For those of you who have attended Christmas in Collinsville — i.e. it’s  part of your holiday season — you already know the ‘got to get to’ events.

It is for the novices that About Town presents this community service note. There are some places, events and experiences that you don’t want to miss….even or especially if you only have a little bit of time at Christmas in Collinsville this year:

Friday Night: Highlight #1 Leff & Equus

This is not your usual Horse Drawn Carriage Ride. Town Historian, David Leff will contribute just the right perspective to what it was like living in Collinsville during the time of horse drawn carriages. It’s a charming, relaxing tour with a master story teller. Don’t be afraid to ask Leff questions. The man is a fountain of Collinsville knowledge.

Friday & Saturday Nights: Highlights #2 & #3 Gallery 101 on Main

Stop by Gallery 101 on Main, on the 9th, for perfectly roasted chestnuts and a stroll through one of Collinsville’s most interesting and fun art spaces. Gallery 101 Owner, Doug Tubach pushes the entertainment envelope further on Saturday evening (8 p.m.), with the Gallery’s popular "Speakeasy" musical forum. This last Speakeasy of the year, promises to present many of the area’s best musical performers. Very live and in-person.

The Gallery’s Speakeasy nights traditionally end with what has come to be known as the ‘Collinsville Train Wreak’ — a creative outpouring of a music jam. This one should be amazing. Guests are encouraged to bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

Friday Night: Highlight #4 Village Sweet Shoppe

Sugar Plums. They do exist. And, they are "fairy’ good." Village Sweet Shoppe owner Shirley Scarpino wouldn’t think of a Christmas in Collinsville event without them. “They are a really good way to end your evening….one sugar plum in your champagne glass, at the end of the night!”

Here’s the Deal

Gallery 101 Main, LLC, 101 Main St, Collinsville; 860-693-1785.

Village Sweet Shoppe, 5 River St, Collinsville; 860-693-3301.

See full Christmas in Collinsville .pdf schedule attached to this article.