Enjoy Christmas concerts, holiday markets and Santa visits this weekend
Noon Friday, Dec. 2, 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 number of submissions received, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear 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.
Events
▪ Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 2. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted during book sale and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ Hot Chocolate Walk for Wishes — 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Plaza Square, 914 Main St., Highland. The Hot Chocolate Walk for Wishes is a family friendly event to benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois and its mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. This inspiring celebration of hope features a scavenger hunt for children under 5, hot chocolate, incredible holiday displays, and heartfelt stories about the power of wishes in helping children cope with the traumatic stress of a critical illness. site.wish.org/HighlandWalk21
▪ Hiking Through the Holidays — 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Dec. 2 to Dec. 23. Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. Hike the campus trail behind the Andy Simpson Tennis Complex. The lighted trail is open to the public. Hike at your own risk. Trail is not ADA compliant. Blazer the Newfie appearances from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 10, 17 and 23. 618-468-6003 or facebook.com/events/510677284435160.
▪ Annual Christmas Holiday Market — 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 3. St. John’s UMC, 7372 Marine Road, Edwardsville. Includes a craft fair and flea market featuring local vendors, a cookie walk with cookies and fudge for $8 per pound, photos with Santa and free childcare. New and gently-used toys will be collected and donated to the GlenEd Pantry. 618-656-1853 or thenewstjohns.com.
▪ Gateway Classic Cars Holiday Party — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Join Gateway Classic Cars for our 2022 Holiday Party. Help support our toy drive partners and bring an unwrapped toy along to share. Lunch and entertainment provided. facebook.com/events/886402142521761
▪ Jarrot Mansion Holiday Tour and Père Noël Visit — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site, 124 E. First St., Cahokia. The site will be open for free tours of the Jarrot Mansion and the Holy Family Log Church. St. Nicholas will arrive at 11 a.m. and stay until 2 p.m. Visitors encouraged to donate nonperishable food items for families in need. All donations will be distributed to Cahokia food pantries. 618-332-1782.
▪ Metro East Model Railroad Club Holiday Open Houses — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 3, 17 and 31. 180 Summit St., Glen Carbon. Visitors are welcome to view trains running on the Club’s 18-by-27-foot HO scale model railroad. Admission is free. For more information, please call Bob at 618-476-9228, or Bill at 618-531-1589, or check the web site at trainweb.org/memrc.
▪ Santa’s Chocolate Express — 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Grafton Visitors Center (registration), 950 E. Main St., Grafton. Explore the town of Grafton and get chocolate rewards at the official chocolate stops on the map. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Grove Memorial Park for photos from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at graftonilchamber.com/chocolate-express.
▪ Annual Downtown Mt. Vernon Christmas Parade & Activities — 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Downtown Mt. Vernon. Join us downtown Mt. Vernon for the annual Christmas Parade & Activities. The theme this year is Mt. Vernon Christmas Light Fight so break out those lights and show us who will take the trophy for best lit parade float. After the parade stick around to decorate cookies, make a craft, visit Santa in his cottage, have some hot cocoa and more. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/1225422008025537
▪ New Baden Winter Market — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. 100 E. Birch St., New Baden. The New Baden Farmers Market is moving inside for a one stop shop for all your holiday needs. Santa, Rudolph, and The Grinch will be stopping by to take pictures with the kiddos. Multiple vendors with a variety of goods will be present. facebook.com/events/501871168367965
▪ 28th annual Weihnachtsfest — 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. St. James Parish Center, 423 W. Madison St., Millstadt. Includes a craft fair featuring holiday gifts, handcrafted jewelry and decorative items, and a holiday cookie walk with homemade cookies. German food (sauerbraten, bratwurst, schnitzel, potato pancakes, red cabbage, sauerkraut and strudel) served starting at 11:30 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at noon. Entertainment. Free admission. Proceeds benefit Millstadt Sister Cities’ Youth Ambassador Exchanges and other programs with Gross-Bieberau, Germany.
▪ Old Fashioned German Christmas — 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Historic Maeystown. Throughout the day visitors may hear hammered dulcimer music, enjoy the woodcarvings of Wayne Laramore, see the wrapped sassafras and feather trees, and learn the art of German paper star folding with Sally Durrer at the Mill Museum. St John Church Hall will be filled with vendors for the Christkindlmarkt while the Victorian Sleigh will be available for photo opportunities outside the Mill. Visitors will find unique shopping at the Maeystown General Store, Katzenjammers and Georgia Mae’s Antiques, sweet treats at the Sweet Shoppe and a variety of hot specialty coffee and tea drinks at Around the Corner Coffee Company. Hank & Lilly’s Creekside will offer hot spiced wine, chicken and dumplings and a full menu. For more info: 618-580-5875 or https://bit.ly/3VG1u2N.
▪ Deck Your Hearts & Hall — 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. St. John’s UMC, 7372 Marine Road, Edwardsville. Featuring music from children, youth and adult choirs and praise band, Christmas crafts, holiday-themed snacks and Christmas carols. 618-656-1853 or thenewstjohns.com.
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Memorial Hospital Shiloh, Mobile Unit, 1404 Cross St., Shiloh. You must be 16 years of age or older to donate; feeling healthy and well the day of the Blood Drive; and a photo ID is required. Lunch is provided to all donors. Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code MemorialBelleville or call 1-800-REDCROS (733-2767).
Games
▪ Mahjong — 12:30 p.m. Fridays. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Join the group and play this popular tile game. American version. 618-234-4410, ext. 7034 or ext. 7044. Sponsored by the St. Clair County Office on Aging.
▪ Euchre — 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.
▪ Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge Sunday Night Bingo — 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Early Bird at 6:15 p.m. Cards sold at 5 p.m. Open to the public. Bring a canned good for one free card.
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Kaskaskia College Holiday Choir Concert — 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. Jane Knight Auditorium, Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Road, Centralia. Featuring the High School Honor Choir, KC Concert Choir, KC Blues and the Community Chorale under the direction of KC Professor Lynda Marshall, accompanied by Barb Robers and Karley Heiple on piano, plus Viki Loomis as narrator. Free and open to the public.
▪ The St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday POPS Concert — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Skip Viragh Center for the Arts, Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis. Featuring a festive evening of orchestral favorites. In the spirit of the musical celebration, please support the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign. stlphilharmonic.org
▪ The Sheldon Folk Series: Steep Canyon Rangers — 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Steep Canyon Rangers effortlessly walk the line between festival favorite and sophisticated string orchestra. The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass group, often called upon by comedian and banjo-player Steve Martin as his backing band, are equally comfortable translating their songs for accompaniment by a full symphony. thesheldon.org
▪ The Belleville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra presents George N. Tuerck Memorial Concert — 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Life Church, 4180 Smelting Works Road, Swansea. Performance to honor youth orchestra founder and first conductor George N. Tuerck. Conducted by Dr. Leon Burke III. Featuring soloist Laruen Clarke. Entry by donation. bellevillephilharmonic.org
▪ Movie Nights With Santa: ‘The Year Without a Santa Claus’ — 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Skyview Drive-In, 5700 North Belt West, Belleville. Gates open at 3:45 p.m. Movie begins at 6 p.m. Come snuggle up with your family and join the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce during our new holiday tradition drive-in movie experience and an opportunity to see Santa. Rain or shine. No refunds. bellevillechamber.org
▪ The Gaither Vocal Band: ‘The Brighter the Light Tour Christmas 2022’ — 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. The Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles, Missouri. For more than 25 years, Bill Gaither has been bringing Christmas concert events each holiday season to cities nationwide. This year will be no exception as the legendary recording artist presents an exciting celebration, filled with the very best in Christian music, including Gaither’s own multi-award winning group, The Gaither Vocal Band. For tickets and info: gaither.com.
▪ George Portz’s 16th annual Winter Bluegrass Fan Appreciation Show — 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Mascoutah American Legion 292, 1414 W. Main St., Mascoutah. Doors open at 6 p.m. George Portz and Friends of Bluegrass, Thunder and Lightning Cloggers, country singer Caitlyn Richards, junior fiddle jam featuring Noah Feldt, Lillian Roever and Caitlyn Richards. Popcorn and table snacks provided. Admission: $7 adults, $3.50 children. For info or table reservations: 618-632-1384.
▪ Greenville University Jazz Band Holiday Concert — 7 p.m .Saturday, Dec. 3. Toastiez, Greenville Town Square, Greenville. The Greenville University Jazz Band takes the Toastiez stage to perform some of their favorite selections for the season. Toastiez will have appetizer, dinner and drink specials for this special performance. facebook.com/events/824251415499775
▪ No-Name Chorale: ‘Wonder Upon Wonder’ — 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. St. Paul UCC, 115 W. B St., Belleville. The concert, directed by Andy Jensen, is part of the St. Paul UCC, Belleville Fine Arts Series and is free. A free-will offering will be received. 618-233-3303.
▪ US Air Force Band of Mid-America: ‘Spirit of the Season’ — 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Belleville West High School, 4063 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event. This year’s event features a special guest reading of “Hababy’s Christmas Eve” by Santa himself. This is the first year this particular story has been featured in one of their concerts. It is based on the book by Jamie Farr (Klinger from MASH) and will be accompanied by music written by the Band of Mid-America’s Staff Composer and Arranger, Master Sgt. Jeremy Martin. Free admission, but tickets are required: https://bit.ly/3glDGlO.
▪ Jingle Jam III — 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Herald Square, 115 E. Clay St., Collinsville. The show will feature five local performers and bands and will benefit the Collinsville Food Pantry’s annual holiday drive. The drive provides the 200 families with a holiday dinner; at least three toys for each child in the household; and a ball, game, and blanket. For tickets and info: https://bit.ly/3OOynIs.
▪ Opera Edwardsville’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration and Holiday Concert — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Dunham Hall Theater, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 1 Hairpin Drive, Edwardsville. Celebrating with musical excerpts of famous operas, and our guest artists will kick off the holiday season with festive favorites and classic carols. For tickets and info: https://bit.ly/3ELpxXi.
▪ Greenville Choral Union and Orchestra: Handel’s ‘Messiah’ — 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Whitlock Music Center, Greenville University, 398 E. College Ave., Greenville. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
▪ A Celtic Christmas, featuring Switchback — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Ann Whitney Olin Theatre, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended. Presented by The Hayner Public Library District and L&C Music Department. 800-613-3163.
▪ Kaskaskia College Holiday Instrumental Concert — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Jane Knight Auditorium, Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Road, Centralia. Featuring the Kaskaskia College Concert and Jazz Bands under the direction of Professor Cliff Jourdan. There will be a reception for patrons and performers immediately following the concert. The reception is made possible by members of the Jim Beasley Veterans Tribute. The concert is free and open to the public.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Diabetes Support Group — 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. Frisse Conference Room, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. Open to those with diabetes and their family members and/or caregivers. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month. Participants will be required to wear non-cloth, medical-grade masks, as masks are still required in health care facilities per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Registration is required. 618-526-5743 or lisa.ketchem@hshs.org to register or for more information.
▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. Online via Zoom. Installation of officers. Program: “Iconography in the Cemetery” presented by Daniel Fuller, Event and Volunteer Coordinator, Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. This program will explore Bellefontaine Cemetery for examples of imagery, but the education will be helpful at all cemeteries. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Holiday Jewelry & Crafts Class — 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5. 201 N. Church St., Belleville. April Barnes from Three Sisters Crafts returns to show us how to make new holiday items. Make a bracelet for yourself/to give as a gift or buy some kits for a family activity. Reserve your spot, 618-234-4410, ext. 7044 or 7034.
▪ A Plethora of Pens (Writing Group) — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. This is an open group, walk-ins are welcome, all writing levels, and all genres. Different topics every month. This is not a critique group, although there are occasional group crits, mostly to improve the ability to critique others. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ St. Clair County Garden Club — 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Crehan’s Irish Pub, 5500 North Belt West, Belleville. Program: Decorative bow making by Rita Eckert, with group participation. There will be a M.U.S.I.C. Swing Dance exhibition. Many members have decorated mini Christmas trees and wreaths to be distributed to shut-ins and local nursing homes. Bring non-perishable food items for a local food pantry. 618-234-4052 or 618-207-3141.
▪ GriefShare Seminar/Group — 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, lower level, 1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville. A special weekly seminar and support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. Featuring practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and others who have experienced the death of a loved one. Cost: $20 for the workbook. 318-344-3151 or bklee54@yahoo.com for info or to register.
▪ 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
Food
▪ O’Fallon 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, tilapia, catfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229. facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239
▪ 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
▪ 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
▪ Okawville American Legion Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Dine in or carryout. Also serving lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday with a salad bar. Pizza made fresh and served every day. facebook.com/OkawvilleLegion
▪ Quail Club Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. Cod cut-ups, walleye, shrimp, burgers, sides and desserts. Carryouts available. No phone orders.
Reservations Required
▪ Beginner Knitting Group with Greta — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 17. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Experience how easy it can be learning to knit through our structured, interactive, social knitting group. Perfect for true beginners or those looking for an easy refresh project. Different intermediate skills will be introduced on a project by project basis. Set up as a two-day class, with “homework” in between. Registration required. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Space is limited. Registration required. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Holiday Open House — 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Enjoy a holiday celebration at the Library. Get a caricature done of your family, visit with therapy dogs, make crafts, decorate cookies, and of course, meet Santa himself. Register your family for a timeslot to meet Santa, and spend the rest of your time enjoying the festivities. Registration required. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Art with Greta — 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Each month different mediums will be explored – may include acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media and more! Space is limited. Requires registration. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Online via Zoom. A Slow Flow mixed levels practice that will lead you through a series of yoga poses that focus on strengthening, lengthening, and stretching. Requires Registration. Instructed by Anne Hughes. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Breastfeeding Support Class — 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Memorial Hospital Shiloh, second floor community conference room, 1404 Cross St., Shiloh. If you are considering breastfeeding or have chosen to breastfeed your baby, this class will provide information, encouragement and support for a successful breastfeeding experience. Both parents are encouraged to attend. Cost: $10 per couple. Advanced registration required. 618-767-3627.
▪ Breakfast with Santa — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 10. Klucker Hall, 14 Park Drive, Shiloh. Includes a continental breakfast of donuts, pastries, coffee, juice and milk. Take a picture with Santa with your phone. Free make-and-take crafts with Santa’s helpers. Santa arrives at 9 a.m. Cost: $5 adults (16 and older), kids - non-perishable food item. RSVP by 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. 618-632-1022, ext. 119. Proceeds benefit Shiloh Schools and Weekend Wildcats. Sponsored by Village of Shiloh and Shiloh PTO.
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Christmas Party — 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Featuring Memories of Elvis with Steve Davis, Vince K Band, attendance prizes, raffles and 50/50 drawing. Tickets available through Sunday, Dec. 4, and cost $13 members, $15 non-members. No tickets sold at the door. Refreshments included. For info: Diana 618-444-6771 or Marty 618-797-6749, Granite City Township Office 618-877-4373.
This story was originally published November 30, 2022 at 8:00 AM.