Old Capitol Holiday Walks Wednesday, Dec. 2-3, 9, 16, 23 5-8pm Downtown Springfield 544-1723 Free

Downtown decked-out

Downtown Springfield Inc. Old Capitol Holiday Walk’s opening ceremony begins Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. Representative Raymond Poe lights a 25-foot balsam fir on the southeast corner of the Old State Capitol lawn where the ceremony takes place. Lincoln Magnet School Choir performs. After, shop at the charming stores and art galleries participating in this year’s walk as the ambiance reaches a new height with holiday decorations and festive music and entertainment. Also Dec. 2, the Springfield High School Choir performs 6-7 p.m. Ben Bedford performs from 7-8 p.m. and don’t miss the activities inside the Old State Capitol, the DePriest Puppets at the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office, the train set-up at the Korean War Veterans National Museum in the old Osco building and the Santa House where you can get your photo taken on a sleigh with a live reindeer. Free parking available at meters after 5 p.m., underground garage parking beneath the Old State Capitol until 9 p.m.