Are you searching for holiday joy in Illinois? Whether you prefer the bright city lights or the cozy charm of a small town, there are numerous places to explore and appreciate the festive decorations.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top Christmas towns in Illinois with fantastic light displays and activities. You’ll be impressed by the creativity and beauty of these places, and you might even discover new traditions to celebrate. Here are some towns you shouldn’t miss this holiday season.
Illinois is home to many towns with stunning and festive Christmas light displays. Here are some of the best ones:
Tuscola
Ice skating, a Santa Chase 5K, breakfast with Santa, and a handmade craft fair are all happening in this town.The decorations and lights on the buildings and streets are certainly something to enjoy.
A lit Christmas parade, a real reindeer farm, a train ride, and a visit from Santa are just a few of the events and activities that you may take part in. At the Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo, you can also take in the stunning light shows.
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Chicago
The city has lots of festive things to do during the holidays, like the big Christmas tree in Millennium Park, the Christkindlmarket, the Walnut Room at Macy’s, the window displays, and the Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.
You can also enjoy a real German Christmas market experience at the Christkindlmarket. There, you can shop for gifts and crafts, try tasty traditional treats, and listen to live music. Check out other holiday markets in Wrigleyville, Renegade Craft Fair, Kwanzaa Market at Africa International House, and more.
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Galena
This historic town hosts special events like “Old Fashioned Christmas Weekends” and a “Night of the Luminaria.” During this time, more than 5,000 luminaries are lit, making the windows come alive. You can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride and shop for antiques.
Experience the charm of one of the most enchanting main streets in the country during the Holiday Fire in the Sky fireworks display on December 1st. Join the Night of the Luminaria and Living Windows event on December 2nd and 3rd, where you can see over 5,000 handmade candle lanterns and wreaths adorned with lights.
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Elburn
This town hosts Larsen’s Light Show, a fantastic event with lights and music that won the 2013 “Light Fight” show. Santa is also around on Saturday nights.
Join the fun with Santa at his arrival ceremony on December 2nd at American Legion Post 630. You can also go ice skating at Pound 4 Pound Fitness/Obscurity Mead Hall parking lot or Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Downtown Elburn has lots of activities for both kids and adults.
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Effingham
This town hosts the Wonderland in Lights, where you can drive through to see festive lights and scenes. You can also check out the World’s Largest Cross and enjoy some hot cocoa.
Celebrate Christmas traditions by visiting Santa at his house on December 5th. You can also join carriage rides offered by Humbled Soul Boutique or participate in the Old Courthouse Museum Theatre Camp. Don’t miss the dazzling Christmas parade on December 4th, showcasing beautifully decorated floats and vehicles.
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