Dec 1 – Christmastime GospelFest – 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. @ Caterpillar Performing Arts Center at Five Points Washington. Call 309-472-0027. Admission: $20/adults, $10/children & students thru high school.

Dec 1 – 27th annual Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk for Arthritis (Arthritis Foundation) – Begins at 10:00 a.m. at the River Plex Rec Center, 600 NE Water St., Peoria. Call 309-682-6600. Admission is free to watch but costs to participate.

Dec 1 – Annual Critter Christmas event. Enjoy a light breakfast and crafts in our lodge from 9:00-10:00. At 10:00 a.m., enjoy watching our animals receive their gifts. Santa will be making a visit too, so don’t miss a chance to make sure he’s got you on the “nice” list! Animals will receive special treats throughout the day. Cost is $5 for Zoo members and $10 for non-members. Children 2 and under are FREE. Register at 681-3513, seating is limited.

Dec 7 – 16 – A Christmas Carol The Musical – Regional Premiere at Peoria Players Theatre, 4300 N. University, Peoria. Call 309-688-4473. Admission: $18/adults; $12 patrons 18 and under/$12 all ages on Dec 12th. There are many adaptations of A Christmas Carol out there, but only one Broadway version!

Dec 8 – 3rd Annual Kriskindlmarkt – 11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. at The Lindenhof, 7601 N. Harker Dr., Peoria. Call 309-691-7484. Admission is free. German Christmas Market featuring over 25 fine arts and craft vendors each day. Food and beverages available & entertainment provided. Santa from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Bring a canned or non-perishable foods for donation to a local food pantry.

Dec 8 – Battle of the Bulge – Relive the epic days of the Battle of the Bulge at Sommer Park from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Call 309-635-2147. Admission: $10 per carload. German and American camps, vehicles and displays. Battles at 11:00 & 2:00. The park address is 6329 N. Koerner Rd, Edwards, IL. Call 309-635-2147 for more info.

Dec 8 – Christmas Cookie Walk – sponsored by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League at Christ Lutheran Church, Peoria. 9:00 a.m. – noon. Christ Lutheran Parish Hall (Starr & Faraday streets). Homemade cookies, candies, & fudge – still only $5 per pound. For more info call church office at 637-5309.

Dec 12 – Community Make a Blanket Day to benefit Project Linus at the Jones Sewing Machine Co., 3410 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria. Come anytime from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Bring your favorite notions and your own lunch! Call 309-382-3672.

Dec 14 – New Capital Bank (4440 N. Prospect Rd.) will have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Day to raise funds for their adopted child’s gift list from the Children’s Home. Stop by and see the sweaters and make a donation toward the Christmas Gift Program for the Children’s Home. Hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Dec 14 – CWTC Community Workshop and Training Center presents “CWTC Ugly Christmas Sweater Party” at Landmark Rec Center (3225 Dries Ln) – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a taco bar and cash bar. Ugly Christmas Sweaters are available for rent for $15. Call to reserve one at 686-3300.

Dec 14 – 16 – An American Family Christmas 2012 – from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Caterpillar Performing Arts Center at Five Points, Washington. Call 309-693-6725. Admission: $24/adults; $12/students thru college/$20 groups of 10+.

Thru Dec 21 – Candlelight Walks – weekly on Fri/Sat – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Luthy Botanical Gardens. Call 309-686-3362. Visit the Poinsettia Show at night, under the warm glow of hundreds of candles, while enjoying live performances of holiday music. Conservatory admission will be waived during the holidays, although we always accept donations.

Dec 22 – Branson’s Original Road Show at Caterpillar Performing Arts Center. Doors open 6:00 p.m., Show Time 7:00 p.m.; Dinner & Show: Seating 4:00 p.m. Dinner 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.; Show Time 7:00 p.m. Call 309-693-9667, ext. 10; admission: Single ticket: $30; Dinner and Show: $60. Join us for the “Meet and Greet” Dinner, with fine dining provided by Barrack’s Cater Inn and door prize giveaways before the show!

Dec 31 – A Ring-A-Ding-Ding New Year! @ Peoria Players Theatre – 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Call 309-688-4473. Admission: $20. Ring in the New Year w/Peoria Players Theatre & the music of Frank Sinatra! Ticket price includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres!

thru Dec 31 – Home for the Holidays at Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre in Goodfield, IL. Call 309-965-2545. Call for showtimes ad admission prices. All prices include dinner, tax and show.