EVENTS

NOVEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 23

Check back here and on our social media for daily schedules of special events to come!

 ABE & MARY LINCOLN SATURDAYS 

Hang out with Abe & Mary in the Tinsley Dry Goods room of the Springfield Visitors Center. They will rotate playing with toys with the children, reading Christmas stories, discussing a day in the life of the Lincoln family, and will be available for interactions and photos.

• Saturday, November 25 | 12-4 p.m. & Tree Lighting
• Saturday, December 2, 9, 16, & 23 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FOOD, DRINKS AND SHOPPING

Downtown Springfield’s locally owned businesses, restaurants and bars will offer unique gifts and special treats throughout the holiday season. The shelves are brimming with gifts that will delight anyone on your list. See the lists of downtown retail, dining and drink establishments here. Several businesses are also participating in the Red Ticket Giveaway (see map and list below).

WINTER FARMERS MARKET

The Old Capitol Farmers Market continues through the winter months! December’s market will be held indoors and outdoors on Union Station. Customers can park for free at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library parking garage.

Saturday, December 16 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING, PRESENTED BY ACE SIGN CO.

Join us for this special downtown holiday tradition! The annual Tree Lighting will cast its glow over the Old State Capitol Plaza to kick off the Holiday Walks season and an entire month of holiday cheer.

Saturday, November 25 | 4 p.m.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Keep your dollars local this holiday season and support downtown businesses when shopping for gifts. Downtown Springfield offers holiday shopping opportunities unlike any other, with a diverse line-up of small merchants. Visit your favorite local business this Small Business Saturday to spread holiday cheer and mark everything off your holiday shopping lists in the heart of downtown. Check out the map of downtown businesses here.

Saturday, November 25 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

ILLINOIS PRODUCTS HOLIDAY MARKET

The Illinois Department of Agriculture’s holiday market will feature a variety of products made in Illinois, along with food, entertainment and children’s activities. More information is available at Illinois Product Holiday Market – Illinois Products Expo.  The market will be on the lot north of the Governor’s Mansion. 

• Friday, December 1 | 4-9 p.m.
• Saturday, December 2 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday, December 3 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

JAYCEES HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE

The Springfield Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade kicks off on Saturday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m. The parade will begin at 7th and Jefferson, head south on 5th Street, go west on Monroe and head north on 6th Street.

HOLLY THE LIGHTED BUS

Holly, SMTD’s Holiday Bus, will make appearances all over the City of Springfield throughout the holiday season. Catch her downtown during the tree lighting ceremony and on Wednesdays evenings!

Saturday, November 25 | 4-7 p.m.

Wednesday 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, & 12/20 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.

VISIT SANTA DOWNTOWN

He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice, he’s gonna be at a different spot downtown every Saturday this Holiday Walks season! Visit Santa from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. every Saturday. Be sure to check the list below for his location.

• Saturday, November 25 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Visitors Center
• Saturday, December 2 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Illinois Products Holiday Expo
• Saturday, December 9 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., | Kidzeum
• Saturday, December 16 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lincoln Library
• Saturday, December 23 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Visitors Center

COPPER COIN BALLET COMPANY’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ AT THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM’S UNION THEATER

Copper Coin Ballet Company will perform selections from ‘The Nutcracker’ in the Museum’s Union Theater each Wednesday and Saturday, beginning December 6 and running through December 23. The performances will take place at 5:30 pm. Reserve free tickets ahead of time here.

DANA-THOMAS HOUSE EVENING HOLIDAY TOURS

The volunteers of the Springfield Civic Garden Club have once again prepared a stunning array of holiday decorations for the Dana-Thomas House. This year, every evening experience will include a 30-minute guided tour featuring the interior decorations, and the exterior of the site will be illuminated with LED candles in the windows and in other areas of the site.

Wednesday 11/29, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, & 12/20 | 4-7 p.m.

Tours every 30 minutes starting at 4 p.m., last tour at 6:30 p.m.

Reserve your spot here.

DANA-THOMAS HOUSE FESTIVE FRIDAYS

On select Friday evenings, your family is invited to join for a 30-45 minute guided experience to see this year’s holiday decorations. Festive Friday evenings will feature additional family fun after your tour, including a fire pit in the courtyard, make-your-own s’mores, hot cocoa, and take-home crafts. Reservations are encouraged.

Friday, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 | 4-7 p.m.

Tours every 30 minutes starting at 4 p.m., last tour at 6:30 p.m.

Reserve your spot here.

LRS ICE SKATING RINK

Ice skating returns to Union Square Park on the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum campus during this year’s Old Capitol Holiday Walks! The students of the Sangamon CEO program will operate the rink on the following dates/times.:

Saturday, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Wednesday, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 | 4 – 8 p.m.

Community volunteers will operate the ice skating rink on the following dates/times:

Wednesday, December 20 | 5 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 23 | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Skate rental for a nominal fee will be available inside Union Station at the ticket counter during skating hours.

Reserve skates online here.

Good luck and merry shopping!