Downtown Springfield’s Holiday in the City: 4 things to know

The 2016 Holiday in the City Festival in downtown Springfield. Bill Lackey/Staff

The 2016 Holiday in the City Festival in downtown Springfield. Bill Lackey/Staff

Springfield’s largest annual downtown festival, Holiday in the City, will bring some Christmas cheer on Saturday, Nov. 25. Festivities are set to begin at 3 p.m.

Here are four things to know about the event and what you can expect this year.

1. Nearly two decades worth of holiday magic

This year will be the 17th annual Holiday in the City celebration and the second year the festival has been hosted by the Chamber of Greater Springfield. The event will feature the Grand Illumination of the city’s Christmas tree, which was provided by Billy and Phyllis Kasper this year.

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2. A winter wonderland

Attendees will have a number of holiday-themed events to enjoy. SantaLand, an area dedicated to all things North Pole, will return to its traditional spot at the Heritage Center of Clark County, located at 117 S. Fountain Ave. There will also be live ice-carving, holiday LEGO displays and live music throughout the event. There will also be a Holiday Market where patrons can find a holiday gift for someone special.

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3. Food trucks galore

Those looking to find a new favorite holiday treat will be in luck, as Holiday in the City will also feature Eat Street this year along Main and Limestone streets. Local favorites like Young’s on the Moove, Painted Pepper, Chicky Chicky Waffle and SugarSnap! Sweet Treats are just a small sampling of the nearly two dozen vendors who will offer goodies during the event.

4. A holiday tradition

Santa himself will appear at the festivities, heralding the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree during the Grand Illumination, which is set for 6:15 p.m. As always, the event will be capped off by the annual fireworks display, which will take place at 7:30 p.m.

For a complete list of activities and times, you can visit the event's Facebook page.

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