Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria grocery stores, including Aldi, Costco, Hy-Vee, Kroger, Target and Walmart, will be closed on Christmas Day while offering reduced hours on Christmas Eve.

Local shoppers should complete their holiday runs early + verify store times in advance.

Barnes & Noble will open 60 new stores nationwide in 2026 — including potential sites in Illinois — following over 60 2025 openings such as its Naperville location, with details still being worked out.

Gas prices in Peoria dropped by 7.7 cents a gallon last week, averaging $2.85 on Monday (GasBuddy reports) and remain 30.7 cents lower than last month as the decline continues ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Gas prices this holiday season vary across local counties—AAA reported a national average of $2.86, with some areas charging up to $3.30 and others as low as $2.53.

Travelers are advised to plan fuel stops carefully for the best savings during holiday trips.

Peoria Public Schools has chosen two finalists for the superintendent position and will hold town hall meetings on Tuesday, Jan.

6 and Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the Administration Building (3202 N. Wisconsin Ave) to let the community meet the candidates before a final decision is made.

Journal Star nominated local high school girls in basketball and wrestling for Athlete of the Week for Dec.

15 to 20 and urges readers to vote on pjstar.com/sports before the poll closes at noon Friday.

High school boys basketball tournaments start today with games scheduled across the Peoria area + neighboring towns, including Princeville, Macomb-Western and Pekin Insurance events set through Dec.

30. Teams will play at local venues as part of the statewide holiday tournament schedule.

Nominees for the Journal Star boys athlete of the week for Dec.

15-20 presented by CEFCU include standout performers from Illini Bluffs, Dunlap and Canton. Voters can cast their picks online at pjstar.com/sports before the poll closes at noon Friday.

Eighteen players and two coaches from local high schools have been chosen for the 52nd Shrine All-Star football game, scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20 at Tucci Stadium on Illinois Wesleyan’s campus in Bloomington.

The selections highlight strong local representation.

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.

Winter Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — $35 — A creative escape for kids to explore pottery with hands-on guidance.

Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three pieces — Learn to blow glass and create unique ornaments in this fun, hands-on workshop.

Fused Glass Snowmen Workshop

2-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee for snowman creation — Create personalized fused glass snowmen while enjoying festive snacks and drinks.

Valentine's Day Prints Pop-Up

12-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $25 deposit towards custom artwork — Create personalized pottery pieces in time for Valentine’s Day.

Coffee @ the Clubhouse

10 AM – 12 PM — Shore Acres Clubhouse — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and treats while taking in beautiful views with friends.