SPRINGFIELD, IL (CAPTIOL MEDIA GROUP) – Springfield residents will have several events to look forward to in November, including holiday shopping, family entertainment and a celebration marking 100 years of Route 66.

Kaitlin Coultas, marketing manager for Visit Springfield, joined WTAX’s Morning Newswatch to discuss some of the events scheduled throughout the month.

The Hobnob Holiday Market will take place Nov. 6-7 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Expo Building. The event will feature more than 120 boutique vendors, along with food trucks and holiday shopping.

“It’s just a really good festive time and kind of a good way to get in the holiday spirit,” Coultas said.

Families can also attend the Ansar Shrine Circus, scheduled for Nov. 6-8 at the BOS Center. The circus will feature performances throughout the weekend, offering entertainment for the whole family.

Route 66 will officially turn 100 on Nov. 11. To mark the centennial, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway will host a statewide conference and celebration at Route 66 Motorheads Bar-Grill-Museum.

The day’s events will include a conference and awards luncheon from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a concert featuring Starship with Mickey Thomas that evening.

Coultas said the yearlong Route 66 celebrations have been a valuable opportunity to highlight the historic highway’s importance to the Springfield community.

“It’s been a lot of fun to really highlight something that is so iconic and that we can really tie into and be such an integral part of our community here,” Coultas said.

The holiday season will continue later in the month with the Old Capitol Holiday Walks annual tree lighting Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m. at the Old State Capitol Plaza.

The event will include the lighting of the Christmas tree, hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies from Whimsy Tea Company, performances by Springfield Dance and the Springfield Choral Society, and holiday music.

Coultas said the tree lighting helps kick off the holiday season in downtown Springfield.

Residents can find additional information about these events and other activities at visitspringfieldillinois.com.