SPRINGFIELD – Despite summer-like temperatures this upcoming weekend, there’s plenty of things to help you get into the holiday spirit.
Looking for something to do this weekend but don’t know where to start? Check out these five things to do around town, curated for readers.
What: Santa is returning to Springfield collecting hugs and photo opportunities at White Oaks Mall. Presented by the Titan Fever Show Choir, Springfield Youth Performance Group, Lincoln Land Community College’s Choir and other musical groups Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at the ribbon cutting.
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: 2501 Wabash Ave., Springfield
More: Santa’s elves will distribute a sleigh bell to the first 100 children.
What: Want to play bingo for a good cause? At the Firefighters Lake Club, play for over $1,000 in cash prizes, while putting money forward to the benefitting nonprofit: Fishing Has No Boundaries. The nonprofit helps connect peoples with disabilities with the outdoors, teaching fishing lessons so all people can have a chance to experience something new, and find a new hobby.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: 940 W. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield
More: Tickets $25 in advance $30 at the door and includes 6 bingo cards for 10 games. Doors open at 6 p.m.
What: Reading the title should be enough – a full day of scratch-made soups, ciders and live music is just a quick drive away. Head out to The Railyard for a fall festival with multiple vendors each offering their own take on hearty soups before heading to the bar and grabbing a warm cider spiked or not.
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Railyard, 2242 S. Sixth St., Springfield
More: This is a family-friendly event but bring a valid ID if you want your cider to be spiked.
What: At the Holiday Arts and Craft Fair, you will find unique gifts, beautiful art and amazing crafts–all made by local artisans. Shop baked goods, holly wreaths and holiday-themed furniture and knick-knacks to live music. This free event offers shopping in a relaxed environment and pre-orders for the bake sale included in the fairs.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: 745 Woodside Road, Springfield
More: Want to learn more about local vendors? Check out alucc.org/artfair.
What: Lead by the Dance Creations Dance Studio, this festive holiday market is making its second return to the capital city with a variety of small businesses coming together to make unique gifts for you to take home right in time for the holiday season. Look forward to live music and dance performances by the team at Creations Dance Studio, foods, treats and holiday-centric shopping from over a dozen vendors.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: 1401 E. Cottonwood St., Springfield
More:DCDS is a studio for young dancers to get into creative arts and expression.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@usatodayco.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted