Church of Christ Northwest
Corner of Allen and Pioneer Parkway.

Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays at home? You are not alone! Come meet other at-home mothers at the MOMS Club at our general meeting! .

MOMS club is a non-profit organization with over 2000 chapters nationwide. We get together regularly to provide interactions for our children, and conversation and friendship for our members. Our activities include monthly meetings, playgroups, park play days, Moms night out, lunch bunch, and so much more! We also do service projects that benefit needy children in the greater metropolitan community. .

The south chapter is specifically for moms who live south of 150 and south of 24. Email peoriamomsclub@yahoo.com to rsvp for the meeting or for more info..

Lakeview Museum
1125 W Lake Ave
Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 686-7000...

Free with Gallery admission..

Wildlife rehabilitator and educator Marge Bjorklund brings her Illinois animals for an entertaining and educational show.

Lakeview Museum
1125 W Lake Ave
Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 686-7000...

Free with Gallery admission.

Wildlife rehabilitator and educator Marge Bjorklund brings her Illinois animals for an entertaining and educational show.

Wildlife Prairie State Park
3826 Taylor Rd.
Hanna City, IL 61536
309-676-0998

Gather up the 2 - 4 year old in your life and bring them to the Park for a curriculum designed especially for them! This hands-on, learning program revolves around a main topic and incorporates story-time, crafts, a hike and refreshments

* Please choose only one session per month
* Cost for each session is $6.00 per child plus applicable General Admission, $5.00 for Park Members
* Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, please call (309) 676-0998 ext. 6758

All sessions are 10 -11:30am

Wildlife Prairie State Park..

Calling all 5-7 year olds for this program designed for having fun, learning and meeting new friends! By becoming a Junior Explorer, you can do it all! ..

Held on the 1st Saturday of every month (except July) from 1-3 pm. ..

$7 nonmembers plus applicable admission / $6 members ..

(parents may choose to stay with the child, applicable admission rates apply)

Peoria Zoo

Zoo KIDS

Calling all kids ages 5-8, come explore the animal world at the Zoo! Learn about the world around you through up-close animal encounters, games and more!.

For Ages: 5-8
(Parents are welcome but not required)

Peoria Zoo Members: $5

Non-Members: $9

Zoo TOTS

Introduce your child to the world of animals! Through up-close animal encounters, crafts, and stories, you and your child can explore the amazing world of animals

For Ages: 2-4 (parents must attend)

Peoria Zoo Members: $5

Non-Members: $9

Zoo TOTS

Introduce your child to the world of animals! Through up-close animal encounters, crafts, and stories, you and your child can explore the amazing world of animals

For Ages: 2-4 (parents must attend)

Peoria Zoo Members: $5

Non-Members: $9

Peoria Zoo

Enjoy Christmas Zoo style! From meerkats to lions, all of our animals will get gifts here at the Zoo. Don’t miss your chance to join our African animals for their first Christmas in Peoria.
Cost: $5/members $8/non-members

Kindermusik at Trinity offers a complete music program where both children and parents learn through music and movement.

School-age children will head back to school in the next few weeks, but what about their younger brothers and sisters?

With the older children back in the classroom, this fall is the perfect time to introduce their younger siblings to the excitement of lifelong learning through Kindermusik. Kindermusik is the world’s leading music and movement program for children from birth to 7 years old. Research has shown that early music and movement activities positively impact whole child development in areas such as cognitive, emotional, physical, spatial and literacy skills.

Lakeview Museum
1125 W Lake Ave, Peoria
309-686-3382

Lakeview Museum is honored to host a display of six bronze sculptures cast from original models created by Michelangelo, the Renaissance artist who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and carved the Pieta at St. Peter’s in Rome as well as David in Florence, Italy. It is an unprecedented opportunity to examine first hand the artistic skill of the greatest sculptor and painter who ever lived.

Christmas Storytime at Junction City
5:30pm
5901 N Prospect Rd # 5B
Peoria, IL 61614-4351
(309) 683-8747

The story times, which last about 45 minutes, are at the Butcher Block. Children will receive a light snack and hear wonderful stories to spark the imagination.

Borders Bookstore
5201 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL
309-692-3082

Celebrate the season with classic holiday stories including How the Grinch Stole Christmas and others. Make a fun holiday craft and share your holiday wishes with us. Fun for the whole family. NOTE: this is NOT a costume character event.

Borders Bookstore
5201 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL
309-692-3082

Enjoy stories, a craft, music, and a snack. Ongoing Tuesdays.
Admission: FREE

Borders Bookstore
5201 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL
309-692-3082

Enjoy stories, a craft, music, and a snack. Ongoing Tuesdays.
Admission: FREE

Borders Bookstore
5201 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL
309-692-3082

Enjoy stories, a craft, music, and a snack. Ongoing Tuesdays.
Admission: FREE

Borders Bookstore
5201 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL
309-692-3082

Enjoy stories, a craft, music, and a snack. Ongoing Tuesdays.
Admission: FREE

Borders Bookstore
5201 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL
309-692-3082

Enjoy stories, a craft, music, and a snack. Ongoing Tuesdays.
Admission: FREE

5001 N. Big Hollow Road
Peoria, IL 61615
309- 693-9408
Storytime every Monday morning

5001 N. Big Hollow Road
Peoria, IL 61615
309- 693-9408
Storytime every Monday morning

5001 N. Big Hollow Road
Peoria, IL 61615
309- 693-9408
Storytime every Monday morning

5001 N. Big Hollow Road
Peoria, IL 61615
309- 693-9408
Storytime every Monday morning

Peoria Zoo
2218 N. Prospect
686-3365

Luthy Botanical Garden
2218 N. Prospect Rd
686-3362

The holiday season would not be complete without a visit to our Conservatory, where our tropical collection blends with hundreds of poinsettias to create a wonderland unmatched in Peoria! Christmas trees throughout the Conservatory will be decorated in unique and wonderful themes.

Regular Conservatory hours and admission

Luthy Botanical Garden
2218 N. Prospect Rd
686-3362

7:00-9:00pm

Continue a holiday tradition or start a new one. Come visit our Poinsettia Show at night- under the warm glow of hundreds of candles- while enjoying live performances of holiday music. As a gift, Conservatory admission will be waived during these evenings, although donations will be accepted.

Luthy Botanical Garden
2218 N. Prospect Rd
686-3362

7:00-9:00pm

Continue a holiday tradition or start a new one. Come visit our Poinsettia Show at night- under the warm glow of hundreds of candles- while enjoying live performances of holiday music. As a gift, Conservatory admission will be waived during these evenings, although donations will be accepted.

Luthy Botanical Garden
2218 N. Prospect Rd
686-3362

7:00-9:00pm

Continue a holiday tradition or start a new one. Come visit our Poinsettia Show at night- under the warm glow of hundreds of candles- while enjoying live performances of holiday music. As a gift, Conservatory admission will be waived during these evenings, although donations will be accepted.

Carver Arena at Peoria Civic Center
Ice Hockey in the American Hockey League (AHL)

Carver Arena at Peoria Civic Center
Ice Hockey in the American Hockey League (AHL)

Carver Arena at Peoria Civic Center
Ice Hockey in the American Hockey League (AHL)

Carver Arena at Peoria Civic Center
Ice Hockey in the American Hockey League (AHL)

Forest Park Nature Center
5809 N. Forest Park Dr
Peoria Heights
686-3360

Dust off that guitar, fiddle, banjo, or other acoustic instrument and bring it down to the nature center for a jam session. Meet other musicians and learn some new songs. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to come, listen, and enjoy.

3:30-5:00pm

Forest Park Nature Center
5809 N. Forest Park Dr
Peoria Heights
686-3360

Dust off that guitar, fiddle, banjo, or other acoustic instrument and bring it down to the nature center for a jam session. Meet other musicians and learn some new songs. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to come, listen, and enjoy.

3:30-5:00pm

Forest Park Nature Center
5809 N. Forest Park Dr
Peoria Heights
686-3360

This tradition is a one-of-a-kind event in central Illinois. Experience an evening stroll on a forest path lit with luminaries; enjoy holiday musicians, storytelling and caroling, hot wassail and homemade goodies; view the artwork in the Nature Art Show and sale.

Time: 6:00-8:30pm
Fee: $2/person donation requested

Forest Park Nature Center
5809 N. Forest Park Dr
Peoria Heights
686-3360

This tradition is a one-of-a-kind event in central Illinois. Experience an evening stroll on a forest path lit with luminaries; enjoy holiday musicians, storytelling and caroling, hot wassail and homemade goodies; view the artwork in the Nature Art Show and sale.

Time: 6:00-8:30pm
Fee: $2/person donation requested

Forest Park Nature Center
5809 N. Forest Park Dr
Peoria Heights
686-3360

This tradition is a one-of-a-kind event in central Illinois. Experience an evening stroll on a forest path lit with luminaries; enjoy holiday musicians, storytelling and caroling, hot wassail and homemade goodies; view the artwork in the Nature Art Show and sale.

Time: 6:00-8:30pm
Fee: $2/person donation requested

Sommer Park
6329 N. Koerner Park, Edwards
691-8423

Ages 3-5 will enjoy learning about nature through themed stories, crafts and hands-on-learning in Sommer Park.

Theme: Trim a Tree for the Birds
Time: 9:30-11:00 am
Fee: $5.00/child

Sommer Park
6329 N. Koerner Park, Edwards
691-8423

Step back in time to Sommer Park’s first Antebellum (pre Civil-War) Christmas at our Pioneer Homestead building.

Learn some customs of the era, sing popular Christmas songs, enjoy cookies and hot drinks while you visit with Father Christmas. Please dress for the weather.

Saturday, 12/5 • 1:00-4:00 pm
$2/person

Sommer Park
6329 N. Koerner Park, Edwards
691-8423

It’s December 1944 and Christmas is coming...

A detachment of American troops from the 106th Infantry Division have settled into a small Belgian farmhouse not far from the German border. The men of the 106th have replaced veteran combat divisions at a quiet sector of the line to await a spring offensive. Little do they know that the largest battle in U.S. Military history is only a few short days away...

Luthy Botanical Garden
2218 N. Prospect Rd
686-3362

Come learn the significance of Mishumaa Saba and Zawadi at Luthy Botanical Garden’s Kwanzaa display.

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that celebrates family, community, and culture. Learn about this wonderful cultural holiday and see our display of African plants while you enjoy the beautiful holiday surroundings of the Poinsettia Show.

12/26-12/31 (not 12/28)
Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Sunday, 12:00-5:00 pm
Monday closed
$2 adults (13+); free for ages 12 and under

The Community Children's Theatre cast and crew invites you to see the musical adaptation of the classic Mark Twain novel, directed by Peggy Breaux at Peoria Players Theatre.

December 4 - 7:00 pm
December 5 - 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm
December 6 - 1:30 pm (this performance signed for hearing impaired)

Adults: $10
Children 12 & under and seniors: $8

Tickets go on sale at the Glen Oak Park Pavilion November 9 or online at www.artspartners.net

For details call 681-2861.

This musical is produced by special arrangement with MTI.

Monday, December 7 • 7:00-9:00 pm
at Five Points Washington’s Caterpillar Performing Arts Center
(360 N. Wilmor Road, Washington)

An evening of fun and musical entertainment by the POPS and
guest singers, plus a visit by Santa!

TICKETS: $15 for adults and $10 for youth (17 & under)
Groups of 10 or more call for price
Tickets available at Five Points (444-8222) or at fivepointswashington.org

Logan Recreation Center
1414 S. Livingston
676-8179

12/17/09 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Logan Center is celebrating Christmas in a non-traditional way!

After singing carols, decorating ornaments, and snacking on holiday goodies, we’re having a carnival complete with games, prizes and a visit from SANTA–who will have a gift for every kid up to age 12!

$2/ members • $3/nonmembers

Proctor Recreation Center
309 S. DuSable
673-9183

12/18/09 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Celebrate the holidays at Proctor Center.
Use tickets to win prizes at our Holiday Carnival. In addition to those prizes, you will get the chance to see Santa and receive a gift to take home. We will have food, entertainment and games. Each child will receive a gift.

$2/members • $3/nonmembers

Owens Center
1019 W. Lake Ave (in Lakeview Park)
686-3368

12/19/09 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Santa loves the chilly air inside Owens. See him and skate with family and friends.

Regular admission applies ($3 - $4 plus skate rental).

Owens Center
1019 W. Lake Ave (in Lakeview Park)
686-3368

Start a family tradition of ice skating in the days preceding Christmas.

Skate Saturday, 12/19 from 6:00-8:00 pm or Sunday, 12/20 from 3:00-4:45 pm.

Regular admission applies both days.

Peoria Civic Center

The "A Christmas Carol" YouTheater performance will be held in the Theater on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $6.50 and are on sale now.

Perhaps the best loved holiday story of all time, this adaptation of Dickens' classic is particularly suited to children, and features a magnificent score by Jule Styne, the composer of Broadway's immortal "Peter Pan," "Gypsy" and "Funny Girl." All the joy, sentiment and meaning are here, without being too scary for young audiences.

This performance is designed for students in grades K - 5.

Peoria Civic Center

The Peoria Ballet will present "Nutcracker" in the Civic Center Theater on December 12 and 13, 2009. Times are 7:30 p.m. on December 12 and 2 p.m. on December 13. Tickets are $19 - $43 and go on sale November 1, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com. Special pricing is available for students and groups of 20 or more.

Eastlight Theatre
East Peoria

JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
December 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 - 7:30 pm
December 6, 13 - 2:00 pm

This ‘Holiday Tradition’ continues for its 19th year – bigger and better than ever! Join us at Eastlight and the Festival of Lights for the perfect beginning to any holiday season. The entire family will enjoy JOSEPH ’09!

Eastlight Theatre
East Peoria

JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
December 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 - 7:30 pm
December 6, 13 - 2:00 pm

This ‘Holiday Tradition’ continues for its 19th year – bigger and better than ever! Join us at Eastlight and the Festival of Lights for the perfect beginning to any holiday season. The entire family will enjoy JOSEPH ’09!

Peoria Players Theatre

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Directed by Paula Graves
December 16, 17, 18 & 19 @ 7:30 pm
December 20 @ 2:30 pm
$17 adults, $12 Patrons 18 and under

Washington Square
5:00-9:00pm

Shops open til 8; visit with Mr. & Mrs. Santa 6-8pm at Denharts; free carriage rides on the luminary lit path; Sponsored by the Specialty Shops; Community Sing 6:30-7pm sponosored by Courier Newspapers

Downtown Pekin

Friday December 4, 2009
5:00 - 8:00p.m.
Over 1000 candlelight luminaries bathe the downtown district, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa & much more....

East Peoria

The almost 2-mile drive-through electric park is the Festival of Lights' signature event! Folepi's Winter Wonderland features the majority of the Parade of Lights floats and many other lighted displays. And this year will feature the return of some favorite displays from the past 25 years. It's two miles of oohs and aahs!

OPEN DEC. 4-31, 2009

Christmas Eve - Open!
Location: VFW Post 2078 Park off Springfield Road, East Peoria
(Entrance address: 123 Par 3 Lane, East Peoria)

5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Cars and vans - $10 each night

East Peoria

Dec. 4-Dec. 31, 2009
Hours: Dusk to 10 p.m. nightly
Admission: free

The Festival of Lights pays tribute to those in the military! East Peoria's RiverFront Park along the Illinois River will feature lighted emblems from each branch of the military, and lighted displays such as the toy tank and American flag parade floats.

Also on display will be memorials for East Peorians lost in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, as well as a memorial for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Come to Lakeview Library for Tiny Tots Storytime! Along with the regular program. Abbey Cook will be there signing the stories and introducing key vocabulary. Come out and join the fun! Ages 12 mo- 2 yrs!