During the chilliest months of the year, Illinois hosts exciting events that are well worth the winter trip. Hear and taste all the state has to offer this season.
Holiday Events in Chicago
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
If you want to put a smile on the kids' faces, rent ice skates and cruise around Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon. The winding path next to Millennium Park offers the majestic skyline as a backdrop, and the rink is even open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (opens November 15th; Millennium Park).
Joffrey Ballet
One exciting holiday tradition is seeing “The Nutcracker,” performed at several theaters around the area. The most celebrated version is put on by the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet. Enjoy an incredible performance by the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra and see graceful ballet dancers tell the story of a young girl’s Christmas dream.
Christkindlmarket
There's nothing quite like immersing yourself in the sights and smells of your nearest Christkindlmarket. Roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, hot spiced wine, the sound of music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments—all in a cozy atmosphere. Whether it's in downtown Chicago, or Aurora, you don't want to miss the authentic German-style Christkindlmarket experience.
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The Morton Arboretum
Trees are the stars of the light show at the unique Illumination at The Morton Arboretum in west suburban Lisle. Visitors walk along a one-mile path past colorful and creative art installations within the trees. (November 16th – January 4th).
The Morton Arboretum -
Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights
Animal-themed light displays set to music (and real animals) are highlights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights. Admission is free to see more than two million lights on display, plus ice sculptures being carved and carolers strolling the grounds (November 15th – January 5th, select days).
Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights -
Wonderland Express & Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual holiday celebration includes caroling, ice sculpting and a holiday market, but the highlight for many families is the elaborate train set chugging along through miniature Chicago landmarks and glittering indoor snow.
Wonderland Express & Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden -
Holiday Cocktail Fest
Tired of the cold? Get cozy in a heated igloo and enjoy the Holiday Cocktail Fest at the Godfrey Hotel’s rooftop bar, I|O. Take in gorgeous views of lit-up skyscrapers surrounding you as you enjoy cocktails and delicious food.
Holiday Cocktail Fest -
Zoo Year’s Eve
Go figure: New Year’s Eve at the Brookfield Zoo is a wild event. Animal lovers dance to live DJ music, play games and vie for prizes in the Holly Jolly Theater before the early countdown at 8 p.m.
Zoo Year’s Eve -
Light Up The Lake at Navy Pier
This beloved annual Chicago winter event features 170,000 square feet of carnival rides, giant slides, holiday-themed activities — and, of course, a massive indoor ice-skating rink. Head to the iconic Navy Pier in Chicago for a family adventure.
Light Up The Lake at Navy Pier
Northern Illinois Holiday Events
Stroll on State
Families spend the whole day out at Rockford’s annual Stroll on State. A parade and family stroll start the day. After that, you can meander around the area, take horse-and-wagon rides, enjoy music and food, and visit the elf houses. The evening tree-lighting celebration is capped off with fireworks and a synchronized light show along the banks of the Rock River (November 30th).
Western Illinois Holiday Events
Lighting on the Commons
Ready to meet Santa Claus? Lighting on the Commons is a free, annual holiday event held in Moline at the John Deere Pavilion where you can meet Santa, ride in a horse drawn carriage, listen to live music and more (November 23rd).
Lighting on the Commons
Galena Cellars Nouveau Weekend
Every year, Galena Cellars Vineyard celebrates its latest vintages with a party hosted at its flagship store in downtown Galena. The town gets into it, too, with a full parade down Galena's Historic Main Street.
Galena Cellars VineyardHoliday Events in Central Illinois
East Peoria’s Festival of Lights
Stay in your car for the drive-through light display in East Peoria’s Festival of Lights, a 35-year tradition with giant animated displays, including a 160-foot-long steam engine train. If you’re lucky, you might see Santa, who occasionally drops by (November 29th – January 5th).
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
Make sure you plan a visit to Hardy's Reindeer Ranch—the North Pole has moved to Central Illinois! Check out the Grand Prix-style race track, pick a Christmas tree, stop by the fascinating gift shop and, of course, see the reindeer.
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Alton’s Christmas Wonderland
Alton’s Christmas Wonderland light show fills Rock Spring Park with more than four million lights. Afterward, head to the neighboring town of Bethalto, where their Christmas Village features a live nativity scene, holiday craft and food vendors (November 29th – December 27th).
Alton’s Christmas Wonderland -
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Combine festive cheer with Illinois history at the annual Old Capitol Holiday Walks in Springfield, which includes a variety of special events each weekend. Events occur Wednesdays and Saturdays from November 30th - December 21st.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks -
Christmas Lights Trolley Tour
Guests settle into a fully enclosed, heated trolley while the Starved Rock State Park staff drives to the best holiday light displays in the area. The two-hour journey includes plenty of caroling.
Christmas Lights Trolley Tour
Lunch with Santa on the TrainMost kids have met Santa—but have they met him while riding a train pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive along the Monticello Railway? A sack lunch sweetens the deal; just don’t let Santa steal the cookie. |
Caroling at the CarillonThe Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon chimes as carolers sing around a crackling bonfire. Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, plus a visit from Santa, round out this free event. |
Southern Illinois Holiday Events
Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade
December
Watch floats dash through the snow and celebrate the holiday season at the Lights Fantastic Parade in Carbondale. The parade features dancers, marching bands, and light up-floats that shine through the night. The event also offers merchandise (December 7th).
Way of LightsSpirited and spectacular, the Way of Lights display, which spans more than a mile in Belleville, offers a unique way to experience the Christmas story. Beyond the lights, you'll find a variety of displays and activities, including choir performances, a Christmas tree, a Lego® Block Display, camel rides and a petting zoo (November 22nd - December 31st). |
Belleville ChristkindlmarktBeginning in 2014 to celebrate Belleville's Bicentennial, this Christmas market, situated on the City's main market square next to the famous fountain, dates back to the mid-16th Century. |