Candlelight Tours from, 4 to 8 P.M., are the highlight of the Vandalia Statehouse Christmas Open House, held the second Saturday in December at the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site, Illinois'oldest Capitol building.

The Statehouse is illuminated by more than 250 candles and is trimmed with 1800s decorations including fresh greenery, fruits and nuts. Statehouse staff and volunteers in period dress conduct tours of the historic building and period music is provided by "Baroque Folk". Tours begin every 15 minutes.

The first 100 families receive a free handmade Christmas ornament. Cookies and mulled cider are served by Friends of the Old State Capitol, and guests are greeted by volunteers in period dress.

Merchants' Night Out, a special holiday activity held early in December, provides a night of holiday shopping at Vandalia's downtown stores along with a number of special holiday activities.

Merchants' Night Out also offers a live nativity scene, Christmas carolers, chestnuts roasting over an opern fire and a bake sale with many holiday goodies.