Saturday, November 29th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 29th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Twenty year old Peoria native Elizabeth Hanley is reviving the Yule Like Peoria event downtown as she partners with the city to bring back the holiday tradition after the pandemic slowed it down. Thirteen local businesses will offer crafts, free treats, and a passport program — visitors can earn prizes while supporting the Midwest Food Bank. 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Indoor Golf Shop offered Black Friday deals with savings up to $3,400 on simulators, launch monitors — and practice mats to help golfers practice at home during winter. Shoppers in Peoria can still take advantage of these deals through Cyber Monday, Dec. 1. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Peoria’s Northwoods Mall hosted its 51st Black Friday with large crowds checking out new stores including Artworks of Nature and Q-Tones Music while mall GM Julie Revallo said shoppers preferred trying on gifts in person. Families enjoyed doorbusters, a dance team performance and photo opportunities with Santa—focusing on a traditional holiday shopping experience. 25 News Now
- ➤ Local Peoria shop owners worry that a forecasted winter storm may reduce the 40% extra foot traffic they normally enjoy today on Small Business Saturday—a day that is key to keeping their businesses afloat. Some owners say they may extend the event to next weekend if the storm hinders customer visits. 25 News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ AMC Theatres reported that big crowds have filled theaters during Thanksgiving week in Central Illinois as films like Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t bring families together—staff expect steady numbers through the long weekend. 25 News Now
- ➤ Peoria Heights’ Soderstrom Family Castle is offering Christmas tours from Dec. 7 to Dec. 21 so visitors can explore antique rooms, festive décor, and a medieval door entrance. Local musicians will perform with a pianist, madrigal group, and violinist while guests enjoy refreshments and a free Glühwein snowman mug — making the experience extra special. 25 News Now
- ➤ The 138th Santa Claus Parade started Friday morning in downtown Peoria with over 60 holiday entries including floats, marching bands and visits from Santa and Mrs Claus. Retired meteorologist Chuck Collins served as grand marshall while longtime parade chair Susie Stockman said her 38 years as Mrs Claus has made the event a cherished local tradition. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria Riverfront Museum has displayed a 75-foot Christmas tree donated by Dan and Kathy Becker that required careful work to lower it downtown—workers even had a man ride inside the tree to help it pass under power lines. The couple will attend a reception on December 2nd at the museum before festivities start at 6 p.m.—the tree will be lit at 6:30 and decorated with 44,000 LED lights for the holiday event. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Counselor Jason Woodford from the Antioch Group said therapy calls rise as holiday gatherings near and advised Peoria residents to follow a routine, drink plenty of water, and take short breaks to ease stress. He also recommended limiting alcohol and being patient with family tensions—advice that aims for 'good enough' rather than perfection. 25 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Fighting Illini will play Northwestern Wildcats today at Gies Memorial Stadium at 6:30 p.m. CT—Fox will air the game and Fubo provides a free trial for streaming. Pekin Daily Times
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Thanksgiving Wheel Throwing Class
2-5 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 for one piece, additional creations for $15 each — Craft festive pottery while enjoying a playful Thanksgiving-themed class.
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Crushed Glass Trees Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Create stunning crushed glass trees while enjoying a community art experience.
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Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three glass pieces — Create unique blown glass ornaments in a fun, hands-on workshop.
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Christmas Tree Fused Glass Dish Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check website for pricing — Create a festive glass dish perfect for holiday treats and discover your artistic side.
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Textured Clay Mug Hand Building Fundraiser
1-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — 10% of ticket sales support Toys for Tots — Create a unique clay mug while giving back this holiday season.
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Santa’s Little Makers Clay Day Camp
12-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fees apply — Kids create three unique clay gifts while experiencing the joy of giving this holiday season.
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Family Fun Ornament Painting Party
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 per ornament — Paint holiday ornaments and create lasting family memories in a festive atmosphere.
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Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop
1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three ornaments — Create beautiful glass ornaments in this fun and hands-on workshop.
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Tiny Tidings Acrylic Painting Class
1-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Drinks available for purchase — Create a charming winter scene featuring a moose in a red scarf while sipping warm drinks.
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Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three pieces — Create your own colorful blown glass orbs in a fun and guided workshop.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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