There are a lot of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy during the holidays that are free or affordable throughout Central Illinois, and here are just a few.
Illinois Local Small Business Saturday Holiday Market
Saturday, November 25
Exposition Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds
9 am to 4 pm
Entry is $3, 12 and under FREE.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Old State Capitol Plaza
Downtown Springfield
Saturday, November 25, 7:30 pm
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Wednesdays and Saturdays, November 26 to December 21
The whole family can enjoy special events in downtown Springfield through the holiday season.
Enjoy a free, 10-minute wagon ride around the Old State Capitol on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 7 pm and Saturdays from 3 pm to 5 pm.
Children’s arts and crafts at the Illinois State Museum on Wednesdays 4 pm to 7 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 7 pm
Illinois Products Holiday Market
Downtown Springfield
Friday, December 1, 4 pm to 9 pm
Saturday, December 2, 11 am to 6 pm
Sunday, December 3, 11 am to 4 pm
Vendors offering a variety of Illinois Products perfect for gift giving, stocking stuffing or something for yourself.
Children's activities, sleigh selfie station, live music performances.
Holiday Craft Fair
Jubilee Farm, Springfield
December 1 through December 3, 10 am to 3 pm
Admittance FREE
Enjoy a variety of sewing, knitted, and crochet items, pottery, gift baskets, bead work, Christmas decorations, and more.
Homemade baked goods are available beginning December 1 until sold out.
Cash or check only.
Springfield Youth Performance Group
The Nutcracker
Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
Saturday, December 2, 2 pm and 6 pm
Sunday, December 3, 2 pm
Tickets are $15 per child, $25 per adult.
Holiday Lights Parade
Saturday, December 2
Downtown Springfield
Hosted by the Springfield Jaycees, the parade begins at dusk and runs from Jefferson Street to Fifth Street to Monroe Street to Sixth Street.
Clayville Candlelight Christmas
Friday, December 8, 5 pm to 9 pm
Saturday, December 9, 3:30 pm to 9 pm
Tour the Broadwell Inn and Tavern, Batterton Cabin, Cunningham Barn, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and agriculture museum, all decked out for Christmas and lit with candles. Donations accepted. Coffee, hot chocolate, and light snacks are available to purchase.
Caroling at the Carillon & Jingle Bells Spectacular
Washington Park, Springfield
December 10, 3 pm to 5:30 pm
Gather around a roaring bonfire and sing Christmas carols accompanied by the Carillon.
Kid-friendly activities, including arts, crafts, photo ops, and Santa. Complimentary snacks and drinks, including apple cider and apple cider doughnuts courtesy of the Apple Barn, with cookies and hot chocolate courtesy of Meijer.
The Jingle Bells Spectacular begins at 3 pm, caroling at 4 pm, and Christmas tree lights 5:20 pm.
FREE. Donations are welcome.
Treat Tree Workshop
December 21, 9 am to 11 am
Washington Park Botanical Garden, Springfield
Get messy and make wildlife-friendly ornaments for your trees. Participants ages 5 to 9 will make ornaments from birdseed, spices, and fruits.
$35 to $40
We appreciate our communities and are excited for a busy holiday season.