5 Things to Do: Celebrate the season with Christmastime performances, festivals

Here are five things to do this weekend:

Chris Kringle Market: Featuring more than 100 bakers, makers and creators selling all kinds of holiday gifts, the market under the string of lights on Jackson Street along Washington Square and in the Jordan block in the 100 block of West Main Street in Ottawa continues from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Created in the spirit of an open-air German Christkindlmarkt, the Chris Kringle Market features vendors selling all sorts of treats, gifts and handmade items. Santa will be meeting visitors at his house from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Jordan block.

Snowman parade in Ladd, Winter Wonderland parade in Oglesby: There will be more Christmas festivals with parades and family activities this weekend. The Lighted Snowman Parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday on Main Avenue in Ladd as part of the “There’s Snow Place Like Ladd” Ladd Christmas Walk. The parade will begin on North Main Street and end at Ladd Memorial Park. The Christmas Walk from 2 to 5 p.m. will include activities such as visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a petting zoo, trolley rides, a vendor market, treats, crafts and a 4 p.m. performance by the Misfit Elves, among others. The Winter Wonderland parade is set for 5 p.m. Saturday on Walnut Street in Oglesby running east to west. Businesses will be open from 2 to 5 p.m. with treats, crafts, games and specials for the public. The community tree lighting will be at 6:15 p.m. at Senica Square.

The Sparkle of the Season: The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra continues its diamond anniversary celebration with a holiday performance, “The Sparkle of the Season,” at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Ottawa High School Auditorium, 211 E. Main St. The concert will feature holiday classics and musical performances under the direction of IVSO conductor Daniel Sommerville. The Illinois Valley Community College Collegiate Choir and the Ottawa High School choirs will perform Shaw and Bennett’s “The Many Moods of Christmas” and selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” featuring soprano Jenilyn Roether. The concert also will showcase Michael W. Smith’s “Glory Overture” and additional selections by the guest choirs. For tickets and more information, visit www.ivso.org. A post-concert event will be at Tangled Roots Brewing Co. in downtown Ottawa. As part of the partnership, Tangled Roots has crafted a lager called Maestro, infused with a hint of blood orange, to commemorate the IVSO’s 75th anniversary.

TUBACHRISTMAS: The ninth annual concert in the Illinois Valley is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Hall High School, 800 W. Erie St., Spring Valley. The public is asked to bring nonperishable food items to the concert to restock the Hall Township and Illinois Valley food pantries. Performances feature Christmas carols especially arranged for tubas, sousaphones, baritones and euphoniums. Participants of all ages are encouraged to wear festive attire and decorate their instruments in honor of the season and these noble instruments.

On The Air With – “It’s a Wonderful Life:” The Pop-Up Players, a nonprofit theater troupe, in conjunction with the Ottawa Masonic Occidental Lodge 40 will present three performances of the staged radio play presentation. The 90-minute production promises some new twists on the beloved Frank Capra film classic. “It’s A Wonderful Life” is based on the short story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern. The performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Grand Room of the Ottawa Masonic Lodge, 916 Columbus St. There will be no admission charge, but free-will donations are encouraged. All proceeds raised will be donated to local charities.

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