Dec 31 Wednesday
MACOMB, IL- The City of Macomb invites residents and business owners to take part in thesixth annual Tour of Lights. We are looking for local homes and businesses that decorate for theholiday season to submit their addresses, allowing area families to enjoy the festive displays.To participate, please send decorated addresses to sballard@cityofmacomb.com or call 309-575-3015 by Monday, December 1, 2025. “All are welcome to send in an address for the Tourof Lights; it is not limited to just extravagant displays.”, said Marketing and DowntownDevelopment Director, Savannah Ballard.This year, those who wish to view the Tour of Lights will have the opportunity to vote for theirfavorite holiday light display. Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificates will beawarded to the top three displays. A voting link will be provided once all decorated addresseshave been submitted.“This is a wonderful opportunity for those that take time to share the holiday spirit to makesure their efforts are fully appreciated”, said Macomb Mayor Michael Inman. The City ofMacomb annually partners will the Community News Brief to publish the Tour of Lights to bringHoliday Cheer to residents and visitors.
Jan 01 Thursday
The Jacksonville Area Museum’s annual “Building with Brick – The Art of LEGO” exhibit featuring more than 120 entries opens to the public on Wednesday, December 3 and will run through February 28, 2026. The exhibit may be viewed during the museum’s normal hours of operation on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
This fourth-annual exhibit features original and LEGO kit creations from all ages. Prizes based on public voting will be awarded in five categories: Kit Build for all ages, Jacksonville 200th (to commemorate the city’s bicentennial) for all ages, Original Build ages 13 and up, Original Build ages 8 – 12, and Original Build ages 0 – 7.
This exhibit is one of the most popular events each year at the museum. LEGO gift cards worth $100 will be awarded to those receiving the most public votes. Visitors may vote once per day and must do so in person at the museum.
Jan 02 Friday
Jan 03 Saturday
Jan 04 Sunday
Jan 05 Monday
MACOMB, IL- The City of Macomb Office of Downtown Development and Marketing is pleased toannounce the return of the Santa Zephyr Express, now in its eighth year. This holiday tradition ispresented in partnership with AMTRAK and the Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.On Friday, December 5, 2025, Santa will travel aboard the Zephyr from Quincy to Macomb,departing Quincy at 5:30 p.m. and arriving in Macomb at approximately 6:17 p.m. During thejourney, Santa and his helpers will provide complimentary refreshments and distribute a specialgift to riders.One way tickets for the specially decorated train cars will be available for purchase through theCity of Macomb Community Event Calendar beginning Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 8:00a.m. Tickets are $35 per person and include a commemorative “golden ticket.” Availability islimited, and early purchase is strongly encouraged as this event typically sells out quickly.Upon arrival at the Thomas C. Carper Amtrak Station in Macomb, Santa will proceed to the CityHall Community Room, where he will meet with children from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.“The Santa Zephyr Express has become one of Macomb’s most beloved holiday traditions,” saidSavannah Ballard, Marketing and Downtown Development Director. “We are proud to partnerwith AMTRAK and the Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to offer this memorableexperience and to welcome visitors to Macomb as part of the annual Dickens on the Squarecelebration.”
Jan 06 Tuesday
Open Mic Nights are back at Sullivan Taylor. Anyone with musical talent is welcome to preform Tuesday nights from 5-8pm at SulTay! Not preforming? That’s okay! Anyone is welcome to stop by and check out some music, do some homework, hang out with friends, or just grab a late night treat! We thank everyone who’s attended the last few Open Mic Nights and will see you all at the next one ! 🎷🎶 ☕️
Jan 07 Wednesday