December 1, 2025 – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) has released its winter schedule, featuring holiday events, performances, free admission evenings, and community activities throughout December and early 2025.
The Copper Coin Ballet Company will perform selections from The Nutcracker on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20. The free 30-minute shows begin at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and highlight Tchaikovsky’s classic story.
The museum will take part in Downtown Springfield Holiday Walks on Dec. 6, 13, and 20, offering free museum admission from 4–7 p.m. Parking in the ALPLM ramp will also be free during those hours. Visitors are encouraged to bring new personal hygiene donations, which will be distributed to local charities. Holiday Walks will include children’s crafts, festive lighting, the “Ghosts of the Library” show at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., access to all exhibits, and performances by local school music groups on Dec. 6.
Free skating will be available in Union Square Park every Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 p.m. from Nov. 29 through Feb. 15. Additional skating hours will take place on Wednesdays during the Holiday Walks (Dec. 3, 10, 17) and on Dec. 31, Jan. 19, and Feb. 16. Skate rental is free, with optional donations.
On Dec. 6, from 1:30–5:30 p.m., the Illinois Valley Division of the National Model Railroad Association will present an interactive mobile model railroad display in the museum plaza.
The ALPLM will host Illinois’ official Gold Star Family Christmas Tree, with a lighting ceremony led by Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Terry Prince on Dec. 8. The tree features ornaments honoring Illinois service members who died in combat.
The museum will again host the family portion of First Night Springfield on Dec. 31 from noon–5 p.m., offering performances, crafts, and an early New Year’s countdown at 4 p.m. Tickets are available through the Springfield Area Arts Council.
Throughout winter, the Downtown Springfield Winter Farmers Market will operate inside Union Station from 8 a.m.–noon on Dec. 20; Jan. 3, 17, 31; Feb. 14, 28; March 28; and April 25.
The ALPLM’s mission is to encourage civic engagement through the history of Illinois and the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. More information is available at PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. For more information, click HERE.
