38TH ANNUAL
FIRST NIGHT SPRINGFIELD
What is First Night Springfield?
For 38 incredible years, this beloved celebration of the arts has been the heartbeat of Springfield’s year-end festivities. Since 1987, tens of thousands have gathered to enjoy an evening filled with music, theater, art, and family-friendly entertainment.
As the longest-running First Night west of the Alleghenies, this tradition is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss. Make your plans to be part of this sparkling celebration!
EVENT DETAILS
Ring in the New Year with Sparkle and Style!
Get ready for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve as First Night® Springfield lights up downtown with dazzling fireworks, captivating performances, and nonstop fun for all ages!
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now! Don’t wait—plan now to be part of Springfield’s most dazzling year-end tradition! This year, we’re thrilled to bring back a beloved First Night tradition: admission buttons! These unique, collectible buttons serve as your ticket to the festivities and are limited to the first 200 ticket buyers. After buttons run out, admission tickets will be given to guests. Youth (15 and under) will receive wristbands.
This 38th annual celebration of the arts is packed with excitement from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at four iconic Springfield locations: the Hoogland Center for the Arts, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Dana-Thomas House, and Union Square Park. Guests will receive detailed schedules and maps upon arrival to make the most of their evening.
The night ends with a bang as fireworks light up the sky at 8:00 PM. Gather with friends and family at Capitol Avenue and Fourth Street for the perfect finale to an extraordinary day.
Tuesday
December 31, 2024
Activities & Performances
12 – 8 PM
Fireworks
8 PM
Click the icon to view our Google Map
Hoogland Center for the Arts
420 S 6th St
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
212 N 6th St
Union Square Park
500 E Madison St
Dana-Thomas House
301 E Lawrence Ave
Fireworks
Fourth and Capitol
Adults (16+)
$25
Youth (15-)*
FREE
*must be accompanied by at least one Adult
SCHEDULE
12 PM
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Join us in welcoming 38 years of First Night Springfield!
12 – 5 PM
Crafting Activities
Craft your very own Thaumatrope, Noise Maker, New Year’s Eve Hat, and more!
DJ Dino-Mite
Move and bop into the New Year with groovy songs all afternoon!
12:30 – 1 PM
Magician Richard Landry and Snowball the Bunny
A special magic show that celebrates the love of reading.
2:30 – 5 PM
Sunshyne the Clown and Tim the Twister
A fun 30-minute magic show begins at 2:30 PM, then face painting and cool balloon animals will be made for the rest of the afternoon!
3 – 5 PM
Magician Robbie Quance
Experience a roaming magic show throughout the museum and Union Square Park with up-close magic tricks that you won’t believe!
3:30 – 4 PM
Cowboy Randy
A dazzling show for young and old with amazing roping tricks. Plus, enjoy a yodeled song or two from out on the range.
4 PM
Around-the-World New Year’s Countdown
It’s midnight somewhere! Enjoy this special family-friendly countdown so the kids don’t have to stay up late, complete with confetti cannons to welcome 2025!
1 – 8 PM
Ice Skating
Enjoy free skating with family and friends. Donations to ALPLM are appreciated to help defray the cost of skate maintenance.
3 – 5 PM
Magician Robbie Quance
Experience a roaming magic show throughout the museum and Union Square Park with up-close magic tricks that you won’t believe!
5 – 5:45 PM
Sangamon Valley Chord Company
Delight in strolling serenades with classic barbershop harmonies that fill Union Square Park and Union Station with joy and charm!
DINING ROOM
3 – 5 pm
Kids’ Crafting Activities
Enjoy a variety of arts crafting activities hosted by the Garvey-Tubman Cultural Arts and Research Center. Youth must be accompanied by an adult to participate.
H.D. SMITH GALLERY
3 – 5 PM
Painting Session with the Sangamon Watercolor Society
Unleash your creativity and enjoy the art of watercolor painting—whether you’re a budding artist or a seasoned painter, this hands-on activity is fun for all ages!
3 – 8 PM
Art Raffle
Admire an original painting by local artist Felicia Olin, which will be raffled off during First Night Springfield. Tickets are available now online and at the SAAC office, or buy your tickets during the event!
POLLY ROESCH SOCIAL ROOM
3 – 8 PM
Quiet Room
Need a break from the excitement? Step into the quiet room to relax and recharge in a peaceful space away from the hustle and bustle. This is a sensory friendly environment, with supplies provided by the Hope Autism Clinic.
LRS THEATRE
3 – 3:45 PM
Hoogland Dreamers, Believers, Creators, and Achievers
Discover the talent of young performers as they light up the stage with scenes and songs from their theatre education program.
4 – 4:45 PM | CANCELED
The Lincoln Ring of Magicians
Due to unexpected circumstances, the performers regretfully are unable to present their act as scheduled.
5 – 5:45 PM
Springfield Theatre Centre
Celebrate 20 years of captivating performances at the Hoogland with a trip down memory lane, revisiting beloved scenes from past shows, and a sneak peek at the exciting productions of the current season!
6 – 6:45 PM
The Muni
Step into the magic of summer with a showcase of beloved moments from past outdoor productions, plus a preview of next season’s exciting lineup that will have you counting down the days until summer!
7 – 7:45 PM
Central Illinois Irish Dancers
Watch talented dancers bring the energy and rhythm of traditional Irish dancing to life with vibrant performances that will have your feet tapping!
PEGGY RYDER THEATRE
3 – 3:45 PM
Illinois Youth Symphony Orchestra
Listen to beautiful instrumental music performed by talented young musicians.
4 – 4:45 PM
Springfield International Folk Dancers
Watch lively folk dance performances that celebrate cultural traditions through vibrant movement and rhythmic storytelling.
5 – 5:45 PM
Lotus Fire Belly Dancers
Experience the art of belly dance as graceful performers mesmerize with fluid movements and captivating expressions.
6 – 6:45 PM
Capital City Improv
Enjoy the magic of unscripted comedy with a live performance on stage, bringing laughter and surprises with every scene.
7 – 7:45 PM
Dave Briggs, Poet
Discover poetry that celebrates love, music, and the beauty of life’s small pleasures. With heartfelt words and vivid imagery, these verses offer joy, comfort, and inspiration to all who listen.
3 – 7 PM
Open House Tours
Take a self-guided tour of this beloved historic home, where you can explore its rich history at your own pace while enjoying beverages along the way! Bottled water, sparkling water, and hot chocolate will be available to purchase for $1. Participate in the Hot Chocolate Walk and receive complimentary hot chocolate with the purchase of a First Night Springfield mug for $10.
Dana-Thomas House Band
Step into the past with live music performed in the historic home’s balconies, featuring local musicians Jane Hartman, Buddy Rogers, Chrissy Becker, and Chaz Blythe, playing period-accurate tunes from ragtime to big band.
Painting Session with the Sangamon Watercolor Society
Immerse yourself in the art of watercolor painting within the enchanting walls of a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, where the spirit of Susan Lawrence Dana’s artistic vision still inspires creativity today.
8 PM – CANCELLED
Fireworks Spectacular
Due to high winds, this year’s fireworks display has been canceled.
ART RAFFLE
WIN BIG
Don’t miss your chance to own a stunning, original painting by renowned Springfield artist Felicia Olin, valued at $200! This exclusive artwork will go to one lucky winner in our First Night Springfield Art Raffle. Size: 16″ x 20″
TICKETS
$10 for 1 | $25 for 3 | $50 for 6
Purchase your tickets at the Springfield Area Arts Council office with cash or check, online with a credit card, or from any SAAC board member using cash or check. You can also purchase your tickets during First Night between 3 – 8 PM in the H.D. Smith Gallery of the Hoogland, giving you a chance to see this spectacular work of art in person!
DRAWING
The raffle drawing will take place at the end of First Night Springfield on New Year’s Eve.
You do not need to be present to win. SAAC will contact the winner directly to arrange pick-up of this one-of-a-kind artwork.
Support the arts and take home a piece of Springfield’s vibrant creativity. Buy your tickets today!
HOT CHOCOLATE WALK
WHAT TO EXPECT
Sip, stroll, and explore downtown Springfield during First Night! Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate from local businesses hosting special holiday hours as you enjoy this cozy addition to the festivities.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Limited-edition First Night Springfield mugs are your ticket to the walk—only 75 are available! Mugs are $10 each and can be purchased in advance online or in person at the Springfield Area Arts Council office. During the event, mugs will be sold at the Hoogland and the Dana-Thomas House while supplies last. If purchased in advance, mugs can be picked up in the SAAC office beginning December 23 or at the Hoogland box office during the event.
EVENT HOURS
The walk runs from 3 PM to 8 PM. Take your time visiting participating businesses, exploring their unique offerings, and enjoying holiday cheer.
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
Beelzebuns – 213 S 5th St
The Cats’ Pyjamas Cat Cafe – 524 E Capitol Ave
Dana-Thomas House – 301 E Lawrence Ave
Studio on 6th – 215 S 6th St
The Wakery – 5 W Old State Capitol Plaza
Special thanks to Downtown Springfield, Inc. for their collaboration in bringing the Hot Chocolate Walk to life.
Parking
Enjoy convenient parking options during First Night Springfield!
Free Parking:
- All metered spaces downtown
- Herndon Ramp Parking Garage (attached to the Hoogland Center for the Arts)
- Visitor parking lot at the Dana-Thomas House
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Parking Garage:
The garage is located at the corner of Sixth and Madison Streets, with entry on Sixth.
- Rates:
- 0-4 Hours: $5
- 4-12 Hours: $10
- More than 12 Hours: $15 per day (or portion thereof)
- Bus/RV Lot: $10/day (Advance reservations through Visit Springfield are required for free bus parking.)
- Payment Options:
- Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX
- Cash: Only accepted at the museum ticket desk (9:00 AM–4:00 PM). Not accepted at the garage.
- Important Notes:
- Please park only in the designated parking spaces. Unauthorized parking in reserved or accessible parking spaces may result in towing at the owner’s expense.
- Parking is at your own risk. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is not responsible for any damage, theft, or accidents that occur in the parking lot.
- Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, illicit drug use, violence, and excessive noise are strictly prohibited within the parking facility.
- Failure to follow rules may result in consequences that vary depending on severity, such as revocation of parking permit, towing your vehicle, contacting law enforcement, etc.
- You are responsible for keeping your entry ticket. Full daily rate will be charged for lost tickets.
- Please do not leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles.
Enjoy the festivities, and safe travels!
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
The generosity of our sponsors enables SAAC to pay performers and bring a low-cost, family-friendly celebration of the arts to downtown Springfield.
HARBINGER
$5,000
Includes 10 tickets.
Name announced during introduction of performers.
Name or logo listed in event program and on signage, mentioned on SAAC social media and website, and displayed on event poster.
BENEFACTOR
$2,500
Includes 8 tickets.
Name announced during introduction of performers.
Name or logo listed in event program, mentioned on SAAC social media and website, and displayed on event poster.
FRIEND
$1,000
Includes 6 tickets.
Name or logo listed in event program, mentioned on SAAC social media and website, and displayed on event poster.
SUPPORTER
$500
Includes 4 tickets.
Name or logo listed in event program and mentioned on SAAC social media and website.
DONOR
$100
Name or logo listed in event program.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
BENEFACTOR
FRIEND
David and Laurie Farrell
Wing Charitable Trust
SUPPORTER
Sarah Beuning & Dr. John Martin
Julie Dirksen
Tom Ryder
