7 Christmas Towns In Illinois That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer
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Linze Rice
Author
As someone with a Christmas Eve birthday, I am always on the lookout for the Christmas towns in Illinois and places to go for Christmas in Illinois. Fortunately, I never have to look far: The Prairie State is rich in merry-making traditions in all directions. From festive parades to holiday markets to glittering lights galore, finding things to do for Christmas in Illinois is as easy as leaving cookies out for Santa. So, we’ve put together a list of seven of the holly-est, jolliest Christmas towns in Illinois to help put you in the holiday spirit.
1. Galena
Considered by many to be the Christmas capital of Illinois, the idyllic small town of Galena always tops must-visit lists come winter. Why? It's packed full of shopping, lights, family-friendly events, and tons of countryside charm. Admire the lights, bows, and wreaths donning its historic Main Street and pop into one of the local shops for a warming holiday drink before checking out the living window displays during Night of the Luminaria. Parktake in holiday concerts, fireworks displays, and magical wintry days before finishing it off with sipping on seasonal cranberry wine from Galena Cellars. There is really no shortage of things to do here — be it a cozy, romantic Christmas-inspired getaway at a local bed and breakfast, or a family day hitting the slopes at Chestnut Mountain Resort. Galena is one of my favorite towns year-round, but it's the star on top of the tree come Christmas. Get all the info you need for a holiday vacay from Visit Galena.
2. Rockford
Halfway between Galena and Chicago is the city of Rockford, also known for its grand displays of holiday cheer. Get holiday shopping done at the many holiday markets and watch lights sparkle at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Anderson Japanese Gardens, and Sinnissippi Park. Choir concerts at the Rockford University of Performing Arts and cultural exhibits at the Burpee Museum of Natural History are also favorites, plus opportunities for breakfast with Santa, public ice skating lessons, musical and theater performances, and boozy Christmas cocktails. Get the scoop on all these events and more at Go Rockford.
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3. Chicago
In the state's biggest city, there are almost too many Christmas activities in Chicago to count. From the German-inspired Christkindlmarket shopping villages to the annual tree lightings to the endless number of over-the-top holiday pop-ups, you could spend a whole year celebrating Christmas in the Windy City. When I lived in Chicago, my favorite thing to do was go to The Walnut Room at Macy's — formerly the historic Marshall Field's on State Street — for one of their famous pot pies, commemorative glass mugs, and a look at their massive decorated indoor tree. Other beloved pastimes include catching a glimpse of Santa's sleigh on the CTA train, ice skating at Millennium or Maggie Daley Park, seeing a display of over 50 Christmas trees around the world at the Museum of Science and Industry, and basking in the glow of twinkling lights at Navy Pier and Lincoln Park Zoo. Whatever you do, my advice is to bring comfy shoes and a warm hat and gloves!
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4. Bishop Hill
One of the coolest small-town Christmas festivals in Illinois is in Bishop Hill — a teeny tiny city with less than 130 residents, but a place that does Christmas big. Each year, the town pays homage to its Swedish roots with Julmarknad, or Christmas Market. The town becomes an old-fashioned Christmas wonderland with homemade gifts, artisanal shopping, cookies, chocolates, and European traditions at every turn. From live candle-making to mischievous Tomten (Swedish Elves) to a visit from Julbock the Christmas goat, Bishop Hill takes a wholesome dive into Christmas past for tons of holiday fun. Check out the Bishop Hill Heritage Association's website to plan your trip!
5. Monticello
More of the top Christmas events in Illinois can be found in Monticello. Also considered a Christmas capital of Illinois for the Central Illinois region, this small town packs a punch when it comes to the holidays. Light displays like Holiday Glow at the Allerton Park and Retreat Center make the area glitter, Santa in the Depot makes jolly ole' Saint Nick accessible to all the good girls and boys in town, and the beloved Monticello Christmas Parade is a time-tested tradition anticipated all year. Plus, a beautifully decorated quaint downtown gives a Christmas feel like none other, while small events like cookie decorating classes offer warm and cozy outlets for spreading the season's glad tidings.
6. Effingham
In the Hallmark movie-esque town of Effingham, home to the country's second-largest cross, the holiday spirit is impossible to ignore. Santa, train rides, ice skating, holiday markets, a parade, food trucks, hot and cold winter beverages, and light displays kick off the season during the Hometown Christmas celebration, with the merriment continuing all month long via downtown decorations and shimmering lights. One of the biggest draws to the area is the Wonderland in Lights drive-through display — inspiring enough to get you in the mood for Christmas carols. Find all the info you need for a visit at the Visit Effingham website.
7. Alton
No list of the best Christmas towns in Illinois would be complete without mention of historic Alton. Its famous "Christmas Wonderland" lights display draws visitors from all over the Midwest to experience the merriment of the season. Millions of lights dazzle against the dark winter sky to illuminate the night with a colorful display of joy and whimsy. The drive-through show is held at Rock Spring Park and showcases a glittering waterfall, an enchanted forest, and glowing tunnels sure to impress even the biggest Grinches. Visit the Great Rivers & Routes website to start planning your trip.
Have you been to any of these Christmas towns in Illinois? Is there another place that should have made the list? Tell us in the comments! Want to experience even more holiday joy? Check out this top-rated nostalgic Christmas treasure hunt downtown Chicago, take a best-selling holiday lights Segway tour, or enjoy this Festive Food & Walking Tour!
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