Old Capitol Holiday Walks | Springfield, Illinois | Visit Springfield

  • October 26, 2022
  •      
  • Mike Riefler

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There will be plenty of shopping, dining and tons of holiday cheer to go around! Walk around downtown, visit the historical sites, listen to carolers sing a traditional holiday song and catch one of the many performances at the Old State Capitol. You will have the chance to take a free, wagon ride and even meet Springfield’s very own, Abraham and Mary Lincoln at the Springfield Visitors Center! 

Tell me…what would the Holidays be without the one and only Santa? Don’t worry, your kiddos will have a chance to tell him what is on their long Christmas list and have their picture taken.

2022 Old Capitol Holiday Walks run Wednesdays & Saturdays November 26 to December 21. 

We would love to see any pictures you have from the “Holidays in Springfield” past & present, just click here to upload now.

Find a Schedule of Events below, keep an eye out as more details are to come:

 Wagon Rides - Enjoy a free, 10 minute ride around the Old State Capitol. 
  • Wednesdays; 4pm-7pm
  • Saturdays; 3pm-5pm
Abe & Mary Saturdays – Hang out with Abe & Mary in the Tinsley Dry Goods room of the Springfield Visitors Center. They will rotate playing toys with children, reading Christmas stories, discussing a day in the life with the Lincoln’s, and available for interactions & photographs. 
  • Saturday November 26th; 12pm-4pm
  • Saturday December 3rd, 10th, & 17th; 11am-5pm
LRS Ice Rink by Sangamon CEO - Located at the Old State Capitol
  • Wednesdays-Fridays; 5pm-8pm
  • Saturdays; 11am-7pm
Holly the Lighted SMTD Bus parked on Washington Street by the Old State Capitol
  • Wednesdays & Saturdays; 4pm-7pm
Santa Claus at the Old State Capitol. 
  • Saturday November 26th; 11am-1pm, 1:30pm-4:30pm, 4:30-6pm
  • Saturday December 3rd; 11am-1pm & 1:30pm-4:30pm
  • Saturday December 10th; 11am-12pm & 5pm-7pm
  • Saturday December 17th; 11am-1pm, 1:30pm-4:30pm, 5pm-7pm
  • Wednesdays 4pm-6:30pm
Winter Nights at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. The ALPLM will offer expanded hours with Free Admission to enjoy the exhibits and performances.
  • Wednesdays & Saturdays; 4pm-7pm
Ghosts in the Library at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
  • Wednesdays & Saturdays 5:15pm & 6:15pm
The Nutcracker at the ALPLM.  The Copper Coin Ballet Company will perform this holiday classic at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
  • Wednesdays & Saturdays; 5:30pm
Luminary Nights at the Dana-Thomas House.  Thirty minute tours with the inside and outside illuminated with LED Candles (limited space, reservations recommended)
  • Wednesdays & Saturdays: 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm, & 6:30pm
Family Storytime & Crafts in the Carriage House at the Dana-Thomas House.  Stories will be read in the living room and the seasonal crafts will be made in the education room in the carriage house.
  • Saturdays 12:30pm-3:30pm
  • Wednesdays 4pm-7pm (Crafts in the Carriage House only)
Winter Wonderland Wednesdays at the Kidzeum of Health and Science. The Kidzeum will offer expanded hours during the Old Capitol Holiday Walks with regular admission half off. 
  • Wednesdays 4pm-7pm
Sock Skating Rink at the Kidzeum of Health and Science
  • Wednesdays & Saturdays (Free with admission)
Children’s Arts & Crafts at the Illinois State Museum
  • Wednesdays; 4pm-7pm
  • Saturdays; 10am-7pm
Pajamas and Story Time with Mrs Clause at the ISM. Mrs Clause will be reading stories to the children at the Illinois State Museum.
  • Saturday December 21st; 5pm-7pm (stories are read at 5:30pm & 6:30pm)
What's on Lincoln's Christmas List?-Walking Tour at the Old State Capitol
  • Wednesdays 4:45pm
The Springfield Visitor's Center will also have expanded hours during the Holidays walks.  Open 10am-6pm on Saturdays & 9am-7pm on Wednesdays

Be sure to check out our event calendar for a full listing of events.

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