Children’s author, Jan Brett, will be at the Library Center to visit with fans today (12/5) at 5. She’ll give a brief talk, demonstrate her drawing style and promote her new book. She and her costumed mascot, Hedgie, will be available for photos. To learn more, thelibrary.org.
The Springfield-Greene County Library’s Holiday Store opens this weekend. It’s an event where Friends of the Library volunteers help children shop, purchase and wrap their gifts. A preview sale will be held today (12/5) from 4 to 8 pm at the Library Center. This year the store will be offered at three library branches: the Library Center, the Library Station and Brentwood, and all three will host open houses tomorrow (12/6) from 10 to noon with the store open afterwards. The Library Center’s Holiday Store will also be open Sunday (12/7) from 1 to 4. For more information, thelibrary.org.
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center invites kids three to six-years-old to the Little Acorns program “Wildlife in Winter” today (12/5) at 11 or 1:30 and tomorrow (12/6) at 11. To register, 888-4237.
Nature and the Arts: An Evening with Tim Ernst is tonight (12/5) at 5 and 7 at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. The nature photographer will share images set to music from his latest publication, Arkansas Nightscapes. To register, 888-4237.
The Nature Center will hold an Evening Stroll tonight (12/5) from 6 to 9. The trails will be open and patrolled, the visitor center and gift shop will be open and you can sip hot chocolate by the fire. Take flashlights.
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park invites you to drive through their light display, Candy Cane Lane, Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 8 pm starting tonight (12/5) and running through December 20th. To learn more, click here.
The Downtown Holiday Loft Walk is tonight (12/5) from 5:30 to 8:30. Tour downtown lofts decked out for the holidays. Tickets are $12 and will be available starting at 4:30 at the Seville Lofts/Gailey’s, 220 E. Walnut.
Jim Brickman presents “On a Winter’s Night” at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts tonight (12/5) at 7. For ticket information, hammonshall.comor 836-7678.
See the holiday window exhibit at the Historic Fox Theatre on Park Central Square every night of the Festival of Lights. Meet Cruiser, Santa’s Route 66 Reindeer, and his Friends.
Make bottle cap snowmen ornaments tonight (12/5) at 7 at the Park Central Branch Library. Materials will be provided. For more information, thelibrary.org.
The First Friday Art Walk is tonight (12/5) from 6 to 10 in Downtown Springfield. For details, ffaw.org.
Springfield Little Theatre presents “The Littlest Angel” today through December 12th at the Landers. For more information, springfieldlittletheatre.org.
Winterfest 2014, a three-day festival that combines the visual and performing arts, is today through Sunday (12/5-12/7) at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. A variety of art will be on display and for sale, and there will be live music from local choirs and instrumental groups. For details, hammonshall.com.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s production of “Around the World in 80 Days” continues through December 14th at the Wilhoit Plaza. To learn more, click here.
The Hamels Foundation will host the Diamond in the Rough Casino Night tonight (12/5) at 6 at the Veridian Event Center in downtown Springfield. To find out more, click here.
The Midtown Christmas Victorian Homes Tour is tonight (12/5) from 5 to 9 and tomorrow (12/6) from noon to 5. Tour several historic Springfield homes. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. For ticket information, click here.
Rudolph’s Five & Dime Holiday Bazaar is open again today (12/5) in MSU’s Blair-Shannon Grand Lounge with an auction at noon. All proceeds will go to the Wilda F. Looney Residence Life Leadership Scholarship fund sponsored by the National Residence Hall Honorary. For more information, missouristate.edu.
The Park Central Branch Library’s First Friday Art Talk will feature MSU art history major, Allison Robbins, talking about “Revived Elements and Modern Innovations in American Southwest Pueblo Ceramics” tonight (12/5) at 6.
The First Friday Stroll and Lighting of the Christmas Tree is tonight (12/5) on the West Plains Square. Santa will arrive at 5:30, and the tree will be lit at 7:30.
The MSU ice hockey team is in action tonight and tomorrow night (12/5-12/6) at Mediacom Ice Park. For ticket information, click here.
A wheelchair basketball tournament to benefit an MSU student recently paralyzed in a dirt bike accident will be held today (12/5) from noon to 4 at MSU’s Foster Recreation Center. The cost to register a team of up to five is $50. For details, click here.
Today (12/5) is the last day to turn in cards for military members and veterans who can’t be with their families this holiday season. To find out more, clickhere.
A Christmas Lighting Ceremony will be held tonight (12/5) at 6 at Big Spring Park in Neosho. The Neosho Chamber of Commerce will host "Breakfast with Santa" tomorrow morning (12/6) from 8 to 11 at the Neosho Civic Center. Admission is free. And, the Neosho Christmas Parade starts tomorrow night (12/6) at 5. For more information, click here.
The Ash Grove Branch Library will host a Holiday Open House tomorrow (12/6) from 8:30 to noon for all ages. Stop by for refreshments and crafts and watch the movie, The Polar Express. The Ash Grove Christmas parade will pass by the library during that time. For more information, 751-2933.
The a cappella ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock, will present “Celebrating the Holydays” tomorrow night (12/6) at 7 at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. For ticket information, 836-7678 or hammonshall.com.
The MSU Lady Bears will take on SIU tomorrow night (12/6) at 7:05 at JQH Arena. For ticket information, 836-7678 or hammonshall.com.
The Imagine Concert is tomorrow night (12/6) at 7 at the Gillioz Theatre. It features local bands performing music of John Lennon and the Beatles. Proceeds benefit Women in Need of the Ozarks. For ticket information, 863-7843.
The MSU Hibernotes, a mixed a cappella group, will present their winter concert, “Home for the Holidays,” tomorrow night (12/6) at 7 at the Plaster Student Union Theatre. A Cub Bella will open the concert. Tickets are $4 or two for $7 and can be purchased starting at 6:30 at the event.
Candyland at the Footbridge will be held tomorrow (12/6) from noon to 2 at Center City Church, 1700 N. Benton. Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and will receive small gifts and candy while supplies last. For more information, click here.
The Fair Grove Branch Library will show the Disney nature documentary, Bears, tomorrow morning (12/6) at 11.
See the movie, The Muppet Christmas Carol,” tomorrow afternoon (12/6) at 2 at the Strafford Branch Library.
The Park Central Branch Library’s Weekend Walk-In Theatre will feature the film, “Ratatouille” tomorrow night (12/6) at 6:30, popcorn included. The event is for anyone 13 and older.
The Park Board’s Rivercut, Horton Smith and Bill & Payne Stewart golf courses team up with area courses for an annual PGA Golf Sale. It includes discount golf packages and up to 75-percent off golf merchandise. Hours are: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today (12/5) and 9 am to 5 pm tomorrow (12/6) at 1440 W. Republic Road. For details, 417-833-9962 or 417-891-1645.
A Holiday Train Garden Display, by the Ozarks Garden Railway Society, is at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., through December 31st. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For information, 891-1515.
The German-Austrian-Swiss Historical and Heritage Society of the Ozarks will host a traditional German Advent program and service at 1 tomorrow afternoon (12/6) at the historic St. Peter’s Evangelical United Church of Christ at Pine and Highway 14 in Billings. The service will be followed by a reception in the Church Hall with traditional treats. For details, 744-4397.
The Cassville Christmas Parade will start tomorrow night (12/6) at 6. For more information, Cassville.com
Kids in middle school and their parents will make their own books during the program “Book Arts” tomorrow morning (12/6) from 10 to noon at the West Plains Library.
The West Plains Optimist Club will hold their Arts and Crafts Show tomorrow (12/6) from 8:30 am to 5 pm at the West Plains Civic Center.
The annual St. Paul Lutheran Church Christmas Craft Sale is tomorrow (12/6) from 8 to 4 at 291 Kentucky Ave. in West Plains.
Women with Heart will host a “Chocolate Event” tomorrow afternoon (12/6) at 4. Tickets are $50, and proceeds will benefit OMC Healthcare. For more information, 234-3362.
The Monett Alternative Gift Fair will be held tomorrow (12/6) from 3 to 5 at the Monett YMCA with 22 non-profit organizations participating. It’s a chance to make a donation in the name of a loved one. To learn more, 573-619-7343 or click here.
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center’s Teen Club will meet at the Bois D’Arc Conservation Area to learn to shoot 22-caliber rifles tomorrow morning (12/6) from 9 to noon. To register, 888-4237.
The Imagine Concert to benefit Women in Need of the Ozarks will be held tomorrow night (12/6) at 7 at the Gillioz Theatre. The concert will feature local bands performing music of John Lennon and the Beatles. For ticket information, click here.
The Stars Foundation, a non-profit fine arts school, will present a Winter Dance Concert tomorrow night (12/6) at 7 and the annual Messiah Christmas Concert Sunday afternoon (12/7) at 3 both at Cabool High School. For more information, 254-3168.
The MO State University Pride Band will present the Sounds of Christmas Concert Sunday at 2 at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. A variety of musical ensembles, dance groups and the entire marching band will present this introduction to the Christmas season. Admission is free.
Branson’s 66th annual Adoration Parade and Celebration starts Sunday night (12/7) at 5 in downtown Branson. To view a parade route, click here.
Nixa will hold its Christmas Parade Sunday afternoon (12/7) at 2. For details, 725-5486 or nixachamber.com.
SCT’s Sunday Songbook Series will feature R.H. Silverwood Sunday night (12/7) at 431 S. Jefferson. Tickets range from $8-$15. For details, 831-8001.
A Holiday Gospel Brunch will be held Sunday (12/7) at 10 am at The Old Glass Place in downtown Springfield. The event will feature food, comedy and a live, interactive nativity. Admission is $22.50. For more information, click here.
MSU-West Plains will show the film, The Polar Express, Sunday afternoon (12/7) at 2 at the West Plains Civic Center. Admission is free.
The Ozark Scandinavian Society of Springfield will host Julefest at Cumberland Presbyterian Church on E. Republic Rd. Sunday night (12/7) at 5. Those who attend will decorate a tree with flags from their native country, and there will be music and a smorgasbord. To RSVP, ozarkscandinaviansociety@gmail.com.
The Ozarks Festival Choir and MSU-West Plains Collegiate Chorale will present a holiday concert Sunday afternoon (12/7) at 2 at the First United Methodist Church in West Plains. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
Sounds of the Season, featuring the Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra and Southern Ozarks Youth Orchestra, will start Sunday (12/7) at 2 at the historic Star Theater in Willow Springs. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for kids under 12.
The Chancel Choir of Central Christian Church will present Carols of Christmas, a program featuring the music of John Rutter, Sunday morning (12/7) at 9:30 at the church, 1475 N. Washington. For more information, 869-7241 or centralchristianspringfield.org.
