Log in | Sign Up

Vandalia Statehouse To Host Candlelight Tours On Dec. 13

Explore Illinois’ oldest capitol lit by 150 candles during free holiday tours.

Submitted by Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Save
Listen to the story

SPRINGFIELD – The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site, the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois, will host public candlelight tours the evening of Saturday, Dec. 13 as part of the site’s annual Christmas open house.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

The free festivities are scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Visitors will find the building illuminated by more than 150 candles and trimmed with holiday decorations along the tour. The first 100 families to visit will receive a free holiday ornament. The site will collect non-perishable or canned food items from visitors to donate to the local food pantry.

Article continues after sponsor message
Connect with Riverbend Readers - advertise with us today!!

The Vandalia Statehouse, operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, served as the state capitol from 1836 to 1839. The site, at 315 W. Gallatin St. in Vandalia, is open to the public 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, call 618-283-1161.

About IDNR

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is celebrating 100 years of conservation and service to the people of Illinois throughout 2025. The department was established July 1, 1925, as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes.

Today, IDNR’s work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov for more information.

More like this:

Cahokia Mounds To Host City Of The Sun 5K Trail Run Nov. 8
Sep 19, 2026
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site To Host We Want More History Event On Sept. 26
Sep 15, 2026
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site To Bring Back Nine Nights Of Candlelight Walks In October
Oct 1, 2026
IDNR Announces October Events, Hunting Season Openings
Sep 30, 2026
IDNR Recognizes 2026 Outstanding Volunteers Of The Year
Aug 30, 2026