‘Tis the season for holiday joy in Greater Peoria. Add these holiday traditions to your calendar for a magical season. For a full list of festive activities, visit peoria.org/events.
POINSETTIA SHOW at LUTHY BOTANICAL GARDEN {Peoria} // November 21 – December 30 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily // Take a peaceful stroll through a seasonal wonderland. The poinsettia and light filled conservatory creates a warm escape from the winter chill.
PARADE OF LIGHTS {East Peoria} // November 22 at 6:30 p.m. // See colorful LED floats cruise a 2-mile route before they reach their seasonal home in Folepi’s Winter Wonderland. Parade watchers are invited to light the route with free foam light sticks to be handed out along the route.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE {Downtown Peoria} // November 28 at 9:15 a.m. // Kick off the holiday season the same way downtown has for 138 years. This year’s theme is “Decades of Holiday Celebrations” and will feature the usual floats, bands and Santa in his sleigh.
YULE LIKE PEORIA {Downtown Peoria} // November 28 from 4 - 6 p.m. // Step into downtown businesses as they celebrate the season. This event has entertainment and activities for the entire family benefitting Midwest Food Bank.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA & HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW at THREE SISTERS PARK {Chillicothe} // November 29 from 8 - 11 a.m. // Enjoy pancakes before getting your professional picture with Santa. You’ll find perfect gifts and decor at the craft show, which is also open to those not participating in breakfast.
CHRISTMASTIME GOSPELFEST at FIVE POINTS {Washington} // November 29 at 7 p.m. // The Christmas spirit of Branson comes our way for this free event. Celebrate the season with the GospelFest Singers and the “Rising Stars” group from Nitsch Theatre Arts.
WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVAL at MINERAL SPRINGS PARK {Pekin} // November 30 from 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. // A parade, live entertainment, seasonal treats and fireworks make this a special evening you won’t want to miss. The always beautiful lagoon is extra magical when surrounded by 400 lit trees.
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE at PEORIA RIVERFRONT MUSEUM {Downtown Peoria} // December 3, 5 and 6 // On December 3, watch the 60-ft community Christmas tree light up in a free event. Come back for the ticketed event on December 5 or 6 to enjoy an exciting variety of food, vendors and entertainment including carriage rides and Santa.
CANDLELIGHT STROLL {Washington} // December 4 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. // The historic Washington Square feels like a real-life Hallmark Movie in this annual event. Sing along with the ICC choir as the Christmas tree is lit, take a free carriage ride and visit with Santa.
THE NUTCRACKER // December 5 - 7, December 13 - 14 and December 20 // Watch ballerinas twirl through enchanting scenes in this holiday classic. If you really love this ballet, you have opportunities to watch the Central Illinois Ballet, Peoria Ballet and Illinois Dance Center performances.
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR {Peoria} // December 6 and 7 from 5 - 9 p.m. // Don’t miss your annual invitation into private historical homes decorated for the holidays. Discounted tickets are available in advance, or you can purchase at any home on the map.
KRAMPUS CHRISTMAS: HOLIDAY HAUNTINGS {Creve Coeur} // December 6 - 13 from 6 - 9 p.m. // If you are looking for something different, scream your way through Vibe Haunted House. An army of corrupted elves have turned Christmas into a nightmare – can you survive the “Naught List?”
AN AMERICAN FAMILY CHRISTMAS at FIVE POINTS {Washington} // December 19 & 20 at 7:30 p.m. and December 21 at 2:30 p.m. // Listen to talented youth join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale in this annual tradition. Both classical carols and secular holiday favorites will be performed.
HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS at HOERR NURSERY {Peoria} // Various dates and times // Create the perfect fresh evergreen arrangement for your home with the help of Hoerr’s staff. Multiple opportunities exist to create a porch pot, wreath or centerpiece.
HOLIDAY CASTLE TOUR at SODERSTROM CASTLE {Peoria} // Various dates and times // Tour all four floors of this medieval treasure decked out in holiday decor. As if the architecture isn’t reason enough to visit, you’ll be treated to Trefgzers cookies and punch served in a German Glühwein mug that you get to keep.
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