Holiday in the City’s Grand Illumination is the big kickoff to Springfield’s downtown holiday season, centered around the lighting of the Christmas tree and a full evening of family-friendly activities. It takes place in beautiful downtown Springfield, Ohio, on Friday, November 28, 2025, starting at 5:00 p.m. on and around the downtown esplanade.
What’s happening on November 28, 2025
Here’s the planned lineup for the Grand Illumination evening:
- Outdoor Ice Skating Rink – Open 5:00–9:00 p.m.; the Greater Springfield Partnership’s outdoor rink kicks off its season that night. Ice skating is $5 and includes skate rental.
- Kid’s Amusement Rides – 5:00–8:30 p.m.; the Ferris wheel returns and rides are free, offering aerial views of the lights and downtown. New this year is the winter-themed Himalaya roller coster!
- Food Trucks – 5:00–8:30 p.m.; a variety of food trucks will line downtown streets with seasonal treats and festival favorites.
- Santa’s Entrance Parade & Grand Illumination – The parade begins at 6:00 p.m., ending at the tree with Santa’s arrival and the official lighting of downtown at roughly 6:30 p.m.
- Fireworks & Drone Show – Around 7:00 p.m., a choreographed drone light show and fireworks display cap off the main program, filling the sky over downtown.
- Santa at the Enchanted Forest – 5:30–8:30 p.m.; Santa will greet kids and hear wish lists at the Heritage Center of Clark County’s Enchanted Forest, which features decorated trees and festive displays.
The Grand Illumination is free to attend, and most rides (like the Ferris wheel and kids’ Himalayan-style coaster) are free, with only the ice skating charging a small fee.
Parking, access, and logistics
- Handicap-accessible parking: Reserved spaces will be available at WesBanco, Park National Bank, and Richwood Bank downtown locations from 5:30–6:00 p.m. for accessible parking only, then opened to the general public afterward.
- Road closures: Expect closures near downtown, including the south side of Fountain Avenue behind the Clark County Public Library (closed all day) and West Jefferson to High Street (approximately 3:00–9:30 p.m.). Detailed closure maps and updates will be posted on the Springfield Ohio CVB Facebook page.
The Grand Illumination also kicks off several weeks of Holiday in the City programming, which continues through the first week of January with more downtown activities and attractions.
What to expect / tips
- It’s a busy, high-energy night with a strong family vibe—parade, Santa visits, rides, and fireworks all concentrated into a few hours.
- Plan to arrive early (near 5:00 p.m.) if you want easier parking, shorter ice-skating lines, and a good viewing spot for the parade and drone/fireworks show.
- Dress warmly and consider bringing blankets or camp chairs if you plan to stake out a viewing spot along the parade route or near the tree.
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