Boasting sumptuous period designs, spellbinding stage effects, one of the world's most iconic scores, and some of the United Kingdom's fiercest dance talents, the 2016 performance of the Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker will be available for online viewing December 16 and 17 through the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries, the presentation of this holiday staple by Britain's flagship ballet company made possible by the statewide collaboration Illinois Libraries Present.

A two-evening celebration of the Swedish tradition based on the legend of Saint Lucia, Queen of Light, the 2023 Lucia Nights Festival in Bishop Hill will, on December 8 and 9, deliver a seasonal treat featuring live music, a barn dance, a chili supper, a tree-lighting ceremony, carriage rides, and more.

On December 9 and 10, one of the Quad Cities' most adored holiday traditions returns to Davenport's Adler Theatre when the professional talents of Ballet Quad Cities perform Tchaikovsky's holiday dance classic The Nutcracker, this eagerly awaited family experience boasting choreography by Artistic Director Courtney Lyon, live musical accompaniment by Orchestra Iowa, a cast of 60, and the return of popular guest artist Domingo Rubio, the longtime portrayer of the company's dancing Dracula.

A Broadway-style presentation centered around an infusion of contemporary circus arts, the touring sensation Cirque Dreams Holidaze lands at Davenport's Adler Theatre on December 13, delivering an exciting seasonal production filled with new sets, scenery, and storylines sure to put a twinkle in the eye of every member of the family.

Delivering a blend of comedy, music, and improv that's both familiar and like nothing seen before, entertainer Michael Leahy brings his alter ego Clownvis to Davenport's Raccoon Motel on December 13, this singular figure having toured with Insane Clown Posse, Neil Hamburger, and Mac Sabbath, and boasting a stage act that was lauded by L.A. Weekly as "better than the real Elvis."

An avidly anticipated holiday tradition returns to Augustana College from December 9 through 15 when the John Deere Planetarium hosts the week-long presentation Season of Light, a fascinating and beautiful holiday presentation hosted by the college's planetarium director and professor of physics and astronomy Dr. Lee Carkner.

Delivering a a thought-provoking conversation about mental health in anticipation of the winter holiday season, a New York Times bestselling author and co-host of the Dear Therapists podcast will present a special virtual program on December 6 presented by the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries, with Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb made possible by the statewide collaboration Illinois Libraries Present.

Inviting audiences to feel the beat of the drum, experience the hypnotizing power of dance, and enjoy the rhythm of music, the gifted dancers and committed educators of Native Pride Productions enjoy a December 3 through 9 tenure as guests in Quad City Arts' Visiting Artists Series, the group's four public performances demonstrating and sharing the cultural history, traditions, ways, beliefs, and spiritual importance of indigenous peoples.

In the eagerly awaited return of a seasonal Quad Cities tradition, visitors can experience the wonders of a classic Victorian holiday season in Moline's unique Deere-family homes through 19th Century Christmas, the Butterworth Center's and Deere-Wiman House's annually beloved December 3 event boasting litany of yuletide treats including live music performances, interactive tours, make-and-take activities, refreshments, and, of course, a special visit by Santa Claus.

Beloved for her colorful, detailed depictions of a wide variety of animals and human cultures ranging from Scandinavia to Africa, children's-book author Jan Brett will visit the Davenport Public Library's Eastern Avenue Branch on December 2, her area appearance courtesy of Prairie Lights Book occurring in tandem with the grand opening of the library's new Enhanced Children’s Area.

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