The One Town In Illinois That Turns Into A Winter Wonderland Each Year
By Stephanie Andrews|Published December 04, 2016
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Stephanie Andrews
Author
Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. A circus performer, stuntwoman, professed travel buff and lover of Tom Waits, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Chicago haunts with both adventurous locals and curious travelers.
While you often hear about the holiday buzz that comes from historic towns like Galena and Woodstock, we thought you might prefer a taste of something a little different. While the little southern Illinois town of Carmi may not have the power to always give you a white Christmas their “It’s a White County Christmas” festivities brings to life the wonders of a small town with the time-honored traditions of the holidays. If you are looking to get into the Christmas spirit then we recommend gassing up the car (bring the hot chocolate with you) and heading down to Carmi. Perhaps you’ll make this small-town Christmas bash part of your annual tradition.
While we might be a little late to the party, these old-fashioned Carmi Christmas traditions kick off every year starting in November (right around Thanksgiving). Enjoy taking a Main Street stroll and walk hand-in-hand with that someone special while being illuminated by a canopy of twinkle lights.
If you love shopping then you’ll love the Holiday Shopping Stroll. With 12 local businesses involved in providing a gift from their stores, lucky winners might just be taking some of these great prizes home. Even if you don’t win there are a variety of different shops that will help you find a present for everyone in your life. With Small Business Saturday offering great deals it’s time to work off some of that Thanksgiving turkey and find some amazing offerings all while supporting the quaint town of Carmi. Finish up a little festive shopping by watching the Tree Lighting near Main Cross Street.
Despite his busy schedule, Santa will be making an appearance most Saturdays and Sundays in December from 2-5PM until Christmas. As Christmas gets closer Santa will even have time on December 20th and 22nd between 6-9PM to see what some holiday stragglers would like under their tree. Even enjoy a little breakfast (what is better than warm cinnamon rolls?) with Santa at the Lion’s Den on December 17th from 8-10AM.
Take in the celebratory sights and sounds of the holidays right here in Carmi. The annual tours of the festive historic houses are always a highlight, and you wouldn't want to miss all of the wonders for sale at the church cookie bake sale.
You can also see what nearby Illinois artisans have been crafting up and find something unique and maybe even one-of-a-kind for someone on your Christmas list at the Craft and Vendor Show at the Floral Hall from 9am-3pm on December 10th.
If you and your child can’t get enough of books then the Carmi Public Library on December 10th at 1pm is a destination must. With a festive Christmas-themed story hour that’s sure to get even the biggest Grinch in the spirit, Santa will also make a lovely appearance to make the story hour extra special.
If you are ready to kick up those holiday heels with an evening of jazz then it’s time you headed to the Carmi VFW on December 17th for their annual Gala Dinner & Dance. Tickets are only $25/person and it was be a fun and romantic evening that will be a great way to ring in the Christmas festivities.
On December 18th at 2:30pm enjoy another year of the Holly Jolly Follies by the Carmi League of Arts. Last year’s variety show offered both instrumental and vocal holiday classics, as well as comedy and puppetry and this year is sure to be no less spectacular. And don’t forget to snag a beautiful cake or pie on the way out of the show to enjoy for your very own family festivities.
Even though some of Carmi’s Winter County Christmas festivities have passed, there are still so many wonderful events to attend and a chance to visit this cute little town decked out with boughs of halls. And, if anything else, you just got a head start on making your holiday plans for 2017!
Have you been to Carmi’s holiday wonderment? Any shops, restaurants or events in particular that is not to be missed? If so, please share in the comments section.
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