Champaign, IL Holiday Events
Riggs Christmas Market 2021 Nov 26-Dec 19- It is official - the Riggs Christmas Market is back. This German style Christmas Market is hosted outdoors in our beer garden. Join us for German market food (brats, potato pancakes, crepes, candied almonds...) and a cup of hot mulled wine and hot cocoa. We're also bringing back many of our favorite vendors, and some new ones, so you can get your Christmas shopping done at the same time. A new addition this year is Jason Mack's giant glass Christmas tree. He'll be building it live during the market from recycled glass bottles. There is no fee to get in - just come and be merry.
Candy Crawl Nov 27, 2021 1-5:30pm -Santa has come early this year! Gather all of your little elves and join us for the Champaign Candy Crawl on Saturday, November 27! You and your little ones will be invited to "crawl" to the different participating downtown businesses and collect an assortment of holiday treats donated by members of our community
Holiday Glow Dec 3-Dec 23- Bring friends and family to experience the warmth and cheer of Holiday GLOW, presented by the U of I Community Credit Union. Now in its sixth year, our magical illuminated walk returns to awe and inspire – with new captivating artwork mixed in with your familiar favorites. Join us for Opening Night on December 3 (find details and purchase tickets on the event page), or come out for a serene stroll throughout the season and enjoy a memorable evening at Holiday GLOW.
Alton/Grafton, IL Holiday Events
Christmas Wonderland Nov. 27 through Dec. 27- Hear the sleigh bells jingle and see 4 million lights twinkle against the beautiful backdrop at Rock Spring Park's Christmas Wonderland. Back for another year to warm the hearts and holiday spirits of families and friends, the park will be lighting the way to another illuminating holiday season beginning Nov. 27 through Dec. 27. Monday-Friday the lights will be on from 6-9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday the lights will be on from 5-9 p.m.
Santa's Chocolate Express Dec 4, 2021 11am
All aboard Santa's Chocolate Express! Hop on the shuttle and travel down Grafton's Main Street. Registration will take place at the Visitor's Center. Stop in to local shops to sample chocolatey holiday treats and shop the sales. Enjoy the sounds of carolers on the street and meet Santa Claus at The Grove Memorial Park.
Galena, IL Holiday Events
Holiday Fire in the Sky Dec 4, 2021 6:30-7pm
Watch the evening sky come alive with a spectacular show of fireworks to kick off the holiday season in downtown Galena. Enjoy the fireworks from downtown Galena & the surrounding area. Rain or shine, the event goes on.
Night of Luminaria & Living Windows Dec 11, 2021 4-7pm
Don't miss one of the most beautiful and romantic visions of the year. More than 5,000 candlelit luminaries line the streets, steps, and sidewalks, and store windows come alive! From Main Street to the hills overlooking Grant Park, all of Galena will be glowing. From 4-7 p.m., store windows on Main Street come alive with holiday-inspired animation in Living Windows and local businesses offer extended hours, so take advantage and do some holiday shopping!
Springfield, IL Holiday Events
Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights Nov 26, 2021- Dec 30, 2021
Take a stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of lights and displays. Enjoy the hot cocoa bar or roast a marshmallow over the fire pit for a delicious s'more. Grab the family and gather at one of the photo opportunities for your holiday pics! See the Zoo animals as they enjoy the lights too; red wolves, arctic fox, eagles, barnyard, cougars, birds of prey and many others that are all out on the grounds or viewable still this time of year! There will be bonus features scheduled for certain dates, so keep an eye on our schedule for all the extras!
Springfield Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade Dec 4, 2021 5:30pm
The Springfield Jaycees Christmas Parade is a tradition going back 70+ years. Watch this lighted Christmas parade wind around the heart of downtown. This event takes place during the Old Capitol Holiday Walks. Route: Jefferson to 5th street to Monroe to 6th street to Washington.
Holiday Extravaganza Dec 12, 2021 9am-4pm
This event features over 100 craft vendors with items ranging from fine art to homemade products to home based businesses. It also has an old fashioned cake walk, concessions, Santa, entertainment from local children’s performance groups and more. Come join us for some unique holiday shopping and fun!! This is a charity event to benefit local kids groups such as school music, art, and band program.
For more holiday events happening around Illinois we encourage you to view and download the newest fall/winter issue of our Enjoy Illinois magazine - full of travel inspiration!