Here Are The 11 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Illinois
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Stephanie Andrews
Author
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (or at least that’s what Andy Williams croons about each and every holiday season). Whether you are trying to get yourself into the Christmas spirit or you turn into Elf the minute holiday festivities come around, then you need to take a little time away from your holiday shopping to enjoy the magic of some of the best Christmas towns in Illinois that are certainly full of the holiday spirit! There are so many enchanting places to celebrate the holiday season around the state. Let’s have a look:
Tuscola, IL 61953, USA
Did you know that there is a Christmas town right in the middle of Illinois? If you are already chomping at the bit to get into holiday festivities then it’s time to kick off the season in Tuscola the first weekend of December. Pick up something special for that special someone at their homemade craft fair. Enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Douglas County Museum or run off some of those Thanksgiving goodies by participating in the Santa Chase 5K. You can also go ice skating. Visit the Tuscola website for more information. This is one of the most festive Christmas towns in Illinois.
Chicago, IL, USA
Chicago at Christmas is nothing short of magical. While it might seem obvious that this toddlin’ town would be full of festive holiday magic, there is something for everyone here in the Second City and it’s well worth battling a little holiday traffic. Take in one of the many amazing shows like Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker or the Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. Head to the Daley Plaza for a commemorative ceramic boot full of mulled cider while shopping around the popular Christkindlmarket (open until December 24th). Or bundle up with some hot cocoa and listen to local choral groups belt out holiday favorites at Cloud Gate (fondly referred to as "The Bean") before taking in a few laps on the McCormick Tribune ice rink. Visit the Choose Chicago website for a list of holiday events.
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Galena, IL 61036, USA
If you dream of an old-fashioned Christmas just like the ones you used to know (see what we did there?) then it might be time to book a weekend stay at one of the historic B&Bs and enjoy one of the most idyllic Illinois Christmas towns - Galena! If you are looking to do some antique shopping, this is certainly the town for you. Christmas festivities start just after Thanksgiving and continue throughout December. Take a peek at some of the stately decorated homes during the Holiday Housewalk, or watch the streets and sidewalks come alive with candle-lit decorations and beautifully festive storefront displays while enjoying the sites in a horse-drawn sleigh. Take a step back in time this Christmas season and head to the historic town of Galena. It's one of the best Christmas towns in Illinois. Head to the Visit Galena website for a calendar of events.
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Naperville, IL, USA
If you just can’t stomach the hoards of holiday shoppers in Chicago, head to Naperville. Naper Settlement is hosting a Holly Jolly Days event on select dates in December. Take a trolley tour in downtown Naperville to see holiday lights. Participate in the Holiday of Cheer - House Walk, Holiday Market, & Tea event to visit four homes all decked out for the season. Then you can go shopping at the Holiday Market while enjoying cookies and tea (you'll even get to keep the cup). In early December, you can also see your favorite storefronts come to life with holiday lights and displays. If you're looking for things to do at Christmas in Illinois, Naperville is the place to visit. Head to the Visit Naperville website to learn more.
Rockford, IL, USA
With the culturally diverse background of Rockford’s residents, it’s no surprise that the festivities celebrate this winter season with a plethora of different heritages. With Heritage Holiday exhibits at the Ethnic Heritage Museum, a children’s choir with traditional Swedish and English songs to welcome in the Christmas seasons and a Victorian Holiday Celebration, and more, there is something to warm even the Grinchiest heart.
And whether you love a good cocktail during the holiday or you can drink your weight in hot chocolate, then you may want to spend time enjoying Rockford’s 12 Bars of Christmas Pub Crawl. Take in some of the hot spots in Rockford while celebrating the holidays with friends. Head to the Go Rockford website for more information.
And whether you love a good cocktail during the holiday or you can drink your weight in hot chocolate, then you may want to spend time enjoying Rockford’s 12 Bars of Christmas Pub Crawl. Take in some of the hot spots in Rockford while celebrating the holidays with friends. Head to the Go Rockford website for more information.
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Galva, IL 61434, USA
The spirit of Christmas is alive and well within this small western Illinois town. If you are looking for Christmas festivities just like the ones you used to know then start it off right with breakfast with Santa, ornament making, carriage and train rides, a chocolate fair (Yum!), and even a candy cane hunt. Enjoy holiday entertainment at night as the whole of downtown Galva is lit up with the glow of a thousand lights. Visit the Galva Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for more information.
Cambridge, IL 61238, USA
If you still have some gifts to get and you’re looking for something unique then head over to Cambridge’s holiday crafting fair. Take some time to meet Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas (hope you’ve been nice this year!). Enjoy the merry holiday music while "Oohing" and "Ahhing" over the Tour of Lights in this historic western Illinois town. And don’t miss the tour of the B&B Toy Museum, where you get to see toys across the decades (maybe you’ll even see ones that you received as a little one on Christmases past). It's one of the best places to spend Christmas in Illinois. Visit the Village of Cambridge Facebook page to learn more.
Bishop Hill, IL, USA
Do you wish to go back to a simpler time this holiday season? If so, then how better to do it than to partake in the authentic Scandinavian Christmas market Julmarknad? Enjoy festive specialty foods, antiques, and handmade chocolates while taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of the holiday. The festival is the on last weekend of November and the first weekend of December. Head to Bjorklund Hotel to make edible ornaments with the kiddos during the early afternoon and wait until the sun goes down to enjoy wandering around Bishop Hill as it’s illuminated by the glow of warm candlelight in Lucia Nights Celebration. If it snows, you’ll be in for a real treat as you enjoy taking in the 19th-century village under a beautiful blanket of snow. Visit the Bishop Hill Heritage Association website for more information.
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Moline, IL, USA
If mansions decorated to delicious holiday splendor is your cup of tea then you don’t want to miss the two Deere family mansions in Moline starting the first weekend of December. Besides taking in these fabulous historic homes and perhaps getting some holiday decorating tips of your own, you can also enjoy living history events, activities for the little ones, choral performances, and even a visit by Santa Claus. Head to the Visit Quad Cities website to see a calendar of events.
Woodstock, IL 60098, USA
While this town may be known for its infamous Groundhog Day festivities it doesn’t mean that this town doesn’t know how to do Christmas right. Take in holiday festivities at the Woodstock Opera House, revel in the lighting of the square, and get in the holiday spirit with a Christmas Parade and Cookies & Milk with Santa. Caroling, carriage rides, and a Christmas Tree Walk will make visiting this quaint, majestic town well worth it this holiday season. Visit the City of Woodstock website to learn more about one of the best Christmas towns in Illinois.
Carlinville, IL 62626, USA
During the first weekend in December, it’s time to find out what more than 10,000 visitors have enjoyed about this Carlinville Christmas tradition that is now over 25 years old. Take a guided historic tour in a Victorian-style trolley. Arts and crafts, dazzling ice sculptures, sleigh rides, and carolers make the holidays come alive in Carlinville this season. It's one of the best places to spend Christmas in Illinois. Visit the Christmas in Carlinville website for more information.
Are there any towns that we missed that embody Christmas through and through? If so, we would love to hear about them in the comments. It’s amazing how much the state comes alive with the feeling of the holiday season and we want to celebrate as many of these best Christmas towns in Illinois as you can.
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More to Explore
Best Christmas Towns In Illinois
What zoos have Christmas light displays in Illinois?
Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo features seasonal activities, millions of lights, displays, and more. You can also head to Brookfield Zoo for its Holiday Magic event. Families love these light displays!
Is there a map for a Christmas lights road trip in Illinois?
Yes! In fact, we put one together ourselves. See some of the best displays in the state by following our Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Illinois. From Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Gardens to Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo, from Folepi’s Winter Wonderland in East Peoria to the Shelbyville Festival of Lights, there are plenty of dazzling lights to see this holiday season!
Where can I go for a sleigh ride in Illinois?
Forest View Farms in Tinley Park is one place that offers charming sleigh rides on the farm’s property. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season!