Good morning, Springfield.

Residents looking for a Christmas tree have many Springfield options including farms and home improvement stores offering both real and artificial trees.

Bomke's Patch opened yesterday for fresh trees while Talbott's and others will open after Thanksgiving, and many vendors provide varied pricing for cut-your-own and pre-cut options.

The Kringle Market at Vinegar Hill Mall opened its doors this weekend—showing handmade gifts, local art and baked goods by Springfield vendors.

Many will return tomorrow from noon to 3 p.m. to continue holiday shopping and celebrate local creativity.

Hannibal, Missouri is known for its Mark Twain history — its attractions include the boyhood home and museum that share details of the famous author's early life.

Visitors from Springfield can take a 2-hour drive west on I-72 to enjoy a scenic riverboat cruise — a chance to see the Mississippi River and explore local antique shops and cafes.

UIS associate professor Tih-Fen Ting boosted Illinois’ osprey count by translocating wild chicks from Kentucky, Virginia, and Massachusetts to central Illinois—raising breeding pairs from 16 in 2013 to 90 in 2023 with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

In October, the median list price for homes in Sangamon County fell to $193,536, a 3.8% drop from September and 6.7% lower than last October.

Listings in Springfield also declined to $192,400 as 228 new properties hit the market and homes stayed for a median of 36 days + showing brisk activity.

Illinois Springfield's Madelyn Miller-Ross finished her final cross country race last Saturday at the NCAA Division II Championship by placing 84th with a time of 21:40—she was crowned GLVC Women's Cross Country Individual Champion and named Runner of the Year.

She now shifts her focus to the track as UIS opens its indoor track season in mid-January.

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will play at the Bank of Springfield Center on January 8 in a centennial game that features high-flying dunks and dazzling ball-handling tricks.

Special 100 Year jerseys and a free 5th Quarter autograph session will be offered—giving fans an exclusive, fun team experience.

Illinois Springfield women's basketball lost 73-64 to No.24 Ferris State on Saturday at TRAC—UIS forced 22 turnovers and recorded 15 steals while taking an early lead before Ferris State took control.

The Prairie Stars will face St. Francis at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at TRAC.

Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo

5-9 p.m. — Henson Robinson Zoo — Entry Fee Applicable — Experience a magical stroll through thousands of lights and delightful holiday treats.

Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Family-friendly event — Sing, dance, and play alongside Elmo and friends in a fun celebration on Sesame Street.

Frostbite Festival

9 a.m. — AMF Springfield Lanes — Check event page for registration costs — Participate in the 62nd annual Frostbite Festival with 2 mile and 10 mile races.

Holiday Cheer Paint Night with Ashley Blake

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Free entry — Unleash your inner artist and get festive with a fun paint night experience.

Dual Piano Christmas

7 p.m. — Hoogland Center For The Arts — Ticketed event — Experience an evening of holiday favorites and comedic improvisation on dual pianos.

Town Snowman Paint Night With Ashley Blake

1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — Supplies included — Unleash your creativity while painting a winter wonderland masterpiece inspired by Snowman Town.