⛸️ FREE Skating in Union Square Park!
Had one too many slices of pumpkin pie? We've got just the thing! Grab the family, lace up your skates and glide into the holiday season at Union Square Park!
Skating is FREE, and so are skate rentals! Our rink features synthetic ice, which offers a little more resistance than traditional ice, making it a great option for beginners and anyone still finding their skating legs. Whether it's your first time on skates or you're ready to show off your moves, come join the fun!
- Saturday, Nov. 28: 1–4 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 29: 1–4 p.m.
Click for more skating details. (ADD LINK TO SKATING EVENT PAGE)
Get into the holiday spirit with three days of shopping, skating, entertainment and festive fun!
🎁 Illinois Product Holiday Market
Shop local foods and unique gifts while enjoying live music, chef demonstrations, kids' activities, visits with Santa and sleighloads of holiday cheer! The market takes place in historic Union Station and is presented by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
- Friday, Dec. 4: 4–9 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 5: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 6: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
⛸️ Skating in Union Square Park
Enjoy some winter fun on the rink! Don't miss a special ribbon-cutting celebration with Abraham and Mary Lincoln on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 4: 4–9 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 5: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 6: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
🎄 Free Museum Admission & Holiday Fun
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 4–7 p.m. | Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Celebrate the season with a special evening of FREE museum admission and festive activities for the whole family!
- Free museum admission from 4–7 p.m.
- Holiday crafts for kids
- Special showings of Ghosts of the Library at 5:15 and 6:15 p.m.
- Special showings of Lincoln's Eyes at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
- Pop-up performances in the museum plaza
- Extended Museum Store and café hours for holiday shopping and seasonal treats
Plus! The Springfield Jaycees Christmas Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. just outside our doors!
🩰 Nutcracker Performances
Experience the magic of the holidays as Copper Coin Ballet presents highlights from The Nutcracker in the museum's Union Theater.
- Saturday, Dec. 12: Performances at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
🎟️ Free Museum Admission
Make a night of it! Enjoy free museum admission along with extended café and Museum Store hours.
- Saturday, Dec. 12: 4–7 p.m.
⛸️ Skating in Union Square Park
- Saturday, Dec. 12: 4–8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 13: 1–4 p.m.
There's still time to enjoy some holiday fun before Christmas!
🩰 Nutcracker Performances
Copper Coin Ballet returns to Union Theater with more enchanting highlights from The Nutcracker.
- Saturday, Dec. 19: Performances at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
🎟️ Free Museum Admission
Enjoy free admission to the museum along with extended café and Museum Store hours.
- Saturday, Dec. 19: 4–7 p.m.
⛸️ Skating in Union Square Park
- Saturday, Dec. 19: 4–8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 20: 1–4 p.m.
⛸️ Skating in Union Square Park
The gifts may be unwrapped, but the holiday fun isn't over! Bring the family out for another weekend of skating.
- Saturday, Dec. 26: 1–4 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 27: 1–4 p.m.
🎉 First Night Springfield
Noon–5 p.m. | Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Can't make it to midnight with the little ones? No problem! Bring the kids and celebrate the New Year before bedtime with an afternoon of music, entertainment and hands-on fun, all leading up to a special early countdown to 2027!
Highlights include:
- Ribbon cutting with the Springfield Area Arts Council at 11:45 a.m.
- Live performances presented by the Springfield Area Arts Council
- Music and fun with DJ Dino-Mite!
- Hands-on crafts for kids
- Vintage squad cars displayed by the Illinois State Police Foundation
- Museum café open until 5 p.m. with kid-friendly menu options.
- A special kid-friendly countdown to 2027 at 4 p.m., complete with CONFETTI CANNONS!
- Free Skating in Union Square Park from 1–8 p.m.
In partnership with the Springfield Area Arts Council.
⛸️ Skating in Union Square Park Through February 15
The holiday season may be over, but the skating fun continues! Enjoy weekend skating throughout January and into February.
Regular Hours
- Saturdays and Sundays: 1–4 p.m.
Special Holiday Hours
- Monday, Jan. 18 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day: 1–4 p.m.
- Monday, Feb. 15 | Presidents Day: 1–4 p.m.
Watch for more information about special themed skating nights!