SPRINGFIELD – Have you ever caroled at the Carillon, Springfield’s own world renown chiming bell tower at Washington Park?
This weekend could be your chance to experience the holiday wonder for the first time.
Looking for things to do around town this weekend but don’t know where to start? Here are some popular events to check out around the capital city.
Heart of Downtown Holiday Market
What: Pair local shopping with sweet treats and live events for a perfect weekend activity for the family. Santa will be on hand to take photos with children. There will also be a build-your-own hot cocoa bar and local vendor market.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield
More: This event is held by The Old State Capitol Foundation.
Caroling at the Carillon
What: Make a holiday memory at Caroling at the Carillon this year with free activities. Don’t know where to start? How about bonfires placed around the carillon with free cookies and hot chocolate to warm up at, before heading out to try the holiday photo booth or kids ornament making tables. The actual caroling presented by Hickory Point Bank starts at 4 p.m., but in the background a scavenger hunt around Washington park will be available for a holiday surprise.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: 1740 W. Fayette Ave., Springfield
More: Get too cold in the snow? The Washington Park Botanical Gardens will be open and temperate for a floral show indoors.
Tom Irwin at Dumber Records
What: The first live show at Dumber Records is set for this weekend. For a free show, artist Tom Irwin is performing live on stage his new titled album, “One For The Kiddos”. For over 40 years Tom Irwin has been taking experiences, turning them into songs, and giving those songs life through performances and recordings. The 58-year-old singer-songwriter opened for Willie Nelson & Family at the 2001 Illinois State Fair Grandstand, according to the artist’s website.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Dumber Records, 2501 Wabash Ave., inside the White Oaks Mall
ISYO Holiday Concert
What: Ring in the Holidays with the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra, as they present a selection of holiday classics. Three orchestras will take the stage, along with one lucky audience member selected to play the Sleigh Ride whip. There’s plenty of community interaction, as the program will culminate in an audience sing-along.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington St., Springfield
More: General admission tickets are $15, students are $5 at the door.
Tour of Downtown
What: One ticket will earn a spot at downtown Springfield’s holiday bash, featuring holiday drinks, live music and the key to savings, a T-shirt on the tour unlocking discounts and specials only available to you at several locations to choose from.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield
More: Tickets are $23.18 after tax, and a full list of participating businesses in the tour are available for viewing on the DSI Eventbrite link.
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
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Caroling at the Carillon among 5 things to do in Springfield
Reporting by Claire Grant, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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