Metro-east calendar: Polar Express comes to Caseyville, other holiday events on tap

Noon Thursday, Dec. 19 is the deadline to appear in next week’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions. Due to the large number of submissions, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear in the week before the event date.

Email: lifestyle@bnd.com. Mail to: Lifestyle, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.

Holiday Festivities

▪ Polar Express Night with Santa & Mrs. Claus — 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Caseyville Community Center, 909 S. Main St., Caseyville. Put on your PJs, bring a blanket or pillow, and join Santa & Mrs. Claus for a reading of the award-winning Christmas classic, “Polar Express.” Includes hot cocoa, activities, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Polar Express props. There will be a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” All children will get a treat bag with a special gift inside inspired by the Polar Express. Bake sale items, tickets for the Christmas baskets raffle available for purchase. Basket winners drawn at end of evening. Donations for groups on the Community Giving Tree will also be accepted. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free. 618-345-5848.

▪ 50th Way of Lights — 5-9 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 31. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S. DeMazenod Drive, Belleville. Visit the largest spiritual, spectacular 1.5-mile light display telling the Christmas story. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Free admission. Donations accepted. snows.org/wol

▪ Pancakes with Santa — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Randy’s Rescue Ranch, 1400 E. U.S 50, O’Fallon. Pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, kids crafts, tour the ranch and more. Tickets are $25 and available online at squareup.com. For tickets and information: facebook.com/events/559873961471384

▪ 19th annual No Child Left Behind Without Christmas Toys — 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. New Shining Light Church Community Outreach Ministry, 740 Broadway St., Venice. Doors open at noon. Every child will receive free toys for Christmas. Free food baskets. Drawing for free gas cards. Bicycle giveaway. Boys and girls coats giveaway. All free. No ID required. Parents must bring their children. 618-530-2347, 618-558-6143, or 618-541-2534.

▪ Santa at O’Fallon Station — 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. O’Fallon Station, South Vine Street, O’Fallon. Visit with Santa and make sure he has your wish list for this year, then take a photo with him. facebook.com/events/336385857242385

▪ 8th annual Menorah Lighting — 6:30-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Farmers Market on the Loop, 6655 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis. The Chanukah celebration will feature a central public Menorah lighting, and will include live music, piping hot latkes, greetings from local dignitaries, chocolate Chanukah Gelt for children and joyous Chasidic dancing. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/733069787198970

▪ Dinner with Santa — 5-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. McAlister’s Deli - Fairview Heights, 101 Frey Lane, Fairview Heights. Come and have dinner with Santa. Receive up to two free kids meals (kids 12 and under/must be present) with the purchase of an adult entree (dine in only). Santa Claus is comin’ to McAlister’s! facebook.com/events/2584684041627609

Events

▪ Marine Toys for Tots — Now through Thursday, Dec. 19. Madison County is collaborating with local veteran service organizations and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves to collect items for those in need this holiday season. Individuals are invited to donate new, unwrapped items at the Madison County Administration Building, 157 N. Main St., Edwardsville, and the Wood River Facility, 101 E. Edwardsville Road, Wood River. Items needed for veterans include socks, underwear, T-shirts, gloves, caps, slippers, throws and basic hygiene. 618-296-4554 or toysfortots.org

▪ Diva’s Night Out — 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Register at Eckert Florist, 201 W. Main St., Belleville, between 5 and 7 p.m. Enjoy the evening sipping, shopping and supporting the businesses of downtown Belleville. Bring completed passport to closing party ay Copper Fire, 200 E. Main St., Belleville, at 8 p.m. for a chance to win prizes. Cost: $5 per person. Theme: Cammo or Glammo. bellevillemainstreet.net

▪ Medicare Q&A — 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. O’Fallon Public Library, 120 Civic Plaza, O’Fallon. Free informational, non-sales event to answer questions about Medicare. Presented by Jon Burgmann. Space is limited and registration is required. ofpl.info

▪ Free Gift Wrapping — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Cambridge House, 844 Cambridge Blvd., O’Fallon. Free gift wrapping. All gift wrap, bows, boxes, ribbons provided. Stay and enjoy cookies and cocoa while gifts are wrapped, or come back to pick up wrapped gifts. For information call 618-624-9900 and ask for Michelle.

▪ Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital - Mount Vernon, Mother Odilia Room, #1 Good Samaritan Way, Mount Vernon. bloodcenterimpact.org

▪ National Sangria Day — 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. The Weingarten, 1780 E. Illinois 15, Belleville. Enjoy the sangria and relax during the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle. Live music, beer, wine, a limited menu and more. No reservations required. facebook.com/events/735285383625262

▪ Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — Noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Scott Credit Union, 1000 Eleven South, Columbia. bloodcenterimpact.org

▪ Square Dancing and Round Dancing — 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Caseyville Township Building, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Caller: Kate Garrison. Cuer: Glenda Morgan. Theme: Christmas Dance. Sponsored by Dandy Dancers. 618-420-2567 or fanthums@gmail.com

▪ Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 21. Tri-Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Books, magazines, puzzles, games, DVD and CD donations are accepted during regular library hours or on the day of the sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. During inclement weather, please call the Tri-Township Library after 9 a.m. to see if the book sale is cancelled. 618-667-2133.

▪ Christmas Craft Fair — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Collinsville High School main dining hall, 2201 S. Morrison Ave., Collinsville. Free cookies with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. Shop for homemade crafts, Christmas gifts, vintage items, local jewelry, IT works, Thirty-One and much more. Free admission.

▪ Belleville Flea Market — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 S. Belt E., Belleville. Southern Illinois’ premier indoor/outdoor market with more than 600 tables and 300-400 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, merchandise – old and new. Indoor/Outdoor year round. Free admission. bcfairgrounds.net

▪ Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, 6569 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights. bloodcenterimpact.org

▪ Metro East Model Railroad Club Holiday Open House — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. 180 Summit St., Glen Carbon. Visitors are welcome to view the club’s trains running on their 18x27-foot HO scale model railroad. Free admission. 618-476-9228, 618-531-1589 or trainweb.org/memrc

▪ Gingerbread House Workshop — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, and Sunday, Dec. 22. Eckert’s Country Store & Farms, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. Create a beautiful display for the holidays. All supplies and guidance provided. Bring the creativity. Great for young and old. $15 per gingerbread house. For more information, 618-233-0513 or eckerts.com

▪ Homeless Memorial — Noon Saturday, Dec. 21. St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 West B St., Belleville. A free lunch will be provided by St. Paul Culinaires, followed by a memorial service lead by Rev. Michelle Torigian. Free and open to all.

▪ Winter Solstice Sunrise Observance — 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey St., Collinsville. Meet at the Woodhenge reconstruction for an observance of the Winter Solstice. An archaeologist will give an explanation of the importance of Woodhenge to the Mississippians and its relation to the Mounds. The Woodhenge reconstruction is about 1/4 mile west on Collinsville Road, from the Cahokia Mounds Interpretive Center. cahokiamounds.org

▪ Witchmas Make & Take Festivus — 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Sincerely The Craft, 24 E. Main St., Belleville. Make beautiful but purposeful holistic gifts. There will be six tables with everything needed to make two of each item, with an instructor to walk through the process. Each table sits four. Tickets start at $20. For tickets and information: facebook.com/events/2469394980005008

▪ Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. Anderson Hospital Platelet Drive, Classroom 1 by Hospital Entrance 2, 6800 State Route 162, Maryville. bloodcenterimpact.org

▪ Free Sunrise Yoga at the Gateway Arch — 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Gateway Arch Visitor Center, 11 N. Fourth St., St. Louis, located just inside the west entrance of the Arch facility. YogaBuzz instructors lead participants through a 45-minute class to relaxing music. All experience levels are welcome. Yoga is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.

Games

▪ Bridge — 11:45 a.m. Thursdays. Collinsville Senior Center, 420 E. Main St., Collinsville. To participate, must have played bridge before. 618-310-1289.

▪ Euchre Tournament — 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Everyone welcome. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main, Smithton. Partner night. 618-233-3370.

▪ Bunko — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. Eckert’s Country Restaurant, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. Cost: $5 per person, includes game, prizes, beverages and snacks. Open to the public. No reservation required. 618-233-0513, ext. 3.

▪ Althoff Catholic Fathers & Friends’ Bingo — 7-10 p.m. Mondays. CK & L of I Country Club, 2800 N. Illinois St., Swansea.

▪ Bridge — 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays. Senior Center, 10025 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Sponsored by Caseyville Township. 618-310-1289.

▪ Tuesday Trivia Night — 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. Global Brew Tap House, 2329 Plum St., Edwardsville. You and up to five friends can come test your knowledge with new questions every week. Free to play. Great prizes. facebook.com/events/2281221795478291

Theater/Concerts

▪ Singer/Songwriter Thursday at The Abbey — 7-10 p.m. Thursdays. The Abbey, 5801 W. Main St., Belleville. Enjoy live music at The Abbey every Thursday night. thebellevilleabbey.com

▪ ComedySportz Match — 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21. CSz St. Louis, 524 S. Main St., St. Charles, Missouri. Outrageously funny improv played like a sport. A perfect combo of funny and sports creating an explosion of laughter and competition on stage. Tickets available at the door on online at cszstlouis.com/tickets. facebook.com/events/789564834848522

▪ St. Paul UCC Fine Arts Music Ministry Christmas Concert — 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. St. Paul UCC, 115 W. B St., Belleville. Directed by Dr. Tristan Frampton, the program will include “Prophets & Angels,” a cantata advent festival of lessons and carols. Free will offering will be received. 618-233-3303 or stpaulucc.org

▪ The Lindenwood Theater Touring Series: Martina McBride — 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. The Lindenwood Theater, 2300 W. Clay St., St. Charles, Missouri. Celebrate the sounds of the season with Martina McBride, live at Lindenwood. Tickets start at $59.50. https://www.lindenwood.edu/j-scheidegger-center-for-the-arts/

▪ Union UMC Carol Service with Ramos Family Strings — 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. The Ramos family members have played in orchestras across the U.S. and in Mexico. Manuel Ramos and Catherine Lehr-Ramos are formerly of the St. Louis Symphony. Christmas tea will follow the service. Open to the public.

Club News

▪ IBEW #649 Retired Members Club — 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Eagles Nest Restaurant, 117 Bethalto Drive, Bethalto. Monthly breakfast meeting. Join us for a morning of food and friendship. For more information, call Marlin Wagner at 618-656-7593.

▪ Chicks with Sticks — 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Troy United Methodist Church, Room 241, 407 Edwardsville Road, Troy. Knit and crochet items for different charities and for fellowship. 618-667-7501.

▪ Fairview Heights Woman’s Club — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Caseyville Township Building, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Christmas “Crack-Up” Party. Fun – Fun – Fun. Chairman: Pam Bierman, Tina Friederich, Kathy Frawley, Nancy Radar and Syndi Kalinowski.

▪ Stitchin’ in the Stacks — 2-4 p.m. Fridays. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. If you like to knit, crochet or embroider, gather and socialize with others who share your interest and pick up a few tips and tricks as you work your own creations. Bring your supplies. Self-directed program; no instructor. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

▪ Saint Louis Astronomical Society: ‘Fast Radio Bursts – Nature’s Latest Cosmic Mystery’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. McDonnell Hall, Room 162, Washington University campus, St. Louis. Illustrated presentation via video link by Dr. Duncan Lorimer of West Virginia University. Open to the public. slasonline.org

▪ M.U.S.I.C. Swing Dance Club — 5-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. VFW Hall, 1234 Vandalia St., Collinsville. One-hour free lesson with paid admission. No partner needed. Doors open 5 p.m. Lessons start 5:30 p.m. Dance 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. musicswingdance.com

▪ Metro East Social Singles New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Shiloh Eagles, 100 Eagles Drive, Shiloh. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Dance from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. DJ Dr. Dee. Cash bar (no outside drinks allowed), snacks, attendance prizes. Dinner and dance $30 per person. Dance only $15, seating limited. Open to the public. Must be 21 or older. Advanced reservations required. 618-632-5361.

Food

▪ Millstadt Fish Fry and Jam Session — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Fridays, Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. 618-476-1180.

▪ Waterloo VFW Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. Metzger Crook Post 6504, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Sold by the pound, sandwich or plate. Cod, catfish, walleye, salmon and shrimp. Carry-outs. 618-939-7999.

▪ Swansea Fish Stand – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Saturday: fried chicken. 618-222-7171.

▪ Collinsville Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Fridays, Collinsville American Legion, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. North Atlantic cod, whole catfish, sides, desserts. 618-345-2508.

▪ Caseyville Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays, Caseyville VFW Post 1117, 415 N. Long, Caseyville. Fish plates, desserts, sandwiches, burgers and more. Bingo at 7 p.m.

▪ Troy VFW Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Troy VFW Post 976 and Auxiliary, 123-A W. Market St., Troy. Cod, catfish, jack salmon, baked fish, chicken strips, shrimp. Dine in or carry out. 618-667-8387.

▪ Collinsville Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Plaza, Collinsville. Eat in or carry out. Fried/baked cod, catfish, sides. 618-345-1492.

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

▪ O’Fallon Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Cod and tilapia, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks, pizza and additional side dishes. Eat in or carry out. Now accepting credit cards. 618-632-6229.

▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Fried and baked cod, catfish, shrimp, chicken strips, sides. Eat in or carry out. 618-228-7311 or avistonlegion.com

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

▪ O’Fallon Fish and Chicken Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. O’Fallon American Legion, 109 N. Penn, O’Fallon. Carry-outs available. 618-632-8879.

▪ Shiloh Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp, chicken wings. Eat in or carry out. Auxiliary bake sale for charity. 618-624-5412.

Reservations Required

▪ Happy Noon Year’s Eve (Family event) — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. Performance by Juggling Jeff, who will teach audience members how to juggle. Music, food and crafts. All adults must be accompanied by a child. Children under 10 must bring an adult. Registration is required. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

▪ Memorial’s Family Care Birthing Center Sibling Class — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Memorial Hospital Belleville auditorium, 4500 Memorial Drive, Belleville. The class helps prepare older siblings for changes to expect as their family grows. Designed for children ages 2-10. Cost is $5 per child. Registration is required. mymemorialnetwork.com/events