Good morning, Peoria.

The Prairie Home Alliance Theater drew national attention by ranking 50th in ticket sales with over 105,600 tickets sold while the Civic Center Arena placed 84th with nearly 109,000 tickets sold (with gross sales of over $6.5 million and $6.8 million, respectively).

Peoria International Airport broke its annual passenger record as the 11-month total reached 741,724 after November brought 62,474 passengers, beating the 2019 mark of 689,416 — officials hosted a passenger appreciation party at the airport.

Menards must pay $4.25 million (with $946,000 for Illinois) as part of a settlement reached by a multi-state coalition over misleading 11% rebate ads.

The home improvement store will update its ad practices and online rebate tracker within 90 days to avoid future price gouging during economic disruptions.

Illinois government offices, banks, postal services and most retail stores will be closed or operate on modified hours on Christmas Day — residents should check local listings for details before running errands.

East Peoria City Council approved Accolade EP Rentals LLC's petition to transform a former nursing home at 500 Centennial Drive into about 50 rental apartments.

Construction will start early in 2026 with first tenants expected late summer (monthly rents from $700–$1,600) as the project aims to serve a variety of residents.

Santa Hat Votive Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create a charming Santa hat votive from clay while enjoying a festive atmosphere.

Jingle and Throw: A Holiday Wheel Throwing Party

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 registration fee — Experience a festive wheel throwing class and create your own holiday masterpiece.

Fused Glass Christmas Ornament Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check website for pricing — Create beautiful fused glass ornaments perfect for holiday decor or heartfelt gifts.

Tic-Tac-Toe Board Hand Building Class for Kids

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own ceramic tic-tac-toe board and pieces in a fun, hands-on clay experience.

Squishmallow Clay Creation Class

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost not specified — Unleash creativity by crafting your own Squishmallow-inspired clay buddy in this fun hand-building class for kids.

Jingle and Throw: A Holiday Wheel Throwing Party

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create your own festive pottery masterpiece in a fun holiday-themed wheel throwing class.

Jake Jaeger Headlining Debut

8-9:30 p.m. — Jukebox Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Central Illinois’ rising star and friends post-holiday.

Bubble Bowl Clay Hand Building Class

12:30-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost details not provided — Create a unique bubble bowl using fun hand-building techniques in a welcoming environment.

Winter Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 AM - 4 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not provided — A creative 2-Day camp where kids ages 6 and up learn hand building and wheel throwing techniques in ceramics.

Winter Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not specified — Kids explore ceramics through hands-on projects in a fun winter camp.