Here are 3 things to do for the weekend of Dec. 13-15, 2024, curated by WGLT's Lauren Warnecke. You can find more coverage on our Datebook - Arts & Music page or by subscribing to WGLT's Weekend Scoop email newsletter, which goes out every Friday.
Eat pancakes in your jammies: Throw a coat over your PJs for a special breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There’s a pancake buffet, photo ops with the big guy, and hot cocoa bar, plus the best part: Toys for Tots will be on hand taking donations for their holiday toy drive. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday at Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center; tickets $10-$25 (kids 3 and under are free) at 309-862-8016 and eventbrite.com. More breakfast: Santa will be brunching Saturday at Miller Park Zoo and Rader Family Farms, too.
Level up while shopping downtown: Supplement two downtown holiday markets with boozy lunch at Mystic Kitchen. Tiered pricing gets you a curated wine tasting or bellini bar, plus soup, salad and dessert. 12-3 p.m. Saturday; $5-$15 at the door.
Two words: Sleigh Ride: Illinois Symphony’s annual Holiday Pops in the Heartland features soprano Vanessa Becerra, who crossed paths with ISO music director Taichi Fukumura in Fort Worth before returning to the Midwest. Fukumura led the orchestra in last year’s delightful holiday pops as part of his tryout, memorable for his jovial presence on the podium and playful audience interaction. 7:30 p.m. Saturday at ISU Center for Performing Arts; tickets $30-$70 at 309-438-2535 and ilsymphony.org.
