The Peoria Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 9-10 at The Civic Center.

DEC.   7

Christmases Past Through Advertising
Thursday, 7 p.m.
Chillicothe Historical Society, 723 N. 4th St.
Free

In addition to the election of 2018 officers, there will be a program on “Advertising of Christmases Past.” For more information, call (309) 274-9076.

Kenny Rogers ‘The Gamblers Last Deal’ with guest Linda Davis
Thursday, 7:30-10 p.m.
Grossinger Motors Arena, 101 S. Madison St., Bloomington
$58-$88

Rogers’ final world tour features Christmas hits. For more information, call (309) 434-2679.

DEC.   7-17

Stocking Stuffer Store
Thur. & Fri., 4-8 p.m.; Sat., 10-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Northwoods Mall and Shoppes at Grand Prairie
Free admission

Children ages 12 and under can shop with the assistance of a volunteer for holiday presents for parents, grandparents, and others. Gifts range from $1-$15. Grand Prairie’s times are Sat. and Sun. noon-5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Crittenden Centers. For more information, call (309) 674-0105.

DEC.   8

Peoria Pops Orchestra Presents a Christmas Festival
Friday, 7 p.m.
5-Points, 360 N. Wilmor Rd., Washington
$12; $10 seniors; $8 students

Soloists Nichole Fauser and Austin Shaw will headline the program. For more information, call (309) 444-8222.

PreK Pottery Class
Friday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St.
$25

Children from 3-6 will mold objects using clay. All children must be accompanied by a care-giver. Class will also be held on December 15. Pre-register by calling (309) 686-7000.

DEC.   8-9

Christkindl Market
Fri. noon-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Gridley
Free

Shop for unique Christmas gifts. For more information, call (309) 747-2000.

Holiday Shop-N-Stroll at Forest Park
Friday & Saturday, 6-8:30 p.m.
Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 N. Forest Park Dr., Peoria Heights
Free; donations appreciated

Take a nighttime stroll on a forest path lit with luminaries and enjoy holiday music, storytelling, caroling, and wassail. Event continues on Friday, December 15. For more information, call (309) 686-3360.

Garden Christmas Party
Friday-Saturday, 5-7:30 p.m.
Luthy Botanical Garden, 2520 N. Prospect Rd.
$8; children $6

Get into the Christmas spirit by coming to Luthy for a display of poinsettias, music, door prizes, The Hall of Christmas Trees, s’more making, and a lighted fairy garden. Repeats on December 15-16. For more information, call (309) 681-3506.

DEC.   9

Keokuk Junction Railway Co.’s Santa Train
Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Various stops from Glasford to Smithfield
Free

The train will stop in Mapleton at 8:30 a.m., Glasford at 9:35, Breeds at 11:20, Canton at 1:30, Cuba at 3:45 and Smithfield at 5:15. For more information, visit pioneerrailcorp.com.

Mike Birbiglia: The New One
Saturday, 7:30-9 p.m.
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St., Bloomington
$35-$40

Author and comedian Mike Birbiglia will offer his newest stories and comedy. For more information, call (309) 434-2777.

Holiday Zentangles
Saturday, 1-2 p.m.
Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St.
$30

People aged 12 and older create zentangle cards and ornaments. Materials fee of $8 is due on the first day of class. Class resumes on December 16. For more information, call (309) 686-7000.

Cute & Crafty String Art
Saturday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St.
$25

Those 15 and older will create projects using simple materials. For more information, call (309) 686-7000.

DEC.   9-10

‘The Nutcracker’
Fri. & Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.
Peoria Civic Center Theater, 201 SW Jefferson St.
$9-$39

The Peoria Ballet will present the ‘Nutcracker Ballet’ with music by the Heartland Festival Orchestra. For more information, call (309) 690-7990.

Old Time Folk & Country Jam
Sunday, 3:30-5 p.m.
Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 N. Forest Park Dr., Peoria Heights
Free

Dust off that guitar, fiddle, banjo or other acoustic instrument and bring it to the Center for a jam session. For more information, call (309) 686-3360.

DEC.   10

Harlem Globetrotters
Sunday, 3 p.m.
Peoria Civic Center Arena, 201 SW Jefferson St.
$15-$93

Tickets are available by calling (800) 745-3000.

Decades Rewind: Sleigh Ride
Sunday, 7 p.m.
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St.
$36-$46

Decades Rewind is a National touring concert, dance party and theatrical performance all wrapped up in one show that celebrates the music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. For more information, call (309) 434-2777.

DEC.   12

Art Club at the Museum
Tuesday, 1-2 p.m.
Auditorium, Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Jefferson St
Free with general admission

The art of Seward Johnson will be explored. Johnson created the 31-foot tall piece “Return Trip” on the Water St. side of the Museum. Coffee and treats will be served. Bring your own coffee cup. For more information, call (309) 686-7000.

–Peoria Calendar of Events Dec. 7 – Dec. 12–