Winter bells Ring in the holiday season with the sound of Bells in Motion. This Saturday, the
progressive handbell ensemble will play classic holiday melodies like The Nutcracker, Carol of Bells and Silent Night. The Springfield-based Bells in Motion is known for jazz-inspired performances,
and for bringing originality to every performance. The 17-member group combines
bells, chimes and drums to create an enchanting sound that is a perfect start
to the holiday season. This year audience members have a chance to win a pair
of gift baskets that include concert tickets and a Bells in Motion CD.
Saturday Nov 29
Bells in Motion
Westminster Presbyterian Church
533 S. Walnut
www.bellsinmotion.org
7 p.m.
$10
Holiday Walks Celebrate the beginning of the holidays with Mayor Tim Davlin as he lights
the the Old State Capital Christmas Tree as a part of the Downtown Holiday Walks
presented by Downtown Springfield Inc., and St. John’s Hospital. The Christmas
tree lighting will include performances by the Sound Celebration Chorus and the
Lincoln Magnet School Choir. The walks continue into the coming weeks with the
popular Santa House where kids can visit Santa and make a Christmas wish.
Patrons can also take photos with reindeer and or relax in a horse
drawn-trolley while listening to perfomances by local music groups. The holiday
walks are the perfect time to browse through the many shops and galleries
during their special evening hours.
Wed. Dec. 3
Tree Lighting Ceremony
5-8 p.m.
Downtown Springfield Holiday Walks
Old State Capital South Plaza
www.downtownspringfield.org
5-9pm, Dec. 3-4, 5-8pm, Dec. 10, 17-18
Free
Hope and jazz The sophisticated sounds of jazz and the joy of the holiday season are a perfect
recipe for an evening with the one you love. This year, the “Hope and Jazz” concert is being held in the spirit of giving with all donations from the event
benefiting the Hope Institute for Children and Families. The show will feature Lincoln Land Community College students Shayla Logan,
Lewis Parrish, Adam Pallai, Reggie Hohenstein and Larry Black performing Shining Star, Yo Tannenbaum, The Look of Love and more. The highlight of the event will be a jazz rendition of “Living for the City,” arranged by Michael Withrow.
Monday Dec.1
Hope and Jazz Concert
First Christian Church
700 S. Sixth St.
217-786-2218
7:30 p.m.
Free
Historic Christmas Go back in time to find out how the Lincolns spent their holidays at a tour of
the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The 20-minute tour includes an
historic look at the holidays. Guests learn what the Lincolns gave each other
for Christmas, the foods they ate and why the Lincolns didn’t have a Christmas tree. The home will be decorated like a traditional 1860s
house with ropes of cranberries, a cloved orange pyramid, poinsettias and more.
Two more homes also have exhibitions. The Arnold Home explores the archaeology
of the Lincoln Home site and the tour of the Dean House covers modifications
that have been made to the houses. Experience the essence of history and the
holidays spent with family.
Wed. Dec 3-Jan 7
Christmas with the Lincolns
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
413 S. Eighth Street
217-492-4241
www.nps.gov/liho/
8:30am-5pm daily
Free. Donations encouraged
This article appears in Nov 20-26, 2008.
