Celebrate the Season in Downtown Springfield
November 09, 2017
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year, and downtown Springfield wants to help you celebrate. Even the grinchiest among us can find a reason to be merry in downtown Springfield with some of the area’s most festive, family-friendly events and holiday shopping. Mark your calendars for the events below, then check out the full Downtown Holiday Guide for more events and a digital shopping guide.
November 18: Festival of Lights Kickoff and Downtown Tree Lighting
What: The Downtown Tree Lighting marks the beginning of the annual Festival of Lights, a flurry of holiday activities in Center City sponsored by the City of Springfield, the Downtown Springfield Association, the Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District and Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Get more information here.
When: Free activities begin at 6 p.m.; Tree lighting at 7 p.m.
Where: Park Central Square
Admission: Free
November 18–December 9: Holiday Storytime Series
What: In preparation for this year’s Downtown Christmas Parade, “A Downtown Christmas Story,” the Downtown Springfield Association and Penmac Staffing are presenting a series of holiday storytimes at the Park Central Branch Library every Saturday concluding on December 9.
When: Kickoff event at 7:15 p.m.; all other storytimes at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Park Central Branch Library
Admission: Free
November 18–December 24: Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
What: The Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District presents free horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends from November 18 to December 24. Carriage ride schedules are subject to change; call 417-742-2809 for more information.
When: Times vary; call 417-742-2809 for more information.
Where: Park Central Square
Admission: Free
November 25: Small Business Saturday
What: Head downtown for a day of shopping local! Participating retailers will donate a portion of their proceeds to area nonprofits with matching gifts by the Downtown Springfield Association. Plus, don’t miss the Queen City Craft Show.
When: All day
Where: Participating downtown businesses
Admission: Free
November 27: Cyber Monday
What: Give Amazon Prime a rest this year—shop local on Cyber Monday! Several downtown retailers offer e-commerce shopping so you can get your holiday shopping done in your pajamas.
When: All day
Where: Participating downtown businesses
Admission: Free
December 9: Downtown Christmas Parade
What: Penmac Staffing presents the annual Downtown Christmas Parade, a beloved downtown holiday tradition! This year’s parade theme is “A Downtown Christmas Story,” celebrating local storytellers (including Grand Marshal Sony Hocklander) and downtown traditions.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: View the parade on South Avenue, Park Central Square or Park East.
Admission: Free
