Our annual Winter Guide has an overview of holiday happenings around town, a preview of upcoming theater and dance performances, a look back at Christmas celebrations 50 years ago and suggestions on ways that adults and kids alike can give back to the community this season, plus an expanded calendar of holiday activities.
Get the whole family involved in giving back
Supporting our community during the holidays reaps benefits for everyone. Here are some opportunities to donate, serve and give back during the month ahead. Springfield area Micropantries Food scarcity is a major issue all of the time, but especially during the holidays, and particularly in 2025. Many of our readers are already aware of micropantries,…
What to see this winter
The cold, dark days of winter may be upon us, but area stages will be merry and bright with plenty of music, dance and theater shows to keep us entertained. Here’s a sampling of what we have to look forward to for the next few months. Bye Bye Birdie A loving send-up of 1950s small-town…
Enjoy Christmas Traditions in St. Charles
If you are longing for a nostalgic holiday experience devoid of blow-up Santas, crammed retail stores and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” played endlessly on the radio, look no further than St. Charles, Missouri. The historic city’s Christmas Traditions festival runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. Visitors will find unique holiday characters strolling…
Christmas 1975: Bell bottoms and the Boss
Fifty years ago was a rocky time for America. While then-President Gerald Ford dealt with fuel’s dwindling supplies and increasing prices (drivers waited hours at gas stations), he survived two assassination attempts, extended tax cuts and hailed the metric system. The latter fared as well as the Vietnam War. Former Teamster president Jimmy Hoffa disappeared…
Mapping merriment
From the west side to downtown and beyond, area businesses and organizations are preparing for this season with cheerful events, shopping and nostalgic traditions for the whole family. We’ve charted a complete winter route with a little something for everyone this yuletide season. WHITE OAKS MALL WINTREE WONDERLAND If it’s been a while since you…
Winter events calendar
NOVEMBER Edwards Place Guided Tours Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1, 2pm. Through Dec. 21. A guided tour through the newly restored areas. See the authentic Lincoln courting couch from the parlor of the Ninian Edwards home where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd were married. Springfieldart.org. Adults $5, children 10 and younger free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700…
This article appears in November 27-December 3, 2025.
