IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to extreme winter weather expected on Saturday, December 13, that evening's Holiday Walk activities at the ALPLM -- including the performances of The Nutcracker -- are CANCELED. The museum will still be open during regular hours from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Nutcracker performances on the 13th will be rescheduled to Wednesday, December 17. Other activities scheduled for the Holiday Walk on the 13th will also take place on the 17th.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will join the fun of “A Timeless Holiday” 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 "Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation" -- with free admission* during special extended hours from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17 and Saturday, December 20.
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” on Wednesday, December 17 and again on the 20th. Due to on-going renovations in our Union Theater, the free, thirty-minute performances will take place at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in ALPLM’s Center Plaza. Reservations and/or tickets are not 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.
• Skating is back in Union Square Park! The ALPLM will offer skating in the park throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. Skating will be offered free of charge, but a donation is suggested to help defray the cost of skate maintenance. Please click HERE for the full schedule of dates and times for Skating in the Park!
• The fun also includes arts and crafts activities for children on Wednesday, 17, and Saturday, December 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 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. and 6:15 p.m., on each night of the Holiday Walks at ALPLM.
• The ALPLM is excited to welcome talented musical groups from area schools to perform in our museum plaza on Saturday, December 6, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• All Aboard! Your kids (and big kids, too) will thrill at operating their own train on Saturday, December 6, from 1:30 p.m.-5:30 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 and Café will both be open late until 7:00 p.m. during the ALPLM Holiday Walk Nights. Find that unique Lincoln-theme gift item in the store that’s sure to please this holiday season. And the café is a great place to visit for a quick snack after you enjoy skating in the park or while you’re enjoying the holiday walk events inside the museum!
And that’s not all! Holly, the most festive bus in the SMTD Fleet, will be make a special appearance at the ALPLM during the holiday walks on Saturday, December 20.
*Admission for Winter Nights at the Museum on December 6, 17, and 20, will be free beginning at 4:00 p.m., but a donation is suggested of new, unused toiletries for local warming centers. The ALPLM will accept 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-7pm on December 6, 17, and 20.