It's the most wonderful time of the year! Grab your calendar, gather your family and friends, and start planning your holiday fun with these Christmas events happening throughout Greater Peoria!
Parades & Tree Lightings
Peoria Santa Claus Parade | Peoria: Nov. 27
A Peoria holiday tradition returns for another year! Enjoy festive floats, marching bands, holiday characters and a special appearance from Santa Claus himself during this beloved downtown parade.
FOLEPI Parade of Lights | East Peoria: Nov. 21
Watch East Peoria come alive with holiday magic during the 42nd annual Parade of Lights! More than 100 illuminated floats and festive displays make their way through town before becoming part of Folepi's Winter Wonderland.
Pekin Christmas Tree Lighting | Pekin: Nov. 24
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Pekin Park Pavilion! Enjoy a special appearance from Santa, watch the community Christmas tree light up and stick around for a free holiday bingo event.
Washington Candlelight Stroll | Washington: Date TBA
Celebrate the season in historic Washington Square during this charming community tradition! Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting, holiday carols, carriage rides, local shops, food trucks and a visit with Santa.
Christmas in the Village Tree Lighting | Peoria: Dec. 4
Celebrate the holiday season as Peoria's largest live Christmas tree lights up at the Riverfront Museum! Enjoy a festive community celebration surrounded by holiday decorations and seasonal activities.
Chillicothe Christmas Tree Lighting | Chillicothe: Nov. 20, 2026
Celebrate the start of the holiday season during Chillicothe's annual Nikolausmarkt German holiday festival! Head to Chillicothe City Park and historic downtown for an evening of festive vendors, live music and holiday fun. Don't miss the community Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.! Admission is free.
Holiday Markets & Shopping Events
Kris Kringle Market | Peoria Heights: Nov. 27–29
Tower Park transforms into a festive winter village filled with charming holiday vendor huts, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and local finds. Enjoy free family-friendly activities, write letters to Santa, take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and shop for unique Christmas presents.
Folepi's Gifts Galore Shop & Stroll | East Peoria: Dec. 5
Find the perfect holiday gifts during this festive shopping event in East Peoria! Explore local boutiques and artisan vendors, enjoy carriage rides, sip hot chocolate and visit with Santa and Folepi while supporting local businesses.
Tinsel the Town | East Peoria: Nov. 19
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Par-A-Dice Hotel! Browse local vendors, discover unique gifts and support small businesses during this festive shopping event hosted by EP!Casso.
Christmas on Court | Pekin: Dec. 4
Celebrate the 25th annual Christmas on Court in downtown Pekin! Stroll historic Court Street to shop from local retailers and pop-up vendors!
Christmas Lights Events & Attractions
East Peoria Festival of Lights | East Peoria: Nov. 21 to Jan. 3
Celebrate one of Central Illinois' favorite holiday traditions! The East Peoria Festival of Lights features its beloved Parade of Lights and Folepi's Winter Wonderland, a drive-through display filled with illuminated holiday scenes and festive cheer.
Luthy Lights | Peoria: Nov. 27 to Jan. 23
Luthy Lights is a walk-through holiday experience throughout Luthy Botanical Garden, with illuminated displays, seasonal décor and festive touches throughout the Garden.
Holiday Lights at Dozer Park | Peoria: Nov. 13 to Jan. 2
Dozer Park is getting a magical holiday makeover with more than one million lights transforming the ballpark into a winter wonderland! Walk across the playing field, explore immersive displays and enjoy light shows synchronized to music. Families can also enjoy train rides, holiday crafts, letters to Santa, fire pits and visits with Santa on select nights.
Jingle & Mingle, Festival of Trees | Peoria: Nov. 19
Kick off the holiday season with a festive evening of cocktails, food and mingling at the Holiday Inn & Suites at Grand Prairie! Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, a two-hour open bar, live entertainment from Regal Sounds & Entertainment and a raffle while supporting Crittenton Centers. Bring friends or coworkers and celebrate the season while making new connections!
Christmas at the Park | Chillicothe: Nov. 29
Bring the whole family to Three Sisters Park for an afternoon of Christmas fun! Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, visit mini Highland cows, decorate cookies, enjoy hot cocoa, explore local vendors and take part in festive family activities.
Christmas at Alpha Park | Bartonville: Nov. 27
Celebrate the holiday season at Alpha Park's annual Christmas in the Park celebration! Enjoy a festive evening featuring a visit from Santa, holiday crafts, games, food, free popcorn, hundreds of Christmas lights and Christmas carols performed by local choirs.
Holiday Home Tours at Soderstrom Castle | Peoria Heights: Nov. 27 to Dec. 20
Step inside one of Greater Peoria's most unique landmarks for a magical holiday experience! The Soderstrom Castle opens its doors for seasonal tours featuring all four floors decorated for Christmas, historic architecture, original artifacts, live holiday music, festive refreshments and a collectible Glühwein mug to take home.
Where to find santa
Santa's Arrival at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie | Peoria: Nov. 21
Welcome Santa to Greater Peoria during the Shoppes at Grand Prairie's holiday kickoff! Enjoy the festive atmosphere, celebrate the season and get ready for holiday photos and visits with Santa throughout the following weekends.
Santa Photos at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie | Peoria: Nov. 29 to Dec. 21 (select dates)
Make holiday memories with a visit to Santa at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie! Bring your Christmas wish list, dress in your holiday best and capture a festive photo with Santa. Visits are available on select weekends.
Letters to Santa Tuesday at Folepi's Winter Wonderland | East Peoria: Dec. 1–29
Make a special holiday delivery during Letters to Santa Tuesday! Children can bring their Christmas wish lists and hand-deliver letters directly to Santa Claus at the entrance to Folepi's Winter Wonderland. Santa may even pop his head into the car window for a special photo!
Christmas in the Village | Peoria: Dec. 4–5
Meet Santa and enjoy a full weekend of holiday festivities at the Peoria Riverfront Museum! Snap a festive photo, enjoy carriage rides, browse local vendors, sip hot chocolate and take in the holiday laser light show.
Kris Kringle Market | Peoria Heights: Nov. 27–29
Visit Tower Park for a festive holiday weekend featuring Christmas vendor huts, seasonal treats, family activities and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It's a great opportunity to shop local and make holiday memories with the family.
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus | Pekin: Nov. 28
Enjoy a festive morning at Avanti's Event Center (The Dome) with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Kids can listen to Christmas stories, enjoy breakfast with the family and visit with Santa for photos.
Holiday Shows & Performances
Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration | East Peoria: Nov. 29
Celebrate the holiday season with Grammy-nominated pianist Jim Brickman during a heartwarming Christmas concert at Illinois Central College! Enjoy an afternoon of festive favorites, beautiful melodies, laughter and unforgettable moments as you make this special performance part of your holiday traditions.
The Nutcracker -- Peoria Ballet | Peoria: Dec. 12–13
Experience a beloved holiday tradition as Peoria Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Peoria Civic Center! Featuring more than 100 Peoria Ballet dancers, professional guest artists and Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed live by the Heartland Festival Orchestra.
The Nutcracker -- Central Illinois Ballet | East Peoria: Dec. 4–6
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Central Illinois Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at the ICC Performing Arts Center!
Christmas at Northwoods | Peoria: Dec. 14–22
Experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season at Northwoods Community Church! This free, family-friendly Christmas production features music, entertainment and a heartwarming holiday show for guests of all ages. With 11 performances scheduled throughout December, there's plenty of opportunities to make this festive experience part of your Christmas traditions.
‘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.
