It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to freshly fallen snow and our favorite Christmas traditions. This surely includes festivals that bring the joy of the holidays to life, and make us all feel like jubilant children. If you are looking for an old-fashioned Christmas festival in Illinois that will take you on a journey back in time, jump in the car and head to Shelbyville.

Shelbyville is a small town in central Illinois. You'll notice the historic County Courthouse.
old-fashioned festival
Matt Turner/Flickr
Shelbyville is best known for its drive-thru Festival of Lights – on opening night in mid-November, enjoy live music and photos with Santa.
Shelbyville Festival of Lights – Illinois/Facebook
Santa will collect children’s letters, and respond on the Festival of Lights Facebook page, for a modern twist. The Senior Center will host a chili dinner, and later a holiday vendor fair.
Watch for more events, such as Olde-Fashioned Christmas, including pictures with Santa and wagon rides.
Shelbyville Festival of Lights – Illinois/Facebook
The Fire Department hosts a soup supper, and the VFW offers a meet and greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Frosty.
Vote for your favorite decorated tree weekends at the Festival of Trees.
Shelbyville Festival of Lights – Illinois/Facebook
Also drive by the houses in town participating in the Light the Town Christmas lights contest.

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As a festive bonus, the historic Roxy one-screen movie theater offers free Christmas movies on Saturday mornings in December.
Boarmansroxytheatre.com
Why not mosey on over to Willow Ridge Winery?
Willow Ridge Winery/Facebook
In early December, the winery has a holiday vendor fair, and later in the month an afternoon of live music and carriage rides. If you come in February, attend the ice sculpting event.
Don’t forget to pick out a fresh Christmas tree at No Bad Days Farm in Shelbyville.
No Bad Days Farm/Facebook
The first Friday in December is Santa Night at the farm – have your picture taken with Santa, watch an ice sculptor, and shop on-site local vendors. The farm operates in memory of the family’s son whose motto was “No Bad Days.”
Check out a preview of what the local ice sculptors can do.
Willow Ridge Winery/Facebook

 

I always look forward to Christmas gatherings with family and friends – and an old-fashioned Christmas festival. Visit these Facebook pages for dates and times: Shelbyville Festival of Lights, Roxy Theatre, Willow Ridge Winery, and No Bad Days Farm.

For added holiday fun in Illinois, explore Snowman’s Reindeer Farm, and small towns exuding Christmas merriment.

Stay awhile in this Shelbyville Vrbo – for a girls’ trip, or with plenty of room for your family.

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Shelbyville, IL 62565, USA