Splendor of Christmas Past Holiday Home Tour will be held this weekend, Dec. 2-3. (Photo courtesy of Peoria Historical Society)

NOV. 30

Holiday Lunch Show Cruise
Thursday, noon-2:30 p.m.
Spirit of Peoria, Riverfront dock
$40; $20 for children 4-15

Entertainment will be Barry Cloyd and Brian “Fox” Ellis with Prairie Folklore Theatre. A dinner cruise will be held on Saturday, 7-9 p.m. Reservations are required for either cruise by calling (309) 637-8000.

NOV. 30-DEC. 3

Conklin’s “A Gift of Christmas”
Thur.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.
Five Points, 360 N. Wilmor Rd., Washington
$25; $8 for students

The Conklin theater group will offer a special Christmas program. A buffet dinner will be available on Thursday and Friday at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. for $25. For more information or tickets, visit fivepointswashington.org.

DEC. 1-3

Cornstock Presents Gifts of the Magi
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m.
1700 N. Park Rd., Peoria
$20; $14 for students through high school

Classic tale written by O. Henry illustrates a moral lesson about gift giving. For tickets call (309) 676-2196.

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.
East Peoria High School Auditorium, 1401 E. Washington St.
$20

The annual production of the classic play will be presented by Eastlight Theatre. For more information, call (309) 699-7469.

DEC.  2

Bells in Motion Handbell Christmas Concert
Saturday, 7-8:30 p.m.
First Mennonite Church, 250 S. Baltimore Ave., Morton
$15; $5 for child 12 and under

Performance by nineteen members of the group who play seven octaves of aluminum and brass handbells and chimes. For more information, email kathlenaf@yahoo.com.

Critter Christmas
Saturday, 9-11 a.m.
Peoria Zoo, 2320 N. Prospect Rd.
$18; child $12

Get breakfast and do some crafts and then head out to see zoo animals get their Christmas presents. For more information, call (309) 686-3365.

Chemistry Demonstrations at Riverfront Museum
Saturday, 1-2 p.m.
222 SW Washington St., Peoria
Free with general admission

Bradley University Chemistry Club students perform demonstrations and provide activities. Admission to the Museum is $11 for adults, $9 for children 3-17. For more information, call (309) 686-7000.

Curtis & Loretta in Concert
Saturday, 7-8:30 p.m.
Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 N. Forest Park Dr., Peoria Heights
$10; $9 for children 12 and under

Husband and wife duo perform music on a host of instruments. For more information, call (309) 686-3360.

Morton United Methodist Women’s Cookie Walk
Saturday, 9-10 a.m.
420 N. Tennessee Ave.
Free admission

All proceeds from the sale of cookies and baked goods will go to missions. For more information, call (309) 266-7174.

Christmas Cookie Recipe Exchange
Saturday, 11 a.m.
McClure Branch Library, 315 W. McClure, Peoria
Free

Bring your favorite cookie recipe with you, and join in on an afternoon of cookie fun and go home with some great recipes. For more information, call (309) 497-2000.

DEC. 2-3

Splendor of Christmas Past Holiday Home Tour
Sat., 5-9 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Peoria Historical Society homes
$20

Tour the Pettengill-Morron House, Flanagan House and three private homes on Moss Avenue, all decorated for Christmas. Flanagan House is showcasing country in the city with music, photography and Bob Page’s HO models of old Peoria stores. Tickets available at each site. For more information, visit peoriahistoricalsociety.org.

DEC.  4

Monday Morning Movie: White Christmas
Monday, 10:30 a.m.
McClure Branch Library, 315 W. McClure, Peoria
Free

See the classic Christmas movie on the big screen. For more information, call (309) 497-2700.

DEC.  5

Curious Minds: Discovering Artists Lichtenstein and Walker
Tuesday, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St.
$15

Youths aged 10-14 learn the creative process of two of the world’s most famous artists: Kevin Lichtenstein and Kara Walker. Then they will create their own masterpieces to take home. All supplies provided. Pre-register by calling (309) 686-7000.

DEC.  6

How to Buy a Telescope
Wednesday, 7:30-9 p.m.
Dome Planetarium, Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St.
Free

Users at the Peoria Astronomical Society will give advice on purchasing telescopes for beginners. Free parking in the museum parking deck. For more information, call (309) 686-7000.

Messy Mornings II
Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St.
$18

Children aged 2-5 will explore art with different techniques and media. All supplies provided. Class repeats on December 13. Register by calling (309) 686-7000.

Lunch Under the Stars
Wednesday, noon-1 p.m.
Dome Planetarium, Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St.
Free

Let go of your stress by observing the stars and listening to soothing music. For more information, call (309) 686-7000.

–Peoria County Calendar of Events Nov. 30 – Dec. 6–