NOVEMBER
2025 Arts and Crafts Fair Fri., Nov. 14, 5-8pm and Sat., Nov. 15, 9am-3pm. Find unique gifts, beautiful art and amazing crafts – all handcrafted by local artisans. Free admission. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, Springfield, IL 62711, 217-585-9550.
Funshop Kids Club Fri., Nov. 14, 5:30-8:30pm and Fri., Dec. 12, 5:30-8:30pm. In this program, children ages 6-10 will explore themes through crafts, STEM projects and interactive play. Kid’s Club encourages creativity, teamwork and a love of learning while having a great time. Pack a snack or light meal for your child. Register at bit.ly/Funshop_Kids-Club_3. Activity #340910. 1 day only Funshop session $30R/$35NR. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-6234.
Santa’s Grand Arrival Fri., Nov. 14, 6-7pm. Event features music by the Titan Fever Show Choir, Springfield Youth Performance Group and Lincoln Land Community College’s Choir. Santa and Mrs. Claus will officially open the Wintree Wonderland and board the A.L. Express Train for a parade to the East Wing. Free. Santa will be present through Dec. 24. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Good Witch Bad Witch: A Wicked & Wonderful Celebration Fri., Nov. 14, 7pm, Sat., Nov. 15, 7pm and Sun., Nov. 16, 2pm. Just in time for the release of the film Wicked: For Good, the Legacy presents a magical coven of song sirens who will conjure your favorite songs from the musical Wicked and other enchanting songs from witches on stage and screen. $30 in advance, $35 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 217-528-9760.
Happy Holiday Trees Exhibit Mondays-Fridays, 9am-5pm and Sat., Nov. 15, 10am-3pm. Through Nov. 27. SAA staff members and local artists have crafted more than a dozen uniquely themed holiday trees that will be raffled off. Each tree features handmade elements in a variety of media. Gifts donated by artists from the Edwards Place Fine Art Fair will be included in a silent auction. Free admission. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Wintree Wonderland Nov. 14-Dec. 31. Wintree Wonderland includes beloved elements found each Christmas at the mall and incorporates a festive forest of trees decorated by the public. Includes Santa’s Workshop Make It/Take It, a selfie station, Gingerbread Playhouse, window murals, photos with Santa, train rides and more. Free admission. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Drive Thru Sock Drop Sat., Nov. 15, 10am-12pm. Drive into the church parking lot to donate warm socks for homeless veterans and families. The socks will be donated to Spring Street Veterans Renaissance. Donors are encouraged to buy thick, black, knee-length socks. Rain or shine. Hosted by Springfield Women’s Action Network. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 217-546-2622.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Kick-Off Party Sat., Nov. 15, 10am-1pm. The festive, family-friendly celebration includes a variety of family-friendly activities such as a hot chocolate bar, face painting, live music, games and prizes. The annual campaign raises funds to support local programs and services throughout the year. See the Facebook page for more info. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-679-9174.
Mansion Tours Saturdays, Sundays, 1:45-2:45, 3-4pm. Illinois Department of Natural Resources trained staff and volunteers lead this tour of the official residence of Gov. JB and first lady MK Pritzker. Tour focuses on the history of the mansion. No self-guided tours permitted. Reserve a spot at eventbrite.com. Free. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., 217-782-6450.
Springfield International Folk Dancers Mondays, 7-9pm. Experience the joy of folk dancing from many cultures. All skill levels welcome and no partners necessary. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-793-8035.
Funshop – Little Scientists Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm. Through Dec. 9. Does your child love to dig, mix, pour and discover? Little Scientists is the perfect, playful STEM program for children ages 3–5 and their grown-ups. Over five weeks, little explorers will dive into hands-on experiments such as fizzy chemical reactions, magnet magic, nature walks and more – designed to spark curiosity and discovery. Register at bit.ly/Funshop_Little-Scientists. Residents $75, non-residents $85. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-544-1751.
Mini Explorer’s Club – Land of Leaders Tue., Nov. 18, 9:30-10:15am and Tue., Nov. 25, 9:30-10:15am. Join the museum for three lessons about past Illinois leaders. We’ll also explore what happens on election day in a fun, hands-on way. Come join us for this interactive, grown-up/child class where the littlest explorers learn all about the wonders of Illinois. Recommended ages 18 months to 5 years but all ages welcome. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6623.
Tiny Adventurers Wed., Nov. 19, 10-11am, 1-2pm. A hands-on nature exploration program aimed at children ages 3 to 5 with an adult chaperone. In each session, participants will learn about a different nature topic. Younger siblings are welcome but the program is geared toward the 3-5 age range. November’s top ic is mammals in winter. Participants asked to register. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
Wednesday Wonderbrush – Kids Art Class Wed., Nov. 19, 3:30-5:30pm. Young artists can shine in this creative after-school class where they can explore painting, color mixing, brush techniques and more. Includes step-by-step instruction and supplies. Wear paint clothes. Snacks allowed. $30, $100 for four. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217-522-8006.
Funshop Art Explorers Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm. Through Dec. 11. This five-week, hands-on art program is designed to spark creativity and self-expression. Young children explore colors, textures and materials through painting, sculpting and more. Caregivers can join in, too. All classes blended ages 2 to 5 years. Register at bit.ly/SPD_Art-Explorers. Activity #350971. Residents $75, non-residents $85. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-6234.
Sounds of the Land Thu., Nov. 20, 11:30am-12pm. Experience the enchanting sounds of Native American flute music featuring David Tell. Free. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-503-4643.
Free Car Seat Check First and Third Thursday of every month, 11am-1pm. Certified child passenger safety technicians will conduct the check on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Free. Green on Dirksen, 1200 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-899-2512.
Organ Concert: A Semester in Review Fri., Nov. 21, 7pm. An unforgettable evening of music performed by Carlo van Ulft. From thunderous power to the softest whisper, come hear the organ fill the sanctuary with sound. Open to all. Free. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.
Pathway Services Annual Festival of Trees Sat., Nov. 22, 9am-4pm, 7-8pm. Walk through the halls and view the beautifully decorated trees and wreaths and enjoy some delicious festive treats. Take a stroll through our Kids Room and check out the Attic’s Holiday deals. Be sure to get pictures with Santa Claus and Jack Frost. Adults $5, students $3, children 5 and younger free. Pathway Services Unlimited Inc., Jacksonville, 1905 W. Morton Ave., 217-479-2300.
Kringle Market Sat., Nov. 22, 11am-3pm and Sun., Nov. 23, 12-3pm. Explore a curated selection of local makers and artisans, discover unique holiday treasures and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere of the season. Sip, shop and support local businesses. Trish & Mary’s Public House, 107 W. Cook, Suite A, 217-679-3287.
Ursuline Campus Sneak Peek Sat., Nov. 22, 1-3pm. Take a guided tour of the historic Ursuline Campus – a treasured Springfield landmark featuring three iconic buildings rich in history and architecture. The tour will include the three-story 1867 original schoolhouse, the 1895 Romanesque chapel and the 1908 St. Ursula Hall Music Conservatory. preservespringfieldursuline.com. Free. Ursuline Academy Campus, 1400 North Fifth St., 217-813-8368.
Mini Explorer’s Club presents Story Time Trail with the Gingerbread Man Sat., Nov. 22, 10am-3pm. The Gingerbread Man has escaped, and he’s on the loose at the Illinois State Museum. This special Story Time Trail adventure will bring this classic tale to life. Children can follow the trail to hear the story, enjoy interactive activities and take part in crafts that spark creativity. Along the way, there will be surprises including cookies to share. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6623.
Thanksgiving Dinner Sat., Nov. 22, 6pm. All invited to this event by CORAL, which will provide mainstays. Attendees bring a side dish or dessert. Canned goods will be collected for local pantries. Lincoln Park Pavilion, 1601 N. 5th St., 2175441751.
MomCo Fourth Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30pm and First Wednesday of every month, 9-11am. MomCo is a place where mothers can meet to receive support, make meaningful connections and grow a community. Child care provided. trinity-lutheran.com. Free. Trinity Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-787-2323.
Light Up The Gables Fri., Nov. 28, 3-6pm. Annual holiday event with parade and tree lighting at 5pm featuring Santa & Mrs. Claus, Abraham and Mary Lincoln, Jolly Elves Group and more. Includes children’s events from 3 to 5pm. thegablesofspringfield.com. Free. The Gables, 2800 Plaza Dr., 217-793-3344.
Holiday Zoo Lights Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 13-15 and 19-21. Stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of lights and themed lighted display. Enjoy a hot chocolate or hang out under the tent to enjoy a s’more after roasting a marshmallow over the fire pit. $7.50 adults, $5.50 children 3-12, free for children 2 and younger. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.
Light Up The Park Thursdays-Sundays, 6-9pm. Through Dec. 25. Through Dec. 25. A local holiday tradition. Features nearly one-mile drive through hundreds of thousands of lights and beautiful displays. A $5 per-vehicle donation is requested. Donation benefits Chatham Friends of the Park. Vans and buses are welcome. $5 per vehicle donation requested. Chatham Community Park, Chatham, 731 S. Main St., 217-415-8513.
Illinois Local Fifth Annual Holiday Market Sat., Nov. 29, 9am-4pm. Holiday market will feature clothes and accessories for the whole family, homeware, gifts, candles, cocktails, coffee, hot food, baked goods and more. Will include visits by Santa, Bluey and Bingo and feature entertainment by the Springfield Youth Performance Group and Dayna’s Dance Revolution. $5 for visitors 12 and older. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-210-1885.
Meet The Real Santa! St. Nicholas Day and Market Sat., Nov. 29, 9am-3pm. Event includes sketch artists, photos with St. Nick and candy. free. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., 217-544-5135.
Santa House Sat., Nov. 29, 9am-12pm and Sun., Nov. 30, 12-3pm. Experience the magic of the season at Santa’s House, a tradition for more than 40 years. Share Christmas wishes, take photos with Santa and enjoy the holiday cheer. Dreamland Park, 2300 Taylor Ave., 217-546-4103 ext. 1012.
Christmas at Sugar Creek Vendor Fair Sat., Nov. 29, 10am-3pm. Start that holiday shopping here, where there will be more than 40 vendors. Includes book and bake sales, food truck. Bring a non-perishable item for the food pantry. Proceeds will go toward mission outreach. Free admission. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, Chatham, 1022 New City Road, 217-483-2270.
Village of Jerome Festival of Trees Sat., Nov. 29, 2-6pm and Sun., Nov. 30, 2-6pm. Enjoy decorated trees, kids crafts, a visit by Santa, vote for the favorite tree ($1/ vote) and more. The weekend concludes with caroling, lighting of the outdoor tree and awarding the People’s Choice Tree prize. Free. Jerome Civic Center, 2901 Leonard St., 217-503-0527.
DECEMBER
Ecumenical Nativity Festival Fri., Dec. 5, 12-4pm, Sat., Dec. 6, 12-4pm and Sun., Dec. 7, 12-4pm. Bringing Jesus to all. Includes display of nativity sets. Free. Grace Bible Chapel, 3335 Woodhaven Dr., 217-498-1033, 217-498-8386.
Illinois Product Holiday Market Fri., Dec. 5, 4-9pm, Sat., Dec. 6, 11am-6pm and Sun., Dec. 7, 11am-4pm. Celebrate the holiday season with local food and goods, live music and a whole lot of holiday cheer. Explore local vendors, participate in special events and enjoy a unique shopping experience. Live entertainment, children’s activities and food and desserts. agr.illinois.gov. Y Block, north of the Governor’s Mansion.
Christmas Market Sat., Dec. 6, 9am-3pm. A day filled with holiday cheer, live music and more. Shop local vendors to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Santa will visit from noon to 2 p.m. Tour the historic mansion. $3, $5 per family. Brinkerhoff Mansion, 1500 N. Fifth St., 217-361-5555.
Clayville Christmas With Santa Sat., Dec. 6, 9am-4pm. The big guy will be all ears for those Christmas wishes. Free. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430.
Santa House Sat., Dec. 6, 9am-12pm and Sun., Dec. 7, 12-3pm. Experience the magic of the season at Santa’s House, a tradition for more than 40 years. Share Christmas wishes, take photos with Santa and enjoy the holiday cheer. Gietl Park, 1900 Stanhope Road, 217-546-4103 ext. 1012.
Mission Day Sat., Dec. 6, 11am-2:30pm. Board games for kids ages 4-16. All kids receive a gift. Winners of game tournaments receive a special prize. Adult volunteers to supervise games are welcome. Parents are asked to donate only store-bought cookies. Sponsored by the Freedom in Holiness Mission. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec. 6-21. Step into a world of enchantment and immerse yourself in the beauty of over 500 radiant poinsettias carefully nestled among lush fresh evergreens and vibrant tropical foliage. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Holiday Open House Sat., Dec. 6, 1-4pm. See Edwards Place in holiday finery while listening (and singing!) carols around a piano once heard by Abraham Lincoln and meeting a Civil War-era Santa Claus. Refreshments provided. edwardsplace.org. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Caring Santa Sun., Dec. 7, 8:30-10:30am. A special, sensory-friendly experience exclusively for children with special needs and their families before mall’s opening with low lights and sounds. Children can enjoy free train rides, a scavenger hunt, cookies, coloring and the visit with Santa. Photo packages are available. Reservations not required but available. WhereIsSanta.com. Photos are available for purchase. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Springfield Road Runners Club Frostbite Festival races Sun., Dec. 7, 9am-12pm. The festival has races of 2 and 10 miles. The course is the same with the same roller coaster hills and start and finish lines. Guaranteed shirt deadline is Oct. 28. $45. AMF Strike N Spare Lanes, 2660 W. Lawrence Ave., 787-6111.
Christmas at Elmwood Sun., Dec. 7, 1:30-4pm. Celebrate the season here where holiday warmth meets historic charm. Event features live music by Wildwood Strings and a performance by Greenview High School students, a cozy indoor setting reminiscent of holidays past and Summer Kitchen craft area for children. Outdoors, guests can gather around the fire pit or take a ride on an old-fashioned wagon. Includes complimentary hot cider, cocoa, coffee and cookies. Free, donations accepted. Historic Marbold Farmstead, Greenview, 21722 State Hwy 29.
Candlelight Christmas Fri., Dec. 12, 5-9pm and Sat., Dec. 13, 3-9pm. Experience the sights and sounds 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. See the Facebook site for more info. Free. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430.
2025 DAUMC Cookie Walk Sat., Dec. 13, 8am. This is your chance to buy yummy homemade cookies, candy, and treats. Get those holiday and family favorites. Come early for the best selection of those holiday and family favorites. All profits are donated to local missions and ministries. Cookies $8 per pound, candy $13 per pound. Free admission. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 217-546-4631.
Breakfast with Santa Sat., Dec. 13, 8-11am. Take pictures with Santa and participate in children’s activities including face painting and balloon animals. Breakfast will be served. Donations will aid the Children’s Dyslexia Center. Free, donations accepted. Children’s Dyslexia Center of Springfield, 1020 Rickard Road, 217-793-7728.
Cookie Walk, Raffle and Christmas Gift Gala Sat., Dec. 13, 8:30-11am. Homemade cookies, candy and bread available for sale. Event includes raffle, gift vendors, a visit by Santa and more. St. John Vianney Church Activity Center, Sherman, 902 Saint Johns Dr.
Santa House Sat., Dec. 13, 9am-12pm and Sun., Dec. 14, 12-3pm. Experience the magic of the season at Santa’s House, a tradition for more than 40 years. Share Christmas wishes, take photos with Santa and enjoy the holiday cheer. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-546-4103 ext. 1012.
Gaudy or Nice Christmas Sweater Holiday Party Fri., Dec. 19, 11:30am-12pm. An afternoon of food, fun and gift bags from Santa and his elves. Prizes will be awarded in the Gaudy or Nice Christmas Sweater Contest. Sponsored by the Coalition of Rainbow Alliances. centralILseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-503-4643.
Dual Piano Christmas Fri., Dec. 19, 7pm, Sat., Dec. 20, 7pm and Sun., Dec. 21, 2pm. The duo that the Illinois Times called “Improvisational and strategically comedic” is back for more mischief and music. Comedy runs amuck throughout their programs and no one knows what is going to happen next – including Mark Gifford and Damien Kaplan. hcfta.org. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Santa House Sat., Dec. 20, 9am-12pm and Sun., Dec. 21, 12-3pm. Experience the magic of the season at Santa’s House, a tradition for more than 40 years. Share Christmas wishes, take photos with Santa and enjoy the holiday cheer. Free. Washington Park Pavilion, 1400 Williams Blvd., 217-546-4103 ext. 1012.
Nature’s Nibbles Sat., Dec. 20, 9:30-11am. Kids ages 5-10 can help wildlife during the cold winter months by making them a few tasty snacks. Bring nature indoors by creating beautiful pomanders that smell delightful. Families welcome to join in the fun. Register by Dec. 12 at bit.ly/SPD_naturesnibbles. Activity #361126-02. Residents $35, non-residents $40. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
1850s Community Carol Sing Sat., Dec. 20, 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. Everyone invited to attend in period costumes along with the musical guests. lincolnschurch.org. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
First Night Springfield Wed., 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. 16 and older $25, 15 and younger free. Downtown Springfield, Downtown.
This article appears in Parent Winter 2025.
