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"These holiday events are
the ideal family activity, as they encourage parents and children to
enjoy their heritage together," said Robert Coomer, Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency director.
The events listed below take place at historic sites administered
by the agency. For more information, visit
www.illinois-history.gov.
Nov. 25, 26 and 27: Santa's house
Old Market House State Historic Site, Galena
Nov. 25, 6-7:30 p.m.; Nov. 26 and 27, 1-3 p.m. Free.
The Old Market House at 123 Commerce St. in downtown Galena will
be the site of Santa's house. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 6
p.m. Friday and meet children all three days. They will also have
special gift bags for each child.
Nov. 25, 26 and 27: Lamplight tours
Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, Galena
2-4 p.m. Free.
Lamplight tours will be offered at the Ulysses S. Grant Home, 500
Bouthillier St. in Galena. The home's oil lamps will be lit, and
1870s Victorian Christmas decorations will grace the home of the
president and Civil War general.
Nov. 25, 26 and 27: Swedish Christmas market
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free.
The holiday season will be opened the traditional Swedish way
during Julmarknad, or Christmas market. Visitors will find the
entire village adorned with traditional Swedish holiday decorations
and featuring folk characters, music, artisan demonstrations,
horse-drawn rides and children's activities. Stores will have ample
supplies of traditional goods for sale. Bishop Hill is located 30
miles northeast of Galesburg and 12 miles southwest of Kewanee off
U.S. Highway 34.
Nov. 25-Dec. 31: Christmas at Clover Lawn
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, Bloomington
Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free.
An authentic Victorian holiday celebration will be featured
during the Christmas at Clover Lawn event. The Davis mansion will be
decorated with evergreens, ornaments, antique toys and Christmas
trees. Visitors are encouraged to examine the Victorian holiday
items and taste Victorian Christmas sweets. On Dec. 3, there will be
special holiday workshops for children from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the
mansion's barn and stable. Other special exhibits for children will
also be in place during December. The David Davis Mansion is located
at 1000 E. Monroe in Bloomington.
Nov. 25, 26, 27: Indian Market Days
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville
Nov. 25, noon-4 p.m.; Nov. 26, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Nov. 27, 9 a.m. -
4 p.m. Free.
Indian Market Days features American Indian artists and other
vendors selling a wide variety of items that would make unique
holiday gifts, including jewelry, beadwork, traditional clothing,
Alaskan ivory and baleen carvings, walking sticks, children's items,
shell gorgets, herbal teas, and bath salts. Cahokia Mounds is
located just off interstates 55, 70 and 255 in Collinsville.
Nov. 26: Cider Sippin' Sale
Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site, Cahokia
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free.
The Cider Sippin' Sale is a perfect opportunity to enjoy holiday
shopping in a historic setting and relaxed atmosphere. While
browsing through the selection of unique gifts, visitors can enjoy a
cup of hot cider, talk to interpreters in period clothing and enjoy
the warmth of a roaring fire. Sales benefit the Jarrot Mansion
Project, which supports historic sites preserved in the old French
town of Cahokia. Cahokia Courthouse is located near the intersection
of Highway 157 and Route 3 in Cahokia.
Nov. 30-Dec. 31: A Frank Lloyd Wright Christmas
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, Springfield
Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free.
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House will be fully
decorated for the holiday season beginning Nov. 30 through Dec. 31.
The Sumac Shop in the Dana-Thomas House Visitors Center offers books
and monographs, cards and postcards, Wright reproduction and
adaptation items, jewelry, period decorative arts, and related gift
items. Mrs. Dana's Country Store from 1904 in the Dana-Thomas House
Billiard Room has been re-created. The Dana-Thomas House is located
at Fourth and Lawrence streets in Springfield.
Dec. 2-Jan. 6: Christmas in the Courthouse
Metamora Courthouse State Historic Site, Metamora
Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Free.
The Metamora Courthouse will be decked out for the holidays for
Christmas in the Courthouse, which opens Dec. 2 and runs through
Jan. 4. Nine trees will be decorated with historic, community or
patriotic themes, along with other decorations inside and outside
the courthouse. On Dec. 2 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 1 to 4
p.m. an open house and concert will feature live Christmas and
traditional music in the courtroom. Greeters will be in Civil War
costumes, a choir and carolers will lead a community singalong, and
refreshments will be served. The courthouse is located on the town
square in Metamora.
Dec. 3: Statehood celebration
Old State Capitol State Historic Site, Springfield
Noon-4 p.m. Free.
The 187th anniversary of Illinois statehood will be celebrated
Dec. 3 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Old State Capitol with period
decorations, holiday music, performances and hands-on activities.
More than 300 area students are involved in tree decorating at the
site this year, which will highlight the early French influence on
Illinois' settlement. Youth can learn to write a Christmas list or
card with a quill pen, make a bird feeder from pine cones, and play
period games. Period music will be provided, and an Abraham Lincoln
impersonator will appear. The Old State Capitol is located in
downtown Springfield.
Dec. 3: Christmas open house
Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, Lincoln
Noon-4 p.m. Free.
Period holiday decorations, music and sweets may be enjoyed
during the Christmas open house at Postville Courthouse. The
courthouse will be decorated in the simple but beautiful style of
the mid-1800s. Hand quilting will be in progress, and period music
will fill the historic building. A Lincoln impersonator will greet
visitors, and refreshments will be served. Postville Courthouse is
located in Lincoln.
Dec. 3: St. Nicholas tradition
Martin-Boismenue House State Historic Site, Dupo
3-5 p.m. Free.
The tradition of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century gift-giver who
is the inspiration for our modern Santa Claus, will be explored
during a special event at the Martin-Boismenue House. St. Nicholas
will stop by the candlelit historic home to greet families and share
holiday treats with children. The house will be decorated for the
season in traditional frontier fashion, with St. Nicholas seated in
front of a crackling fire. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras
to capture their children's delight at seeing St. Nicholas in this
wonderful historic setting. The Martin-Boismenue House is located at
the intersection of Water and First streets in Dupo.
Dec. 3 and 4: Santa's house
Old Market House State Historic Site, Galena
1-3 p.m. Free.
The Old Market House in downtown Galena will be the site of
Santa's house. Santa and Mrs. Claus will have special gift bags for
each child.
Dec. 3 and 4: Lamplight tours
Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, Galena
2-4 p.m. Free.
Lamplight tours will be offered at the Ulysses S. Grant Home. The
home's oil lamps will be lit, and 1870s Victorian Christmas
decorations will grace the home of the president and Civil War
general.
Dec. 3 and 4: Swedish Christmas market
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free.
The holiday season will be opened the traditional Swedish way
during Julmarknad, or Christmas market. Visitors will find the
entire village adorned with traditional Swedish holiday decorations
and featuring folk characters, music, artisan demonstrations,
horse-drawn rides and children's activities. Stores will have ample
supplies of traditional goods for sale.
Dec. 3 and 4: Winter Indian Art Show
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free.
The Winter Indian Art Show will feature artists selling a variety
of fine arts in many media. Unique holiday gift items for sale by
Native American artists will include metalwork pieces, feathered
masks, drawings and paintings, jewelry items and silverwork, dolls,
contemporary pottery with ancient motifs, flutes, and music CDs.
Cahokia Mounds is located just off interstates 55, 70 and 255 in
Collinsville.
Dec. 4 and 5: Christmas program
Jubilee College State Historic Site, Brimfield
Dec. 4, 5 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 5, 5 p.m., senior citizens only. Free
The candlelit chapel and west wing rooms will be the setting for
the annual nondenominational Christmas program at Jubilee College.
Each program will include performances on the 1848 Henry Erben
organ, one of four remaining in the United States. The service will
be conducted by a re-enactor dressed in Episcopal bishop's attire
from the 1840s. Music and candlelit tours will be offered. Jubilee
College is located 15 miles northwest of Peoria off I-74 or Route
150.
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 Dec. 6, 7, 8 and 9: Noontime holiday concerts
Old State Capitol State Historic Site, Springfield
Noon. Free.
The sounds of the season will echo through downtown Springfield
as the Old State Capitol hosts a series of noontime holiday concerts
presented by area schools. Guests are encouraged to bring a sack
lunch to enjoy this local tradition.
Dec. 9 and 10: Lucia Nights
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
6-9 p.m. Free.
A Swedish holiday tradition will be re-created during the annual
Lucia Nights celebration. All Bishop Hill businesses, museums, and
bed and breakfasts will be open until 9 p.m. and will feature a
Lucia girl wearing a white robe, crimson sash and a candle crown.
She will serve hot beverages and sweets to visitors. The celebration
will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 as the community Christmas tree is lit
at the southeast corner of the village park. Musical performances
are scheduled both nights.
Dec. 9 and 10: Candlelight tours
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Lerna
5-8 p.m. Free.
A Christmas holiday tradition that looks like it came from a
greeting card can be experienced during Christmas candlelight tours
at the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Visitors are welcome
to tour the Lincoln and Sargent farms by candlelit paths to see how
Christmas was observed by 19th-century Americans. Musical
performances are scheduled in the visitor center and the Harris
Education Building. Lincoln Log Cabin is located eight miles south
of Charleston.
Dec. 10: Christmas celebration
Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, Springfield
Noon-4 p.m. Free.
A Christmas celebration featuring poetry readings and seasonal
decorations will be presented at the Vachel Lindsay Home. Selections
of Lindsay poetry with a Christmas or New Year's theme will be read.
The home will be decorated for the holidays, and visitors will
receive souvenir copies of Lindsay's Christmas poetry. Refreshments
will be served. The Vachel Lindsay Home is located at 603 S. Fifth
St. in Springfield.
Dec. 10: Christmas open house
Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site
4:30-6:30 p.m. Free.
Rooms illuminated by candlelight will highlight the annual
Christmas open house at Vandalia Statehouse. The building will be
trimmed with 1800s decorations, including fresh greenery, fruits and
nuts. Staff and volunteers in period clothing will greet visitors,
and period music will fill the structure. The first 100 families
will receive a free handmade Christmas ornament. Refreshments will
be served. Vandalia Statehouse is located one mile south of I-70 on
U.S. 51 South in Vandalia.
Dec. 10: Christmas remembrance ceremony
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Springfield
1 p.m. Free.
The 82 Illinois soldiers still listed as prisoners of war or
missing in action in Southeast Asia will be remembered at a special
ceremony at the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Springfield's
Oak Ridge Cemetery. During the 18th annual Christmas remembrance,
handmade red and white heart-shaped ornaments will be hung by family
and friends on the blue spruce planted near the memorial for this
purpose. Each ornament bears the name of one of the 82 Illinois POWs
or MIAs. Members of the general public may also bring a weatherproof
ornament to hang on the tree.
Dec. 10 and 11: Santa's house
Old Market House State Historic Site, Galena
1-3 p.m. Free.
The Old Market House in downtown Galena will be the site of
Santa's house. Santa and Mrs. Claus will have special gift bags for
each child.
Dec. 10 and 11: Lamplight tours
Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, Galena
2-4 p.m. Free.
Lamplight tours will be offered at the Ulysses S. Grant Home. The
home's oil lamps will be lit, and 1870s Victorian Christmas
decorations will grace the home of the president and Civil War
general.
Dec. 10 and 11: 1830s Christmas
Apple River Fort State Historic Site, Elizabeth
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free.
The holidays as observed at a Black Hawk War-era fort will be
re-enacted during Christmas at Apple River Fort. Costumed
interpreters will demonstrate winter activities such as wooden toy
carving, hog butchering, candle dipping, sausage making and target
shooting and will present ideas from the 1830s about celebrating
Christmas as a holiday. Hot cider will be served around warming
fires, and visitors can make 19th-century Christmas ornaments. The
Apple River Fort is located along U.S. Route 20 in Elizabeth.
Dec. 11: Holiday open house
Bryant Cottage State Historic Site, Bement
5-7 p.m. Free.
Period holiday decorations and music will highlight a holiday
open house at Bryant Cottage. Outdoor lanterns will be lit at 4:45
p.m. during "In Memory Of," a ceremony honoring Bement's founders,
as part of the community's sesquicentennial celebration. Guests may
view the decorated mid-1800s cottage by candle and lamplight and
will be greeted by re-enactors portraying the home's original
residents. Handmade ornaments will be given to the first 50 families
to visit that day. Period holiday music will be provided. Bryant
Cottage is located at 146 E. Wilson St. in Bement.
Dec. 13, 14, 15 and 16: Noontime holiday concerts
Old State Capitol State Historic Site, Springfield
Noon. Free.
The sounds of the season will echo through downtown Springfield
as the Old State Capitol hosts a series of noontime holiday concerts
presented by area schools. Guests are encouraged to bring a sack
lunch to enjoy this local tradition.
Dec. 16, 17 and 18: Family night, evening tours and luminaria
evening
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, Springfield
4-8 p.m. Free.
Dec. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. is family night at the Frank Lloyd
Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House. Tour hours will be from 9 a.m. to
8 p.m. Dec. 16, 17 and 18, with live music filling the house during
the afternoon and evening. Evening tours allow the public to see the
home in 1904-era light levels and to enjoy illuminated holiday trees
and decorations. The luminaria evening will be Dec. 18 from 4 to 8.
A thousand candles in paper sacks will line the sidewalks and
horizontal ledges of the Prairie-style structure.
Dec. 17: Three-mansion tour
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, Bloomington
5-9 p.m. Tickets $8 each.
Three of Bloomington-Normal's historic mansions will provide
evening holiday tours and free shuttle transportation for one price.
Featured are the David Davis Mansion at 1000 E. Monroe, Bloomington;
the Broadview Mansion at 1301 S. Fell Avenue, Normal; and, new to
the tour this year, the Vrooman Mansion at 701 E. Taylor,
Bloomington. All three will be decorated with vintage Christmas
decorations and open for special evening tours. The Davis mansion
will also treat visitors to costumed guides, seasonal music and
refreshments. Tickets for the tours are $8 per person. The event is
a fundraiser benefiting the Immanuel Bible Foundation and the David
Davis Mansion Foundation. Call (309) 828-1084 or (309) 452-6710 for
ticket information.
Dec. 25: Julotta service
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
6 a.m. Free.
Visitors are invited to ring in Christmas Day the traditional
Swedish way at the Julotta nondenominational service beginning at 6
a.m. at Bishop Hill's restored Colony Church. Christmas morning in
Sweden begins with the Julotta service, and since 1970 the Julotta
at the Colony Church has reaffirmed the Swedish heritage of this
historic community. The service will be conducted in both Swedish
and English. Since the church is not heated, those planning to
attend should dress warmly. Coffee and rusks will be served in the
Colony Church Museum following the service.
Dec. 29: Children's story hours
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, Springfield
9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Free; reservations required.
A popular holiday activity returns to the Dana-Thomas House
during children's story hours, reminiscent of the times a hundred
years ago when Susan Lawrence Dana would invite children into her
home for reading and fun. Sessions begin at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and
1:30 p.m. and will feature storyteller Mike Anderson of
Jacksonville. Each child will receive a treat at the end of the
45-minute session. Space is limited, so reservations are required by
calling (217) 782-6776.
Dec. 31: First Night period ball
Old State Capitol State Historic Site, Springfield
7-10 p.m. First Night general admission in advance is $10 for
adults and $5 for children ages 5-18; at the door, $15 for adults
and $5 for children.
The Old State Capitol's 1800s ball will be one of the many venues
for downtown Springfield's First Night celebration. Visitors can
celebrate the New Year the old-fashioned way as they watch
19th-century dances performed in period costumes. Period music and
candlelight will fill the 1839 building.
Dec. 31: La Guiannee
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, Prairie du Rocher
7-10 p.m. Free.
The New Year's celebration started by some of the state's
earliest settlers will be observed at Fort de Chartres. In a
tradition dating back to 1722, the La Guiannee singers will visit
Fort de Chartres and houses in the early French town of Prairie du
Rocher and sing for the residents. As part of the tradition, the
residents provide refreshments for the singers at each stop. Fort de
Chartres is located four miles west of Prairie du Rocher on Illinois
Route 155.
[Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency news release] |
