US Air Force Band of Mid-America, other groups give holiday performances this weekend

Noon Friday, 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 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.

Holiday Happenings

▪ Metro East Model Railroad Club Holiday Open Houses — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 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.

▪ Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance Yule Celebration — 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Gaia House Interfaith Center, 913 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale. 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. We approach the longest night and the shortest day of the year, as the wheel of time winds slowly back toward warmer days ahead. This is a free public event open to all ages. All are welcome. Text 618-924-0263 or email taracatofsipa@gmail.com for more information.

▪ Reindeer Games — 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Belleville Transit Center, 800 Scheel St., Belleville. A special event at the Belleville Transit Center hosted by St. Clair County Transit District featuring Santa, a live reindeer, games, crafts and refreshments. scctd.org

▪ Holiday Food Drive — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through Wednesday, Dec. 21. Office of State Rep. Amy Elik, 192 Alton Square Mall Drive, Suite C, Alton. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off during operating hours. All collected items will be donated to the Crisis Food Center in Alton. 618-433-8046.

▪ Belleville Christkindlmarkt — 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23. Public Square, Downtown Belleville. Features unique European and handcrafted items, food, photos, petting zoo and much more. 618-233-6769 or bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com.

▪ Gateway Arch Park Foundation Seventh annual Winterfest — 4-8 p.m. Fridays and noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Sunday, Jan. 1. Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St., St. Louis. Family-friendly activities include ice skating, s’mores stations, igloos underneath 100,000 twinkling lights and more. archpark.org/winterfest

▪ Hiking Through the Holidays — 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Friday, 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. 17 and 23. 618-468-6003 or facebook.com/events/510677284435160.

▪ Christmas Wonderland Light Display — 6-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 5-9 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Tuesday, Dec. 27. 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. The popular Enchanted Forest will also be open this year for visitors. Holiday trees are decorated by community organizations, schools and scout groups. Visitors to the park vote on their favorite and the organization’s tree with the most votes receives a cash prize. Santa will once again be back at the Santa House. Family members are encouraged to take their own photos with Santa at no charge. 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.

▪ Santa’s House — Hours vary by day. Through Saturday, Dec. 24. Public Square, downtown Belleville. Santa’s House is always bright, clean and shiny each Christmas season, ready for children to come and visit Santa. Santa’s House resides at Belleville’s public square as a safe place for children and families of the community to visit Santa Claus. Santa is in his house from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve each year. For hours: facebook.com/SantasHouseBelleville.

▪ 53rd annual Way of Lights Christmas Display — 5-9 p.m. nightly through Saturday, Dec. 31. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S. De Mazenod Drive, Belleville. Wintertime sparkles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows as the Annual Way of Lights Christmas display illuminates the grounds. This breathtaking display focuses on the birth of Christ, the one true light of the world. Come inside to experience the Twelve Days of Christmas Tree Room, Wreath Auction, Shrine Gift Shop, community music performances and LEGO Brick Display. Free admission to the outdoor light display. Paid features include camel, donkey and pony rides, petting zoo, kettle corn, food booth, carriage rides, and more. 618-397-6700 or snows.org/wayoflights.

▪ Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland — 5-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 5-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Saturday, Dec. 31. Horner Park, 11113 Widicus Road, Lebanon. Enjoy a mixture of colorful lights with beautiful cut-outs depicting scenes and whimsical adventures. lebanonswinterwonderland.org

▪ 10th annual Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden — Hours vary by date. Through Saturday, Jan. 7. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. Immerse yourself in a wonderland of more than 1.5 million lights, including spectacular new shows and favorite holiday tradition. New this year: A spectacular new show fills the pools in front of the Climatron with more than 100,000 lights. Advanced tickets are strongly encouraged to guarantee the date/time of your choosing. Tickets range from $3 to $22. Garden Glow is closed December 24 and 25. For more information, visit mobot.org/glow.

▪ U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo — 5-8:30 p.m. on select nights only through Friday, Dec. 30. Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, St. Louis. ‘Tis the season for holiday lights and sweaters! The dazzling holiday event features brand-new light displays and themed areas. Warm up with winter-themed treats, and say hello to the animals at Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Insectarium. For tickets and info: stlzoo.org/wildlights.

Events

▪ Free New Book Giveaway — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays the month of December or until all books are distributed. YWCA Southwestern Illinois, 304 E. Third St., Alton. YWCA has 80 plus titles of books with multiple copies of each title. The majority of the books are hard back. All books are in excellent condition and are suitable for holiday gift giving. Books will be distributed on a first come first served basis. 618-465-7774 or altonywca.com.

▪ Belleville Main Street Diva’s Night Out — 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. Register at Abe’s Gourmet Popcorn, 101 E. Main St., Belleville. A $10 passport includes merchant raffles and prizes drawn at 8 p.m. at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant. Join your friends dressed at favorite Christmas characters. Proceeds go to the Friends of the Belleville Public Library. bellevillemainstreet.net.

▪ Square Dance — 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16. Caseyville Township Senior Center, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Dandy Dancers Club Christmas Dance. All are welcome. Want to learn? Ask about lessons. 618-954-3487 or 618-566-8752.

▪ Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 17. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted during the book sale and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.

▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 17. St. Clair Township Building, 107 Service St., Swansea. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232 or powerrecycling.com.

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 — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Partner night. 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

▪ US Air Force Band of Mid-America: ‘Spirit of the Season’ — 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Mascoutah High School, 1313 W. Main St., Mascoutah. 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.

▪ Active Military, Veterans & First Responders Tribute Magical Holiday Show — 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Kirkwood Community Theatre, 111 S. Geyer Road, Kirkwood, Missouri. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A fantastic magic show for the whole family. Embark on an unforgettable journey of comedy and magic with a special tribute for all those who help keep America free. Enjoy the magic of an impressive list of Professional Magicians: Christian Misner, Terry Richison, Mary Kopp, Steve Zuehlke and more. Admission is free for all active military, veterans, first responders and their families. Other general admission $10. ibmring1.com/holidayshow

▪ Union United Methodist Sanctuary Choir: A Service of Carols — 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Performance includes accompaniment by a string quartet featuring violinist Manuel Ramos and cellist Catherine Lehr-Ramos, both formerly of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. A Christmas tea will follow the service. The public is invited. 618-233-6375.

▪ The Belleville Philharmonic Chorale: Christmas Wonders — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. St. Luke Catholic Church, 301 N. Church St., Belleville. The Philharmonic Chorale presents a program of sacred and secular holiday favorites. Free admission. Donations accepted. bellevillephilharmonic.org

▪ The Saint Louis Chamber Chorus: Advent to Christmas — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union Blvd., St. Louis. Written in the face of Nazi aggression, Hugo Distler’s Christmas cantata is a landmark of German sacred music. Its reflective notes contrast with the obvious joy of carols from Charles Collins, Sasha Johnson Manning and Ivan Moody. chamberchorus.org

▪ Millstadt Community Choir: Sounds of Our Village Christmas Concert — 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Zion Evangelical Church, 117 W. White St., Millstadt. For information: 618-660-4255.

▪ Chamber Music Society of St. Louis: Write On, Ludwig — 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19. E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall, 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., St. Louis. A program of music inked by Ludwig van Beethoven and one work by a student of his. chambermusicstl.org

Clubs & Support Groups

▪ O’Fallon Woman’s Club — Noon Thursday, Dec. 15. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, O’Fallon Troy Road, O’Fallon. Lunch served at noon. Program: $10 gift exchange. ofallonwomansclub@gmail.com, ofallonwomans.org or facebook.com/OFallonWomansClubInc.

▪ The National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern IL (NAMI SWI) — 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. For family members or other caregivers of someone who has a mental illness. Meetings held the third Thursday of each month. For information, contact Diane at diane.bski@live.com or call NAMI at 618-798-9788.

▪ 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

Reservations Required

▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. 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.

▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. 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.

▪ Medicare Q&A with Jon Bergmann — 6-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Bring your questions on how to register and what is covered when you sign up for Medicare. Requires registration. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.

This story was originally published December 14, 2022 at 8:00 AM.