This year, Downtown Springfield will be transformed into a holiday wonderland complete with festive decorations, delicious food and beverages and activities for all ages. The fun begins on Saturday, Nov. 27th with the launch of the 2021 Old Capitol Holiday Walks, presented by INB and the new-to-downtown Memorial Holiday Fest. Activities will continue each Wednesday evening and Saturday through December 22.
“The Old Capitol Holiday Walks are a cherished tradition for many people in the Springfield area,” said DSI Executive Director Kayla Graven. “Thanks to the tremendous support from our presenting sponsor, INB, and other sponsorships, partnerships and organizations, such as Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, downtown visitors will find an unbelievable variety of magical, multicultural holiday experiences for the whole family.”
Several downtown streets, including Fifth and Sixth Streets, will be closed on Saturdays from November 27 – Deceember 18 to ease the pedestrian movement throughout the area. Free parking will be available at many locations around downtown and a shuttle will run on Saturdays to help people get to the various location sites and activities. Graven said downtown’s locally owned businesses, restaurants and bars will offer unique gifts and special treats this holiday season. In addition, many establishments will be participating in the Red Ticket drawing. For every $10 spent at participating businesses, shoppers will be entered for a chance to win weekly prizes or the grand cash prizes of $1,000, $500 or $250. The winners will be drawn and announced on December 22.
The Holiday Walks serve as another way to attract families and friends to downtown Springfield for a joyous occasion,” said Kadejia Berkley of Jerk Shop Go.
“Any increase in foot traffic downtown often correlates with an increase in customers for Downtown businesses as well. All around, I consider the Holiday Walks a win-win!”
Shoppers can also find gifts and food items from a variety of changing retailers at the new Mistletoe Market, located on Washington Street across from the Old State Capitol.
Another new feature this year is DSI’s Parklet Passport program. Thanks to a grant through the City of Springfield, new parklets were recently installed at Anvil and Forge, Buzz Bomb, Celtic Mist, Clique, Custom Cup, Frankie’s Brewhaus, Gin Mill, Hair of the Dog and J.P. Kelley’s. Passport participants can visit the 10 parklets, including the original downtown parklet at Maldaner’s, as well as Obed and Isaac’s beer garden, where they can receive a stamp for buying special holiday treats or catching live performances made possible by Groupon.
The passports will be available at each of the 11 locations. After collecting 10 stamps between November 27 and December 22, participants can submit the card to the participating parklets and receive 10 additional entries in the Red Ticket giveaway.
“We love the Holiday Walks because they showcase the beauty and variety of our downtown,” said Josh Flanders owner of Buzz Bomb Brewing Company. “Walking through a winter wonderland, filled with holiday attractions, shopping, eating, and drinking – you just can’t beat that. Also, I highly recommend celebratory beers at Buzz Bomb after your successful shopping trip!”
In addition to a magical shopping experience, free, whimsical tractor-pulled carriage rides, sponsored by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, will transport visitors through the sparkling lights and festive sounds of downtown on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.
Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln will offer several children activities and photo opportunities inside of the Tinsley Gift Shop at the Springfield Visitor’s Center from 10 am-4 pm on Saturdays between November 27 and December 18. Rotating children’s activities with the Lincolns include playing with toys, reading stories, and discussing a day in the life of the Lincolns.
“I’m excited to see old friends and meet new friends who make the Holiday Walks a part of their Christmas traditions. Friends and family come downtown to shop, eat and enjoy the festivities,” said Sheri Koch of Murphy’s Loft. “It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!”
The official ceremony and lighting of the city Christmas tree, which is provided by Ace Sign Company, will take place on Saturday, November 27 at 4:30 p.m.
Another holiday favorite, the Springfield Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade, kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 4th. The Jaycees also are sponsoring the “Stuff the Sleigh for Springfield” to collect toys, books, winter gear and other items for local organizations along with canned goods and non-perishable food items for local micro pantries Located at 4th and Adams between 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Other downtown holiday attractions include:
- Santa is available for free photos from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. and 5 -7 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
- Lincoln Library children’s crafts and other holiday-related activities.
- Variety of entertainment on the Old State Capitol Plaza on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays
- Holiday Farmers Market Nov. 20th and Dec. 18th from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Sangamon CEO Ice Skating Rink on the lawn of the Old State Capitol
- Hoogland Center presenting living windows featuring Frozen characters, as well as carolers.
- Illinois Department of Agricultural Illinois Products Holiday Market, December 4-5 on the lot north of the Governor’s Mansion.
- Kidzeum is offering holiday arts and crafts and sock skating free with museum admission.
- Illinois State Museum to offer free arts, crafts and educational activities about holidays around the world, including Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.
“Our business owners have been incredibly busy preparing for the holiday season,” says Graven. “Since many of them offer unique, locally produced items, their shelves are brimming with gifts that will delight anyone on your list. We’re all very excited to welcome everyone downtown this holiday season!”
A complete list of all activities, attractions, stores, restaurants and bars, along with activity times and a map, is available on the DSI website at www.downtownspringfield.org. Graven encourages people to check the website or DSI’s Facebook page for updates before visiting downtown.
