Friday, December 12
- 5 P.M. – Festival of Lights Folepi’s Winter Wonderland
This spectacular holiday attraction features a two-mile drive-through electric park. Numerous animated displays and floats from the Parade of Lights are included in this annual display-a real crowd pleaser and fun family event.Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2078 Park
698-4711 - 7 P.M. – Peoria Rivermen game
The Peoria Rivermen take on the Johnstown Chiefs in exciting hockey action. Bring the whole family out to see the Rivermen square off against the Johnstown Chiefs while wearing Christmas jerseys. The Marine Corps will also be accepting Toys for Tots before the game. Stay after the match-up, and the Rivermen will auction off the Christmas jerseys worn during the game. Tickets cost $10 to $16 each.Carver Arena at Peoria Civic Center
673-8900
www.rivermen.net
Saturday, December 13
- 12 P.M. – Holiday Shopping
Finish your holiday shopping at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie, the Metro Centre, Junction City, and Northwoods Mall. Tell Santa your wish list for the year, ride the Rocking Horse at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie, or sip hot chocolate in the Metro Centre. Take the family along or enjoy some quiet time before the holidays! - 6 P.M. – A Charles Dickens Christmas at Pettengill-Morron House Museum
The Peoria Historical Society celebrates the holiday season with a little history. Thirty years ago, Pettengill-Morron House Museum hosted its first Candlelight Tour. With carolers on the front porch, an abundance of poinsettias throughout the house, and costumed children and adults in Christmas vignettes, the Candlelight Tours have evolved into a great central Illinois tradition. The Friends of Flanagan House created a twist on the tours this year by adding a mystery that guests are invited to solve during their visit to the oldest standing residence in Peoria. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Tours are given from 6 to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and from 2 to 4 p.m., Sundays.Pettengill-Morron House Museum
1212 W. Moss Avenue
674-1921
- 8 P.M. – Dinner at Cheddar’s Casual Cafe
See review
Sunday, December 14
- 10 A.M. – Brunch at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
At Cracker Barrel, you can order breakfast favorites such as pancakes with pure maple syrup, Sunrise Sampler, and biscuits and gravy any time of day. Or you can choose one of its country platters, a mix-and-match vegetable plate, and many other down-home treats. Speaking of treats, pick up some apple butter or other foods, toys and games, and nostalgic items at the retail store.150 E. Ashland St
Morton, IL
263-2103
- 2 P.M. – Nutcracker at the Peoria Civic Center
The Peoria Ballet presents the magic of the classic fairytale, Nutcracker, with exciting sets and beautiful dancers. Famed conductor David Commanday will direct members of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, which will bring the richness of Tchaikovsky’s score alive for this festive holiday event.Peoria Ballet
690-7990
www.peoriaballet.com
Also this weekend:
- Poinsettia Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, Luthy Botanical Garden, 686-3362
- The Juggler of Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dingeldine Music Center, 671-1222.
- Old Fashioned Christmas and Holiday Brunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Wildlife Prairie Park, 676-0998.
Featured Restaurant: Cheddar’s Casual Cafe
Cheddar’s has been a Peoria favorite for years, offering appetizers to desserts and everything in between. Start your meal with a world class shaker or frozen margarita and the Santa Fe Spinach dip. Move onto their famous cheddar cheese soup and classics such as barbecued baby back ribs or spasagna. Or perhaps a steak, seafood, or gourmet burger is more what you had in mind. Whatever you choose, be sure to save room for the restaurant’s signature cookie monster, the legendary dessert featuring a warm chocolate chip cookie in a skillet topped with French vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry.
4027 N War Memorial Dr
Peoria, IL
685-7832
