It’s the most wonderful time of the year—particularly here in the Capitol City area! From beloved traditional events to unique opportunities and experiences, there’s never a lack of reasons to celebrate the season with friends and neighbors new and old. We’ve collected the best of those opportunities and experiences right here, but keep checking back—we’ll be adding more events, news and fun right through to 2026!

Dry January
Health & Wellness
4 days ago
Dry January challenge encourages health reset for the new year

A month of sobriety offers physical and mental benefits, with tips to help participants succeed.

A discarded Christmas tree
Holiday Guide
6 days ago
Christmas is over, but what to do with the tree? Here’s some alternatives to the landfill

According to the Nature Conservancy, some 10 million live Christmas trees end up in landfills every year.

Dog new year
Holiday Guide
7 days ago
Prepare pets for New Year’s Eve celebrations and fireworks

Warm weather and fireworks can add extra stress for pets as families ring in the new year.

Thanks to donors and the HSHS St. John's Hospital Foundation, parents of Children's Hospital patients got to "shop" for Christmas presents, many of which were in this conference room.
Local
7 days ago
St. John’s Foundation doesn’t stop after Christmas

Giving helps make HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital technology — and even Christmas — possible for patients.

African American and Pan-African cultures observe a week-long celebration known as Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1.
Holiday Guide
1 week ago
Kwanzaa brings communities together

African American and Pan-African cultures observe a week-long celebration known as Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1.

Melanie Barnard "shops" for presents in "Santa's Workshop" at HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital. Barnard's son Stuart is recovering there after recent surgery.
Health & Wellness
2 weeks ago
Santa’s elves make Christmas special for patients of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital

‘Santa’s Workshop’ is made possible through toy drives and Springfield’s McGraw family.

Holiday Guide
2 weeks ago
Where’s Santa? Track him here!

We’re helping the kids get ready for Christmas!

A Christmas scene in Springfield.
Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
Here are holiday events around the Springfield area

Here are ways you can celebrate the holidays in the Springfield, IL area!

Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
The most popular grocery items for Christmas in Illinois, according to Instacart

Instacart reports on Christmas trends and eggnog popularity in Illinois and across the country.

Explore these ideas for family-friendly NYE fun.
Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
New Year’s Eve celebration ideas for families

Explore these ideas for family-friendly NYE fun.

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