NOVEMBER
This Is Our Culture Fundraising Event
Fri., Nov. 15, 7-10pm. Experience West African-inspired appetizers, interact with Sierra Leonean culture and help orphans in this fundraiser for the Hope Orphan Home in Sierra Leone. Includes an interactive gallery showcasing each child’s journey, a replica fishing boat exhibit and partake in our auction showcasing artisan-made pieces. hopeorphanhome.org. $50. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.
Edwards Place Guided Tours
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1, 2pm. Through Dec. 21. A guided tour through the restored areas. See the authentic Lincoln courting couch from the parlor of the Ninian Edwards home where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd were married, and a piano that was likely played at their wedding. springfieldart.org. Adults $5, children 10 and younger free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Lincoln Championship (Cheer & Dance)
Sat., Nov. 16, 9am-5pm. Cheer and dance championship open to all-star, rec and school cheer teams. americheer.com. Price varies. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 614-898-1000.
Junior Historians: Expression Through Sculpture, Richard Hunt
Sat., Nov. 16, 9:30-11:30am. A sculpting class for children in partnership with the Springfield Art Association. Participants will look at the sculptures on display in the Richard Hunt exhibit, get a sculpture lesson get to try their hand at creating their own sculptures. Limited seats. Reserve seats soon. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Kick Off Party
Sat., Nov. 16, 10am-1pm. Attend the 2024 Red Kettle Kick Off Party for The Salvation Army and enjoy a hot chocolate bar, face painting, prizes, music and opportunities to support the Springfield and Sangamon County Corp. Sponsored by Molina Healthcare Inc. and Scheels. See the Facebook page for more info. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-679-9174.
All Access: A Show for Every Body
Sat., Nov. 16, 2-4pm. Join Our Stage/Our Voices artist-in-residence Steve Sykes as he hosts a showcase of talented artists with disabilities, both visible and invisible. Themes of disability and inclusion will be explored and celebrated. $10. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Documenting the Edwards Trace
Mon., Nov. 18, 6-7:30pm. Luke Moore will present his research on the Edwards Trace, a 3,000-year-old trail used by the Native Americans and early pioneers traveling from the Kaskaskia area to present-day Peoria. Portions of the trail are still visible including one near Lake Springfield. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Bird Feeding in Different Types of Habitat
Thu., Nov. 21, 6-7:30pm. Wade Kammin of Wild Birds Unlimited will discuss how habitat can affect the types of birds that can be attracted to yards and feeders and how changes in habitat management may affect birds. Hosted by Springfield Audubon Society. springfieldaudubon.org. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-899-6150.
Junior Naturalists
Sat., Nov. 23, 10am-12pm. A hands-on nature exploration program for children ages 5 to 8. The topic twill be arctic animals. Sign up for individual sessions or all three. Parents welcome. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111.
Senior Naturalists
Sat., Nov. 23, 1-3pm. This hands-on nature exploration program is for children 8 to 12. The topic will be arctic animals. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111.
Santa at White Oaks Mall
Saturdays, 10am-8pm and Mondays-Fridays, Sundays, 11am-7pm. Through Dec. 23. Make a magical memory with Santa Claus at White Oaks Mall. Find him in the Grand Court beneath the Giant Christmas tree, where he is ready to hear your wishes and pose for a family photo. Santa arrives Nov.15. For hours or to reserve a window of time, visit WhereIsSanta.com. Walk-ups welcome. Photo packages available. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Joe Bonamassa
Tue., Nov. 26, 8-10pm. Joe Bonamassa is hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and named by Guitar World Magazine as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. uis.edu. $49-$149. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Santa Night
Fri., Nov. 29, 5-7pm. Santa will greet youngsters in the museum’s 19th century carriage barn, located at 219 E. Woodlawn, Clinton. In addition, Woods Photography Studio will be taking pictures, so bring the little ones or the entire family for a holiday photo. Photo purchase is optional. chmoore.homestead@gmail.com. Free. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, 219 E. Woodlawn St., 217-935-6066.
Holiday Zoo Lights
Starts Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 14. Stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of lights and themed lighted displays, a hot chocolate on your stroll or hang out under the tent to enjoy a s’more after roasting a marshmallow over the fire pit. $5.50-$7.50. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-585-1821.
“Christmas Fantasy” – Candlelight Tours
Fri., Dec. 6, 5-8pm, Fri., Dec. 13, 5-8pm and Fri., Dec. 20, 5-8pm. Through Dec. 20. The Homestead and museum will be decorated in full Victorian splendor, illuminated by candles and filled with music. Tours open to the public. $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-18 and ages 5 and under free. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, 219 E. Woodlawn St., 217-935-6066.
Small Business Saturday Holiday Market
Sat., Nov. 30, 9am-4pm. Event will feature 70 vendors selling hot food, baked goods, clothes and accessories for the whole family, homeware, gifts, candles, coffee, alcoholic beverages and more. Includes entertainment from the Springfield Youth Performance Group, Dayna’s Dance Revolution, Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra and more. Santa, Bluey and Bingo will attend and there will be a children’s corner with crafts and activities. $5, 12 and younger free. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-391-4302.
Christmas at Sugar Creek Vendor Fair
Sat., Nov. 30, 10am-3pm. This fair, now in its 15th year, features more than 50 vendors. Bring a non-perishable food item for the local pantry. Includes book and bake sales. Free admission. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, Chatham, 1022 New City Road, 217-725-4359.
2024 Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Sat., Nov. 30, Wed., Dec. 4, Sat., Dec. 7, Wed., Dec. 11, Sat., Dec. 14, Wed., Dec. 18 and Sat., Dec. 21. Once again, DSI and downtown’s unique, locally-owned shops will pull out the stops for this most magical event of the year – the Old Capitol Holiday Walks. Downtown Springfield, 217-544-1723.
DECEMBER
FSMB Christmas Bazaar
Sun., Dec. 1, 8am-4pm. Enjoy the day and tons of shopping at this event. Find boutique items, jewelry, art, photography, soaps, lotions, coins, toys, home and garden decor, sewn and crocheted items, vintage, antique, collectibles, furniture, floral, wood, metal, produce and more. Visit with alpacas or even adopt a pet from the mobile adoption team. Enjoy delicious fair “fare” such as mini donuts and kettle corn along with homemade cinnamon rolls, cookies, fudge, pies and more. $5. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Pet Photos with Santa
Sun., Dec. 1, 7-8pm. Pets love Santa Claus, too. Bring that furry friend for a fantastic photo. Event is held after regular mall hours and entry is on the lower level through the door between Macy’s and Esporta. Photo packages available. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Sensory-Friendly Visit Times
First Sunday of every month, 9-11am. Through Dec. 1. Lights and noises are turned down to make the museum more comfortable for visitors with sensory differences so they can explore and discover the galleries at their own pace. Headphones are available for loan. kidzeum.org. Admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.
Dear Evan Hansen
Mon., Dec. 2, 7:30-9:30pm. This is the first musical to take a groundbreaking look at our complex, interconnected and social media-filled lives. Evan Hansen is a high school student who always feels like he’s on the outside looking in. uispac.com. $30-$159. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Holiday Arts and Craft Fair
Fri., Dec. 6, 10am-3pm, Sat., Dec. 7, 10am-3pm and Sun., Dec. 8, 10am-3pm. Enjoy the creative artistry in hand-crafted items from local artisans including jewelry, wall art, personal care products, fiber art, pottery, beadwork, Christmas decorations and more. Delicious homemade bakery goods will be available until sold out. Bring your own bag and get a free cookie. Bring an unwrapped gift to share with Dominican Literary Center students’ families. Visit the Facebook page for suggested items. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.
Christmas in the Park
Fri., Dec. 6, 4-8pm. Family-friendly, indoor-outdoor Christmas village event in the Loami Village Square. It will include vendors, food, music, hot cocoa, carriage rides, Santa and fun. Free. Loami Village Square, Loami, 104 S. Main St., 217-624-3111.
Cookie walk
Sat., Dec. 7, 9am-12pm. Annual event offering a wide assortment of homemade cookies, Christmas cookie baskets and items for sale. First Congregational Church, 2100 S. Bates Ave., 217-546-7170.
Christmas with Santa
Sat., Dec. 7, 10am-3pm. Visit with the old elf himself and enjoy some wintertime treats like hot chocolate. clayville.org. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430.
Christmas at Elmwood
Sat., Dec. 7, 1-4pm. Event features dulcimer music, Christmas crafts, homemade Christmas cookies, cocoa and coffee, Santa in the conservatory and more. Adult to 16, $5, ages 15-2, $3. Historic Marbold Farmstead, Greenview, 21722 Illinois 29, 217-341-8293.
Hot Chocolate Bar & Santa Meet and Greet
Sat., Dec. 7, 1pm. Santa’s coming to town, or rather Hilltop Nursery. Save the date. hilltopnursery.net. Hilltop Nursery and Landscaping Co., Sherman, 4739 S. Williamsville Road, 217-629-7506.
“The Nutcracker”
Sat., Dec. 7, 2-4pm and Sun., Dec. 8, 2-4pm. Experience Clara’s magical dream in this timeless holiday classic that has enchanted audiences for generations. Performed by a talented company of more than 100 local dancers of the Copper Coin Ballet Company. $25-$45. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Holiday Lights Parade
Sat., Dec. 7, 5:30pm. Begin the season with this lighted parade organized by the Springfield Jaycees. The parade will travel west on Jefferson Street starting at Seventh Street, turn south on Fifth Street, turn east on Monroe Street, north on Sixth Street and end at Sixth and Washington streets. Bring that festive gear and join the Jaycees to ring in the holiday season. Free. Downtown Springfield, Downtown.
Caring Santa
Sun., Dec. 8, 9-10:30am. Caring Santa is a sensory-friendly Santa experience making the holiday season more inclusive and enjoyable for families with special needs. The event takes place prior to White Oaks Mall opening to limit stimulation. Includes activities including free rides on the A.L. Express train. Enter through the White Oaks door between Macy’s and Esporta. Reservations preferred but not required. www.WhereIsSanta.com. Photo packages available. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Frostbite Festival 10-mile and 2-mile Race
Sun., Dec. 8, 9am-12pm. The 61st annual Springfield Road Runners Club Frostbite Festival 10mi & 2mi Race course is set in west-side neighborhoods, rolling hills and scenic country. Shirt deadline is Nov. 10. Hosted by AMF Springfield Lanes. Both races start at 9am. Register online. srrc.net/frostbite. AMF Springfield Lanes, 2660 W. Lawrence, 217-787-6111.
Caroling at the Carillon
Sun., Dec. 8, 3-5:30pm. Enjoy a warm fire, singing voices and the sound of the Carillon playing Christmas Carols. Enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate afterward. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-306-1838.
Candlelight Christmas
Fri., Dec. 13, 5-9pm and Sat., Dec. 14, 3-9pm. Experience the sights and scents of Christmases long ago in the candlelit historical buildings. If you catch a chill from the nippy weather, warm up by the crackling fire in the stone fireplace. clayville.org. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430.
Holiday Cookie Walk
Sat., Dec. 14, 8am-12pm. Here’s a chance to load up on some holiday homemade cookies, candies and treats. Cookies $8 per pound and candy/treats $12 pound. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 217-546-4631.
Cookie Walk, Raffle and Christmas Gift Gala
Sat., Dec. 14, 8:30-11am. Find homemade cookies, candy and bread available for sale as well as a raffle and vendors. Santa will be available for photos. Free-will offerings for photos will be donated to Holy Family Food Pantry. St. John Vianney Church Activity Center, Sherman, 902 Saint Johns Drive, 217-741-4066.
1850s Community Carol Sing
Sat., Dec. 14, 6-7pm. Travel back in time to the 1850s this Christmas season and join Abraham and Mary Lincoln for special music, worship and a carol sing. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
The Prophecy Show – A Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Sat., Dec. 14, 8pm. This is the 18th touring season of an extravagant Christmas musical production. This powerhouse group of classically trained musicians comes together to create nothing short of an electrifying evening of holiday rock music. $49-85. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
This article appears in Winter 2024 November 2024.
