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Holiday in the City returns Nov. 28 with tree illumination, ice rink and fireworks-drone show
Summary
City staff and event organizers told the Springfield City Commission Holiday in the City begins Nov. 28 with a grand illumination, a five-week calendar of events and a fireworks-and-drone show at 7 p.m. Organizers said the festival boosts downtown businesses and partners with nearly 190 sponsors and multiple nonprofits.
Chris Schutte of the Greater Springfield Partnership and Christina Jerrell, the city's downtown events programmer, briefed the Springfield City Commission on Holiday in the City, a multi-week community festival that kicks off with the Grand Illumination on Friday, Nov. 28.
"Holiday in the City is coming up, begins on November 28," Schutte said, noting the partnership took over management of the festival 10 years ago and expanded it from a one-night tradition into a five-week calendar of events that benefits downtown retailers and restaurants. Schutte named nearly 190 sponsors and singled out fundraising director Beth Goodrich for coordinating sponsorships.
Jerrell laid out the Grand Illumination schedule: activities begin at 5 p.m., the tree will be illuminated about 6:30 p.m., and organizers plan a fireworks-and-drone show at 7 p.m. The outdoor ice rink will operate during the festival's run (Thursday'Sunday through Jan. 4), with skate rentals available for $5. Jerrell said accessible downtown parking lots will be reserved for vehicles displaying handicap placards between 5 and 6 p.m. to allow attendees to find space near the parade route.
Organizers highlighted family amenities and free attractions: a Ferris wheel and a mini-roller-coaster for children (sponsored by local businesses), a warming tent at the rink, skate-assist devices, food trucks and an indoor stage performance at the State Theater beginning at 7:30 p.m. Nonprofit partners will operate shifts at the rink and keep 50% of concession income received while staffing the rink, a revenue source Jerrell said has helped local nonprofits.
Commissioners praised the event and thanked the organizers. Schutte estimated crowd sizes using a commercially available foot-traffic tool and said last year's opening-night crowd exceeded 5,000; he said an improved forecast suggests an opening-night attendance in the 6,000'7,000 range, weather permitting. Mayor Rue and several commissioners commended the volunteers and public-works staff who help with setup and safety.
Organizers said an event map with road-closure details, parking guidance and a full calendar will be published on Visit Greater Springfield social channels and distributed in print. Staff told commissioners road closures will be staged to keep downtown open as long as possible and that Jefferson Street to High Street will remain closed for the fireworks and drone safety perimeter.
