November
Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair
Fri., Nov. 13, 5-8pm and Sat., Nov. 14, 9am-2pm. Find unique gifts, beautiful art and amazing crafts by local artisans. Includes bake sale and live music by local artists throughout the day. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, Springfield, IL 62711, 217-585-9550.
MomCo’s 2nd Annual Pots & Pals Chili Cook Off
Fri., Nov. 13, 6-8pm. Warm up with a bowl (or two) at this community event bringing together cooks, neighbors and plenty of chili. Chili cooks of all experience levels will compete for both Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards. Guests can sample every entry, vote for their favorites and enjoy side categories such as spiciest chili and first pot emptied. Chili tasting: Adults $10, children 12 and younger $5. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 s. MacArthur, 2178517358.
Pippin
Fri., Nov. 13, 7:30pm, Sat., Nov. 14, 7:30pm, Sun., Nov. 15, 2pm, Fri., Nov. 20, 7:30pm, Sat., Nov. 21, 7:30pm and Sun., Nov. 22, 2pm. There’s magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz’s iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. $23. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
“The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66”
Wednesdays-Sundays, 9am-4pm. Through Dec. 31. This vibrant, hands-on exhibit brings the magic of the historic Mother Road to life – and it’s fun for the whole family. kidzeum.org. $5-$12. Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St., 217-679-2123.
Girls on the Run Fall 5K
Sat., Nov. 14, 9-11:30am. Support Girls on the Run of Central Illinois participants by joining them at this 5K. Celebrate and honor their season of growth, connection and confidence. Event begins at 9am with family-friendly activities followed by the 5K at 10am. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-726-9808.
Little Flower Holiday Craft Bazaar
Sat., Nov. 14, 9am-4pm and Sun., Nov. 15, 10am-2pm. More than 40 vendors will have hand-made crafts for sale. Concessions available and in lieu of entry fee, consider bringing a canned good for the donation drive. Little Flower Parish Center, 900 Stevenson Dr., 217-529-1606.
Garden Spa
Sat., Nov. 14, 10-11:30am. Kids ages 7–10 can participate in a fun, hands-on class where they’ll make their own spa products using all-natural ingredients. Participants will create bath bombs, lip balms, sugar scrubs and a face mask to take home and enjoy. Visit bit.ly/SPD_Garden_Spa. Activity #361132. Residents $25, non-residents $30. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Zoo Rangers
Sat., Nov. 14, 10am, 1pm and Sat., Dec. 12, 10am, 1pm. Each month, children ages 6-7 will meet and learn about a new animal in the zoo classroom. Classes include a story, animal encounter, craft and snack. Classes are identical in each session. Registration required 24 hours before each class. Visit: bit.ly/Zoo_Rangers. Activity #340505. Residents $25, non-residents $30. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.
Dinovember Lego Build & Play
Sat., Nov. 14, 3-4:30pm. An afternoon of Dino brick builds. Supplies are limited. Due to small pieces, program is recommended for ages 5 and older. lincolnlibrary.info. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
History Night at the Old State Capitol: Lincoln and Thanksgiving
Sat., Nov. 14, 5-7pm. Explore the building on a self-guided tour and attend a 30-45 minute presentation offered at 5:15 and 6:15 pm. Learn about the role Abraham Lincoln had in shaping the modern holiday of Thanksgiving and some of its traditions, including the famous pardoning of the turkey. Reservations optional. Free. Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.
Little Lincoln’s Fireside Tales: Food
Tue., Nov. 17, 9-11:30am. Calling all little chefs (up to age age 5). Explore the world of food through stories and engaging experiences with the ALPLM Education Team. Advance registration required. Due to increased demand, two sessions are offered. Select ya preferred session. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Tiny Tots Ice Skating
Wed., Nov. 18, 8:30-9am, Wed., Dec. 2, 8:30-9am, Wed., Dec. 9, 8:30-9am and Wed., Dec. 16, 8:30-9am. Preschoolers ages 2-5 will learn the basics of figure skating with professional coaches. No special equipment needed. Rental skates provided. No class Nov. 25. Register at bit.ly/TinyTots_Skating. Activity #350401. $77R/$97NR. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800.
History in Film
Wed., Nov. 18, 3:30-5:30pm. Enjoy this showing of A Muppet Christmas Carol in digital surround sound and some history of Christmas in Springfield. Film is rated G. Presented by the Sangamon Valley Collection and the State Historic Sites of Springfield. lincolnlibrary.info. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Teen Snowflake Tape Resist Painting
Wed., Nov. 18, 5-6:30pm. Make snowflake tape resist art and meet like-minded minds. Dress for a mess. For teens (13-18). Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Songs for All Ages – A Sensory Friendly Event
Thu., Nov. 19, 6:30pm. This performance is designed for individuals with sensory needs. One of Springfield’s most-loved singer-songwriters, Tom Irwin has been taking experiences, turning them into songs, and giving those songs life through performances and recordings for more than 40 years. Irwin’s most recent album is “One for the Kiddos,” and the audience will hear and join in on tunes from that kid-friendly album as well as other songs from his broad repertoire. $10. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
WonderClubs at the Old State Capitol
Thursdays, 4-5pm. Through Dec. 17. WonderClubs are a series of free and fun STEAM programs for children ages 3-11. Participants will experience hands-on challenges and fun crafts all while learning and wondering at our world. Registration recommended. wonderclubsOSC.eventbrite.com. Free. Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.
Fall Harvest Cluster Dog Show
Nov. 20-22, 8am-5pm. The Fall Harvest Cluster is the premier fall AKC Dog Show in the Midwest. See some of the best dogs in the country in a variety of events and competitions. Includes vendors. Free admission. Parking is $10 per car per day. Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake, 1060 E. Peterson Road, 847-680-7200.
Annie
Fri., Nov. 20. Opens Nov. 20. Believe it or not, Annie is 50! Join The Legacy Theatre for its 50th anniversary celebration of this beloved musical. More details TBA. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 217-528-9760.
Zoo Booth
Sat., Nov. 21, 10am-1pm, Wed., Dec. 2, 10am-1pm and Wed., Dec. 16, 10am-1pm. Henson-Robinson Zoo will bring animals, activities and conservation information to Springfield historic sites on selected dates through the fall. At two locations: the Dana-Thomas House and the Old State Capitol. If weather is inclement, Dana-Thomas activities will be moved inside the Old State Capitol. Free. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.
Holiday Market & Sweet Shoppe
Sat., Nov. 21, 9am-3pm. Shop for handcrafted items, décor and practical gift items created by talented Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club artisans. The shoppe is loaded with homemade treats and the Cocoa Bar provides beverages. The event supports art education in the community. springfieldceramicsandcrafters.org. Free. Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfield St., 217-638-4847.
Toddler Skate with Characters
Third Saturday of every month, 10-11:30am. Through May 15. Toddler time, for children ages 6 and younger only, is back. October’s guests are Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Enjoy a meet and greet, photo opportunities, a skating lesson and dancing with the characters. skatelandsouth.com. $15. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr., 217-546-4543.
Light Up The Gables
Fri., Nov. 27. Parade and tree lighting at 5pm featuring Santa & Mrs. Claus, Abraham and Mary Lincoln and more. Includes children’s events from 3 to 5pm. Free. The Gables, 2800 Plaza Dr., 793-3344.
Holiday Zoo Lights
Fridays-Sundays, 5-9pm. Through Dec. 22. 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.
“Christmas through the Decades”
Fri., Nov. 27, 5-8pm, Fri., Dec. 4, 5-8pm, Fri., Dec. 11, 5-8pm and Fri., Dec. 18, 5-8pm. Candlelight tours are self-guided so visitors can arrive anytime between the hours of 5 and 7:30pm and take as much or as little time as desired exploring the historic house. Doors close at 7:30pm. The Museum Gift Shop will be open. Enter house through the front door. $10 for adults, ages 6-18 $5, age 5 and younger free. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, 219 E. Woodlawn St., 217-935-6066.
Jacksonville Christmas Parade
Fri., Nov. 27, 6-7pm. Welcome Santa Claus to Jacksonville by lining the Downtown Square for WJVO’s annual parade filled with lights. Parade begins from the lot across from the Municipal building and proceeds around the Downtown Square before ending at Santa’s House. Free. Downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Central Park, 217-243-5678.
SRC Ugly Sweater Run/Small Biz Saturday
Sat., Nov. 28, 8-10am. Besides the run, enjoy doughnuts, hot cocoa (regular and spiked), coffee, an ugly sweater contest and prizes. Springfield Running Center, 2943 W. White Oaks Dr., Ste. 1, 217-787-4400
Illinois Local Holiday Market
Sat., Nov. 28, 9am-4pm. Shop local and discover unique gifts, handmade goods, food and more from Illinois small businesses. This family-friendly event will include Santa, Bluey and Bingo, live entertainment from SYPG, Dayna’s Dance Revolution and Springfield Theatre Centre. $5 for age 13 and older. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-210-1589.
Christmas at Sugar Creek Vendor Fair
Sat., Nov. 28, 10am-3pm. Start that holiday shopping here. Features more trhan 40 vendors. Bring a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry. Used book sale and bake sale available for purchase. A food truck will be on site for breakfast and lunch. Free admission. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, Chatham, 1022 New City Road, 217-414-7691.
Kringle Market at the Inn at 835
Sat., Nov. 28, 11am-4pm. Kick off the holiday season with this cozy indoor shopping experience. Discover unique gifts, handmade goods, festive décor and seasonal treasures from local makers all in one of Springfield’s most charming venues. The Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel, 835 S. Second St., 217-523-4466.
DECEMBER
LLCC Choir Concert “Americana”
Fri., Dec. 4, 1-2pm. The LLCC Choir, directed by Dr. See Tsai Chan, will perform pieces from jazz, musicals, folk, traditional hymns, gospel and works by American composers to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation. In A. Lincoln Commons. llcc.edu. Free. A. Lincoln Commons, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.
White Christmas
Fri., Dec. 4, 7:30pm, Sat., Dec. 5, 7:30pm, Sun., Dec. 6, 2pm, Fri., Dec. 11, 7:30pm, Sat., Dec. 12, 7:30pm and Sun., Dec. 13, 2pm. Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. $23. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Christmas Market
Sat., Dec. 5, 9am-3pm. Shop more than 50 local vendors while enjoying live music and food from cottage bakers. Santa Claus will make a visit. $3 each or $5 for a family, children younger than 12 free. The Brinkerhoff Mansion, 1500 N. Fifth St., 217-361-5555.
Holiday Open House
Sat., Dec. 5, 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.
The Nutcracker
Sat., Dec. 5, 2pm and Sun., Dec. 6, 2pm. The timeless holiday classic that has enchanted Springfield-area audiences for generations, now under the banner of the Copper Coin Ballet Company. Created by Julie Ratz, Ronda Brinkman, Gina Russell and Grace Nanavati, and performed by a talented company of more than 100 local dancers. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Holiday Lights Parade
Sat., Dec. 5, 5:30-6:30pm. Kick off the 2026 holiday season in style with Springfield Jaycees’ Holiday Lights Parade. Parade route: Begins at Seventh and Jefferson streets. Heads west on Jefferson. Turns south on Fifth Street. Goes east on Monroe Street. Turns north on Sixth Street and ends at Washington Street. Free. Downtown Springfield, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, 2176381068.
Frostbite Festival 10-mile and 2-mile races
Sun., Dec. 6, 9am-12pm. Celebrate the start of the winter season with this iconic west-side Springfield race. The 63rd annual Springfield Road Runners Club’s Frostbite Festival offers a 2-mile race and 10-mile race. All race finishers will receive a medal. Runners and walkers of all paces are welcome. Varies. AMF Strike N Spare Lanes, 2660 W. Lawrence Ave., N/A.
Fall Concert
Mon., Dec. 7, 7-8pm. The LLCC Band will perform. Free. A. Lincoln Commons, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.
Mary Bryant Choir Holiday Celebration
Wed., Dec. 9, 11:30am. Welcome the holiday season with the sounds of the season by the Mary Bryant Choir. Includes complimentary punch and cookies. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-503-4643.
Holiday Pops in the Heartland
Fri., Dec. 11, 7:30-9pm. Lights, camera, holiday cheer! Celebrate the season with a festive blend of cinematic magic and holiday tradition featuring music from Home Alone, The Snowman, The Polar Express, and more. ilsymphony.org. $35-$70. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
This article appears in Parent Winter 2026.
