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EVENTS

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PARKING

CONTACT

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OLD CAPITOL HOLIDAY WALKS

Each year, DSI and all of our unique, locally-owned shops pull out all of the stops for the most magical time of the year– the Old Capitol Holiday Walks!

Thanks to our presenting sponsors, INB and the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, we are excited to offer a month full of holiday cheer that the whole family can enjoy.

Plan your Holiday Walks season using the schedules below.

Premier Sponsor

THANKS TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS

INB

Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln

City of Springfield

Ace Sign Company

Memorial Foundation

Horace Mann

Dave & Val Leonatti

Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance

EVENTS

NOVEMBER 26 – DECEMBER 21

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

MIDWEST SLEIGH RIDES

Enjoy a free, whimsical, carriage ride, courtesy of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, through the sparkling lights and festive sounds of downtown. This holiday season, we’ve put an exciting twist on the beloved horse-drawn carriage rides and replaced the horses with tractors! We know that horses bring a magical presence to the yuletide season, but the cold weather and long hours are extremely hard on them (and the streets). We hope that you’ll embrace this change and join us from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

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 26 | 12-4 p.m.
Saturday, December 3, 10, & 17 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT ON OLD STATE CAPITOL LAWN

Free entertainment presented by local groups and individuals.

Wednesdays at 5 p.m. | Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 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).

FREE SMTD DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE

Make all of your holiday stops easily by hitching a ride on the free downtown shuttle provided by SMTD.

Find the full shuttle schedule and map here.

Saturdays | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WINTER FARMERS MARKET

The Old Capitol Farmers Market continues through the winter months! The December 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 17 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

HOLIDAY TREE PROVIDED BY ACE SIGN CO

View the beautiful tree on the east side of the Old State Capitol Plaza at 6th. Join us for the Christmas tree lighting at 4 p.m. Saturday, November 26 (Small Business Saturday).

ICE SKATING RINK PRESENTED BY SANGAMON CEO

The LRS Ice Rink is an outdoor rink located on the lawn of the Old State Capitol. Sangamon CEO high school students manage the project. Learn more about skate rentals and passes.

When: Wednesday-Friday 5 – 8 p.m. & Saturdays 11 – 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 2 | 4-9 p.m.
Saturday, December 3 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 4 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES & FESTIVITIES

The Illinois State Museum has a full lineup of holiday events and activities. Admission and activities are free.

Children’s Arts & Crafts | Wednesdays 4-7 p.m. & Saturdays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Desserts with the Sugar Plum Fairy | Saturday, December 10 3-5 p.m.
PJ’s & Storytime with Mrs. Claus | Wednesday, December 21 5-7 p.m.

KIDZEUM CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

The Kidzeum at 412 East Adams, is offering two activities that are free with paid admission:

Handprint potholders (first floor); Sock skating rink (third floor)

When: Saturdays 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Wednesday 4 – 7 p.m.

JAYCEES HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE

The Springfield Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade kicks off on Saturday, December 3 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.

LINCOLN LIBRARY BOOK TREE AND CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Lincoln Library (7th and Capitol) is displaying a community book tree and selfie stations along with a variety of activities throughout the holiday season. For more information and the full calendar of library events, click here.

Winter Wonderland Crafts | Saturday, December 17 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ages 5-14.
Library-Wide Scavenger Hunt | Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. & Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. All ages.
Teen Zone | Saturday, December 17 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Teen Winter Cookie Decorating | Wednesday, December 14 6-7 p.m. Grades 6-12.
Silly Sweater Bingo | Wednesday, December 21 3-4 p.m. Pre-K-5, online registration required.

LIGHTED SMTD BUS

The lighted bus will be parked on Washington Street by the Old State Capitol.

Wednesdays & Saturdays 4-7 p.m.

VISIT SANTA AT THE OLD STATE CAPITOL

Saturday, November 26 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1:30-4:30 p.m., 4:30-6 p.m.
Saturday, December 3 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 10 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., 5-7 p.m.
Saturday, December 17 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1:30-4:30 p.m., 5-7 p.m.
Wednesdays 4-7 p.m.

WINTER NIGHTS AT THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

The ALPLM will offer expanded hours with free admission to enjoy the exhibits and performances on Wednesdays & Saturdays from 5-7 p.m.

Ghost in the Library | Wednesdays & Saturdays 5:15 & 6:15 p.m.
Museum Gift Shop | Open until 7 p.m.
Cafe Space & Children’s Activity Tables | Wednesdays & Saturdays 4-7 p.m.

THE NUTCRACKER AT THE ALPLM’S UNION THEATRE

Copper Coin Ballet Company will perform this holiday classic at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum’s Union Theatre. Admission is free, but each performance is limited to 250 guests. Pick up a ticket prior to the show to ensure you get a seat.

Wednesdays & Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.

DANA-THOMAS HOUSE FESTIVITIES

The Dana-Thomas House is hosting a variety of holiday events and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Crafts in the Carriage House | Wednesdays & Saturdays 5-7 p.m.
Cocoa in the Courtyard | Wednesdays & Saturdays 5-7 p.m.
Luminary Nights House Tours | Wednesdays & Saturdays 5, 5:30, 6, & 6:30 p.m.

GOVERNOR’S MANSION TOURS

Take an abbreviated holiday tour of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion on Saturdays at 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m.

OLD STATE CAPITOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Kid’s Craft Corner | Wednesdays & Saturdays 5-7 p.m.
Hot Cocoa Bar | Wednesdays & Saturdays 5-8 p.m.
Gift Wrapping | Wednesdays & Saturdays 5-8 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT ON THE PARKLETS

Enjoy performances by Johnnie Owens on multiple parklets downtown!

Maldaner’s | Wednesday, November 30 at 6 p.m.
J.P. Kelly’s | Saturday, December 3 at 8 p.m.
Maldaner’s | Wednesday, December 7 at 6 p.m.
Anvil & Forge | Saturday, December 10 at 6 p.m.
Buzz Bomb | Wednesday, December 14 at 6 p.m.
Buzz Bomb | Saturday, December 17 at 6 p.m.
Celtic Mist Pub | Wednesday, December 21 at 6 p.m.

RED TICKET GIVEAWAY

Shoppers at participating downtown businesses will receive a Red Ticket for every $20 purchase. Keep your Red Tickets to see if you win in the drawing at the Old State Capitol Plaza on Wednesday, December 21 (Drawing will also be livestreamed). Winning ticket numbers also will be posted on the DSI website at www.downtownspringfield.org. Three numbers will be drawn to receive $1,000, $500, and $250. Prizes must be claimed by Dec. 23 at 5 pm. Call 217-544-1723 if your name is drawn.

RED TICKET WINNERS: