Christmas at Clover Lawn
David Davis Mansion 1000 E Monroe, Bloomington Through December 31
It’s a colorful Victorian Christmas tradition that is always worth the visit. The David Davis Mansion State Historic site offers a glimpse of the holidays from a bygone era. Call (309) 828-1084 or visit the Davis Mansion Historical Site webpage at http://www.state.il.us/hpa/hs/Davis.htm for visiting hours and other activities.
Madrigal Dinners
Bone Student Center Circus Room
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
December 1 - 4, 8 - 11, 15 - 17
Enjoy a local holiday tradition with the Illinois State University Madrigal Dinners. It’s a delightful meal accompanied by a full evening of entertainment by Madrigal Singers, Brass Quintet, Recorder Ensemble, the Royal Court, and more. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, try one of the Medieval Meals with a menu specifically designed for utensil-free medieval eating! (Utensils available if preferred.) For reservations, call (309) 438-2535 or visit http://www.arts.ilstu.edu/cpa/tickets/ on the web.
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Holiday Treasures Show and Sale
McLean County Arts Center
601 N. East St.
Bloomington, Illinois
November 14 – December 27
Looking for unusual gifts for holiday giving? Check out the array of fine art created by more than 100 local and nationally known artists. Featured art will include paintings, prints, glass, ceramics, wood, metal, photography, fiber, and jewelry as well as seasonal items. For more information about Arts Center programs and classes, call (309) 829-0011 or visit the website.
"The Nutcracker"
production by Twin Cities Ballet
Braden Auditorium, Illinois State University Campus Normal,Illinois December 3 - 5
The Twin Cities Ballet company production of The Nutcracker is a local tradition that brings the magic and the music of Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday favorite to life. Tickets are available through the Braden Auditorium Box office at (309) 438-5444. For more information about the ballet company, visit the website at http://www.tcbdance.com/index6.html
Illuminate the Trail
Constitution Trail between Grandview Dr. and Vernon Ave. in Normal, IL
December 5 - 7 (special events)
December 7 - 25 (on-going holiday decoration displays)
Many homes along this section of the Constitution Trail in Normal will add some extra cheer with holiday decorations and light displays visible to those on the Trail. On December 5 through 7, the B-N Association of Realtors will place lighted luminaries along the path between 5 and 8 p.m. Non-perishable food donations will be collected on-site for distribution to two local shelters.
Once Upon A Holiday
Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
December 3 - 4
Downtown Bloomington welcomes the holiday season with special “live” displays in store windows on Friday evening beginning around 5 p.m. On Saturday, look for special treats and sales. Music and horse-drawn carriages, plus special entertainment at the Bloomington Public Library will also be featured. Be sure to stop by the McLean County Museum of History for the special “Christmas at the Courthouse” events. For general schedule details, call (309) 829-9599.
75th Annual Jaycee Christmas Parade
Kingsley Jr. High in Normal to Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
December 4
Bundle up and come watch area bands, organizations – and even pets on parade through town to usher in the holiday season. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Kingsley Junior High School (former NCHS building) in Normal and moves south to Downtown Bloomington.
Christmas Tour of the Vrooman Mansion
701 East Taylor Street
Bloomington, Illinois
December 4 - 5
This historic Bloomington home will host a Holiday
Open House to benefit Habitat for Humanity.
Refreshments, a variety of instrumental and vocal
entertainment by local Lutheran church groups, and
tours of the elegant home will be featured. The former
home of Julia Scott Vrooman is now a privately owned
bed and breakfast located in the Dimmitt’s Grove
Neighborhood. For information about advance ticket
sales, call 309-828-8816, or visit the mansion website.
Hanukkah Celebration
Main Lounge, Memorial Student Center
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
December 7
The public is invited to share in this evening of traditional songs and food for the observance of the Festival of Lights. For more information, contact University Chaplain’s Office at (309) 556-3005.
Kwanzaa Celebration Illinois Wesleyan University Main Lounge, Memorial Center, 104 E. University, Bloomington, Illinois December 8
The 9th Annual Kwanzaa celebration will be hosted by the IWU Black Student Union and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. The event features African dancing, storytelling and drumming, as well as food traditional to Kwanzaa. Call (309) 556-3412 for more information.
The Pantagraph’s Holiday Spectacular
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
110 East Mulberry Street, Bloomington, Illinois
December 10– 12
Don’t miss this second annual event featuring hundreds of area singers, dancers and musicians. A special matinee just for children will be held December 13. For ticket information, visit the site www.pantagraph.com/special/holidayspectacular. You may also purchase tickets in person at The Pantagraph, 301 W. Washington St., Bloomington, during business hours.
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Christmas in the Park
Miller Park Pavilion
1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Illinois
December 11
The whole family will enjoy the fun featuring pictures with Santa, crafts, sleigh rides, caroling and more! Call
(309) 434-2260 for details.
Home for the Holidays III
Braden Auditorium
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
December 17
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the holidays with special guests Laurice Lanier, Hip Pocket, the Celebration Children's Chorus, the Illinois Symphony Chorus and St. Andrew's Pipes and Drums. For tickets call the Braden Auditorium box office at (309) 438-5444. To learn more about upcoming symphony events, visit the ISO website.
USA Ballet's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'
Westbrook Auditorium
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL
December 17 - 19
The classic Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore comes to life in this full-length ballet production featuring international company members and additional appearances by community members. Phone 309-665-0300 for ticket information or see the company website at usaballet.org
A Dickens' Christmas Tea
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
1000 E. Monroe Street
Bloomington, Illinois
December 18
Experience a Victorian Christmas tea with holiday carols, delicious tea treats, and anecdotes about Christmas past. Visitors will also craft an authentic Victorian scrap ornament and tour the elegantly decorated Mansion. Seating is limited, so call early for reservations at (309) 828-1084. For more information, e-mail nperz@mchsi.com or visit the Mansion website.
State Farm Holiday Classic
Various basketball facilities
Bloomington-Normal, IL
December 26 - 30
This is the largest, coed high school holiday basketball tournament in the nation, featuring 64 boys and girls teams from across the country. Come cheer on these talented teams. For schedule and ticket information, visit the website at www.theclassic.org.
Big Band Bash - Heartland Jazz Orchestra - New Year’s Eve Party
Interstate Center Ball Room
2301 W. Market, Bloomington, IL
December 31
Ring in the New Year Dancing to the Heartland Jazz Orchestra while enjoying hors d'oeuvres, beverages and a Champagne toast at midnight. Call 309-838-0869 for details or visit the band’s website http://www.hjojazz.com/main/main.html
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Luncheon
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market, Bloomington, IL
January 15
Bloomington-Normal residents join forces to recognize local individuals who exemplify the ideals of Dr. King. Human Relations Awards are presented to one adult residing in Bloomington and one adult residing in Normal. Outstanding high school students from Bloomington and Normal are also honored with the "I have a Dream" award. For ticket information, call (309) 434-2218, or e-mail: ejackson@cityblm.org.
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Midstate Fish & Feather Expo
Interstate Center
2301 W Market St., Bloomington, IL
January 28 - 30
If you like to hunt and fish and appreciate the many opportunities for outdoor sport in Central Illinois, you’ll want to check this out. Seminars by experts including championship fishermen Ted Takasaki and Bloomington-Normal’s own Terry Brown, exhibits and displays, and special events make this a great way to prepare for a safe, successful season outdoors. For details, call (309) 452-9646, e-mail: larry@midstatefishandfeather.com or visit the
website www.midstatefishandfeather.com.
Funk's Grove Maple Sirup
Historic Route 66 (15 miles south of Bloomington)
Funks Grove, Illinois
Seasonal – typically early February through March
In the early spring visitors can see how maple sirup (spelled the old-fashioned way) is made in the majestic McLean County timber of Funk's Grove. Sirup-making has been a local tradition since the early 1920s when travelers on the new hard road stopped to enjoy Hazel Funk Holmes' tasty sirup. Call 309-874-3360 for hours and visitor information or visit the website.
Valentine’s Dance
Bone Student Center Ballroom
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
February 14
Come dance the night away to music from the '30s and '40s. The University Jazz Ensembles I and II will play the great hits by Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Count Basie and many more favorites. If you’ve been taking dance lessons, here’s a chance to “strut your stuff” and enjoy a great evening. Tickets go on sale around February 1, and while tickets may be available at the door, advance ticket purchase is recommended. For information and advanced tickets, call the ISU Band office at (309) 438-2166.
IHSA State Girls Class A Basketball Tournament
Redbird Arena, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Feb. 25 - 26
Cheer on the top high school girls teams in the state. For details about teams,
schedules and tickets, visit the Illinois High School Association website link at http://www.ihsa.org/activity/bkg/index.htm
Annual Barbershop Show - Winter Concert
Normal Community West High School Auditorium
501 N. Parkside Rd., Normal, Illinois
February 26 -27
The Sound of Illinois Chorus will throw open the doors for some down home fun in four-part harmony with a Hee Haw theme for its 63rd annual show. Featured guest quartet will be Metropolis. For more information visit the chorus website. Ticket orders may be made by phone at (309) 662-3220 or e-mail at sound_of_Illinois@webtv.net.
Illinois Deer and Turkey Classic
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market, Bloomington, IL
February 25 - 27
This annual event features exhibit booths, seminars, a whitetail deer trophy
contest and display, the state turkey calling and owl hooting championships, live big game animals, Byron Ferguson archery, trick shot, hands-on shooting ranges and more. For details call 1-800-324-3337 or visit the website.
78th McLean County Amateur Art Competition-Exhibition
Brandt Gallery, McLean County Arts Center
601 N. East St., Bloomington, IL
March 6 - April 23
This juried art show features the work of amateur adult, high school and
university student artists. The top prize, the Merwin Medal, is recognized as the longest running amateur art award in the state. Photography, painting, sculpture and other media are showcased. Visit the Arts Center website.
Masterworks III: Webber Meets Beethoven
Braden Auditorium
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
April 1
The Illinois Symphony Chorus and Orchestra will perform Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spectacular “Requiem” along with Beethoven's powerful “Symphony No. 5.” It’s a musical opportunity you won’t want to miss, so order your tickets by calling the Braden Auditorium box office at (309) 438-5444. More information is available on the ISO website.
Quilt Spectrum 2005: From Hearts to Hands
The Interstate Center 2301 W. Market St. Bloomington, Illinois
April 3 - 4
More than 200 colorful quilts will be displayed and area quilters can visit an extensive merchant exhibition area. Bed turning and quilting demonstrations will be featured, along with a sale of quilted items, raffles and door prizes. Visit the group’s website for more information.
Ongoing:
Journey Through the Great Depression
McLean County Museum of History
200 North Main Street, Bloomington, IL
Through August 2007
In observance of the 75th anniversary of the “Black Tuesday” stock market crash in 1929, this exhibit takes visitors on a “road trip” through the 1930s to explore the conditions in McLean County during the Great Depression. More than 370 artifacts and almost 200 images, along with personal recollections of those who survived, will paint a vivid and emotional portrait of the people and their experiences. For hours and other information, check out the Museum website.
Mike's Bridge Club
Various times and locations in Bloomington-Normal, IL
Owned and operated by B-N bridge enthusiast, Mike Tomlianovich, the club is affiliated with the American Contract Bridge League and the Central Illinois Bridge Association. Club activities include sanctioned duplicate sessions for novices, teams, pairs, and individuals, as well as open games at designated times and various locations as listed on the website.
Bloomington-Normal Backgammon Club
Damon's-- The Place for Ribs, 1701 Fort Jesse Road, Normal, IL
Mondays at 6:15 p.m.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned backgammon player, you will be welcomed at the weekly Monday night tournaments hosted by this local club. For more information, contact: Michael Flohr by phone at (309) 662-7967 or by e-mail at MFlohr0925@verizon.net.
 Visit the New Children's Discovery Museum
101 E. Beaufort Street, Normal, Illinois
The new three-story Museum features numerous hands-on exhibits for children
of all ages seven days a week in downtown Normal. Visit the Kids Medical Center, Sugar Creek Water Area, Stop and Go Grocery, Reading Garden and Toddler Backyard. The first floor houses a museum gift shop and parent resource area. Call 309-433-3444 for information on hours and upcoming programs and be sure to visit the museum website.
Ice Skating at COMLARA County Park 13001 Recreation Area Drive, Hudson, Illinois (Off I-39 North of Normal)
Ice skating is provided at Glasener Beach when ice conditions permit. The facility is usually open in December and January on weekends only from
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CALL AHEAD FOR ICE CONDITIONS at
(309) 726-2022. Admission is free and ice skates are available for rental. For info about additional winter recreation activitiew, visit the park website.
Adult Open Gym Volleyball
Pepper Ridge Elementary School Gym
2602 Danbury Dr., Bloomington, Illinois (off Cabin Town Road)
Sunday evenings
Great exercise and fun for those age 18 and up! Two courts are available and players may opt to sign up for a season pass or just drop by to join in the game on a Sunday evening. For details and to confirm that courts will be open on a specific date, contact Bloomington Parks and Recreation at (309) 434-2260 during business hours.
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