The Belleville Chamber of Commerce has compiled a rather exhaustive list of Christmas-related activities.
"In fact, so many special events, open houses and sales are in the works," the Chamber states in a press release, "that everyone in the St. Louis metropolitan area will find a entertaining activity especially suited for them right here in our own backyard!"
The following is a list of "backyard" events:
Nov. 15, 2005 - Jan. 6, 2006
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville. Phone: 397-6700
Nov. 19 and 26
Dec. 3, 10 and 17
Eckert's Country Store & Farms, Belleville. Phone: 233-0513
Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Scottish Rite Bodies, Belleville. Phone: 277-1373
This traditional holiday classic performed by the Belleville Philharmonic Society, Masterworks Chorale and the Belleville School of Ballet will delight young and old.
Nov. 19 at 9 a.m.
St. Clair Country Club, Belleville. Phone: 257-0747
A delicious brunch accompanies this show featuring latest holiday fashions for men and women from Don Rogers, modeled by area educators. Proceeds will benefit the Delta Kappa Gamma scholarship fund. Call for ticket information.
Nov. 25 through Dec.24
Belleville Main Street. Phone: 239-9428
Create a gingerbread masterpiece to enter in this annual holiday contest, then stroll down East Main Street to see this dazzling display of tasty holiday decorations.
Nov. 25 through Dec. 31
Downtown Belleville
Belleville Main Street. Phone: 239-9428
Window decorations and displays in the style of the popular I-SPY series of children's books will dazzle and captivate all ages.
Nov. 25 at 10 a.m.
Downtown Belleville
Belleville Optimists. Phone: 235-0533
Santa Claus is coming to town ... in the largest Christmas Parade in Southern Illinois!
Nov. 25 through Dec. 24
Belleville Square
Belleville Optimists. Phone: 235-0533
Children of all ages visit Santa in his house on Belleville's Square to share their dearest wishes of the season.
Nov. 25 at 6 p.m.
Belleville Square
Belleville Optimists. Phone: 235-0533
Join Mayor Eckert for this traditional holiday kick-off and community caroling.
Nov. 25 through Dec. 18 on Saturdays and Sundays
Downtown Belleville
Belleville Main Street. Phone: 239-9428
Enjoy a free, leisurely ride through history aboard our large horse-drawn trolley. Enjoy Belleville's historic shopping and entertainment district from a unique point of view.
Nov. 25 through 27
Dec. 9 through 11
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds. Phone: 233-0052
Discover the perfect holiday gifts and decorations as you explore hundreds of holiday craft booths.
Starting Nov. 26 every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday from Noon - 4 p.m.
Broadway Center of Arts. Phone: 233-0431
Create an original ornament each year for your holiday ornament collection.
Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov. 26 at 1 p.m.
Broadway Center of Arts. Phone: 233-0431
Join Mrs. Claus on the Broadway Center's Santa's Workshop Set as she reads children her favorite holiday stories.
Nov. 26 through Dec. 18 on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
30 Public Square, Belleville. Phone: 800-677-9255
Local artists and craftsmen will display and sell artwork during this holiday season.
Beginning in November Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois. Phone: 236-2531, ext. 106
Enlist your organization, church or club to participate in a series of holiday donation programs through the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois. The Center is sponsoring an Adopt-A-Family program and a Holiday Housewarming Program (to benefit the Charles T. and Joan Meyer Women's Shelter.) The Center will also need stocking stuffers and holiday gifts for clients. For more information on how you can make someone's holiday a little brighter contact the VPCSWI.
Nov. 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 at 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre, Belleville. Phone: 233-0018
Enjoy an afternoon of classic holiday concerts and a Christmas Sing-A-Long.
Dec. 2 and 9 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 3 and 10 at 2 p.m.
Broadway Center of Arts, Belleville. Phone: 233-0431
Join Santa and his North Pole friends as they make their New York Debut. This hilarious holiday excursion takes you from the North Pole all the way to 42nd Street. Despite the barrage of merry mishaps and Christmas calamities, "Broadway Santa" dazzles theatre critics and take New York City by a storm! Make this production a family tradition.
Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
Lindenwood College in Belleville. Phone: 235-1703
Hospice of Southern Illinois hosts this very special holiday ceremony to remember those who have gone from our sight.
Dec. 4 from noon - 5 p.m.
Family Hospice of Belleville. Phone: 277-1800
Celebrating the beauty and bounty of the season in some of Belleville's most beautiful homes.
Dec.8 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Metro East Insurance Group. Phone: 206-2600
To celebrate a very special year in a new location at 4956 Benchmark Centre Drive, the Metro East Insurance Group is inviting all Chamber members to attend their Holiday Open House. Attendees can register to win a beautifully detailed Santa and Sleigh with Three Reindeer by reknown folk artist Jim Shore. The drawing will take place at 7 p.m.
Dec. 11 from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Belleville Philharmonic Hall, 116 N. Jackson St., Belleville, St. Clair County Historical Society. Phone: 234-0600
Tour beautifully decorated Christmas homes throughout historic Belleville.
Dec. 31 at 7 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre. Phone: 233-0123
Ring in the New Year with a gala theatre organ concert for a most unique New Year's Eve celebration of music.