Center, 23956 Green Acres Road, Dow. Program for ages 3-5: "Christmas is for the Birds." Cost: $5. To register, call 618-466-2990.

"White Christmas" -- 7 p.m. Saturday, Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Pre-Show Party, 2nd floor Marquee Room of Wildey, with food by A Catered Affair and drink by Encore Wine Bar. Pre-show party at 5:30; trivia contest at 6:30. Tickets $15 for movie; pre-show party and movie $20. All high school or younger receive a $5 discounts. Tickets: www.wildeytheatre.com. All proceeds will benefit The Wildey Theatre.

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.

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.

Freeburg Fish Fry & Bake -- 4-7 p.m. Friday, St. Joseph's Parish Center, 6 N. Alton St., Freeburg. Fried cod loins (plate, sandwich or pound), baked cod, shrimp, grilled cheese, spaghetti, onion rings, French fries, slaw, mac/choose, desserts, refreshments. Sponsored by the Support Committee. Eat in or carry out. 618-539-3209.

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 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.

Swansea Fish Stand -- 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, shrimp and more. 222-7171.

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

Buzzy's Barbecue -- noon Saturday, Caseyville Moose, 8550 Bunkum Road, Caseyville.

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.

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

Markets

Grab and Go Gift Show -- through Dec. 28, Edwardsville Arts Center, 6165 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville. More than 20 artists participating. Featuring jewelry, glass, pottery, paintings.

Little Market -- 5-10 p.m. today, Pearson Hall, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 406 Hillsboro Ave., Edwardsville. Vendors to sell jewelry, paper products, scarves, purses, baskets. Complimentary potato and salad bar served. Featured at 6 p.m. will be speaker Ginger Coakley, a member of the Set Free Movement, an organization that advocates human rights.

Book Sale -- 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Books, magazines, puzzles, ames, DVD and tape donations are accepted during regular library hours or on day of sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Questions, call 618-667-2133.

Cookie and Candy Sale -- 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Nameoki United Methodist Church, 1900 Pontoon Road, Granite City. Homemade cookies and candy for sale.

Antique Flea Market -- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Illinois 13 and 159, Belleville. Free admission and parking. More than 400 vendors and 600 tables featuring antiques and collectibles.

Christmas Cookie & Sweet Sale -- noon- Sunday, The Pentecostals of Troy, 312 S. Main St., Troy. Wide variety of homemade and specialty items. $4 per dozen.

On Stage

"Miracle on 34th Street" -- 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Avon Theater, 535 N. 2nd St., Breese. Reservations: 618-526-2866 or email tickets@ccshowcase.com. Adults $10, students, seniors, active military $9.

"Silent Night, Holy Night" -- 6:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Grace Baptist Church, 2600 Edwards St., Granite City. Musical drama celebrates the story of Christ's birth with music built around the carol "Silent Night."

Shoots

Caseyville Shoot -- noon, Saturday, Caseyville Moose, 8550 Bunkum Road, Caseyville.

Mascoutah Meat Shoot -- noon Sunday, Mascoutah Sportsmen's Club. Pot shots 12 or 20 gauge, or .410. BB gun shoot (indoors). House BB gun. Free bean soup. 12 and 20 gauge house guns available.

Black Powder Rifle Meat Shoot -- noon-dusk Sunday, Triple Lakes Bar, 8055 Triple Lakes Road, Dupo. Indoor, rain or shine.

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 239-2537.