(pic from Flickr user paparutzi)

This time of the year it's always fun to check out some local holiday events. Here are a few as you head into the weekend.

A Christmas Carol - The Musical will be presented by Peoria Players Theatre tonight through Saturday at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for patrons 18 and under and $12 for all ages. Tickets available at the Peoria Players Box Office, by calling 309-688-4473 or online at www.PeoriaPlayers.org.

Stocking Stuffer Store - The 29th Annual Stocking Stuffer Store will take place at Northwoods Mall & the Shoppes at Grand Prairie through December 19 where children ages 12 and under can shop (with the assistance of a volunteer) for holiday presents for parents, grandparents, siblings - whomever they wish - while parents relax in a seating area located outside the store. Gifts range from $1 - $8. Locations & Hours are: Mondays - Fridays from 4 - 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 am - 8 pm and Sundays from noon - 5 pm at Northwoods Mall (Located in the upper Level near Sears, across from The Smo-King Pit) and Saturdays & Sundays from noon - 5 pm at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie (in the former Borders Location) on December 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16 (weekends only). All proceeds benefit Crittenton Centers. For more information, call 309-674-0105 or visit crittentoncenters.org.

Candlelight Walks at Luthy Botanical Gardens - Enjoy a holiday tradition of Candlelight Walks at Luthy Botanical Garden (located at 2520 N. Prospect (corner of Prospect & Gift in Peoria) from 6 - 9 pm. The Poinsettia Show under the warm glow of hundreds of candles is enhanced with live performances of holiday music. Admission will be waived during the holidays, although donations are always accepted. For more information, visit http://www.peoriaparks.org.

FOLEPI's WInter Wonderland - FOLEPI's Winter Wonderland will be open through New Year's Eve at the VFW Post 2078 Park off Springfield Road (located at 123 Par 3 Lane in East Peoria). Hours are 5 - 9 pm Sundays - Thursdays and 5 - 11 pm on Fridays & Saturdays. Cost is $10 for cars & vans, $20 for limousines, extended vans and party buses and RVs and $150 for full size buses. Cash & debit cards are accepted for payment. For more information, visit http://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/festival-of-lights.

Santa's Wildlife Express - Santa's Wildlife Express at Wildlife Prairie Park is an enchanting evening full of holiday festivities that runs from 5 - 9 pm each night. Ride the Zephyr Train through Santa's Wildlife Forest, mingle with Santa's feathered and furry animal friends, make crafts with the elves, munch on cookies and sip on hot cocoa with Mrs. Claus, hike on illuminated animal trails and visit with Santa at this holiday event. Admission is $10 for members and $12 for non-members $12 aged 14+ and $15 for members and $18 for non-member children. Children ages 1 & under are free. Reservations are required as seating will be limited and may be made by calling 309-676-0998. For more information, visit http://www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org.

Enjoy!!!!

-Shelly Knight