It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – well, a whole lot in these towns. These are the best Christmas towns in Illinois that have decorations, activities, and a certain je ne sais quoi to really get you in the holiday mood. Here are some of the very best Christmas towns across Illinois.

1. St. Charles
St. Charles, IL, USA
Historic St. Charles/Facebook
A gorgeous and historic downtown, St. Charles is looking awesome this time of year with Christmas lights all over the streets. It kicked off with an appearance by Santa, a parade, and free horse-drawn carriage rides. Stroll downtown and explore the many shops to find that perfect gift for someone.
2. Chicago
Chicago, IL, USA
Chris Metcalf/Flickr
Visiting Chicago during the holidays can instantly give you that holiday spirit. There are so many things to do, from visiting the big tree (now in Millenium Park), eating some German specialties at Christkindlmarket, eating at the Walnut Room at Macy's, and seeing the decorated store windows.
3. Galena
Galena, IL 61036, USA
Galena, IL/Facebook
Do you want magical? Then head down to Galena's Main Street. Enjoy "Old Fashioned Christmas Weekends" and don't forget to attend the "Night of the Luminaria," where over 5,000 luminaries will be lit and windows will come to life. You definitely don't want to miss this. This Illinois Christmas town is a tradition you'll want to do every year!
4. Monticello
Monticello, IL 61856, USA
City of Monticello, Illinois/Facebook
Monticello has that Christmas spirit all season long, but things really kicked off with the Christmas Parade. Don't worry if you missed it, though, because Santa is going to be at the Depot. Your child can have lunch with Santa on the train! It is the Polar Express but up a few notches. Kids of all ages will enjoy this.
5. Effingham
Effingham, IL 62401, USA
Visit Effingham/Facebook
Home to the World's Largest Cross, you have to believe that Effingham is going to be all about Christmas. Yes, they are. You will love their Wonderland in Lights. Santa is there every Saturday and he has special gifts for the kiddos. Drive through to see the lights and you'll be inspired to sing Christmas carols.

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6. Elburn
Elburn, IL 60119, USA
Larsen Christmas Lights Show/Facebook
You should visit Elburn to see one house. A house you say? Yes, a house. But not just any house. It's Larsen's Light Show, a light show so incredible that it was the winner of the 2013 show "Light Fight." You can see videos and photos online, but there is really no comparison to seeing it in person. Santa visits on Saturday nights! This adorable Christmas lights display in Illinois is perfect for a family fun night.
7. Rochelle
Rochelle, IL 61068, USA
City of Rochelle/Facebook
Each year, Christmas in Rochelle is kicked off by the Downtown Christmas walk, featuring food, contests, and carriage rides. Many homes are decorated and will give you that Christmas spirit.
8. Canton
Canton, IL 61520, USA
Canton, Illinois/Facebook
Canton, Illinois really knows how to get into the Christmas mood, with tons of lighted trees, trolley rides, and an Old Fashioned Christmas Walk. Oh, and you can't miss the delightful Snowman's Reindeer Farm while you're here.
9. Naperville
Naperville, IL, USA
City of Naperville, Illinois/Facebook
Downtown Naperville always looks great lit up. Stroll around downtown and find plenty of neat shops to find unique gifts. There are tons of fun things going on at Naper Settlement, like the Jingle Bell Jamboree, Naper Lights, and a Holiday Mansion Tour. Christmas in Illinois has never been so magical!
10. Alton
Alton, IL, USA
All Around Alton, Illinois/Facebook
Visiting Alton is a great way to start the Christmas countdown. People from all over come for the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display. Rock Springs Park in Alton is transformed into a winter wonderland in Illinois. Visitors can drive through the park to view more than 2 million lights, cascading waterfalls of lights, lighted trees and displays, and visit Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest.

Does your town really do it up on Christmas? What are some of your all-time favorite Christmas towns in Illinois? As always, share pics and tips on the Only in Illinois Facebook page!

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Christmas Towns in Illinois

Tori Jane | October 29, 2022

What are some of the best Christmas towns in Illinois?  

There are plenty of delightful small towns in Illinois that love to transform themselves into winter wonderlands every year; every single one of them is definitely worth a visit. Some of our favorite Illinois Christmas towns include gems like Galena, which gets decorated from top to bottom in stunning lights, delightful tinsel, and of course plenty of snow. Naperville is another excellent Christmas village in Illinois, which hosts numerous holiday events throughout the season, and Rockford is a delightful place to visit in the winter thanks to its multi-cultural diversity, which makes it a very unique holiday destination in IL.  

What are some fun things to do for Christmas in Illinois?  

There are plenty of fun things to do for Christmas in Illinois – enough that it might be a little overwhelming! Of course, you can always pay a visit (or ten) to the various wonderful Illinois Christmas towns, and while you’re at it, you might want to embark upon a stunning Christmas lights road trip in Illinois to enjoy them all. You can check out some truly breathtaking Christmas light drive-thrus in Illinois, and you can’t go wrong with the various delightful holiday festivals in IL, either. Go ice skating in beautiful Chicago, and head to Galena for some of the best Christmas shopping in IL, too! The possibilities are endless ... and magical!  

What is winter in Illinois like?  

Winter in Illinois is, to put it simply, cold. Average winter highs tend to hover within the 30s in the northern portion of the state and the 40s in the southern portion; lows can reach well below freezing in both regions, though, so be sure to bundle up. The northern region of Illinois gets about 48 inches of snow each year, and the southern half tends to see only about 14 inches (or less). Don’t let the chill get you down, though – you can totally enjoy the outdoors during winter, like with one of these amazing winter hikes in Illinois that showcase the natural splendor of our stunning little state.

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