This holiday season, Warren Boynton Bank is thrilled to promote and share in the festivities happening right here in our community! As you plan your holiday outings, check out these wonderful local events that bring joy, creativity, and tradition to the area. From festive light displays to winter markets and holiday concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re grateful to be part of such a vibrant community and hope everyone has a safe and magical holiday season filled with warmth and cheer.
12/8: Caroling at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
Since 1982, our annual Caroling at the Carillon has been a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season! Gather around a cozy bonfire and sing along to classic Christmas carols, accompanied by the beautiful music of the Carillon. The Trinity Wind Ensemble, directed by Jan Zepp, will join us once again, providing festive interludes throughout the caroling, with Erin Zepp serving as MC! Caroling will take place from 4:00 pm to 4:50 pm.
In 2022, we introduced family-friendly holiday activities, including crafts, photo opportunities, Santa visits, and various entertainment. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, with apple cider and cider doughnuts provided by The Apple Barn, and cookies and hot chocolate courtesy of Meijer.
Holiday activities start at 3:00 pm, with caroling from 4:00 pm to 4:50 pm. Meet us at 1740 W Fayette Ave in Springfield, IL. As always, this is a free, family-friendly event. Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.
Be sure to add the Springfield Park District’s event to your calendar on Facebook. We look forward to celebrating the season with you!
11/29-12/23: Holiday Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo
Celebrate the holiday season with Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo! Stroll through the zoo and take in thousands of sparkling lights and themed displays. Warm up with a hot chocolate from the hot chocolate bar or roast a marshmallow over the fire pit to create a tasty s’more!
Admission:
- Adults: $7.50
- Kids Ages 3-12: $5.50
- Ages 2 and Under: Free
Schedule: 5:00 - 9:00 PM (Last admission at 8:00 PM)
Dates: November 29 - December 23
Bring the family for holiday photos at one of the festive photo ops and enjoy the zoo animals in a magical setting! Watch as red wolves, arctic foxes, eagles, barnyard animals, cougars, birds of prey, and others explore the grounds, all set aglow with holiday lights.
Location:
Henson Robinson Zoo
1100 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL 62712
11/29-12/25: Light Up the Park at Chatham Community Park
Get into the holiday spirit with Light Up the Park, a beautiful drive-thru holiday light display presented by Chatham Friends of the Park! Running Thursdays through Saturdays from November 29th to December 25th, this festive event lights up Chatham Community Park at 698 South Park Ave, Chatham, IL. Bring your family and enjoy the dazzling lights from the comfort of your car, with displays that capture the magic of the season. Light Up The Park is open from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, with a suggested donation of $5 per car to support this cherished annual tradition. Join us for a memorable holiday experience!
Admission: Suggested donation of $5 per car
Schedule: Thursdays - Saturdays, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Dates: November 29 - December 25
Location:
Chatham Community Park
698 South Park Ave, Chatham, IL 62629
12/20-12/22: Dual Piano Christmas at the Hoogland Center for the Arts
The dynamic duo praised by the Illinois Times as “improvisational and strategically comedic” is back to bring laughter and music to the stage once again. Mark and Damien's shows are filled with spontaneous comedies, where anything can happen—and even they don’t know what’s next! Channeling the playful spirits of past entertainers like Victor Borge, Liberace, and Ferrante & Teicher, these two keep audiences guessing as they work their magic on the keys.
Dual Piano Christmas features holiday favorites played on two Steinway grand pianos, with four hands and two creative minds ready for an evening of festive fun. Don’t miss this unique holiday experience!
Show Dates & Times:
- Friday, December 20 at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, December 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Location:
LRS Theatre at the Hoogland
420 South 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62701
12/21: Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market
Experience the festive spirit of the season at the Holiday & Winter Farmers Market, hosted at the historic Union Station in Springfield. This former train station, now part of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, offers a unique setting with both a cozy heated indoor space and a sheltered outdoor area to browse through seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and holiday treats. Join us at Union Station, located at 500 E. Madison St., from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and enjoy the charm of this winter market in a beautifully preserved historical landmark.
Where: Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market Union Station, 500 E. Madison St.
When: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
12/31 First Night Springfield at the Hoogland Center for the Arts
Springfield Area Arts Council presents First Night Springfield!
Children 15 and Under are Free All Day- Wristbands will be provided.
Adults (16 and up) are $25.00 All Day
All activities from 12 - 8 pm
Current Schedule (more to be added)
12 -5 PM: Children's activities at ALPLM
5 PM: Special around-the-world midnight countdown with confetti cannons at ALPLM
12 - 8 PM: Ice Skating at Union Square Park
3 - 7 PM: Special Open-House tours with live music at the Dana-Thomas House
8 PM: Fireworks Spectacular
Venues:
Hoogland Center for the Arts
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Dana-Thomas House
Union Square Park