Antioch’s Beloved Kringle’s Christmas Village Will Be Returning To Illinois

For many Illinoisans, winter hasn’t really arrived until Kris Kringle pays a visit. It’s a good thing, then, that coronavirus hasn’t canceled Antioch’s beloved holiday hotspot, Kringle’s Christmas Village. This annual event is still running at full spirit. Its sights and sounds are back to provide seasonal smiles, and its COVID-19 protocols mean you can partake in holiday cheer without fear. So, when the leaves are crinkling and the fire is crackling, take your family to Kringle’s Christmas Village and watch their faces light up like a decorated tree.

Kringle’s Christmas Village is open from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. It’s located in the Antioch Shopping Plaza at 460 Orchard St, Antioch, IL 60002.

Chris Bartnick / Flickr

Lake Antioch has made the village of Antioch a tourist destination for Illinois residents for decades. Its picturesque combination of natural beauty, charming businesses, and small-town hospitality make Antioch feel like a holiday anytime you visit.

Visit Lake County/ Official Website

Every year, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce sponsors the creation of a village within a village: Kringle's Christmas Village, that is. This ups the ante on Antioch's charm and creates a wonderful and welcoming holiday environment for the whole family.

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Dickens-Kringle Christmas Village / Official Facebook

The main spectacle at Kringle's Christmas Village houses a display of giant shadowboxes marking the snowy season. Shadowboxes allow for the preservation and display of three-dimensional scenes. At Kringle's, you can see a series of holiday scenes in these shadowboxes. Some depict the winter season in Antioch, while others highlight what makes the holidays special no matter where you are. If you're feeling philanthropic, you can sponsor one of these shadowboxes today.

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Dickens-Kringle Christmas Village / Official Facebook

For those who celebrate the snow in a more secular style, there's still plenty to see. Some of the shadowboxes aren't Christmas-themed; they're just lovely wintertime scenes. Or, in the case of the photo above, a recreation of a famous painting.

Dickens-Kringle Christmas Village / Official Facebook

Then, of course, there's Kris Kringle himself. Kringle's Christmas Village aims to be as accommodating as possible to everyone in the Santa Claus fan club. Children with special needs are welcome to visit and tell Old Saint Nick their winter wishes.

Dickens-Kringle Christmas Village / Official Facebook

There's lots more to do at Kringle's Christmas Village than meet Santa and survey its famous shadowboxes. Parents will find a place to let their children run off that candy cane energy in the miniature Polar Express playground. Afterward, the kids can snooze and dream as you smile the whole sleigh ride home.

With things how they are in the state, the prospect of the coming winter might feel overwhelming. But being safe shouldn’t dash your season’s spirits. Kringle’s Village in returning to Antioch this year to bring cheer to the State of Illinois to spread cheer, not fevers or fear. So, if you’re praying for some family playtime this holiday, it’s time for an adventure to Antioch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Learn more about this beloved family tradition here.

What iconic traditions warm your Illinois winter? Where in the state do you take your little elves for a wholesome holiday? We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos. Get in touch!