As the “most wonderful time of the year” approaches, thoughts of family, friends, festivities, and fun take center stage.

“Springfield is a great place during the holiday season,” said Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau marketing manager Amy Beadle. “From product markets and Santa himself, to performing arts and shopping galore, there is something for everyone throughout the city.”

Many of the usual events will take place along with some changes. “The Old Capitol Holiday Walks will look a little different this year,” said Beadle, “but rest assured the shops, restaurants, sites, and attractions are all ready to celebrate and see visitors and residents alike.”

The Old Capitol Holiday Walks, which kicks off on Small Business Saturday, happens Nov. 25-Dec. 23 on Wednesdays and Saturdays and feature special offerings from unique, locally-owned shops. The Saturday holiday walks are from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Wednesdays are from 4-7 p.m.

During the walks, the Red Ticket Giveaway is in place. Shoppers can earn one red ticket for every purchase at a participating business. Final drawing for cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 will be on Dec. 15. Check out Downtown Springfield Inc. online at https://downtownspringfield.org or its Facebook page for details.

Here are more holiday happenings:

Dana-Thomas House tours

Celebrate the holiday season by taking an evening tour of the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site.

The 30-minute tours take place Wednesdays and Fridays through Dec. 20 and highlight more than 40 interior holiday designs and four trees decorated by the Springfield Civic Garden Club. All tours – which start every half hour from 4 to 6:30 p.m. – will begin at the front door along Lawrence Avenue.

Reservations through Eventbrite are strongly recommended. All tours are free but donations that support local historic sites are welcome.

Downtown Springfield tree lighting

The Downtown Springfield tree lighting will take place on the Old State Capitol Plaza at 4 p.m. on Nov. 25. Before the lights come on, visit with Abe and Mary Lincoln at the Springfield Visitors Center from 12-4 p.m. and Dec. 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Lincoln actors will play with children, read Christmas stories, and discuss a day in the life of the Lincoln family. They also will be available for photos.

“To find where Santa will be, check out the Visit Springfield Holiday Events blog and look for code SC,” said Beadle. “Be sure to look for Holly, the SMTD holiday bus, throughout the season. You can find information on the blog as well. Check back often as the blog is updated daily as new partner events and happenings are confirmed. Make www.visitspringfieldillinois your go-to resource for all things Springfield.”

Light up the Gables

Light up the Gables again will host a celebrity tree lighting on Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. There will be carols by the Christmas tree, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider served by the fire.

Board the Polar Express

“The Polar Express Pajama Party” takes place Nov. 25-26 at The Legacy Theatre. Young travelers will be greeted by conductors and served hot cocoa by white-gloved train waiters. They also can take advantage of craft and activity stations before screening the movie “The Polar Express.” After the movie, snow will magically fall inside the theatre as the special guest from the North Pole arrives, said the Legacy’s Scott Richardson. A keepsake jingle bell and a photo with Santa are included.

Christmas movie classics “A Wonderful Life” will be shown on Dec. 15 and “White Christmas” on Dec. 16. Go to www.atthelegacy.com for details.

Free Christmas concert

The Sound Celebration Chorus will present their third annual free Christmas concert, at 2 p.m., on Nov. 26 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., Springfield. The organization of women sing a capella music in the barbershop style.

Santa arrives in Elkhart

The village of Elkhart gets in the spirit of the season on Dec. 1 with its second annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Veterans’ Park at Main and Governor Oglesby streets. Festivities get underway at 5 p.m. with Christmas caroling, hot chocolate,and cookies. Santa arrives at 6 p.m., to officially light the village tree.

Music at the Hoogland

The stage at the Hoogland Center for the Arts will be busy during the holidays.

The Springfield Theatre Centre presents the stage version of the musical “Holiday Inn” Dec. 1-10. The Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus concert “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is Dec. 1-2. Mark Gifford and Damien Kaplan return for another year of the “Dual Piano Christmas” on Dec. 15-17.

The Capital City Improv’s sixth annual “Ha Ha Holiday Show” is Dec. 16. The “Sinatra and Friends Christmas Show” starring Las Vegas impressionist Robbie Howard will be presented Dec. 22-23. Visit www.hcfta.org or call (217) 523-2787 for tickets.

Holiday parade

Springfield Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade is on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. The Jaycees have presented the parade for more than 70 years. The parade steps off on Jefferson Street and loops around the Old State Capitol to Fifth Street to Monroe Street and then to Sixth Street. The first parade was staged in 1949 and has been held continuously since 1972.

Craft fair in New Berlin

The Jubilee Farm holiday craft fair is Dec. 1-3 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Jubilee Farm, Creative Arts Center in New Berlin. Shoppers can enjoy an array of sewing, knitted, crocheted woven items, pottery, gift baskets, beadwork, Christmas decorations, and more. Find details at https://jubileefarm.info/events/event/2023-holiday-craft-fair/

Two groups perform the Nutcracker

Holiday classic The Nutcracker will be performed by two ballet companies this season.

The Copper Coin Ballet Company performs Dec. 2-3 at UIS Performing Arts Center and Wednesdays and Saturdays through Dec. 6-23 at the Abraham Lincoln President Museum.

The ALPLM performances begin at 5:30 p.m., in the Union Theater. The ballet and museum admission are free during these evenings, but seats must be reserved in advance on the ALPLM website’s events page. 

The Springfield Youth Performance Group also dances the ballet Dec. 2-3 at 2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Griffin Auditorium. There are two shows on Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Dec. 3 performance is at 2 p.m.

For 30 minutes before each show, the Nutcracker’s Workshop inside the lobby will host fun activities.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children and can be purchased online.

Caroling and jingle bells at the Carillon

Caroling at the Carillon and Jingle Bells Spectacular is 3-5 p.m. on Dec. 10. Gather around a roaring bonfire for this family-friendly event and sing Christmas carols accompanied by the music of the Carillon. The jingle bells spectacular starts at 3 p.m. with snacks and drinks. Caroling will be at 4-4:50 p.m. and Christmas tree lighting at 5:20 p.m.

Activities are free but donations will be accepted.