Over the course of two Saturdays in December, local United Church of Christ churches will show off their Christmas trees, twinkling lights, nativity scenes and poinsettias as they play host to the Advent Pilgrimage tours.

As attendees stroll through a total of 10 of the area’s most beautiful and historic churches, they will enjoy a progressive dinner.

Each church will provide one course of the meal as they showcase the architecture, historical relevance and holiday splendor of their church. The merriment continues on the shuttle bus available to transport guests to each stop along the tour.

These holiday dinner tours are hosted by Region Two, Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ. Pilgrimages will be held on Saturday, December 8 and Saturday, December 15 with a different route to five churches each night.

Enjoy holiday decorations and refreshments at each of the following locations:

Saturday, December 8
1 p.m. Appetizers at Zion UCC-St. Joe, 4202 Kaskaskia Rd., Waterloo, IL 62298
2 p.m. Salad at St. John UCC, 1208 Franklin Rd., Maeystown, IL 52256
3 p.m. Soup at Zoar UCC (New Hanover), 9103 D. Rd., Columbia, IL 62236
4 p.m. Finger Sandwiches at St. Paul UCC, 127 N. St. Paul St., Columbia, IL 62236
5 p.m. Dessert at Christ UCC, 200 S. Third St., Dupo, IL 62239

Saturday, December 15
1 p.m. Appetizers at St. John UCC 504 Hickory St., Evansville, IL 62242
2 p.m. Salad at St. Peter UCC 415 Madison St., Red Bud, IL 62278
3 p.m. Soup at Friedens UCC, 240 E. Monroe St., Hecker, IL 62248
4 p.m. Finger Sandwiches at St. Paul UCC (Floraville), 100 Koerner St., Waterloo, IL 62298
5 p.m. Dessert at St. Paul UCC 200 N. Main St., Waterloo, IL 62298

Tickets are $20 to attend one dinner or $30 to attend both dinners. Kids 12 and under eat free, although an advanced reservation is required.

For an additional $5 per day/per person, attendees may ride a shuttle to each of the locations. The shuttle departs from St. Paul United Church of Christ in Waterloo at 12:30 p.m. on December 8 and 12:15 p.m. on December 15.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Kathy at 618-304-0952.