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.
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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.
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.
