HOLIDAY | Downtown delight

Mayor Mike Houston helps Downtown Springfield, Inc., kick off its annual Old Capitol Holiday Walk, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony on the Old State Capitol Plaza at the corner of Sixth and Adams. Southeast High School Sensations will sing holiday music and the Horace Mann Singers will stroll and carol from 5-6 p.m. These special evenings, also held Dec. 6, 12 and 19 and Saturdays, Dec. 8, 15, 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. are an opportunity to shop and dine in the festively enhanced heart of Springfield. DSI and merchants have lots of entertainment and enjoyment planned such as horse-drawn trolley rides and live music. DSI’s Santa House is a great place for kids to talk to Santa and have their photo taken. The house is open during holiday walks and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Dec. 8 until Christmas. Kids get a free photo with Santa and a candy cane courtesy of St. John’s Children’s Hospital. A live reindeer will also be on site for photo opportunities. Visit www.downtownspringfield.org for details.