Metro East Community Chorale will perform at the First United Methodist Church 
In O’ Fallon on Dec. 16. (Phot0 courtesy of Metro East Community Chorale)

DEC. 13 

U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America
Thu. 7:30-10 p.m.
Hettenhausen Center for the Arts
McKendree University, 701 College Road, Lebanon
Free 

A holiday event for the entire family. Enlisted professional musicians who represent the professionalism and excellence found throughout the United States Air Force. Join us for our local holiday concert band shows. For more information, visit music.af.mil.  

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party
Thurs. 6-10 p.m.
Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville
$37.50 individual,
$280 table of 8 

Two pianos face to face, and two playing everything from 1940’s to Top 40. Drinks and dinner included. To purchase tickets, call 618-345-8998 or visit the Gateway Center M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  

The Erin Bode Group
Thurs. 7:30 p.m.
Wildey Theater, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville
$25 

A very special Holiday Concert featuring the jazz-infused grooves of The Erin Bode Group. Erin Bode has performed for audiences across the country with her trio and has opened for legendary singers such as Michael Buble and The Supremes’ Mary Wilson.  For tickets, visit wildeytheater.com  

DEC. 13-16 

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
Thurs. & Fri. 7 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m.
Sun. 1 & 5 p.m.
Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., St. Louis
$32-$82 

Dr. Seuss’ ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ Broadway musical blockbuster returns to St. Louis for the first time since 2011.  Tickets may be purchased at the Enterprise Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com.  For disabled seating, call 314-622-5420. For more information, visit stifeltheatre.com. 

Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30-9 p.m.
Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Alton Little Theater, 2450 Henry St.
Free 

The zany Singing Sanders Family are back to perform Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, the story of Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe returns to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church sporting a 10-gallon hat and a very pregnant wife after being called to preach in Texas — what could go wrong? For more information, call (618) 462-3205. 

DEC. 14 

Troy VFW Fish Fry
Fri. 4-8 p.m.
Troy VFW, 123 Market St. #A
$8.50-$13.50 

Choice of cod, catfish, salmon, tilapia, Cod cut ups, shrimp and chicken Strips. Includes choice of two; coleslaw, potato salad, fries, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, hush puppies, mushrooms and onion rings. For more information, call 618-667-8387.  

DEC. 14-16 

Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 3 & 7 p.m.
First Baptist Church
O’Fallon, 1111 E. US HWY
Free 

An original, family-friendly night of Christmas music that combines the power of a 70-member choir with the energy of Big Band music. Seating first come first serve. For more information, call 618-632-6223. 

DEC. 15 

Wreaths Across America
Sat. 11 a.m.
National Cemetery, 600 Pearl St., Alton
Free 

This National program began some 15 years ago to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom. All 530 veterans’ graves in the Alton National Cemetery will be decorated with balsam wreaths for the holiday season. For more information, call (618) 474-2005. 

Kids Club Breakfast with Santa
Sat. 8:30-11 a.m.
Edison’s Entertainment Complex, 2477 S. State Rte. 157, Edwardsville
$16 

Enjoy a morning with Santa!  Feast on breakfast, bowl, play arcade games, laser tag action. Don’t leave without your picture with Santa! Guests who RSVP prior to the event receive a free $10 arcade card. Walk-ins welcome. To RSVP email party@edisonsfun.com.  

U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America
Sat. 3-5 p.m.
Scottish Rite Masonic Bodies, 1549 Frank Scott Hwy., Belleville
Free 

A holiday event for the entire family.  Enlisted professional musicians who represent the professionalism and excellence found throughout the United States Air Force. Join us for our local holiday concert band shows! For more information, visit music.af.mil. 

Swans of the Riverlands
Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Audubon Center, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton
Free 

Celebrate the story of the Trumpeter Swan. This is a chance to view these birds, learn more about them through experts in the field, hear about what Audubon and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have done to support this magnificent species, and participate in fun and engaging educational activities. For more information, visit riverlands.audubon.org.  

Advent Pilgrimage Dinner Tour
Sat. 12:15 p.m.
St. Paul United Church of Christ, 200 N. Main St., Waterloo
$20, Kids under 12, Free 

Local United Church of Christ churches will play host to the Advent Pilgrimage tours. Attendees visit five of the area’s historic churches by shuttle, and enjoy a progressive dinner. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call Kathy at 618-304-0952.

DEC. 16 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute
Sun. 3 & 7 p.m.
Enjoy Church O’Fallon, 251 Regency Park
$15 

Combining the thunder of rock with the beauty of classical Christmas favorites. Witness the amazing show that has been seen and loved by thousands, with some new changes for 2018.  For tickets, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/338130803603383/. 

Visit with Santa
Sun. 12-5 p.m.
Miller-Fiege House, 140 S. Main, Columbia
Free 

Santa will visit with good boys and girls at the Shoemaker School House. Be sure to bring your camera! Children will also have an opportunity to make a Christmas crafts and enjoy a cookie and juice. Donations accepted. For more information, call 618-281-7144. 

Christkindlmarkt Live Reindeer
Sun. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Christkindlmarkt, 30 Public Square, Belleville
Free 

Visit live reindeer at the Christkindlmarkt German Christmas Market on Belleville’s Public Square and enjoy European vendors, German food and beverages, and entertainment and demonstrations. For more information, visit bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com. 

St. Paul’s “Pops” Christmas Concert
Sun. 7-9 p.m.
St. Paul United Church
Waterloo
200 N. Main St.
Free 

St. Paul’s “Pops” Orchestra and Christmas Concert featuring selections from Mannheim Steamroller. There will be special music by the Harps of St. Paul and a Piano Quarter, all under the direction of Bob Rockford. For more information, call 618-939-7123. 

Metro East Community Concert
Sun. 3 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 504 E. Hwy. 50, O’Fallon
Free 

The Metro East Community Chorale presents its annual Christmas Concert featuring holiday favorites, Christmas spirituals, and sing-a-long carols, under the direction of Stephen Wilson; accompanist, Carol Brookshier and accompanying musicians. For more information, call 618-920-7181.  

DEC. 17 

Elves Workshop
Mon. 6-8 p.m.
Wildey Theater, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville
$12 

Drop your children off at The Wildey Theatre for some holiday fun and gift making. Children will leave with a hand full of gifts for their loved ones along with some great memories. Parents can enjoy some time alone for their own shopping. For more information, call 618-307-2053. 

DEC. 19  

Christ Concert
Wed. 7:30 p.m.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 522 S. Church St., Waterloo
Free 

Join in a free special Christmas service and enjoy the holiday music as performed vocally and instrumentally by talented members. For more information, 618-939-6480. 

Santa House
Wed. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Edwardsville Public LIbrary, 101 S. Buchanan Ave.
Free 

The City of Edwardsville Parks & Recreation Department is excited to welcome back Santa Claus to greet children from his home in City Park. Visitors are welcome to tell Santa their holiday wishes. For more information, call 618-692-7538. 

–Metro East Calendar of Events Dec. 12 – Dec. 19–