Nutcracker Ballet one of 11 things to do Christmas weekend in Galesburg
This weekend you can take in the Nutcracker Ballet at the Orpheum Theatre, dine with Santa, see the Polar Express movie or discuss Christmas classics.
Here are 11 things to do in the Galesburg area this weekend:
The Nutcracker Ballet
What: Dancers' Studio of Monmouth brings the classic holiday tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to The Orpheum stage.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: $30-$40
For more: 309-342-2299
Adult Book Discussion: A Christmas Carol and Other Stories
What: We've all seen the movie and play adaptations of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," but how many of us have read the original classic novel? A perennial Yuletide favorite, the beloved tale about the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge, who comes to know the meaning of Christmas through a haunting Christmas Eve encounter with four ghosts, is a heartwarming celebration of the spirit of Christmas. A limited supply of books are available.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Where: Warren County Public Library District, 62 Public Square, Monmouth
For more: 309-734-3166
Nature at Night: December
What: You'll learn about the science behind the annual solstices, take a walk through our luminary-lit woods, then enjoy some hot chocolate and s'mores around the yule log. All ages are welcome to this family-friendly program, with parent supervision.
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Where: Lakeside Nature Center, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: $5
For more: 309-345-3683
Boxcar Dine with Santa
What: Santa is back at the Boxcar again this year. This time he will be joining for dinner.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Where: Lieber’s Boxcar Express, 1974 N. Henderson St., Galesburg
Cost: $10; $8 for children
For more: 309-343-4626
Winter Wonderland Swim
What: Enjoy a swim for just $2.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22
Where: Hawthorne Pool, 2331 Veterans Drive, Galesburg
Cost: $2
For more: 309-345-3683
The Gilmore Family CD Release Party
What: The business will be having a CD release party back where it all began, to share our little speck of dust into the musical universe.
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22
Where: Budde’s Pizza & Spirits, 429 E. Main St., Galesburg
For more:Budde's Pizza & Spirits on Facebook
Polar Express Movie Night
What: Come watch the Polar Express. Bring blankets, chairs and even come in your pajamas. Hot cocoa and snacks provided.
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Nutrition on Main, 215 E. Main St., Galesburg
For more: 309-315-0456
Christmas Cheer and Holiday Beer
What: Bring your friends and family in for some Christmas cheer and holiday beer to kick off the Christmas festivities. Big Catz BBQ will have dinner available from 6-9 p.m. in the taproom, buffet style. Chuck Murphy will be playing live music from 7 to 10 p.m.
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
For more: 309-541-1010
Woodshed Holiday Customer Appreciation Party
What: The annual “Party with the Elves” customer appreciation party. Bring your gifts and they'll be wrapped for you while you wait.
When: Noon Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: The Woodshed, 110 E. First Ave., Monmouth
For more:The Woodshed on Facebook
Christmas Eve Worship
What: Celebrate Christmas Eve with a special evening worship service. All are welcome. It will be a family-oriented service.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 217 E. Ferris St., Galesburg
For more: 309-342-1200
Christmas Eve Service
What: All are welcome to the Christmas Eve service.
When: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 24
Where: Calvary Assembly, 432 N. Linwood Road, Galesburg
For more: 309-343-8568
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Christmas weekend offers 11 things to do in the Galesburg area
