Top Things to Do in the Peoria Area This Winter

It’s jingle bell time!  Peoria is all about embracing the holiday spirit.  From extravagant light festivals, traditional parades, and holiday markets galore, learn about the best events we have to offer the whole family to wrap up 2018. 

Light Festivals + Parades

• Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting, Morton, IL (November 16)
• Festival of Lights Parade, East Peoria, IL (November 17)
• Annual Santa Claus Parade, Downtown Peoria, IL (November 23)
• FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland, East Peoria (November 22-December 31) 

Fact: The annual Santa Claus Parade is the longest running holiday parade in the country!  Take part in this great tradition as the parade takes a magical journey through the streets of Peoria.  With over 85 units of costumed characters, horse units and decorated floats, this parade will get you in the Christmas spirit in no time!

Holiday Markets

• Holiday Makers Market, Three Sisters Park (November 10)
• Hometown Holidays, Morton (November 16-24)
• Yule Like Peoria, Peoria (November 23)
• Kriskindlmarkt, The Lindenhof, Peoria (November 24-25)
• Holiday Market in the Heights, Peoria Heights (November 29)
• Christmas on Court, Pekin (November 30)
• A Village Christmas, Metamora (December 2)
• Candlelight Stroll, Washington (December 6)

Christmas on Court continues to be a holiday staple in the Central Illinois community.  Shop ‘til you drop on the shops lining the streets of Pekin, take a festive horse drawn carriage ride or snap a picture with Santa.  Bonus: every shop will feature unique activities, snacks and sales  the whole family can enjoy.

If you want a taste of Germany this holiday season be sure to stop by the Kriskindlmarkt at The Lindenhof.  German cuisine and arts and craft vendors compliment the Christmas entertainment for a full international Christmas immersion.  For more information click here.

Holiday Musical Events

• Elf the Musical, Peoria Players Theater (November 17)
• Kenny G: Holiday Tour, Peoria Civic Center (December 1)
• The Nutcracker, Peoria Civic Center (December 8-9)
• Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular, Peoria Civic Center (December 14)
• Disney on Ice: Frozen, Peoria Civic Center (December 29-30)

A past winner of Peoria Magazines’ Best Theater Production award, The Nutcracker continues to dazzle audiences with its rich choreography, mesmerizing costumes, exceptional dancers and timeless live music by Tchaikovsky. Share this beloved holiday tradition with loved ones while celebrating the holiday season.  

Holiday Activities

• Skating at the Owen’s Center, Peoria 
• Warm up with hot chocolate and coffee at our local coffee shops 
• Peoria Rivermen Hockey Games, Peoria Civic Center
• Escape Rooms, Peoria (Escape 60, Escapetown Peoria, Gone in 60 Escape Games)
• Snowman’s Reindeer Farm, Canton (October-December)
• Dome Planetarium, Riverfront Museum
• Caterpillar Visitors Center Holiday Events, Peoria (November 3-December 30)
• Holiday shopping at So Chic Boutique, Peoria Heights
• Shopping at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, Peoria 
• Visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops, East Peoria
• Play some casino games at Par-a-Dice Casino, Peoria 

Specialty Events 

• Chocolate Turkey 3 Miler, Running Central (November 22)
• Hometown Christmas, Havana (November 24)
• Holiday Luncheon, Peoria Riverfront Museum (December 3)
• Annual Candlelight Stroll, Washington (December 6)
• Santa’s Wildlife Express, Wildlife Prairie Park (December 7-9)
• Santa Cause 5k, Junction City (December 8)
• Deck the Bars, Peoria Heights (December 8)
• New Year’s Eve Countdown, Peoria Civic Center (December 31)

Here comes Santa Claus!  Get ready to run down Santa Claus lane in our 4th annual Santa Claus 5K.  Runners will suit up in five piece Santa ensembles as they run in search of milk and cookies.  Registration includes an exclusive Christmas ornament, on-site goodies, professionally timed results AND of course, a Santa suit!  To register, click here.

Can’t wait until Christmas to complete a holiday run?  You’re in luck.  Gobble your way to chocolate-victory in Running Central’s Chocolate Turkey 3 Miler.  Participants won’t walk away empty handed: each runner will receive an exclusive t-shirt and chocolate-themed goodies after they complete the race!  To join the trot click here.

For full information on events going on in the Central Illinois area be sure to consult our experience guide.