Local Sports Calendar

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum brightens winter with array of activities

Events include ‘Nutcracker’ and free admission on some evenings

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum plans to brighten the winter months by offering performances of “The Nutcracker,” participating in downtown Springfield’s holiday walks, and displaying a Christmas tree that honors families that have lost loved ones serving in the military.

From Dec. 6 through Dec. 23, the ALPLM will welcome the Copper Coin Ballet Company on Wednesdays and Saturdays to perform “The Nutcracker.” Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic 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.

The performances begin at 5:30 p.m. The ballet and museum admission are free during these evenings, but seats must be reserved in advance on the ALPLM website’s Events page. 

The presidential museum will welcome participants in the Downtown Springfield Holiday Walks on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23.  That means free admission 4-7 p.m. on those days, although we encourage everyone to “pay” by bringing new personal hygiene items for people in need.  Examples include travel-sized shampoo and toothpaste, disposable razors, tampons and sanitary pads, and socks.

We’ll have winter-themed crafts for children and amazing lights and special effects for everyone to enjoy.  Our famous “Ghosts of the Library” show will be presented those evenings at 5:15 and 6:15, and the Prairie Winds Flute Ensemble will perform in our exhibit “Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois” on Nov. 25 and 29 and on Dec. 2.

The ALPLM will be home to Illinois’ official Gold Star Family Christmas Tree beginning December 4th, following the lighting of the tree by Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Terry Prince.  Decorated with personalized ornaments, the tree commemorates 349 Illinois heroes who lost their lives in combat.  Please visit the tree to honor and remember their sacrifice.