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 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Winter Wednesdays and Festive Fridays
Fri., Nov. 29, 4-7pm, Wed., Dec. 11, 4-7pm, Wed., Dec. 18, 4-7pm and Fri., Dec. 20, 4-7pm. Experience the magic of the holidays. Tours run every 15 minutes from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Eventbrite registration recommended. Free. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.
Jacksonville Christmas Parade
Fri., Nov. 29, 6-7pm. Begins at lot across from municipal building and will complete two laps around downtown square before ending at Santa’s House. Downtown Jacksonville.
Santa Night
Fri., Nov. 29, 5-7pm. Santa will greet youngsters in the museum’s 19th century carriage barn, located at 219 E. Woodlawn St., Clinton. Bing the little ones or the entire family for a holiday photo. Photo purchase optional. Chmoore.homestead@gmail.com. Free. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, 219 E. Woodlawn St., 217-935-6066.
Holiday Zoo Lights
From Nov. 29 through Dec. 14. Stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of lights and themed lighted displays, a hot chocolate or hang out under the tent to enjoy s’mores. $5.50-$7.50. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Shore Drive, 217-585-1821.
Light up the Gables
Fri., Nov. 29, 5pm. Annual holiday event with the lighting of the tree by celebrity guests and special events. thegablesofspringfield.com.
Santa at White Oaks Mall
Saturdays, 10am-8pm and Mondays-Fridays, Sundays, 11am-7pm. Through Dec. 23. Make a memory with Santa Claus at White Oaks Mall. Find him beneath the Christmas tree, where he is ready to hear wishes and pose for a family photo. For hours or to reserve a window of time, visit WhereIsSanta.com. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
“Christmas Fantasy” Candlelight Tours
Fridays from Dec. 6 through Dec. 20, 5-8pm. The Homestead and museum will be decorated in full Victorian splendor, illuminated by candles and filled with music. Tours $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-18 and ages 5 and younger free. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, 219 E. Woodlawn St., 217-935-6066.
Ugly Sweater Sports
Sat., Nov. 30. Wear that ugly Christmas sweater and jump into the competition. Features archery, soccer, bocce and bags. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.
“Make”-ing Memories
Saturdays – Nov. 30, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, 1-3pm. In this all-ages event, participants will create festive holiday cards and ornaments. Register on Eventbrite.com. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.
Small Business Saturday Holiday Market
Sat., Nov. 30, 9am-4pm. Event will feature 70 vendors selling food, baked goods, clothes and accessories for the whole family including 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. $5, 12 and younger free. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-391-4302.
St. Nicholas at Christmas Mart
Sat., Nov. 30, 9am-3pm. Meet St. Nicholas at this third annual event. Event includes a sketch artist, fun and candy. stpaulspringfield.com. Free. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., 217-953-2286.
Creative Reuse Marketplace Holiday Pop-up Market
Sat., Nov. 30, 9am-3pm and Sun., Dec. 1, 11am-3pm. Rather than fight through the lines, look through the amazing array of holiday decor and crafting materials during this Black Friday weekend holiday market. The Frank and Linda Vala Dream Center of Sangamon County, 1480 N. Fifth St., 217-685-9375.
Santa House at Robin Roberts Stadium
Sat., Nov. 30, 9am-12pm and Sun., Dec. 1, 12-4pm. Make memories this holiday season and get a picture with Santa himself. Free. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-753-2800 ext. 2001.
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. Free admission. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, Chatham, 1022 New City Road, 217-725-4359.
Abe and Mary Saturdays
Saturdays, 12-6pm. Through Dec. 7. Abe and Mary will be playing games with kids, reading Christmas stories and talking about days gone by. Springfield Visitors Center, 1 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 800-545-7300.
The Polar Express Pajama Party
Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Everybody in their jammies as The Polar Express steams off on a journey to the North Pole. Join the party before the show. Two shows on Nov. 30. atthelegacy.com. $15 advance; $20 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Sat., Nov. 30, 4pm, Sun., Dec. 1, 4pm, Mon., Dec. 2, 4pm, Tue., Dec. 3, 4pm, Wed., Dec. 4, 4pm, Thu., Dec. 5, 4pm and Fri., Dec. 6, 4pm. 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. Free. Downtown Springfield, Downtown, 217-544-1723.
Adams Street Bar Crawl
Sat., Nov. 30, 3-8pm. Eat and drink, sip and shop, enjoy the Downtown Holiday Walk and support small business on Small Business Saturday. Visit Ad Astra, Bloom and Buzz Bomb for fun activities and drink specials. Price varies. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St.
Tree lighting
Sat., Nov. 30, 4:30pm. Join this Springfield tradition to gather around the Christmas tree at Fifth and Adams streets as it is lit to usher in the holiday season. and the Downtown Holiday Walks. Free. Downtown Springfield.
Visit Santa Downtown
Saturdays, 12-6pm and Wednesdays, 4-7pm. Through Dec. 21. Tell Santa what you would like for Christmas, hand him your list or just stand at a distance and wave hello. Old State Capitol Plaza, Washington Street between Fifth and Sixth streets.
DECEMBER
FSMB Christmas Bazaar
Sun., Dec. 1, 8am-4pm. Find boutique items, jewelry, art, photography, soaps, lotions, coins, toys, home and garden decor, sewn and crocheted items and more. $5. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Polar Express
Sun., Dec. 1, 11am-2pm. The Polar Express is chugging into White Oaks Mall for a fun-filled family event. Lots of activities such as face painting, ornament making and coloring. Enjoy some cocoa and visit Mrs. Claus for a special gift when you bring a stuffed animal to donate. Santa will be there, too. Train tickets are $5 cash. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
World AIDS Day Commemoration and Tree Lighting
Sun., Dec. 1, 3:30-7:30pm. Join Fifth Street Renaissance at the AIDS Memorial Labyrinth in Lincoln Park to honor all of those individuals, partners, families and friends whose lives have been affected by HIV. The Wellness on Wheels mobile service will be on site.
Dear Evan Hansen
Mon., Dec. 2, 7:30-9:30pm. This musical takes 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.
Springfield Civic Garden Club
Mon., Dec. 2, 9am. Local floral designer Monica Marmon will present “Supermarket Floral Designs,” demonstrating how to use supermarket flowers to make floral designs. Guests are welcome. Scgc-il.org. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 South Walnut St., 217-899-3283.
“Absence and Presence”
Wed., Dec. 4, 5:30-8:30pm and Fri., Dec. 6, 5:30-8:30pm. Explore the abandoned Cliff Hotel in downtown Springfield. This unique event will allow for a glimpse into a remarkable architectural, historical and visual treasure in downtown Springfield which is owned and maintained by the Kidzeum. Dec. 4 event requires RSVP at kidzeum.org. Includes charcuterie, beverages, curator’s talk and admission to Kidzeum. Members free. New guests $25. Dec. 6 event is free and no RSVP is required.
Statehood Day Commemoration
Tues, Dec. 3, 10am-8pm. Presentations on state history throughout the day by various speakers to mark the state’s 206th anniversary. Symposium free to public but registration required. Call to register. Deadline for luncheon has passed. Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 217-525-2781.
Taste of ISM: The Female Codebreakers That History Forgot
Wed., Dec. 4, 12-1pm. Elizabeth Smith Friedman, Genevieve Grotjan, Frances Steen and many more women deciphered some of the most challenging coded messages in the world. Discover the hidden stories of these amazing cryptographers who changed the course of history. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Free. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-782-5955.
Holiday Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Wed., Dec. 4, 5:30-7:30pm. The SAA Collective Gallery will receive a holiday makeover, featuring a variety of gift-worthy items created by local artists. Refreshments will be provided. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 105 N. Fifth St., 217-544-2787.
2024 UIS Visual Arts Annual Silent Auction
Thu., Dec. 5, 5:30-7pm. The gallery’s annual silent auction and benefit features a diverse collection of original art, reproductions, decorative objects and crafts donated by artists and community supporters. The auction is open online through 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Artworks will be on display for in-person viewing Dec. 2-5 at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery. A final bidding reception will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5. uis.edu. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506.
Ordinary Folk Lecture Series #3
Thu., Dec. 5, 6-7:30pm. Brian Mitchell will talk about local history in this lecture about the 19th Century African American Community. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
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. 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, 104 S. Main St., 217-624-3111.
Elkhart Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Fri., Dec. 6. 5:30pm. Begin the holiday season with festivities, caroling and a visit from Santa who will lead a countdown to light the tree. Veterans’ Park on Main Street, Elkhart,
Santa House at Funshop
Fri., Dec. 6, 5-8pm, Sat., Dec. 7, 9am-12pm and Sun., Dec. 8, 12-4pm. Make memories this holiday season at the Santa House. Snap a picture with Santa. Free. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800 ext. 2001.
Dana-Thomas House Foundation Holiday Reception
Fri., Dec. 6,5:30-7:30pm. Special holiday preview of the house featuring music, food, cash bar beverages and more. Foundation members $50, guests $60. Reservations requested by Nov. 30. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.
Christmas in Chatham + Friday Night Activities and Events
Fri., Dec. 6, 5:30-8pm and Sun., Dec. 8, 9am-12pm. A two-day event filled with free family activities in and around Village Square Park. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and the tree lighting takes place. Free. Village Square Park, Chatham, 101 North Main Street, 62629, 217-390-9964.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Dec. 6-7, 7pm. Enjoy some seasonal favorites, both religious and secular, presented by the Land of Lincoln Chorus during its 7th annual concert. hcfta.org. Adults $18; adults over 60 and students $16; children age 12 and younger $12. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
RENT
Dec. 6-7, 7:30pm, Sun., Dec. 8, 2pm, Dec. 13-14, 7:30pm and Sat., Dec. 14, 2pm. RENT follows the ups and downs of a year in the life of a group of starving artist bohemian friends living on Avenue A in New York Ciy in the late 1980s. Presented by Springfield Theatre Centre. hcfta.org. $22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Alternative Holiday Fair
Sat., Dec. 7, 8am-2pm. Shop exotic fair-trade goods from developing countries like trinkets, housewares, baskets and more. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd., 217-523-5212.
Christmas Market
Sat., Dec. 7, 9am-3pm. Stroll through this historic mansion and Becker Library and discover unique gifts from local artisans, enjoy seasonal treats from cottage bakers, “make and take” crafts, get a photo with The Grinch, have some cocoa and enjoy live music. See the Facebook page for more info. $5 (ages 13+), $1 (ages 4-12). Brinkerhoff Mansion, 1500 N. Fifth St., 217-361-5555.
Jazz Café – UIS Music
Fri., Dec. 6, 7pm. The UIS Jazz ensemble under the direction of Bill Mitchell will perform its end-of-semester concert in this UIS Jazz Cafe show. $10, $5 for faculty and students. Uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, One University Plaza, Springfield. 217-206-6160.
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.
Tater Tot Holiday Rock
Sat., Dec. 7, 10am. Presented by Kristi Lecocq and Micah Walk. Favorite kids classics, oldies, current (kid-appropriate) pop/rock tunes, as well as several original compositions. hcfta.org. $10. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
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 State Hwy 29, 217-341-8293.
Holiday Open House
Sat., Dec. 7, 1-4pm. See Edwards Place in its holiday finery while listening (and singing!) carols around a piano once heard by Abraham Lincoln and meeting a Civil War-era Santa Claus. Refreshments will be provided. springfieldart.org. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
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 more than 100 local dancers of the Copper Coin Ballet Company. $25-$45. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
The Nutcracker
Sat., Dec. 7, 2-3, 6-7pm and Sun., Dec. 8, 2-3pm. Begin the holiday season with SYPG’s production of The Nutcracker Ballet. Watch dancers perform original choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s classic musical suite. Arrive 30 minutes before each show for fun activities in Nutcracker’s Workshop. Refreshments and merchandise will be available. sypgfoundation.org. $25 adult; $15 child. SHG Dominican Hall Theatre, 1200 W. Washington St.
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. Free. Downtown Springfield.
Springfield Choral Society Presents: Handel’s Messiah
Sat., Dec. 7, 7:30pm. A 90-voice chorus will join forces with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra to bring this timeless masterpiece to life, the “Hallelujah” chorus echoing within one of Springfield’s most spectacular venues. Tickets sold online or at the door. springfieldchoralsociety.org. $20 or $35 organ loft. Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., 528-7521.
UIS Music Solo Recitals
Sat., Dec. 7, 6 and 7:30pm. Features performances by UIS students enrolled in individual instrumental lessons, and students of the UIS Community Music School and the UIS String Academy. $5. Students and faculty free. uispac.com. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, Springfield, 217-206-6160.
Washington Park Botanical Garden Winter Holiday Floral Show
Dec. 7-8, 12-5pm, Dec. 9-13, 12-4pm, Dec. 14-15, 12-5pm, Dec. 16-20, 12-4pm and Dec. 21-22, 12-5pm. Step into a world of 500 radiant poinsettias nestled among lush fresh evergreens and vibrant tropical foliage. Perfect for all ages. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Caring Santa
Sun., Dec. 8, 9-10:30am. This sensory-friendly Santa experience makes 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 train rides. Enter through White Oaks door between Macy’s and Esporta. Reservations preferred but not required. www.WhereIsSanta.com. Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217/787-0110.
Frostbite Festival 10-mile and 2-mile Race
Sun., Dec. 8, 9am-12pm. Annual Springfield Road Runners Club Frostbite Festival 10mi & 2mi Race course is set in west-side neighborhoods, rolling hills and scenic country. Both races start at 9am. Register online. srrc.net/frostbite.
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.
Brown Bag Concert
Wed., Dec. 11, 12:15-12:45pm. This free lunchtime concert during Advent features the vocal trio of Nichol DelGiorno, Diane Dietz and Becky Kemp. Lunch available for $5 or bring your own. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. 7th St., 217-528-4311.
Holiday Paper Boxes and Poppers
Wed., Dec. 11, 5-8pm. Join an amazing master paper artist to learn how to make fun paper holiday boxes as well as a quick and easy confetti poppers for New Years Eve. All materials provided. $10. SAA Collective Gallery, 105 N. Fifth St., 217-544-2787.
Jingle Bell Bash
Fri., Dec. 13, 11:30am-12pm. Join other seniors for holiday punch, treats and a visit from Santa. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Elijah Iles House holiday open house, tours
Fri., Dec. 13, 4:30-7:30pm and Sat., Dec. 14, 4:30-7:30pm. Celebrate the holiday season at Springfield’s oldest home as residents would have in the 1850s. The home will be decorated for Christmas and candlelight tours will be available during two open houses. Live music and refreshments. Free. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 217-494-0640.
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.
Santa House at Iles Park
Fri., Dec. 13, 5-8pm, Sat., Dec. 14, 9am-12pm and Sun., Dec. 15, 12-4pm. Make memories this holiday season at Santa House and snap a picture with Santa. Free. Iles Park, Sixth and Ash streets, 217-753-2800 ext. 2001.
Susan Lawrence Dana: A Great Lady Lived Here
Fri., Dec. 13, 7-8pm and Sat., Dec. 14, 4-5pm. Leigh Steiner brings Susan Lawrence Dana to life in this captivating performance. Adapted and directed by Kevin Purcell. Registration on Eventbrite required. Free. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.
Holiday Pops in the Heartland
Fri., Dec. 13, 7:30pm. With the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras, Springfield Choral Society and Springfield Youth Performance Group. Features Taichi Fukumura, music director, and soprano Vanessa Becerra. uispac.com. $30-$70. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Kringle Market
Sat., Dec. 14, 11am-4pm and Sun., Dec. 15, 12-3pm. Celebrate the season at this holiday craft market filled with unique, handcrafted treasures and festive cheer. Features handmade crafts and gifts from talented local artisans. connshg.com. Vinegar Hill Mall, 107 W. Cook St., 217-522-3123.
Holiday Cookie Walk
Sat., Dec. 14, 8am-12pm. Here’s a chance to load up on some holiday homemade cookies, candies and treats. 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. Donations for photos will be donated to Holy Family Food Pantry. St. John Vianney Church Activity Center, Sherman, 902 Saint John’s Drive, 217-741-4066.
Wreaths Across America
Sat., Dec. 14, 11-12am. Wreaths Across America at Camp Butler is a veterans wreath laying ceremony that emulates a similar wreath ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. It is conducted simultaneously at national cemeteries. Wreaths are sponsored and paid for by donors. Deadline for this year’s sponsors is Dec 2. Call for more info. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/IL0295. Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, 217-825-6494.
Art Glass at Night
Sat., Dec.14, 5:30-6:30pm. Frank Marchant will lead an evening tour through the house. Registration on Eventbrite required. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.
Holiday Music Program with Hugo Kringle
Sat., Dec. 14, 11am-12pm. Mike Anderson performs as Hugo Kringle, singing Santa holiday songs and telling funny, interactive stories of growing up with the boy who will become Santa Claus. Sherman Public Library, Sherman, 2100 E. Andrew Road, 217-496-2496.
Holiday Lights Parade
Sat., Dec. 14, 5:30pm. This is New Berlin’s second annual Holiday Lights Parade. Parade will start at 5:30p.m. All participants are asked to be at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds by 4pm to line up. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 488-2685.
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 carols. 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 evening of holiday rock music. uispac.com. $49-85. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Christmas with the Alley Cats
Mon., Dec. 16, 7pm. A harmoniously hysterical holiday hit. hcfta.org. $25; seniors $22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Holiday Caroler Fun
Thu., Dec. 19, 11am-12pm. Festive fun with holiday carols by the Mary Bryant Home Choir, cocoa and cookies. centralILseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Santa House at Kiwanis Park
Fri., Dec. 20, 5-8pm, Sat., Dec. 21, 9am-12pm, Sun., Dec. 22, 12-4pm and Mon., Dec. 23, 5-8pm. Make memories this holiday season and snap a picture with Santa. Free. Kiwanis Park, Stanton Street, 217-753-2800 ext. 2001.
Dual Piano Christmas
Dec. 20-21, 7pm and Sun., Dec. 22, 2pm. Starring Damien Kaplan and Mark Gifford and featuring two Steinway Grand Pianos, four hands, and two talented, creative brains letting loose for an evening of fun. hcfta.org. $22 or $20 for students and adults over 60. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Fri., Dec. 20, 8pm. View this timeless classic on the big screen. Perfect for the whole family. No advance ticket sales. Tickets are $10 at the door, or $5 with a food donation. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Meet Me in St. Louis
Sat., Dec. 21, 7pm. Celebrate the 80th anniversary of this charming, nostalgic MGM classic in glorious technicolor. No advance ticket sales. Tickets are $10 at the door or $5 with a food donation. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Sat., Dec. 21, 7:30pm. The ultimate holiday tradition. uispac.com. $19-$99. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Ha Ha Holiday Show
Sat., Dec. 21, 8pm. Holiday and winter-themed sketches and short-form games presented by Capital City Improv. hcfta.org. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Candle Lighting Service
Sun., Dec. 22, 6:30-7:30pm. Reawaken the Christ light within. Features music, singing and fellowship. Donations accepted. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia St., 217-523-5897.
Candles and Carols
Tue., Dec. 24, 6-7:30pm. Rejoice with story and song of the annual convergence of different sacred festivals and traditions – Yule, Chanukah, Advent/Christmas Eve and Kwanzaa. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.
Let’s Make the New Year Magical
Tue., Dec. 31, 11:30am-12pm. Bring in the New Year with some magical fun. Event features a live performance by Curt Smith. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
First Night Springfield
Tue., Dec. 31, 12-8pm. Look for children’s activities and special around-the-world midnight countdown with confetti cannons at ALPLM, ice Skating at Union Square Park, special open house tours with live music at the Dana-Thomas House and a fireworks spectacular. Tickets for those 16 and older are $25. Free for those younger than 16. springfieldartsco.org. Downtown Springfield.
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This article appears in Winter Guide 2024.
