Springfield, IL, becomes a winter wonderland every holiday season, offering a variety of festive experiences for locals and visitors alike. From the historic charm of the Old Capitol Holiday Walks to the glittering magic of Holiday Lights at the Zoo, there is something enchanting for everyone.
Don't miss the creativity on display at the Festival of Trees, where uniquely decorated trees make merry memories. Dive into the heartwarming holiday spirit as Springfield transforms into a hub of cheer and community during this special season.
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The Top Christmas Events in Springfield
- Old Capitol Holiday Walks
- Holiday Lights at the Zoo
- Festival of Trees
- Christmas at the Lincoln Home
- Springfield Holiday Farmers Market
- A Christmas Carol at The Legacy Theatre
- Jingle Bell Run
- Annual Holiday Craft Fair
- Dana-Thomas House Holiday Open House
- Christmas Parade
Springfield Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights at the Zoo
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays
Description:
Henson Robinson Zoo illuminates the night with a dazzling array of animal-shaped light displays. Wander through the zoo's winding paths to discover glowing elephants, shimmering penguins, and radiant tigers. This event combines wildlife education with holiday cheer, offering a unique twist on traditional light shows. You can warm up with hot cocoa while learning about conservation efforts. The zoo, established in 1970, has been a cornerstone of Springfield's commitment to wildlife education and preservation for over five decades.
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Springfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
Springfield Holiday Farmers Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and farmers selling holiday-themed goods
Description:
The Springfield Holiday Farmers Market brings together local artisans and farmers for a unique shopping experience. Stalls overflow with handcrafted gifts, locally produced holiday treats, and fresh winter produce. The air is filled with the scent of freshly baked goods and evergreen wreaths. Visitors can chat with makers and learn about their crafts while finding one-of-a-kind presents. You might discover traditional Illinois holiday recipes passed down through generations. This market continues a long tradition of community gatherings in Springfield, dating back to the city's founding in the early 19th century.
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Springfield Holiday Farmers Market
Annual Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Focus on locally made, eco-friendly crafts
Description:
Springfield's Annual Holiday Craft Fair showcases the best of local artisanship with a focus on sustainability. Booths display an array of handmade, eco-friendly gifts, from upcycled jewelry to organic textile creations. The fair hums with the energy of creative minds as artisans demonstrate their crafts. You can participate in hands-on workshops to create your own sustainable holiday decorations. This event reflects Springfield's growing commitment to environmental consciousness, a movement that has gained momentum in the city over the past decade.
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Springfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at The Legacy Theatre
What to Expect:
Interactive elements in the classic Dickens play
Description:
The Legacy Theatre breathes new life into Dickens' classic tale with an innovative production of "A Christmas Carol." This adaptation incorporates interactive elements, inviting the audience to participate in key moments of Scrooge's transformation. The theater's intimate setting allows for immersive staging, bringing Victorian London to life before your eyes. You might find yourself joining in a lively rendition of a Christmas carol. The Legacy Theatre, housed in a beautifully restored 1951 cinema, continues Springfield's rich tradition of live performance arts.
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A Christmas Carol at The Legacy Theatre
Springfield Other Holiday Activities
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
What to Expect:
Historical guided tours of Springfield's Old Capitol
Description:
Springfield's Old Capitol transforms into a hub of holiday cheer each December. Visitors stroll through the beautifully decorated 19th-century building, learning about Illinois' political history from costumed interpreters. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air as you explore period-accurate holiday decorations. This event offers a unique blend of education and celebration, allowing you to step back in time and experience how the holidays were celebrated in Lincoln's era. The Old Capitol served as Illinois' statehouse from 1840 to 1876, witnessing key moments in the state's early history.
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Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms the Illinois State Fairgrounds into a forest of creativity. Local businesses, schools, and organizations showcase their ingenuity with uniquely decorated trees, each telling a different story. The event buzzes with activity as visitors vote for their favorite designs. You can participate in a silent auction to take home your preferred tree. This festival, which began in 1989, has become a cherished Springfield tradition, raising funds for local charities while fostering community spirit.
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Christmas at the Lincoln Home
What to Expect:
1860s-style Christmas decorations in Lincoln's home
Description:
Step into Abraham Lincoln's world at his restored Springfield home, adorned with authentic 1860s Christmas decorations. The house resonates with the gentle melodies of period-appropriate carols. Visitors can explore the rooms where the Lincoln family celebrated the holidays, gaining insight into 19th-century yuletide traditions. You might even catch a glimpse of "Mr. Lincoln" himself, sharing stories of Christmases past. This National Historic Site has been preserving Lincoln's legacy since 1887, offering a unique window into the personal life of America's 16th president.
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Jingle Bell Run
What to Expect:
Costume contest for runners
Description:
Springfield's Jingle Bell Run combines fitness with festive fun. Participants dash through the streets adorned in creative holiday costumes, the sound of jingle bells tied to their shoes filling the air. This 5K race features a spirited costume contest, encouraging runners to showcase their most outrageous holiday-themed outfits. You can join in the "reindeer games" warm-up exercises before the race. The event supports local charities, continuing Springfield's long-standing tradition of community service dating back to the city's early days.
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Dana-Thomas House Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed holiday decorations
Description:
The Dana-Thomas House, a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, opens its doors for a unique holiday experience. The home is adorned with Wright-inspired decorations, seamlessly blending his Prairie School design with festive elements. Visitors can admire the architect's iconic stained glass windows illuminated by soft holiday lights. You might catch a performance of period-appropriate music on the home's original piano. This event celebrates the legacy of Susan Lawrence Dana, a forward-thinking woman who commissioned Wright to design this home in 1902, making it a testament to early 20th-century progressive ideals.
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Dana-Thomas House Holiday Open House
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Parade floats inspired by local history
Description:
Springfield's Christmas Parade marches through downtown, featuring floats that celebrate both the holiday season and local history. Community groups and businesses create elaborate displays that tell the story of Springfield's past and present. The parade route echoes with the sounds of marching bands playing holiday tunes. You might spot a float depicting Abraham Lincoln's law office decked out in holiday decor. This event, which has been a city tradition for decades, showcases the pride Springfield takes in its rich historical heritage.
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Christmas Around the World
What to Expect:
Multicultural holiday celebrations from various countries
Description:
Christmas Around the World brings global holiday traditions to Springfield. This event showcases how different cultures celebrate the season, featuring displays, performances, and cuisine from various countries. Visitors can explore a series of themed areas, each representing a different nation's holiday customs. The air is filled with the aromas of international holiday dishes. You can participate in craft workshops to create traditional decorations from around the globe. This celebration reflects Springfield's growing diversity and commitment to cultural understanding, a trend that has been shaping the city's identity in recent years.
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Nearby Events
Christmas Wonderland (Alton)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a park setting
Description:
Christmas Wonderland transforms Springfield's Washington Park into a glowing spectacle of holiday cheer. This drive-through experience allows visitors to enjoy the lights from the comfort of their own vehicles. Towering displays depict scenes from classic holiday stories, while twinkling lights outline the park's natural features. You can tune your radio to a special station for synchronized holiday music. The park, established in 1901, has been a centerpiece of Springfield's outdoor recreation for over a century, making this event a blend of natural beauty and holiday spirit.
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Christmas at Clayville (Pleasant Plains)
What to Expect:
19th-century pioneer Christmas reenactments
Description:
Clayville Historic Site transports visitors to a 19th-century pioneer Christmas. Costumed interpreters bring the 1824 stagecoach stop to life, demonstrating traditional holiday preparations and celebrations. The crackle of wood-burning stoves fills the air as visitors explore the historic buildings. You can try your hand at making traditional Christmas decorations using materials available to early Illinois settlers. Clayville, once a thriving frontier community, now serves as a living history museum, offering insights into the challenges and joys of pioneer life during the holiday season.
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Holiday Pops in the Heartland (Peoria)
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops in the Heartland, a concert that bridges classical and contemporary holiday music. The performance features unexpected arrangements of familiar tunes, creating a fresh take on seasonal favorites. The symphony hall resonates with the rich tones of the full orchestra. You might find yourself humming along to a jazz-infused rendition of a classic carol. This event continues Springfield's long tradition of supporting the arts, which dates back to the city's early days when it hosted traveling musicians and theatrical troupes.