Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – He didn’t, but you probably would have had to forgive Springfield Tourism Director Scott Dahl if he had said “Happy New Year” Wednesday night, instead of “Merry Christmas.”

“Get ready for 2026,” said Dahl, during the Downtown Springfield tree lighting ceremony Wednesday.  “We have the Route 66 Centennial, it’s 100th anniversary.  We have the opening of the Scheels Sports Park, the grand opening to the outside.  The FIFA World Cup will bring one million visitors to Springfield next year, along with the Route 66 Centennial.  And, let’s not forget, America turns 250 in 2026.”

The downtown Christmas tree was designed and built by Ace Sign Company, whose employees take great pride in making it better every year.

“This tree was produced by Ace Sign Company in 2016.  This is the tenth year now for the tree,” said Todd Bringuet, CEO.  “The team really enjoys putting the finishing touches on pieces like this, pieces like you see in the downtown parade as well.  We’ve got a new layer of lighting there this year, too.  No lasers.”

The tree lighting ceremony, moved to Wednesday due to last Saturday’s snowstorm, also had visits from an Ace Sign lighted classic Christmas vehicle, Santa Claus, and, yes, Abraham Lincoln.

While Dahl was excited for 2026 in Springfield, Dahl’s advice for now is to slow down, and enjoy the holidays with family and friends.