Festival of Lights - Itinerary 1

With the spirit and excitement of the holidays lighting up Illinois River Country throughout Festival of Lights season, what better way to experience all there is to offer than by trying out one of our spectacular intineraries?

                                                      
DAY 1

At noon, board the Spirit of Peoria, a unique and historic paddle wheeler, for a hot homemade buffet, 2-hour riverboat cruise, and lively entertainment.

You will return to the dock at 2:30 p.m., and will head to the Luthy Botanical Gardens Poinsettia Display that is sure to please your eyes! With over 1,000 poinsettias on display and festively decorated Christmas trees, your holiday cheer will surely elevate!

Time to check into your hotel, and rest a bit. There are many hotels to choose from in the Peoria Area. Take a look at our “Where to Stay” section and make your reservations today!

Dinner time! Enjoy Fairview Farms Restaurant for a family-style, home-cooked meal.

Now it’s time to bring on the lights! First, drive through the Narrated Nativity Scene and see the beautiful handmade attraction.

Then visit FOLEPI’s Village to view the “Northwest Territory Christmas Village” designed and built by Randy Kellems. This collection features over 700 pieces of miniature buildings and figurines in a lighted winter scene. Folepi’s Village will also feature several carnival rides including a carousel, some animated displays and decorated Christmas trees.

The Laser Theater is also a must-see. This forty minute indoor attraction in the Festival Building features a dazzling display of laser lights and music that will excite the entire family.

Finish the night off with FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland. This two-mile drive through electric park showcases numerous animated displays and many lighted floats, with a finale of simulated firework show.

DAY 2

In the early morning, take the River City Tour given by the Peoria Historical Society. Throughout the tour you will see Grandview Drive and all the views has to offer, along with a tour of downtown Peoria and to the Moss-High Historical District.

Then, take a tour of two historic homes in Peoria: Pettengill-Morron House and John C. Flanagan House. These two houses allow you to discover the lifestyles of times past, and are dressed for the holidays.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, visit one of the numerous restaurants Peoria has to offer. Feel free to visit the “Where to Eat” section of our website to decide!

Ready to participate in some artistic holiday cheer? Visit the Cornerstone Inn on the Square Bed & Breakfast in Washington for festive craft creations. Let the owner guide you through an artistic demonstration of various holiday displays. (Will talk to the owner about specifics).

Take another unique look back in time while experiencing Historic Holiday Traditions. This 116-year-old Doering Homeplace is decorated for the holidays by the East Peoria Historical Society, and showcases 1800s-style handmade ornaments.

Time to clean up and get ready for dinner. Check out the “Where to Eat” for all of your options!

This evening will be filled with music, dance and laughter! Take your pick between Eastlight Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Christmas in the City” by the Peoria Players, “The Nutcracker” by the Peoria Ballet, “Bedside Manners” at Conklin’s Dinner Theater, or “A Christmas Story” a production at the Corn Stock Theater.

Either return to your hotel, try you luck at the Par-A-Dice Hotel-Casino, or take a stroll on Folepi’s RiverFront Promenade to finish out the evening.