Plenty of Christmas, holiday events featured on southwestern Illinois calendar
Noon Thursday, Dec. 9, 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. For the week’s full list of events, visit bnd.com.
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
▪ 8th annual Belleville Christkindlmarkt — Thursday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 12, and Thursday, Dec. 16-Thursday, Dec. 23. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23. The Public Square, Downtown Belleville. The open-air German Christmas Market returns for the holiday season and features unique European and handcrafted gifts. bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com
▪ Christmas Wonderland — Through Monday, Dec. 27. 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 5-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Rock Spring Park, 2100 College Ave., Alton. More than 4 million lights will twinkle against the beautiful backdrop of Rock Spring Park, lighting the way toward another illuminating holiday season. Admission to Christmas Wonderland is a suggested donation of $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. 800-258-6645 or riversandroutes.com.
▪ Swansea Cozy Winter Wonderland — Through Thursday, Dec. 23. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. 1501 Caseyville Ave., Swansea. Visit and take photos with Santa, take photos at one of the indoor settings. Each child will receive a gift, candy cane and ornament from Santa’s tree. Admission: $10 per family, includes free scene pics and one photo with Santa. Additional photos with Santa are $5 each. Hot chocolate, bottled water and cookies available for a $1 donation. Presented by the Swansea Park Board and Patriots. COVID restrictions apply.
▪ Tech the Halls! Free Holiday Event and Computer Giveaway — 3-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. PCs for People, 100 N. Florida Ave., Belleville. More than 200 computers will be given away to eligible families in need. Festivities include pictures with Santa, gift wrapping, children’s activities, light refreshments, attendance prizes and more. Registration is encouraged but not required. Photo ID and income documentation required for program qualification. pcsforpeople.org
▪ Tinsel Around Town — 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Vine Street Market, O’Fallon Station, 212 E. First St., O’Fallon. Shop local and visit participating Downtown District businesses during their regular (and holiday) hours. Bring your families and stay for the Vine Street Winter Market with special events beginning at 3:30 p.m. facebook.com/events/419543339792889
▪ Holiday Extravaganza at the St. Louis Artworks — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. St. Louis Artworks, 5959 Delmar, St. Louis. St. Louis ArtWorks is hosting a youth Apprentice art exhibit and sale along with a pre–Kwanzaa Celebration. Apprentices’ art is on exhibit and for sale all day. At noon, there will be a full drum call and Kwanzaa Ceremony followed by music by the Red and Black Brass Band. Lunch with Vails Brothers’ Food Truck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gift raffle and other treats. Masks required. Donations to St. Louis Artworks are welcome. facebook.com/events/596710158311616
▪ Christmas Photos with Families & Fur Babies — 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and 2-4 p.m. Sunday, 12. St. Clair County Historical Society, 701 E. Washington St., Belleville. Pose on an antique sleigh as the photographer captures your memories. Each session comes with one print in a holiday card and the digital image file. Additional prints and shipping are also available. Tickets are $20 and are available at eventbrite.com.
▪ 21st annual No Child Left Behind Without Christmas Toys — 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. New Shining Light Community Outreach Ministry, 740 Broadway St., Venice. Serving children ages 12 and under, every child will get free toys for Christmas at this drive-thru event while supplies last. Children must be in the car in order to receive toys. Donations of new toys and new bikes for children 12 and under can be made by calling 618-530-2347.
Events
▪ DraftKings at Casino Queen Hiring Event — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9. Human Resources Office, DraftKings at Casino Queen, 200 S. Front St., East St. Louis. In addition, The vibrant casino, hotel and RV park will hold open interviews each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 29. draftkingsatcasinoqueen.com/careers
▪ Travel Trips to Ireland and New York City Information Meeting — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9. Main Street Community Center, 1003 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Collette Travel Representative Lora Carlson will be at the Center to provide information on the Shades of Ireland Tour (May 25-June 3, 2022) and the New York City Holiday trip (Dec. 5-9, 2022). Masks are required regardless of vaccination status. 618-656-0300 or info@mainstcc.org.
▪ Free Meal Giveaway — 2-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Wood River City Hall, 111 N. Wood River Ave., Wood River. At this event, hosted by Sen. Rachelle Crowe, 250 meals will be given away (while supplies last). 618-251-9840.
▪ Rummage Sale — 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 11. Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, plus household items will be available for sale. In accordance with the current Illinois mandate, masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status.
▪ Vine Street Winter Market — 3:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Vine Street Market, O’Fallon Station, 212 E. First St., O’Fallon. Winter Market is back and bigger with 50+ vendors, live music from Isaac Biver and Edwin Linson, two food trucks and carriage rides. Expect a mix of farmers market vendors with meats, cheeses, coffee, bread and prepared foods as well as a much larger selection of artisans. Mrs. Claus will read stories inside Avenue Realty, Polar Express will be read at the caboose downtown and the local OTHS Madrigals will be performing throughout downtown. facebook.com/events/1488767784834079
▪ COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic — 3:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. Granite City High School Cafeteria, 3148 Fehling Road, Granite City. Free Pfizer vaccines will be administered. Boosters available. Bring photo ID. Masks required. Walk-ins welcome. Parent/Guardian must accompany minors 5-17 years old. http://www.gcsd9.net/news/647
▪ 2nd annual Jingle Jam to Benefit the Collinsville Food Pantry — 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, 113 E. Clay St., Collinsville, and live streamed from Old Herald’s Facebook page. Featuring seven acoustic acts. Old Herald will provide a free beer to adults who bring a new, unwrapped toy. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase, and the venue will donate a dollar for every pint of beer or cocktail purchased during the show. Fifty tickets are available at $25 each, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Collinsville Food Pantry’s holiday drive. oldheraldbrewing.com
▪ Solar Field Virtual Ribbon Cutting Event — 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15. Virtual event. AES Clean Energy will host a virtual ribbon-cutting event for its new solar facility in Belleville. The virtual event is open to the public, and for every person in attendance, AES will donate $50 to HeartLands Conservancy, up to $10,000. RSVP to receive a link to this virtual event here: https://www.aes.com/belleville-landfill-project.
▪ Kassly Mortuary 5th annual Food Drive — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Friday, Dec. 17. Kassly Mortuary, Lobby, 9900 St. Clair Ave., Fairview Heights. Non-perishable food and toiletries needed. All donations benefit the Fairview Heights Food Pantry and Catholic Urban Programs. Cash and check donations are also welcome. Donors are invited to enclose a note with the names of loved ones for whom the donation is made.
Games
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 6 p.m. Thursdays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
▪ Euchre — 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Partner night. Only store bought, individually wrapped items can be brought for snacks. Water and soda available for purchase. Questions call 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.
Theater/Concerts
▪ A Gospel Christmas with Oleta Adams — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Ring in the holiday season with gospel renditions of holiday favorites. Returning to Powell Hall, guest artist Oleta Adams joins your SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus, directed by Kevin McBeth, to share this soulful celebration sure to warm your heart. slso.org
▪ The Hett and State Street Dance Co. co-present ‘The Nutcracker’ — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. The ballet classic returns to the Hett this Holiday Season! This timely holiday classic features local dance talent and principals from leading professional companies. thehett.com
▪ Kalonda Kay: For the Love of Christmas — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $15. bluestrawberrystl.com
▪ Movie Nights with Santa: ‘Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas’ — 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Skyview Drive-In, 5700 North Belt West, Belleville. Gates open at 3:45 p.m. Movie begins at 6 p.m. Spots are limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sales end the night before the movie unless previously sold out. bellevillechamber.org
▪ Live at Powell Hall: Disney’s ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ in Concert — 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the beloved Muppets star in their adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation on the big screen through Christmases past, present, and future, while your SLSO performs the music live. There will be no “bah, humbugs” after this! slso.org.
▪ Chancel Choir’s Christmas Cantata: ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ — 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. St. John Church, 55 W. Church St., Mascoutah. This dynamic musical presentation, created by Mark Brymer and Susan Naylor Callaway, features the Christmas message narrated with contemporary song and carol arrangements. The musical explores the sights and scenes of the Biblical story so all can be “Listening to the Spirit of Christmas.” Free admission. Masking is encouraged to enter or depart but optional during the services. The Cantata is directed and accompanied by Dr. Catherine Burge, St. John’s organist/pianist.
▪ Winter 2021 Concert — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Showcasing the best young musicians in St. Louis, The Sheldon and HEAL Center for the Arts’ North County Big Band, led by Harvey Lockhart, and The Sheldon’s City of Music All-Star Chorus, led by Maria A. Ellis, provides students with invaluable skills that prepare them for their futures — no matter what their dreams may be. Free admission. Donations accepted at the door. thesheldon.org
▪ ‘The Glory of Christmas’ — 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. A musical drama production that tells the story of Jesus’ birth and God’s gift of salvation. The choir, orchestra, costumes and live animals make a memorable Christmas experience for all ages.
▪ Mercy Holiday Celebration at Lindenwood — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, and Thursday, Dec. 16. J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts, Lindenwood University, 2300 W. Clay St., St. Charles, Missouri. Check laughter and cheer off your holiday list at the SLSO’s Mercy Holiday Celebration. Sing along to your favorite holiday classics performed by the orchestra and Denzal Sinclaire, plus, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus himself! This unforgettable experience will put you in the holiday spirit and show you why thousands of St. Louisans make this concert an annual tradition. slso.org
▪ Walter Parks featuring Jody Redhage Ferber: Classic Carols, Hymns, Hollers and Whims — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. bluestrawberrystl.com
▪ Andy McKee — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $25. bluestrawberrystl.com
▪ Arts & Issues: Opera Edwardsville — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Dunham Hall, 1 Hairpin Drive, Edwardsville. Opera Edwardsville’s signature holiday concert! Guest artists will perform operatic highlights and festive favorites. Masks are required and seating will be limited in the Dunham Hall Theater. There are pods of two and three seats together, as well as single tickets. For accessible seats please contact gandree@siue.edu. For tickets and information: https://www.siue.edu/arts-and-issues.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Stitchin’ in the Stacks — 2-4 p.m. Fridays. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Do you like to knit? Crochet? Embroider? Whatever your passion, gather and socialize with others who share your interest, and perhaps pick-up a few tips and tricks as you work on your own creations. Please bring your crafting supplies. This is a self-directed program; there is no instructor. Snacks allowed. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ St. Clair Woman’s Club — Noon Tuesday, Dec. 14. Bellecourt, 120 N. Jackson St., Belleville. Members may bring their invited guests to the December meeting. Program: Steve Davis, Memories of Elvis.
▪ O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. 618-210-8156 or ofallonsunriserotary.org
▪ Bible Study Fellowship — 9:30-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. St. Matthew Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. Morning class includes classes for newborn through Pre-K. We will be studying the gospel of Matthew through April. 618-520-8357 or 618-593-4104.
▪ O’Fallon Woman’s Club ‘Just in Time for Christmas’ Gift Basket Raffle — 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Online event. Win one of eight gift baskets (including Cardinals baseball infield box seat tickets). Raffle tickets will be on sale until Tuesday, Dec. 14. The drawing will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16. To see the prizes and enter the raffle, visit go.rallyup.com/owcbasketraffle. Donations will benefit O’Fallon Woman’s Club. ofallonwomansclub.org
Food
▪ O’Fallon K of C Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod available along with hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and additional side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229.
▪ Mascoutah Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, 620 Donaphan St., Mascoutah. Call 618-566-2288 to order.
▪ 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. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/swanseafishstand
▪ Collinsville American Legion Fish Fry — 3-7:45 p.m. Fridays. Collinsville American Legion, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. Curbside delivery and dine-in. Cash or check only. Place a curbside order by calling 618-345-2508. facebook.com/legionpst365
▪ St. Joseph Church Fish Fry — 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 6 N. Alton St., Freeburg. Fried cod loins (plate, sandwich or pound), baked cod, shrimp, green beans, fries, homemade slaw, stewed tomatoes and mac & cheese. Dine in or carryout. Sponsored by the Support Committee. Orders in person or by phone. 618-539-4720.
▪ Highland Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays. VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Fish, chicken, shrimp, sides. Carryout and limited indoor dining. Masks required for customers going through the serving line. No call-in orders. facebook.com/vfwpost5694
▪ Friday Night Chicken Fry — 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. American Legion Post #137, 109 N. Penn St., O’Fallon. Menu: ¼ or ½ chicken, chicken fingers, burgers, shrimp. Choice of two sides: mashed potatoes and gravy, mac and cheese, green beans, cole slaw, fries.
▪ Millstadt Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Eat in or carryout. Call ahead for carryout. 618-476-1180.
▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod (baked or fried), catfish, shrimp, chicken strips, fries, baked potato, slaw, applesauce. Dine-in and carryout. 618-228-7311. avistonlegion.com
▪ Glen Carbon American Legion Post 435 Fish Fry — 4:30-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 435, 190 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Limited menu of dinners and sandwiches, catfish, cod, Alaskan white fish and chicken strips, slaw and fries. Dinners: $11, sandwiches: $8, sides: $2.50 each. Curbside/Carryout service. 618-288-7119.
▪ Shiloh Eagles Fish Fry — 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Shiloh Eagles 545, 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and sides. Full menu. Dine-in or carryout available. For carryout, call 618-624-5412.
Reservations Required
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Exercise Classes — 10:30-11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Tracie Renschen, who has a Masters in Kinesiology, (the study of mechanics of body movement) leads this exercise class to focus on strengthening the various muscles of the body, helping with balance and arthritis. Cost: $3 per class. Call 618-234-4410, Mary (ext. 7034) or Susan (ext. 7044) if you will be attending the class.
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15. Online via Zoom. Classes are suitable for those newer to yoga or those wanting a basic flow class. This class introduces traditional yoga postures, teaches you how to breathe, and helps you feel more comfortable in the yoga practice. Instructed by Anne Hughes. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Adult Zumba w/ Aimee — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, Youth Room, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Join us for an evening workout with our very own Zumba Fitness instructor. Come in comfortable exercise clothing and bring a water bottle. Space is limited and masks will be required. Requires Registration. glencarbonlibrary.org.
Blood Drives
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Breese Fire Department, 50 N. Germantown Road, Breese. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 3-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. Bethalto Senior Center, 100 E. Central, Bethalto. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. Fast Fitness in the Loo, 405 Front St., Waterloo. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 6325 W. Main St., Maryville. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. St. Rose Development Club, 8004 S. First St., St. Rose. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 2-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 304 South St., Collinsville. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 1:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15. Deien Chevrolet, 555 N. Madison St., Trenton. All person’s age 17 and up (or 16 with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in general good health meet the basic eligibility requirements for blood donation. All donors will get their choice of a long sleeve T-shirt or a gift card. bloodcenter.org
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 1-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. First United Methodist Church, 3324 Old HIghway 50, Trenton. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 12:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Alton Memorial Hospital, One Memorial Drive, Alton. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 1-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. VFW, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
This story was originally published December 8, 2021 at 9:00 AM.