‘Little Women, The Broadway Musical,’ concerts, other events on the metro-east calendar

Noon Friday, Dec. 8, is the deadline to appear in next week’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions.

Due to the number of submissions received, events may run only one time in print. Submitted event info will be edited and run the week before the event date.

Send event info via email to lifestyle@bnd.com. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.

Holiday Events

▪ Holiday Food Drive — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday thru Dec. 20. State Representative Amy Elik’s district office, 191 Alton Square Mall Drive, Suite C, Alton. Collecting non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Crisis Food Center in Alton. 618-433-8046.

▪ Second annual Glenfestival of Trees — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturdays thru Jan. 1. Added Saturday hours in December will be 5-8 p.m. Glen Carbon Heritage Museum, 124 School St., Glen Carbon. Individuals, groups and businesses have adorned the museum with decorated trees and wreaths to be displayed during the Christmas season. Guests can visit the museum and vote on their favorite décor. glencarbonil.gov

▪ 10th annual Belleville Christkindlmarkt — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 7-9, 14-16, 18-23, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays Dec. 10 & 17. Featuring unique European and handcrafted items, delicious food, beverages and much more. For details and additional events: bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com.

▪ Breakfast with Santa — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9. Klucker Hall, 14 Park Drive, Shiloh. Join Santa for a continental breakfast (pastries, donuts, coffee, juice) and photos. Includes free crafts for kids to make and take. Purchase tickets at the door: $5 per adult; kids eat free with donations for the Weekend Wildcats. Needed donations: saltine crackers, tuna packets, single-serving snacks, canned pasta sauce, canned vegetables and fruit, small jars of peanut butter, granola bars and trail mix, oatmeal, soup, pasta noodles, macaroni and cheese, Chef Boyardee, Ramen, microwave popcorn, peanut butter crackers. RSVP in advance (for food count) to 618-632-1022, ext. 119.

▪ Holiday Cheers Market — 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays thru Dec. 23. Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton. Find a variety of 15+ vendors featuring their locally grown produce, finely crafted jewelry, expertly thrifted vintage goods, amazing smelling soaps and candles, and so so much more. oldbakerybeer.com

▪ Holiday Maker’s Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. High Low, 3301 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Blueprint Coffee proudly announces a holiday Makers Market pop-up at High Low, the literary arts cafe in partnership with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, in the vibrant Grand Center Arts District, in collaboration with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. Blueprint Coffee and the Kranzberg are thrilled to partner with local makers on the upcoming holiday market, offering coffee fans and holiday shoppers the opportunity to browse unique items created by local artisans. The Makers Market will offer a diverse selection of vendors, including vintage clothing, herbs & botanicals, jewelry, art and handcrafted goods and more. facebook.com/BlueprintCoffee

▪ U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo — 5-8:30 p.m. on select dates from thru Saturday, Dec. 30. Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis. Escape to a wild wonderland with brand new twinkling light displays and festive family fun. For dates, tickets and other info, visit stlzoo.org/wildlights.

▪ Missouri Botanical Garden 11th annual Garden Glow — Hours vary nightly through Saturday, Jan. 6 (closed Nov. 23 & 27, Dec. 24-25.) Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. Celebrate the holiday season at the most spectacular holiday lights experience in the St. Louis area. Featuring nearly two million dazzling lights, Garden Glow transforms the iconic setting of the Missouri Botanical Garden into an enchanted wonderland rich with mesmerizing displays and unforgettable moments. Advance tickets encouraged. For hours and info: mobot.org

Events

▪ O’Fallon Township Rummage Sale — 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9. Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, plus household items will be available for the sale.

▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9. Public Parking Lot, 227 W. Main St., Collinsville. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232.

▪ Bundles for Babies — 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Main Lobby, 1 St. Elizabeth Blvd., O’Fallon. Guests will meet St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center staff, receive health and safety information and learn about services available to help them welcome their bundle of joy. Guided tours will also be offered of the Women and Infants Center. The tours will be limited to small groups to respect current patients’ privacy and safety. Christmas activities are also planned for children, including free photos with Santa while sharing cookies and milk and creating a fun holiday craft project to take home. 618-234-2120, ext. 31260.

▪ History Museum of Monroe County: ‘Thunder and Lightning Cloggers’ — 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. Thunder and Lightning Cloggers will be the entertainment for the museum’s last program of the season. Refreshments will be available. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org

Worth the Drive

▪ River-to-River Trail Society Fall Hike: Thacker Hollow/Initial Tree (Hardin County/Gallatin County) — 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Meet at the Rim Rock Parking Area. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 5 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a through hike. The event is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please. Free and open to the public. This hike’s leader can be reached at 314-223-3061. rivertorivertrail.net

Games

▪ Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge Sunday Night Bingo — 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Early Bird at 6:15 p.m. Cards sold at 5 p.m. Open to the public. Bring a canned good for one free card.

▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.

▪ Troy Senior Center Bingo — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. Wiesemeyer Building, 410 Wickliffe, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.

Theater/Concerts

▪ Belleville Theatre Company presents ‘Little Women, The Broadway Musical’ — 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 7-9, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. SWIC Theatre, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, “Little Women” follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love. Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit. We hope you’ll join us as we present this beautiful story this holiday season. bellevilletheatrecompany.org

▪ Heartland Community Chorus presents ‘A Hometown Christmas’ — 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. St. Paul Church, 1411 Main St., Highland. The program will get you right into that cozy holiday mood with many Christmas favorites. There will be two beautiful pieces for women’s choir and men’s choir with cello accompaniment, and much more. Your ticket grants you admission to either concert. $15 single tickets are now on sale at the website: heartlandcommunitychorus.org, or see a chorus member. Age 16 and under are free.

▪ The Philharmonic Society of Belleville presents Holiday Pops Christmas Spectacular — 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Lincoln Theatre, 103 E. Main St., Belleville. Ring in the holidays with music to bring joy to your heart and spirit. Featuring orchestra favorites, sing-along and the theater organ. Admission: $15 adults, $5 children. bellevillephilharmonic.org

▪ Metro East Community Chorale annual Christmas Concert — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W. B St., Belleville. The Chorale will sing traditional Christmas songs including a sing-along, as well as newer Christmas songs. The concert also will include a piano/cello duet, and more holiday favorites including Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” The Chorale will be accompanied by pianist Carol Brookshier, 12 musicians, and all directed by Stephen Wilson. Admission is free. A free-will offering will be taken.

▪ Christmas at the Cathedral: Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ Part 1 — 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Cathedral of St. Peter, 200 W. Harrison St., Belleville. Candlelight procession and favorite carols with Masterworks Chorale, Children’s Chorus and Orchestra. Free admission. singmasterworks.org

▪ Cinema St. Louis Golden Anniversaries: ‘Cleopatra Jones’ with Novotny Lawrence — 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11. Free livestream. During the 1970s, U.S. Special Agent Cleopatra Jones proves to be an invaluable asset to the local police forces in the war on drugs. Presented as part of Golden Anniversaries, a series that honors films celebrating their 50th year of release. Presented by Novotny Lawrence, associate professor at Iowa State University. cinemastlouis.org

▪ Mercy Holiday Celebration at Stifel — 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., St. Louis. Join the SLSO and conductor Stuart Malina for this cherished holiday tradition, full of favorite carols and sounds of the season. Even Santa makes time for this festive concert. slso.org

Clubs & Support Groups

▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Online via Zoom. The Family Support Meetings are for family members, significant others, and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. First Thursday of every month. Facilitators will vary. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.

▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Online via Zoom. Program: “SCCGS at Work.” Learn how each committee on the SCCGS Board goes about tasks under his/her care. Installation of officers will also take place. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.

▪ SIUE Chapter of the State Universities Annuitants Association — 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11. Mississippi/Illinois Room, Morris University Center, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville. The guest speaker is Illinois State Representative Amy Elik, who will discuss her legislative initiatives in the upcoming 103rd General Assembly and priorities she hopes to see addressed in that session. This meeting is open to SIUE SUAA Chapter members and non-members alike. We ask those planning to attend to register for this event by the end of the day, Friday, Dec. 8. siue.edu/suaa/chapter-activities/12-11-2023.shtml

▪ Belleville ‘Sounds of Harmony’ Barbershop Chorus — 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Men of all ages who like to sing are encouraged to attend. For info: Bob at 618-566-8574 or email RLCearnal@gmail.com.

▪ Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Online via Zoom. The PAL group provides education, support and hope to family members and loved ones of someone who has an addiction of substance use disorder. Free and open to all. For info or to join the Zoom meeting, contact Craig at 618-567-6095. palgroup.org

▪ Bible Study Fellowship — 9:30-11 a.m. or 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. St. Matthew Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. The morning group includes classes for newborn through pre-K. Examine the biblical truth for your life along with other women as they study the Gospel of John. For more info, call Jane, 618-520-8357 or Candy, 618-363-3285 or visit bsfinternational.org.

▪ National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Alvin G. Bohley Chapter 1019 — 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. O’Town Food Hall and Tap House, 1214 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. This is our Winter Luncheon; reservations are required. All active and retired federal and postal employees are welcome. Meetings held the second Wednesday of each month except for May and December socials. NARFE remains the go-to resource for the federal community. For information, contact James at jbflat2021@gmail.com or call 618-795-5174.

▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group — 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Online via Zoom. Free peer-to-peer support group for adults with a mental health condition working towards recovery. Every Wednesday. Open the Zoom app and enter 3914844542. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.

▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. Heights Community Church, 231 S. Bluff Road, Collinsville, or online via Zoom. These support meetings are for family members, significant others and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. Facilitators: Mark and Kelly Jefferson. Held the second Wednesday of the month. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.

Food

▪ Waterloo VFW Post #6504 Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. Waterloo VFW Post #6504, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Traditional Menu of cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp, chicken, chicken strips, hamburgers, fries, slaw, hush puppies, onion rings, fried green beans and fried mushrooms. Cash bar available. Dine-in or carryout. Credit/debit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-939-7999.

▪ O’Fallon Knights of Columbus & Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod, tilapia, catfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229. facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239

▪ Swansea Fish Stand — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. KC Club & Event Center, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/KCClubEastStLouis

▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod (baked or fried), catfish, shrimp, hush puppies, chicken strips, fries, baked potato, slaw, applesauce. Dine-in and carryout. 618-228-7311. avistonlegion.com

▪ Okawville American Legion Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Dine in or carryout. Also serving lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday with a salad bar. Pizza made fresh and served every day. facebook.com/OkawvilleLegion