Wednesday, 12/4. Peoria Magazines presents the 2019 Women of Influence Forum, “The Power of Diversity & Inclusion,” at the Par-A-Dice Hotel, featuring breakfast, breakout sessions, featured speakers and more. 309tix.com

Thursday, 12/5 thru Sunday, 12/8. More than 750 nativities will be on display at the Peoria Area Community Festival of Nativities, featuring special guest live artist, Liz Lemon Swindle. communityfestivalofnativities.com

Friday, 12/6. Downtown Pekin celebrates Christmas on Court with the annual Christmas tree lighting, carriage rides, scavenger hunt, holiday music, business open houses and a visit from Santa. pekinchamber.com

Friday, 12/6. Discover unique gifts created by local artists at the Peoria Art Guild’s Crimson Door Holiday Sale from 5 to 9pm. peoriaartguild.org

Saturday, 12/7 & Sunday 12/8. Visit unique, beautiful homes in Peoria’s historic districts, as well as the Scottish Rite Cathedral and Theatre at the Peoria Historical Society’s Holiday Home Tours. 309tix.com

Wednesday, 12/11. The Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois presents the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics at The Warehouse on State, highlighting businesses that go above and beyond to do the right thing. RSVP by calling (309) 670-1186.

Saturday, 12/14. Pianist Tony Roberts and special guests, along with several Peoria performers, present Christmas Cabaret at the Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts. thebettyjayne.com

Saturday, 12/14. The Santa Cause 5K is a family-friendly race event for all ages. Registration includes a five-piece Santa suit and a collectible Christmas ornament. peoria.org/santa5k  

Friday, 12/13 thru Sunday, 12/15. The Peoria Area Civic Chorale presents An American Family Christmas at Five Points Washington on December 13 and 14, while An American Family Christmas Gala will take place at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on December 15. peoriacivicchorale.org

Sunday, 12/15. The Apollo Theater’s Holiday Sing-A-Long with Edith Barnard and Wes Sedrel starts at 2:30pm, followed by a viewing of the holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. Call (309) 673-4343 for more information.

Saturday, 12/21. The Midtown Men, reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys, will ring in the Christmas season with their Holiday Hits show at Five Points Washington. fivepointswashington.org

Tuesday, 12/31. Peoria Players Theatre presents A Ring-A-Ding-Ding New Year, a musical revue from the songbook of Frank Sinatra and other greats. The performance includes a complimentary hors d’oeuvres buffet at intermission. peoriaplayers.org

Tuesday, 12/31. Ring in the new year with food, drink and performances by Marcia Henry Liebenow, the Judy Page Project and Strat & Strad at the PSO New Year’s Eve at The Twelve Bar in Peoria Heights. 309tix.com

Tuesday, 12/31. Have a roaring good time raising funds for the Peoria Heights Arts Collaborative at “Fellas & Flappers,” the Roaring ‘20s-themed New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at the Scottish Rite Theatre. 309tix.com

Tuesday, 12/31. PNC Bank will sponsor the New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown at the Peoria Civic Center starting at 2pm, culminating with a NOLA-style parade at 5:30pm and a ball drop at 6pm. Better Built will then host the official NYE Countdown celebration, featuring the Joe Stamm Band and another ball drop at midnight. peoriaciviccenter.com PM