Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Springfield is adding a new layer of charm to its holiday festivities this year with the Holiday historic homes tour, a month-long celebration that invites visitors to experience the city’s most treasured homes dressed in their seasonal best. Beginning Saturday, November 29, and continuing through December 20, the tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside five historic landmarks that tell the story of Illinois’ rich cultural and architectural heritage.
The tour includes open-house style visits to:
Dana-Thomas House – A masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright design, this Prairie-style home will be adorned with elegant holiday décor that complements its iconic art glass and woodwork.
Edwards Place – Once the social hub of Springfield’s elite, this Italianate mansion offers a glimpse into Victorian holiday traditions.
Vachel Lindsay Home – The birthplace of the celebrated poet, decorated to evoke early 20th-century holiday charm.
Elijah Iles House – Springfield’s oldest surviving home, where simple frontier-era decorations bring history to life.
Illinois Governor’s Mansion – A stately residence that serves as the official home of Illinois’ First Family, featuring guided tours of its lavish holiday displays.
While most homes offer self-guided tours, the Governor’s Mansion requires advance registration due to security and capacity limits. Reservations can be made through Eventbrite, and visitors must present a government-issued photo ID upon arrival. Tours at the Mansion are free and last about 20 minutes, with slots available on select Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays throughout the season.
The holiday historic homes Tour runs four consecutive Saturdays:
Nov. 29 – Governor’s Mansion only
Dec. 6 – All five homes open
Dec. 13 – Governor’s Mansion, Dana-Thomas House, Vachel Lindsay Home, Elijah Iles House
Dec. 20 – Governor’s Mansion, Dana-Thomas House, Vachel Lindsay Home.
Each location will be open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support preservation efforts.
“These homes are more than buildings—they’re storytellers,” said Amy Beadle of Visit Springfield. “What better time to see them than during the holidays, when they’re filled with warmth and tradition?”
The event not only celebrates Springfield’s architectural gems but also underscores the importance of historic preservation. Contributions collected during the tours will help maintain these landmarks for future generations.
