This week’s southwestern Illinois calendar includes a list of holiday activities
Noon Thursday, Dec. 16, 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. 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.
▪ 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.
▪ The Christmas Carol Pub Crawl — 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Downtown O’Fallon. Check in at 4:45 p.m. at Gears @ Bike Surgeon, 201 E. State St., O’Fallon. Get your group together and dust off your old ugly Christmas sweaters! Yule be getting into Holiday Spirits singing Christmas Carols to all the bars on the Crawl throughout downtown O’Fallon! This is great practice for the Caroling Contest that happens at the end of the night. facebook.com/events/2991252321204258
▪ Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance Yule Celebration — 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Gaia House Interfaith Center, 913 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale. We approach the longest night and the shortest day of the year, as the wheel of time winds slowly back toward warmer days ahead. The gathering starts at 6 p.m. with the ritual to follow at 7 p.m. A potluck will follow. Please bring what you can to share. SIPA will have its (usually) twice-a-year fundraising raffle as well. This is a free public event open to all ages. All are welcome. SIPA will be following City, State and CDC guidelines for this event. As a result, masks will be mandatory. For more information, contact Tara Nelsen at 618-924-0263 (text preferred) or email taracatofsipa@gmail.com. sipagan.com
Events
▪ Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 18. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations are accepted during the sale and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ Scrap Metal & Electronics Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 18. St. Clair Township Building, 107 Service St., Swansea. Scrap metal and electronics recycle drive presented by St. Clair County. Free event, no appointment required. Fees applied to Tube/Box (CRT) TV/Monitors based on size: $20-$40. powerrecycling.com
▪ Maplewood Winter Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, Missouri. Shop for the holidays at this market for local vendors, local beer and local gifts. Vendors include artists, crafters, makers, farmers, nonprofits and more. And don’t forget to then stroll down the street to check out the amazing Maplewood businesses for even more local shopping. facebook.com/events/283301983637090
▪ Metro East Model Railroad Club Open House — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Metro East Model Railroad Club, 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/openhouse.html.
▪ 6th annual Milk & Cookies To Go — Noon Saturday, Dec. 18. Hearts in Faith, NFP, 7 Eagle Center, O’Fallon. Milk & Cookies is our Christmas Blessing to single-parent families in St. Clair and Madison counties. This year we are in need of your support to bless local families who have been nominated to participate in this event. Please consider sponsoring a family or making a tax-deductible donation. facebook.com/events/620944889195731
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. 17. 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
▪ Mercy Holiday Celebration at Powell Hall — 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. 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
▪ Emmaline: For Christmas — 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $25. bluestrawberrystl.com
▪ Golden Anniversaries: A Discussion Series on the Films of 1971 – Werner Herzog Double Feature — 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Winifred Moore Auditorium, Webster University’s Webster Hall, 470 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, Missouri. This twin bill of two Werner Herzog films from 1971 – “Fata Morgana” (79 min., German) and “Land of Silence and Darkness” (85 min., German) – offers a potent double shot of the director’s intoxicatingly unconventional approach to nonfiction filmmaking. Intro and discussion by Pete Timmermann, director of the Webster U. Film Series and adjunct professor of film studies at Webster U. cinemastlouis.org/fata-morgana-and-land-silence-and-darkness
▪ The New Jewish Theatre presents ‘A Little Song, a Little Dance, a Little Seltzer Down Your Pants!’ — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Mirowitz Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, Creve Coeur, Missouri. A sparkling evening of song and comedy to celebrate the return of the New Jewish Theatre. Eric Williams, originally from St. Louis, is an actor and comedian working in New York and LA. Eric last appeared at the J in “Ester and Eric’s One Woman Show.” Sharon Hunter has worked as a professional actor, singer, director and is currently the Artistic Director of Moonstone Theatre Company. jccstl.com
▪ Katie McGrath: One Degree from Elvis — 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $25. bluestrawberrystl.com
▪ Lessons and Carols featuring the Ramos Family Strings — 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Manuel Ramos and Catherine Lehr-Ramos, former members of the St. Louis Symphony, have played across the US and Mexico as well as in Europe. They will be joined by daughters, Mary Ann, cellist, and Elizabeth, violinist. A Christmas Tea will follow the service. Free and open to the public. Presented by the Sanctuary Choir and Ramos Family Strings.
▪ The Philharmonic Society of Belleville presents Holiday Pops Christmas Spectacular — 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Lincoln Theatre, 103 E. Main St., Belleville. Featuring guest organist Bob Heil. Ring in the holidays with music to bring joy to your heart and delight to your spirit. Tickets $5-$15. bellevillephilharmonic.org
▪ The Saint Louis Chamber Chorus presents ‘A Swedish Christmas’ — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 5020 Rhodes Ave., South City, St. Louis. The Chamber Chorus will draw on the unusually rich Christmas traditions of Sweden. The Chorus’s Composer-in-Residence, Mårten Jansson, has created, specially for the occasion, a pair of suites of Christmas favorites from his homeland, complete with goblins, goats and, of course, good old Santa Claus. For tickets and information: chamberchorus.org
▪ Steve Brammeier: Songs That Found Me — 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $20. bluestrawberrystl.com
▪ Millstadt Community Choir Christmas Concert — 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Zion Evangelical Church, 117 W. White St., Millstadt. 618-660-4255.
▪ Nat King Cole Christmas with Bryan Eng — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $15. bluestrawberrystl.com
▪ Lola Kristine: The Annual Eve Before the Eve — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $15. bluestrawberrystl.com
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ O’Fallon Woman’s Club — Noon, Thursday, Dec. 16. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 111 O’Fallon Troy Road, O’Fallon. The program for the monthly meeting will be a $10 gift exchange. ofallonwomansclub@gmail.com, ofallonwomansclub.org or facebook.com/OFallonWomansClubInc
▪ 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
▪ Grief Support Group — 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Diana Cuddeback, LCSW, with Heartlinks Grief Support Center facilitates this peer grief support group for older adults who have lost a loved one. Grief is hard. Learning about the grief process and being with others who understand helps. This group meets on the third Monday of each month. Please call Susan at 618-234-4410, ext. 7044, with the St. Clair County Office on Aging to register for the class.
▪ Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Online via Zoom. The PAL group provides education, support and hope to family members and loved ones of someone who has an addiction of substance use disorder. If you would like to join the teleconference, please call/text 618-567-6095 or email craigloddeke@yahoo.com. palgroup.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.
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. and 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17. 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
▪ 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
▪ 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. 18. 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.
▪ Medicare Q&A with Jon Bergmann — 6-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, Youth Room, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Bring your questions on how to register and what is covered when you sign up for Medicare. Masks will be required. Requires Registration. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging: Memoirs — 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays starting Jan. 4. Online via Zoom. We all have a life story to tell. Join these free classes and write your story to share with your loved ones. Call 618-234-4410, ext. 7044 to register.
Blood Drives
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — Noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17. O’Fallon Fire Department HQ, 1215 Taylor Road, O’Fallon. 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 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21. Collinsville Maryville Troy YMCA, 1 Town Center Drive, 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 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21. Downtown Belleville YMCA, 200 S. Illinois St., Belleville. 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 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22. O’Fallon YMCA, 284 N. Seven Hills Road, O’Fallon. 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 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23. Jaycees Building, 301 Jaycee Drive, Albers. 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 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23. East Belleville Center YMCA, 2627 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. 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 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23. Monroe County YMCA HTC Center, 9514 Caring Way, Columbia. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.