A look back at the grand tree of 2022
The annual Grand Illumination of downtown Springfield is a gleaming representation of the community’s methodical mission of merriment. Brought to you by the
City of Springfield, and
The Greater Springfield Partnership. This year’s event will be held at the Downtown Springfield Esplanade (117 S. Fountain Ave.) on Friday, Nov. 29. Kicking off at 5 p.m., with Santa’s Arrival Parade. The illumination itself is scheduled for around 6 o’clock that evening.
Other attractions to anticipate include live music from local earworm The Temps, hitting the main stage at 5 p.m., and Christmas carolers. There will also be a holiday market, and multiple food trucks to peruse. For its fourth year in a row the ice-skating rink will be as frosty and unforgiving as ever, opening its gates at City Hall Plaza from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. This year will also feature a brand-new allure: a spell in the form of a modern technical glamour, invoking yuletide spirits with a fireworks and drone show set to music to ignite the Springfield sky at 7 p.m.
With so much to look forward to, this year’s Holiday in the City is sure to shine brightly on all of downtown’s brick-and-mortar establishments. Many of whom plan to participate in the festivities, in one way or another. For instance, be sure to take the family to The State Theater from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. for a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus to get those wish lists finalized.
This Friday, Nov. 15th welcomes the delivery of the downtown Christmas balsam tree, placed in front of City Hall. Traditionally, this tree is approximately 45 feet tall and will stand as the centerpiece for the celebration later in the month.
At 10 a.m., while the good people at C&S Tree Services and Kapp Construction work on pitching the pine tree into place, onlookers are welcomed to enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate provided at Winan’s Chocolates + Coffees. Just stop in and mention the Holiday in the City to claim your cocoa between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Across the street at Charlo’s Provisions and Eatery, they will be serving up a festive breakfast special with two enticing dishes:
Pecan Praline Chicken & Waffles, or, Apple Smoked Bacon Egg and Cheddar Croissant.
With such holiday jubilation on the horizon, it's never too early to show support for the locally-owned small businesses which Springfield has to offer. Holiday shopping takes on more meaning more when it’s done at the place of business of a friend, neighbor, or Springfielder you wouldn't mind getting to know. For more information on upcoming goings-on of Holiday in the City 2024, follow this link or head to Facebook to stay up to date on this months-long series of events.
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Read more articles by Wil Hoffman.
Wil Hoffman is a Springfield Native and recent graduate of Ohio University. Having
achieved a degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in the Performing Arts, it wasn’t until a screenwriting class that he became aware of his interest in writing. Upon his return hewas eager to get involved in the community that Springfield has to offer, and found the Springfield Hub to be a great opportunity to do just that while sharpening his typographic abilities. In his spare time he enjoys golf and exploring the nature trails of the area when it's warm enough, and enjoying the numerous live music acts from the region when it's cooler.