It's Not Christmas In Illinois Until You Do These 11 Enchanting Things
By Elizabeth Crozier|Updated on October 20, 2023(Originally published November 04, 2022)
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
The holidays only come around once each year, and you only get about a month to make this the most enchanting Christmas ever. These are the 11 activities all Illinoisans love to do this time of year, and they are sure to put you in the holiday spirit right away. The state is positively bursting with fun things to do for Christmas. It just doesn’t feel like the holidays without these Christmas things to do in Illinois. Keep scrolling for your Illinois winter holiday bucket list.
Nothing makes for a more enchanting Christmas than decorating a beautiful fir with lights, tinsel, and precious family ornaments. The warm glow and twinkle bring holiday cheer to any home and are a staple in most Illinois households at this time of year. In fact, dressing the tree is a family bonding activity in and of itself. Each ornament carries a treasured memory that you can revisit while decorating.
Most Illinoisans still think of snow when they think about Christmas, though that may not always be the case anymore. Still, there are many places around the state to show off your skills on the ice. You can play hockey or figure skate around any of these nine magical ice rinks. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night, a family fun day, or an on-ice workout, skating is the way to do it.
This classic beverage is great spiked or as is. Though typically served cold, there's something about the creamy taste and texture that warms your heart. It really begins to feel like Christmas once this stuff starts flowing. Do you like eggnog? It can be a pretty divisive beverage. Let us know in the comments.
Around the end of November, many radio stations start switching over to festive, joyful holiday tunes. Sure, there are those few tearjerkers (looking at you, "Christmas Shoes"), but it's mostly sleigh bells, trumpets, and the voices of angels (aka Bing Crosby). December is license to blast your holiday music everywhere: in the car, in your living room decorating your tree, in the kitchen while baking cookies. Now is the time, take advantage.
5. Drive by a neighborhood light show set to music
Illinoisans really love to decorate their homes for the holidays, and there are some who very obviously love it more than others. The Larsen Christmas Lights Show is one of the most popular and impressive displays set to music. Videos of these epic creations can be found all over the web. No matter how big or small your neighborhood light show is, a drive-thru always fires up the festive spirit.
Whether it's snow angels, snowmen, snowballs, or snow forts, playing in the snow is a sure-fire way to make you feel like a kid at Christmas. Everyone remembers using holiday break to spend the day tromping through snow and bringing imaginations to life. Who says you have to stop as a kid? Get that snowy, creative spirit flowing.
Some of the most enchanting Christmas events in Illinois are meet-and-greets with Santa (and maybe even his wife and elves). For many children, especially, it just isn't Christmas until they've whispered their deepest desires into an old bearded man's ear. It's the smiling for the camera that isn't always everyone's favorite. But be careful! A visit with Santa also reveals whether you've been naughty or nice this year.
One of the most magical ways to spend an evening this holiday season is by going to a wonderland of lights. These dazzling displays awe and inspire visitors. Even on the coldest nights, Illinoisans love visiting brilliant holiday attractions. Local farms, amusement parks, event restaurants and shops light up at this time of year. Scope out what's new and bright in your town during December.
Forget Black Friday. For many Illinoisans, the shopping event of the year is the local Christkindlmarket. These old-world shops are filled with handmade goods like Russian stacking dolls, ornaments, mugs and steins, as well as pastries and delicious drinks. One of the best is this Belleville Christmas market. You can jet off to Europe for the holidays without ever leaving your own state.
Illinoisans love trains, so what better than a holiday-themed one? Often decorated with garland, lights, and other trinkets, it's an exciting opportunity for all ages to board a festive locomotive. There are several places throughout the state to find this sort of wild ride, but one of the best is this Aurora Holiday Express. So sip some spiced cider or a glass of wine and chug through the wintry landscape around you.
Whether it's the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, or any number of holiday-themed orchestra shows, a festive performance is one of the things that makes for an enchanting Christmas. Get lost in a world of mystery, love, and cheer at these fabulous shows.
Wanna see more Christmas traditions in Illinois? Check out this YouTube video by HouzzTV showing some of the best Christmas attractions.
Shopping is one of my favorite Christmas traditions, how about you? Have you begun your shopping yet? If not, check out our holiday gift ideas featuring trendy must-have items for folks who love to travel. What else really makes it feel like Christmas for you? Share your favorite pastimes with us in the comments below!
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