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Need to do Christmas shopping? These Springfield events have you covered

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Need to do Christmas shopping? These Springfield events have you covered

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Don’t wait until Black Friday, because deals and steals are already popping up around Springfield.

Seasonal business ventures are one of the top ways small businesses create opportunities to boost growth during the holiday season, when major competitors like big box stores are ramping up sales. 

According to the Small Business Index, eight in 10 small businesses say the holiday season is important for their overall profit. Constant Contact reports that the majority of small businesses rely on holiday shopping for at least one quarter of their annual revenue.

Here are some different places you can shop locally this holiday season in the Springfield area.

Christmas Market at the Brinkerhoff

What: Stroll through our historic mansion and the Becker Library just steps away and discover unique gifts from local artisans, enjoy delicious seasonal treats and soak in the joyful atmosphere with local businesses. Featured at the event is make and take crafts, face painting, live music, hot drinks and a picture with the one and only Grinch.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7

Where: 1500 N. Fifth St., Springfield

Elodie Grace’s Boutique Hop

What: The day after Black Friday, Nov. 30 is small business Saturday, when the official holiday shopping season kicks into full gear. Most local businesses downtown will be holding shopping deals during the day, like District 23 Boutique which will have a hot chocolate and sweet treat bar, as well as in-store giveaways.

Elodie Grace’s Boutique Hop covers gift shops and boutiques in the Springfield area. Using a map layout of all participating businesses and punch cards given out on Black Friday, each punch from a participating store with purchase will get customers one step closer to a giveaway prize.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30

Where: Participating boutiques like District 23.

Christmas Bazaar

What: You never know what you’ll find at the bazaar. Search through holiday finds in jewelry, handmade art, soaps, lotions toys, home and garden decor with surprises around the snowman. The event will also feature alpacas for petting and an adoption unit for those looking to bring home a furry friend along the way. 

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1

Where: The Illinois State Fairgrounds Orr Building. General admission is $5, but children 12 and under are free.

Holiday Zoo Lights 

What: Take a stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of lights and themed lighted displays. Enjoy a hot chocolate on your stroll or hang out under the tent to enjoy a s’more after roasting a marshmallow over the fire pit.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. each night from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23

Where: Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield

More: Cafe Moxo won’t return to East Adams Street following summer fire

Old State Capitol Holiday Walks

What: Each year, Downtown Springfield Inc. pairs up with locally owned shops for the holiday season to make it the most magical time downtown with the Old Capitol Holiday Walks. Starting with events on Nov. 30 and running until Dec. 21, several holiday markets are ahead to look out for. Here’s a breakdown of each event and some of the vendors and activities. Each event will feature Sounds of the season symphony, Santa Claus at the Old State Capitol and an ice-skating rink at ALPLM Union Station Plaza.

Nov. 30: Small Business Saturday

  • Ugly Sweater Festive Sports from noon until 4 p.m. at the Old State Capitol
  • Abe & Mary Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. at the Tinsley Dry Goods Room, Springfield Visitors Center

Dec. 4: Downtown shopping night

  • Free Admission with family friendly crafts and activities from 4 to 8 p.m. at the ALPM
  • Member discount day with Kidzeum all day

Dec. 7: Holiday Light Parade

  • Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon at the Kidzeum
  • Gingerbread House Competition from 4:30 until 7 p.m. at the Kidzeum
  • Springfield Jaycees’ holiday light parade at 5:30 p.m. starting on Jefferson to Fifth Street

Dec. 11: Ballet and Dana Thomas Tours

  • Holiday tours at the Dana Thomas House run every 20 minutes starting 5 p.m.
  • Nutcracker Ballet from 5:30 to 6 and again 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the ALPM

Dec. 14: Ballet and Holiday Tea

  • Holiday tea party at the Kidzeum all day
  • Nutcracker Ballet from 5:30 to 6 and again 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the ALPM

Dec. 18: Downtown events

  • Nutcracker Ballet from 5:30 to 6 and again 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the ALPM
  • Free admission and crafts at the ALPM from 4 until 8 p.m.
  • Dana Thomas House tours starting at 5 p.m. and occurring every 20 minutes

Dec. 21: Holiday fun downtown

  • Ugly sweater day at the Kidzeum
  • Free admission and crafts at the ALPM from 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Nutcracker Ballet from 5:30 to 6 and again 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the ALPM

Throughout the holiday season, purchasing goods from downtown shops earns red tickets customers can enter for the drawing of three Downtown Springfield gift cards.

(This story was updated to meet our standards.)

Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted

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