The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will join the fun of “Sharing Traditions” during this year’s downtown Springfield Holiday Walks with special Winter Nights at the Museum. You’ll enjoy ballet performances of “The Nutcracker,” musical performers, crafts for kids, skating in the park, amazing lights and special effects, along with the regular museum exhibits -- including our newest exhibit "Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt" -- with free admission during the holiday walk hours.
***Please note: Due to inclement weather expected, skating in the park will not take place on Saturday, Dec 14. All other activities scheduled for Saturday inside historic Union Station -- including the interactive model railroad exhibit -- will be moved to the museum Saturday afternoon and early evening.***
At the ALPLM, the fun begins with colorful, ever-changing lights that will decorate Union Square Park throughout the holiday season.
- The Copper Coin Ballet Company will perform selections from “The Nutcracker” each Wednesday and Saturday, beginning December 11 and running through December 21. The thirty-minute performances will take place at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in ALPLM’s Union Theater. The performances are free to attend, but advance registration is required. “The Nutcracker” follows the magical adventures of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle with the Mouse King and journey to the Land of the Sweets. Please click HERE to select tickets for the performance you wish to attend.
- Skating is back in Union Square Park! The ALPLM will offer skating in the park during the downtown holiday walks on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from Noon to 8:00 p.m. Plus, skating will continue every weekend from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday from December 22 to February 16, as well as New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) from 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on the following holidays: MLK Day (Jan 20), Lincoln’s Birthday (Feb 12), and President’s Day (Feb 17). Skating will be offered free of charge, but a donation is suggested to help defray the cost of skate maintenance.
- The fun also includes arts and crafts activities for children from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Winter Wonder Workshop, located in Lincoln’s Cafe. Each week we’ll share different winter-themed craft activities that you can create on-site or take home. Education staff will also share hands-on history activities with a winter wonder twist... it's sure to be "cool," so don't miss out!
- Guests will be dazzled with performances of our famous "Ghosts of the Library" show at 5:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 7:15 p.m. each evening during the downtown Holiday Walks. You’ll also enjoy special presentations our immersive theater experience of “Lincoln’s Eyes” at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. on November 30 and December 4 and 7.
- The ALPLM is excited to welcome talented high school groups from area schools to our plaza on selected dates during the holiday walks. Look for holiday-themed musical performances from Lanphier and Williamsville High Schools on Wednesday, December 4, at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. respectively, Taylorville High School on Wednesday, December 11, at 4:30 p.m., Pleasant Plains High School on Saturday, December 14, at 4:30 p.m., and Springfield Southeast High School on Saturday, December 21, at 4:30 p.m.
- All Aboard! Your kids (and big kids, too) will thrill at operating their own train on Saturday, December 14, from Noon-8:00 p.m. in the museum plaza. Members of the Illinois Valley Division of the National Model Railroad Association will be on hand to introduce your children to the fun and creativity of model railroading by giving them a chance to operate the group’s mobile model railroad display.
- Plus, the Museum Store will both be open late until 8:00 p.m. for the Holiday Walk Nights. Find that unique Lincoln-theme gift item in the store that’s sure to please this holiday season. You’ll also find the gift shop and café “pop-up” shop inside Union Station during the holiday walks – a great place to visit for quick snack or last-minute gifts before or after you enjoy skating in the park!
And that’s not all! Holly, the most festive bus in the SMTD Fleet, will be making special appearances at the ALPLM during the holiday walks.
Admission for Winter Nights at the Museum will be free beginning at 4:00 p.m. during these evenings, but a donation is suggested of new, unused toiletries for local warming centers. The ALPLM will accept travel-sized shampoo, deodorant, soap and toothpaste, disposable razors, tampons and sanitary pads, socks, and gloves. All items must be new.
Parking in the ALPLM parking ramp at 6th and Madison will also be free from 4pm-8pm on holiday walk nights.