” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”>
The excitement of the holiday season returns with a whirlwind of holiday activities and shopping when the much-anticipated Old Capitol Holiday Walks kicks off on Nov. 25 for Small Business Saturday. You’ll find downtown storefronts of locally owned businesses, restaurants and bars beautifully decorated in traditional and contemporary Kwanza, Hanukkah and Christmas decorations. Inside each you will find the showrooms and shelves brimming with gifts and special treats. Activities for that first day of the walks will culminate at Sixth and Adams streets for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. Santa will be there for the lighting (he wouldn’t miss it for the world), as will Abe and Mary Lincoln.
Whether it’s holiday crafts, games, live performances or winter indulgences, you will be able to find your favorite downtown holiday activities once again this year – a few with new twists.
Holly the Lighted Bus will be downtown on Wednesday evenings, but may pop up anywhere throughout the city at the drop of a hat. Santa, too, decided that he is going to hit the streets and make appearances at several downtown locations each Saturday.
Many places are also caught up in the spirit of cheer and joining in the Holiday Walks with activities and entertainment in the coming weeks for merrymakers of all ages. Performances of The Nutcracker by the Copper Coin Ballet Company at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, kids’ activities at Kidzeum and the Illinois State Museum, tours of the wonderfully decorated Illinois Governor’s Mansion and Dana-Thomas House, not to mention ice skating, holiday markets and fun with Abe and Mary Lincoln – the entertainment list is endless.
This year’s Old Capitol Holiday Walks are made possible by many generous sponsors and hours of teamwork by staff and volunteers. All these efforts have culminated in a season-long symphony of celebratory events that are sure to get kids from 1 to 92 into the holiday spirit. Check the schedule so you don’t miss a minute of the action, then bundle up and step out into this year’s season of sights and sounds and holiday cheer.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AND OLD CAPITOL HOLIDAY WALKS KICKOFF
Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Enjoy decorations for all of the season’s holidays. Many of the unique and charming downtown businesses will be open with extended hours and holiday specials. Shoppers at participating businesses will receive a red ticket for every purchase, giving them a chance to win a cash prize. The Old Capitol Holiday Walks, where you can dine, drink and shop in beautiful downtown Springfield, will continue every Wednesday and Saturday through Dec. 23.
TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, Nov. 25, 4 p.m. It’s now an annual tradition in Springfield to gather around the Christmas tree at Fifth and Adams streets as it is lit to usher in the holiday season. Free.
HOLLY, THE LIGHTED BUS
Saturday, Nov. 25, 4-7 p.m. This festive bus will be downtown at the tree-lighting ceremony and on Wednesday evenings, 4:30-5:30 p.m., through December. You might even catch her making cameo appearances throughout the city during the holiday season.
JAYCEES HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE
Saturday, Dec. 2. Begins at dusk. A dazzling and festive parade with all the spectacle needed to usher in the holiday season. Starts at Jefferson and Seventh streets, proceeding to Fifth to Monroe to Sixth to Washington streets.
ILLINOIS PRODUCTS HOLIDAY MARKET
Friday, Dec. 1, 4-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with local food and goods, live music and a whole lot of holiday cheer. Explore local vendors, participate in special events and enjoy a unique shopping experience. Live entertainment, food and desserts. Y Block, north of the Governor’s Mansion.
WINTER FARMERS MARKET
Saturday, Dec. 16, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 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.
VISIT SANTA DOWNTOWN
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. That jolly guy will be shop hopping around downtown every Saturday, so be sure to check this schedule to learn his whereabouts.
Nov. 25, Springfield Visitors Center, Fifth and Adams streets.
Dec. 2, Illinois Products Holiday Expo, Y Block north of the Governor’s Mansion.
Dec. 9, Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St.
Dec. 16, Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St.
Dec. 23, Springfield Visitors Center, Fifth and Adams streets.
ABE AND MARY LINCOLN SATURDAYS
Saturdays, Nov., 25, 12-4 p.m. and Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Abe and Mary will be playing games with kids, reading Christmas stories and talking about days gone by. You can find them at the Springfield Visitors Center at the corner of Fifth and Adams streets. 800-545-7300.
WINTER NIGHTS AT THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 5-7 p.m. ALPLM will offer expanded hours with free admission to enjoy the exhibits and performances. Catch the Ghost of the Library show, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Cafe space and children’s activity tables, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 4-7 p.m. The Museum Gift Shop will be open until 7 p.m. The Prairie Winds Ensemble will entertain guests touring the “Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois” exhibit. The performances will take place on Saturday, Nov. 25, Wednesday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Dec. 2, between 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. in the Illinois Gallery. The Copper Coin Ballet Company and area dancers will present The Nutcracker on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. Performances are free, but a ticket is required for admittance. 217- 558-8844.
KIDZEUM CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Join in the fun with holiday activities and crafts. Free with paid admission. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. 217-679-2123.
ILLINOIS GOVERNOR’S MANSION HOLIDAY TOURS
See the mansion in all of its holiday finery. The tours are free, but registration is required. Call for the tour schedule and more information, or find the “Illinois Governor’s Mansion: Holiday Walk Experience” on eventbrite.com. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St. 217-210-1020.
ICE SKATING RINK
Wednesdays 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-7 p.m., through December 16. This rink of age-old fun is managed by Sangamon CEO high school students at Union Station. Check the DSI website for info on tickets and skate rental. downtownspringfield.org.
DANA-THOMAS HOUSE FESTIVITIES
The Dana-Thomas House, decked out in holiday style, will be open for 30-minute tours on Wednesday and Friday evenings through Dec. 22. More family fun will be offered on Friday evenings with make-your-own s’mores at the fire pit in the courtyard, hot cocoa and crafts. 217-782-6776.
ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES AND FESTIVITIES
The Illinois State Museum has a full lineup of free family holiday events and children’s crafts and activities. Admission is also free. Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 217-782-7386.
CRAFTS AND STORYTIME
Saturdays, 1-3pm. Through Dec. 16. Join in free, family-friendly fun. No reservations needed. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.