Now thru December 23 - “Adventures of Tom Sawyer” @ The Reperatory Theatre of St. Louis. Curtain times are Tuesday at 7 pm; Wednesday–Friday at 8 pm; selected Wednesday matinees at 1:30 pm; Saturday matinees at 5 pm; selected Saturday nights at 9 pm; Sunday matinees at 2 pm; and selected Sunday evenings at 7 pm. Ticket prices start at just $16 (previews) and $19 (regular performances). To purchase, visit The Rep Box Office, located inside the Loretto-Hilton Center, charge by phone by calling (314) 968-4925, or visit The Rep’s Online Box Office at http://www.repstl.org.

Now thru December 25 - CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND, Rock Spring Park on College Avenue, Alton, Monday through Friday, 6 to 9 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 5 to 9 pm. See more than 2.5 million lights adorning trees and lighting displays throughout the park. Visitors are sure to be captivated by the holiday spirit. A special walk-through night (no cars allowed) will be held the first Monday after Thanksgiving. Carriage rides will be available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with advanced reservations. The cost of carriage rides is $25 for the first person and $5 for each additional. Reservations for carriage rides can be made by calling Greattings Horse Farm at (618) 458-6986. General admission for Christmas Wonderland is a suggested donation of $7 for cars and small vans, or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. For more information, call 1-800-258-6645 or (618) 465-6676.

Now thru December 30 – U.S. Bank Wild Lights @ the Saint Louis Zoo, Fridays thru Sundays thru December 11 and daily on December 16-23 and 26-30, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, admission to Wild Lights is $5 per person; $4 for Zoo Friends members (no passes). Children under two are free. Reservations are not required. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.stlzoo.org/wildlights. Groups of 15 or more may receive a group rate by calling (314) 781-0900, ext. 4709 in advance.

Now thru January 2 - GARDENLAND EXPRESS HOLIDAY FLOWER AND TRAIN SHOW TO CELEBRATE ‘THE GIFTING TREE’ @ Missouri Botanical Garden, $5 (ages 3 and up), in addition to regular Garden admission ($8 adults; $4 St. Louis City/County residents; free children ages 12 and under). Free for Garden members. www.mobot.org; (314) 577-5100, closed Christmas Day).

Now thru January 7 - The Sheldon Art Galleries presents Ralston Crawford and Jazz in the History of Jazz Gallery and Gallery of Photography.  Gallery hours are Tuesdays, Noon – 8 pm.; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, Noon – 5 pm.; Saturdays, 10 am. – 2 pm. and one hour prior to Sheldon performances and during intermission.  Admission is free.  For more information on the exhibition, visit the galleries’ website at www.thesheldon.org/galleries.

Now thru January 15, The Saint Louis Art Museum, Focus on the Collection: Expressionist Landscape. The exhibition brings together a dozen German Expressionist drawings and prints from the Museum’s permanent collection. Visit http://www.slam.org/education/printstudy.php for more information.

December 1 - Behavior & Communication Teleconference is a FREE program from the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis Chapter directed towards people caring for those suffering from dementia. This FREE teleconference educates caregivers on triggers for certain behaviors like resistance to care, anxiety, wandering and aggression. This program allows caregivers to discover more effective ways to connect with their loved ones from the comfort of their own home, 2 to 4 pm. Caregivers just need to pick up the phone on the day of the teleconference and listen to the class. Call- in information and materials for the program will be sent upon completion of registration. Please note that this program is not appropriate for people with dementia. Preregistration is required. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Register online at www.alz.org/stl, or call 800-272-3900.

December 1 - Game Night @ the Jewish Community Center. Join us for dinner at 5pm and Game Night with all your favorite board games starting at 6pm. The program is located in the dining room in Covenant I, 10 Millstone Campus Dr. and the suggested contribution for dinner is $3.50.  Call Erin Whitham at 314-442-3149 for more information and to make a reservation.

December 1 thru 4 – “A Christmas Carol” @ The Fabulous Fox Theatre.

December 2 – Find Out Fridays “Update on Legislation Issues” @ Tower Grove Manor on South Grand, Speaker, Charlie Amen, Attorney, Purcell and Amen, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C., 8 to 9:30 am, RSVP to Purcell and Amen @ 314-966-8077.

December 2 thru January 21 - “Size Matters - Smaller is Better” - an All-Media Show by Local and Regional Artists, Where the Size of the Artwork is Critical. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Norton's Fine Art & Framing is located at 2025 S. Big Bend Blvd halfway between Highway 40/64 and Manchester Road. Regular gallery hours are 10am – 6pm. Tuesday through Saturday. Sundays December 4, 11, 18 the gallery is open 1 – 4pm. There is plenty of free parking. For more information contact Ty or Mary Norton at 314-645-4040 or visit www.NortonsFineArt.com.

December 2 and 3 - The Foundry Art Centre will host the annual "Big Red Box" event, a show and sale of gift holiday items. The "Big Red Box" Show and Sale is in its sixth year and is a great event for family fun and shopping. More than 20 juried artists from the Best of Missouri Hands organization will present the show, which will also feature free gift-wrapping, entertainment and refreshments. The "Big Red Box" Show and Sales hours are from 4:00-9:00 pm on Friday, December 2; and 10:00 am until 5:00 pm on Saturday, December 3.This event is FREE and open to the public, and Foundry Art Centre members receive a 10% discount. For more information about the "Big Red Box" Show and Sale featuring the Best of Missouri Hands artisans, please contact the Foundry Art Centre at 636-255-0270 or visit the website at www.foundryartcentre.org.

December 3 – Women's Army Corps Veterans Association Christmas Party @ Helen Fitzgerald's on S. Lindbergh, 11:30 to 2, lunch will be served @ noon, for further information or to RSVP contact Gail Lee @ 314-503-3029.

December 3 - Babes in Toyland, the local Laurel and Hardy movie club meeting @ Mei Hua Chinese Restaurant, 9626 Olive, dinner is at 6:30 pm (buffet $12); films begin at 7:30 pm. Call Bill at 314-402-7635 for further information or visit www.stlouislaurelandhardy.org. The public is invited to attend.

January 3 thru 15 – “La Cage Aux Folles” @ The Fabulous Fox Theatre.

December 5 - Alzheimer’s Association Support Group, FREE for family, friends and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s, related dementia or memory problems, offering confidential gathering led by a trained professional or volunteer. Attendees can also learn more about dementia, research and help that is available in their community, 3 pm @ Adult Day Center at the J, located at 2 Millstone Campus Drive, Arts and Education Building, St. Louis, MO 63146. Please call Maggie Menesee 314-442-3245 or Patti Kirschbaum 314-442-3261 to confirm the meeting date and time and for more information about the care services provided for people with dementia during the meetings. For additional information about the disease, family support or research, visit the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis Chapter web site at www.alz.org/stl, or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

December 6 thru 18 – “Christmas with the Rat Pack – Live at the Sands” @ The Fabulous Fox Theatre.

December 7 - What’s Up Wednesdays - “Health Care Reforms.” @ Villages of St. Peters, Speaker, Mary Wanner, Probate Paralegal, Purcell and Amen, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C - RSVP to Purcell and Amen @ 314-966-8077.

December 7 - Estate Planning Myths - Why Most Estate Plans Fail and What to Do About It, 10:00 -11:30 am or 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the Law of Purcell and Amen, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. 10805 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 100, St. Louis, MO. This is a free Seminar for the public. Please PSVP: 314-966-8077.

December 8 - Listen and sing-a-long while fifteen banjo players strum all of your Tin Pan Alley favorites at Concordia Turner Hall, 6432 Gravois at 7:30 pm, FREE, lively music played on "America's Fun Instrument." Contact us for further details. For more information, call 314-842-3185 or visit www.stlouisbanjoclub.org.

December 9 – AARP University City/Clayton #4048 will be celebrating Christmas @ U City Library, 6701 Delmar, 2nd floor, 11 to 2 pm, for more information call Minnie @ 636-227-9497.

December 10 - The Sheldon presents Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul “An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas,” at 8 pm in the perfect acoustics of the Sheldon Concert Hall. Celebrate the holidays with Eileen Ivers, one of today's pre-eminent Irish fiddlers! Tickets for Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul are on-sale now! Tickets are $35 orchestra/$30 balcony. Call MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or visit www.TheSheldon.org. For more information, contact The Sheldon during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm.

December 11 – Musical Christmas Celebration at St. Marcus Church, Russell & McNair, 2:00 pm, free, fellowship & refreshments to follow.

December 11 - “Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour 2011” - 10 AM TO 5 PM, tickets can be purchase online @ www.lafayettesquare.org or call 314-772-5724 from December 5 to 9, $15 in advance, $20 day of tour.

December 14 – St. Louis Hills AARP #2450 Christmas Party plus installation of officers @ Chris' Pancake & Dining, 5980 Southwest, meeting @ 11:30 am, lunch to follow, for more information call Kathy @ 314-638-4878.

December 20 - Grief and Loss Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital, is comprised of people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. There is no charge for this service. We invite you to join us in the Bridgeton Trails Library, 3455 McKelvey Road. Rm. 2, at 11:30 am. For more information please call 314-344-6873.

December 20 thru 24 – “Beauty and The Beast” @ The Fabulous Fox Theatre.

December 21 - Medicaid and Veterans Benefits Eligibility: How to Pay for Long Term Care without Going Broke, 10:00 -11:30 am and 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Law Office of Purcell and Amen, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. 10805 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 100, St. Louis, MO. This is a free Seminar for the public. Please PSVP: 314-966-8077.

December 21 – Covenant House Bell Choir Concert @ the Jewish Community Center. Join us for dinner at 5pm, sponsored by Covenant House Management, starting at 6pm. The program is located in the dining room in Covenant I, 10 Millstone Campus Dr. and the suggested contribution for dinner is $3.50. Call Erin Whitham at (314) 442-3149 for more information and to make a reservation.

December 21 - Alzheimer’s Association Support Group, FREE for family, friends and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s, related dementia or memory problems, offering confidential gathering led by a trained professional or volunteer. Attendees can also learn more about dementia, research and help that is available in their community. The second meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 pm. at Adult Day Center at the J. Please call Maggie Menesee 314-442-3245 or Patti Kirschbaum 314-442-3261 before attending. For additional information about the disease, family support or research, visit the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis Chapter web site at www.alz.org/stl, or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

December 21 - Alzheimer’s Association Support Group, Memory Loss, FREE for family, friends and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s, related dementia or memory problems, offering confidential gathering led by a trained professional or volunteer. Attendees can also learn more about dementia, research and help that is available in their community. The third is a memory loss group and meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 pm. at Adult Day Center at the J. located at 2 Millstone Campus Drive, Arts and Education Building, St. Louis, MO 63146. Please call Maggie Menesee 314-442-3245 or Patti Kirschbaum 314-442-3261 before attending. For additional information about the disease, family support or research, visit the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis Chapter web site at www.alz.org/stl, or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

December 22 – Hanukah Celebration @ the Jewish Community Center. Join us for dinner at 5pm and a concert with singer Marcia Goldberg starting at 6pm. The program is located in the dining room in Covenant I, 10 Millstone Campus Dr. and the suggested contribution for dinner is $3.50. Call Erin Whitham at (314) 442-3149 for more information and to make a reservation.

December 26 - Alzheimer’s Association Support Group is a FREE, confidential gathering led by a trained professional or volunteer. Support groups provide opportunities for people to discover they are not alone, whether they feel happy, sad, angry, confused or anything in-between @ Alexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village, located at 4005 Ripa, 63125, 3 pm. contact Sandra Jones at 314-544-1111. For additional information about the disease, family support or research, visit the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis Chapter web site at www.alz.org/stl, or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

December 27 - Alzheimer’s Association Support Group is a FREE, confidential gathering led by a trained professional or volunteer. Support groups provide opportunities for people to discover they are not alone, whether they feel happy, sad, angry, confused or anything in-between @ Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, 7663 Watson, 63119, 1:30 pm, contact Cheryl Woodruff @ 314-962-7501. For additional information about the disease, family support or research, visit the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis Chapter web site at www.alz.org/stl, or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

December 27 - Alzheimer’s Association Support Group is a FREE, confidential gathering led by a trained professional or volunteer. Support groups provide opportunities for people to discover they are not alone, whether they feel happy, sad, angry, confused or anything in-between @ Delmar Gardens South, 5300 Butler Hill Rd, 63128, 7 pm, contact Darlene Coats @ 314-842-0588. For additional information about the disease, family support or research, visit the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis Chapter web site at www.alz.org/stl, or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

December 28 - Bob Coleman’s Legacy Big Band “Sinatra Hit Parade” @ The Sheldon Concert Hall, 2 pm. Tickets are available through MetroTix 314-534-1111 or 1-800-293-5949, www.metrotix.com

December 31 - St. Louis’ largest, most creative New Year’s Eve celebration reaches mythical proportions for its 20th anniversary. From 6 p.m. to midnight, First Night® - St. Louis brings the magic of this year’s theme “Xanadu” to Grand Center with music, dance, magic, comedy, activities for all ages and two fireworks displays to greet 2012. Attracting thousands of people from all over the region and even across the country, First Night® – St. Louis is an indoor/outdoor visual and performing arts festival on the streets and within more than a dozen venues in Grand Center, celebrating the coming of the New Year. Admission buttons to FIRST NIGHT® - St. Louis go on sale in December and are $5 for children and $10 for adults. Several area businesses have partnered with First Night® to offer buttons at a pre-event price of $4 for children and $8 for adults. The community partners include: all area Dierbergs, select Schnucks locations and new this year, a collection of independent book stores, record stores and coffee shops throughout St. Louis: Left Bank Books, Subterranean Books, Dunaway News, Euclid Records, Vintage Vinyl, Park Avenue Coffee, Pudd’nhead Books, The Book House, and Main Street Books in St. Charles. Children 5 and younger are free. For more program information, visit www.firstnightstl.org or www.grandcenter.org.