Santa’s Wildlife Express comes to the Wildlife Prairie Park this weekend Dec. 7-9. (Photo courtesy of Wildlife Prairie Park)

DEC. 6-9

‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
Thur.& Fri. 7 p.m.;
Sat. & Sun. 1:30 p.m.
Peoria Players Theatre, 4300 N. University St.
$15; children $10

The musical version of the popular Christmas story will be performed by the Community Children’s Theatre. For more information, visit cctpeoira.org.

DEC. 7

Guy’s Night at LHJD
Fri. 4-8 p.m.
Lucky Hunter Jewelry Design, 114 N. Main, Eureka
Free

The show ‘Whiskey and Wishes’ will give men good ideas for holiday gifts. For more information, call 309-467-5252.

‘The Messiah’ Sing-along at ISU
Fri. 7 p.m.
Performing Arts Concert Hall, 400 W. Beaufort St., Normal
Free-will donation

The Illinois State University Friends of the Arts is hosting a sing-along concert of Handel’s Messiah. For more information, visit finearts.illinoisstate.edu/foa/.

Harlem Globetrotters
Fri. 7 p.m.
Peoria Civic Center Arena, 201 SW Jefferson St.
$27-$87

Everyone should see the Globetrotters at least once…and as often as possible. For tickets, call 800-745-3000.

Christmas Rocks at the Pops
Fri. 7 p.m.
Washington Five Points, 360 N. Wilmor Rd.
$12; seniors $10; students $8

The Peoria Pops Orchestra presents a Christmas concert. For more information, call 309-444-8222.

DEC.  7-9

Midwest Open Indoor Archery Tournament
Fri. noon-8 p.m.; Sat. 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall, 201 SW Jefferson St.
Free for spectators

12th annual Pro/Am attracts novice to professional archers from across the World. For more information, visit peoriaciviccenter.com.

Santa’s Wildlife Express
Fri. 4-8 p.m.; Sat. 2-8 p.m.; Sun. 2-7 p.m.
Wildlife Prairie Park, 3826 N. Taylor Road, Hanna City
$13

Reserve your place on the train that rides through the woods, as well as decorating holiday cookies, and seeing animals open their gifts. For reservations, call 309-676-0998.

‘It’s a Wonderful Death’
Fri. – Sun., 5:30
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, 33633 State Route 9, Mackinaw
$45

Participate in the murder mystery dinner theater wherein something dire will happen at a Christmas party. Three complimentary wine samples per guest plus a buffet dinner served after the first act. For more information, visit mackinawvalleyvineyard.com.

DEC. 8

Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
Sat. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Filger Library, 261 E. 5th St., Minonk
Free

Family photo opportunity with Santa as well as stories, crafts, and donuts. To register, call 309-432-2929.

Make and Take Stuffed Animal Workshop
Sat. 9 a.m.
Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St.
$12

Kids can stuff their own friend and take it home. Supplies limited. For reservations, call 309-467-2922.

Handel’s Messiah Performed in Peoria
Sat. 7:30 p.m.
Grace Presbyterian Church, 8607 IL-91
$10-$85

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra teams with the Apollo Chorus from Chicago to offer the season’s classic oratorio. For more information, visit peoriasymphonyorchestra.org.

Make a 3D Ornament
Sat. 2-4 p.m.
Studio 3, Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St.
$25

Design and create your own 3D printed ornaments from snowflakes to snowmen. No experience required. For more information, call 309-686-7000.

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

Enjoy breakfast and crafts with Santa and then watch the animals receive their special treats. For more information, call 309-686-3365.

DEC.  8-9

Kristkindl Markt
Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lindenhof, 7601 N. Harker Drive, Peoria
Free

The Harmonie-Concordia Singers and the Peoria German-American Society host a vendor event which also offers German food. For more information, visit peoriagermans.com.

Nutcracker Ballet
Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.
Peoria Civic Center Theater, 201 SW Jefferson St.
$10-$45

The classic ballet will be performed by the Peoria Ballet with music provided by the Heartland Festival Orchestra. For more information, call 800-745-3000.

DEC. 9

A Very Electric Christmas
Sun. beginning at 2:30 p.m.
ICC Performing Arts Center, 1 College Drive, East Peoria
$25; students $15

Lightwire Theater presents a program to inspire. For tickets call 309-694-5136.

DEC. 11

Washington Christmas Home Tour
Tue. 1-4 & 6-9 p.m.
105 Zinser Place
$20

See five decorated houses in Washington. For more information, call 309-444-4793.

–Woodford County Calendar of Events Dec. 5 – Dec. 11–