From time-honored traditions such as Christmas lights and visits with Santa to holiday markets, parades, and reindeer games, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Experience the magic as you immerse yourself in the season's wonder and make memories with loved ones.
Here are a few of the most magical things to do for the Holidays in Greater Peoria, excerpted from the November/December 2024 Calendar of Events.
Carriage Rides at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie {Peoria} // December 1, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 // Feel the crisp air on your face as you experience the magic of a horse drawn, open-air carriage ride through The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. Rides are free and there is no need to make a reservation.
Christmas in the Park {Bartonville} // November 30, 4-7 pm, December 10-12, 5-7 pm// Experience a bevy of bright lights as you stroll or drive through this fantastic display featuring 300 Christmas trees. Various nights include perks like hot cocoa, and free trolly rides through the display.
Christmas in the Village at Peoria Riverfront Museum {Peoria} // December 6, 4-8pm + December 7, 2-8 pm// Waltz through the “village” and see Peoria Ballet Nutcracker Ballerinas flit about as you listen to carolers sing, enjoying local food trucks and vendors, sipping hot chocolate or cocktails, and taking pictures with Santa. More festivities include carriage rides, a holiday laser light show, movies in the Giant Screen Theater, live animals, and Peoria’s LARGEST live Christmas Tree, which adds to the magical experience of “Christmas in the Village.”
Christmas on Court {Pekin} // December 6, 4-8 pm // Explore the charming historic Downtown Court Street with live music, local retailers, and Pop-Up Markets for a unique shopping experience. Indulge in delicious food and drinks, and check out the community Christmas Tree, a tribute to Pekin’s First Responders.
Christmas Walk in Elmwood’s Central Park {Elmwood} // December 7, 4-7 pm // Take a carriage ride, hear carolers, enjoy a movie at Palace Theater, pursue the vendor market, get your picture with Santa, and greet your community for the holidays at Elmwood’s Central Park! An Elmwood tradition gets the whole family in the Christmas spirit.
Festival of Lights Parade {East Peoria} // November 23, 6:30 pm // Experience the magic + anticipation of the lights as they roll down the street for 2 miles! You’ll see the 70-foot-long float of the famous Clydesdale horse team, a 95-foot-long smoke-spewing Chinese dragon, and a 160-foot-long steam engine train, to name a few. Plan to arrive early for the best viewing spots.
FOLEPI’S Winter Wonderland {East Peoria} // November 29-January 5 // Heavyweight Champion of the 2020 ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight”. Load the family up and experience this spectacular display of lights while you listen to Christmas music on the radio. Sunday through Thursday usually has shorter wait times.
Holiday Market at the Cannery {Eureka} // December 5, 4-9 pm // Mingle with friends as you wander through 40+ vendors in the historic Eureka cannery compound. Small plates and drinks will be available for purchase, and attendance is $5 per person, with children 14 and under securing free entry.
Hometown Village Skate {Morton} // November 29-December 8, 4-8 pm // Embrace the winter tradition of outdoor ice skating as part of Morton’s Holidazzle celebrations. Each night has a different theme for skaters, and 100% of on-site ticket sales will be donated evenly to the participating Morton schools.
Hometown Holidays Christmas Parade {Morton} // November 30, 5:30-8 pm// Make this holiday season merry and bright as you experience hometown charm at its finest. Welcome Santa + Mrs. Claus to town and stay after the parade for hot cocoa, food trucks, entertainment, reindeer, and the beautiful tree lighting in Memorial Park.
Kris Kringle Market {Peoria Heights} // November 29 + December 6, 4-8 pm, November 30 + December 7, 11 am-3 pm // Meet Kris Kringle as Peoria Heights celebrates the annual lighting of their Christmas tree at Tower Park. Visitors to this open-air market can expect hot chocolate, cocktails, and live entertainment. Check off a few items on your Christmas list.
Nikolausmarket {Chillicothe} // November 22 + 23 // Enjoy a German-style Christmas market with chalets showcasing local vendors and artisans. Grab a delicious bite to eat while you check out authentic German trinkets from the German American Central Society and listen to their Damenchor and Alpenhorn. After a stroll through the park, ride with your family + friends on a carriage through historic Downtown Chillicothe.
Poinsettia Show at Luthy Botanical Gardens {Peoria} // November 22-December 30, 10 am-5 pm // The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a wonderland of tropical poinsettias inside the Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Gardens. The conservatory will also be decorated with lights on Friday and Saturday nights.
Santa’s Arrival at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie {Peoria} // November 22, 5:30-7:30 pm // Join Santa as he lights the grand tree. CI Ballet will be presenting a short version of the Nutcracker. Stop by Santa’s village and sip hot cocoa while you visit with Santa on his first night.
Santa Claus Parade {Peoria} // November 29, 9:15 am // The Santa Claus Parade is the longest-running holiday parade in the nation. This Peoria tradition takes a magical journey through the downtown streets of Peoria with more than 100 decorated floats and characters.
Snowman Reindeer Farm {Canton} // November 23 - December 28, times vary // Meet Santa’s reindeer up close while you hand feed them, visit Santa in the Holly Jolly Barn, take family photos, play reindeer games, and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere. (Reservations required)
Stevens Square Christmas Tree Lighting {Princeville} // December 1, 5 pm // The quintessential hometown tree lighting ceremony will commence, where 130 trees will light the night sky. Enjoy strolling through the wonderland of lighted trees throughout the holiday season, open until January 2.
Holiday Home Tours {Peoria} // December 7, 5-9 pm + December 8, 1-5 pm // Peoria is home to some beautiful historic homes beautifully decorated for the holidays, along with unique displays and activities. This annual tradition offers the chance to stroll through a series of private homes rarely open to the public. The historic houses are chosen to reflect diverse architectural and interior design styles, and each is beautifully decorated for the holidays. (Reservations required)
Wreath Making Class at Cinnamon Tree Farm {Brimfield} // November 19, 21 + December 3, 5, 10, 12 // “Memories are lined in the smell of pine” Family owned and operated, this farm makes you feel like you’re part of the family. Make a one-of-a-kind wreath to grace your home or gift; other workshops are available. (Reservations required)
Winter Wonderland at Glen Oak Park {Peoria} // Dates TBD // All aboard as you’re whisked away on the Glen Oak Express for a ride through the park. Choo Choo! Take a trip to Santa’s workshop at Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum. Ride over to Peoria Zoo to take photos with Santa, view the grand lighted tree, decorate Christmas cookies and write letters to Rudolph. End the magical night with a stop at the Luthy Botanical Gardens poinsettia show.
Yule Like Peoria {Peoria} // November 29, 3-6 pm // Whether you’re home for the holidays or live in Peoria year round, enjoy all that the Warehouse District has to offer the day after Thanksgiving. Be sure to stop at every location, from Rambler to First Ascent to the Contemporary Art Center to Zion, enjoying activities and treats for all ages. The evening culminates with a tree lighting at Kelleher’s at 5:30 pm.
PERFORMANCES, SHOWS + CONCERTS
Philharmonic Chorale Holiday Concert {East Peoria} // December 1 at 2:30 pm // Experience seasonal songs and carols by the choir in residence at Illinois Central College.
Frozen Jr. {Washington} // December 4-5, 7, 10-11 + 13 at 6:30 pm and December 2 + 14 at 2 pm // Favorite characters like Elsa, Anna, and Olaf come to life on the stage in this production by children and for children.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Eastlight Theatre {East Peoria} // December 6-7 + 11-14 at 7:30 pm and December 8 + 15 at 2 pm // This sensational musical tells the story of Joseph, his 11 brothers + his coat of many colors. Featuring iconic pop and musical theater classics known around the world, this is a production for the whole family to enjoy.
A Night in Bethlehem {Chillicothe} // December 7 from 2-5 pm // Step back in time and experience history come alive with the wonder and magic of Bethlehem. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace, interact with friendly villagers, and witness live reenactments of the nativity scene.
Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour // December 7 at 7 pm // The three-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group is back in the Heart of Illinois this holiday season. The quintet has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and has established itself as a Christmas favorite in many households.
Cultures of Peoria Holiday Market // December 7 from 4 - 8 pm + December 8 from 10 am - 2 pm // This holiday season over 30 local makers, businesses and artists will set up shop at Premier with live music and a full bar both days.
Nutcracker Ballet {Peoria} // December 14 + 15, times vary // Treat your family to this enchanting story filled with moments of laughter, magic, and delight as 100 Peoria ballet students perform alongside professional guest artists from New York City and live music accompaniment by Heartland Festival Orchestra.
Conversation with Chevy Chase & Screening of Christmas Vacation {Peoria} // December 16 at 6 pm // Peoria is welcoming the National Lampoon star like it’s 1989. You can view the film from the comfort of the Civic Center Theater before having a live conversation with Chevy!
Cirque Dreams Holidaze {Peoria} // December 17 at 7:30 pm // December may be the busiest month for nearly everyone, but this should make your to-see list this holiday season. You’ll be dazzled by the acrobats and spellbound by the grace and daredevil athleticism of the aerialists.
Peoria Symphony Orchestra: Home for the Holidays {Peoria} // December 21 at 3 pm // Create holiday memories with your loved ones. Enjoy a melody of Holiday favorites from one of the area’s finest orchestras.
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