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.
advertisement
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.
advertisement
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!
Fall is upon us, and that means beautiful fall colors in the trees, harvest festivals, apple cider, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and all kinds of treats and festivities. Illinois in the fall is a wonderful time and so many events and traditions bring us all together. If you’re looking for the best events, activities, and more for this fall, we’ll show you the best of them in this ultimate guide to fall attractions and activities in Illinois.
advertisement
Illinois Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Illinois For Fall Foliage
Illinois is covered in beautiful forests and farmland and during autumn they burst with various hues of gold, rust, red, and brown. Illinois fall foliage is so lovely and some places are especially spectacular. In the northern part of the state, the colors will peak around mid-October and the southern part will see them in late October and early November. Let’s check out the best places to see fall foliage in Illinois.
Wow Factor: The displays are so diverse that you'll get to see what fall colors look like all over Illinois.
Need To Know: There is an admission fee ranging from $13.95 to $22.95 but the experience is well worth it.
There’s something about the symmetry and the swaths of color that make the Chicago Botanic Garden such an incredible sight during the fall. It’s already such a lovely place to stroll any time of year, but the bright colors make it something truly special. It’s also a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet and enjoy some natural beauty in the middle of such a busy city.
Wow Factor: You can explore 2,630 acres on 13 miles of trails through 18 canyons.
advertisement
Need To Know: There is no entrance fee, however, during peak times there is a parking fee per vehicle of $5 for non-residents and $1 for residents.
There’s nothing like exploring Starved Rock State Park with its stunning canyons and waterfalls. During the fall it’s nothing but breathtaking. The canyons and waterfalls create such a mesmerizing landscape. Taking a hike among the trees will really inspire a love of nature and the amazing colors it can create.
Wow Factor: This has been recognized as one of the most outstanding natural scenic spots for a century.
Need To Know: This is within the Shawnee National Forest which requires an ePass or National Forest Day Pass if any facilities are being used.
advertisement
Illinoisans tend to agree that Ferne Clyffe State Park is one of the most naturally beautiful areas in the state. Ferne Clyffe Waterfall is one of the most popular hikes and Ferne Clyffe Lake is simply idyllic. Make this a bucket list destination for your fall adventures this year.
Wow Factor: This is the largest state park in Illinois and it spans 8,050 acres.
Need To Know: No fee required and there are equestrian trails, so this is one of the few places you can enjoy fall colors on horseback.
Pere Marquette State Park is such a wonderfully beautiful place and it becomes like a fairytale wonderland when in the fall. Since 1931 when the park was established, people have flocked from all over the state to take in the fall colors here. There are several well-marked trails that make for the perfect autumn stroll.
advertisement
Best Pumpkin Patches In Illinois
Every autumn, families in Illinois love to get together to visit rural pumpkin patches on farms all over the state to get a taste of old-fashioned fun and homemade treats. There’s something so wholesome about the experience. Let us introduce you to the best pumpkin patches in Illinois:
Wow Factor: There are about 30 activities and attractions at this farm, making it among the best in the state.
Need To Know: The fall festivities begin September 7 and run through October 31, 2024.
Goebbert’s Farm is an absolute blast during the fall season. There are so many fun things to do. Interactive tractors, pig races, a pumpkin house, a Kidstruction Zone, a cow train, a corn maze, a straw maze, wagon rides, a magic show…the list goes on. If you’re looking for a very full day of fun, this is the place to go.
Wow Factor: This is in the middle of Amish country and you're likely to see horses and buggies traveling around.
advertisement
Need To Know: The Great Pumpkin Patch gets underway from September 13 to October 31, 2024.
Enjoying fall festivities in the heart of Amish country adds so much old-fashioned charm. The Great Pumpkin Patch, which takes place on a farm called The 200 Acres, has over 300 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, and squash and has so many pumpkin-based baked goods to sate your sweet tooth. There are some gorgeous gardens to explore as well.
Wow Factor: Abbey Farms focuses on the adults as well as the kids. Craft beer and wine are available on select dates.
Need To Know: Pumpkin Daze runs from September 21 to October 27.
advertisement
You’ll have the time of your life at Pumpkin Daze. Abbey Farms has a huge host of activities available for all ages including a petting zoo, a corn maze, zip lines, go-karts, a corn cannon, a combine slide, a Megadrop Slide, tractor rides, hay wagon rides, and a whole lot more in store. You’ll want to come back more than once to do it all.
Best Fall Festivals In Illinois
Illinois is chock full of fall events to make the season a ton of fun. Illinois fall festivals include harvest festivals, food festivals, Oktoberfests, and quaint and charming small-town festivals of all kinds. Get ready for some amazing times at the best fall festivals in Illinois:
Wow Factor: Morton, Illinois grows so many pumpkins that it's known as The Pumpkin Capital of the World. It supplies 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin!
Need To Know: The Morton Pumpkin Festival takes place from September 11 to September 14, 2024.
The Morton Pumpkin Festival is one of the biggest events of the year. It’s been going on since 1967 and now draws about 70,000 guests each year. Enjoy pumpkin pancakes, burn them off in the 10K race, experience thrilling carnival rides, and enjoy tons of live music and entertainment. If you ever bought canned pumpkin, it almost surely came from here!
Wow Factor: This festival has its own take on the Olympic sport of curling...cheese curling!
Need To Know: The Arthur Cheese Festival will take place on August 31 and September 2 and 3, 2024.
Anyone who has been to Illinois will know that dairy farming is a huge industry here. We figured we might as well make a festival about it. The Arthur Cheese Festival is a lovely small-town festival in Amish country where you can take part in cheese curling, enjoy local live music, enjoy a parade, watch the Rat and Cheese Race, and snack on free cheese samples. It’s a relaxing and welcoming event that fosters a warm, community feel that you will adore.
Wow Factor: This is considered the most authentic Oktoberfest in Illinois.
advertisement
Need To Know: St. Mary's Oktoberfest will be from October 4 to October 6, 2024.
St. Mary’s Oktoberfest really brings out German cuisine and culture like no other event in Illinois. Enjoy steins full of Paulaner beer, fill up on bratwurst and sauerkraut, enjoy traditional German song and dance, and enjoy some contemporary things as well like live bands, fun kids’ activities, and bring home your very own St.Mary’s Oktoberfest glass stein
Wow Factor: As of this year, the Murphysboro Apple Festival will have been going on for 73 years!
Need To Know: The Murphysboro Apple Festival will run from September 11 to September 14, 2024.
advertisement
The Murphysboro Apple Festival is as American as apple pie, and there’s lots of it! While the town is small, the attendance is huge, often reaching over 45,000 attendees which is several times the town’s population. You’ll have carnival rides, the Appletime Golf Classic, a fiddle & banjo contest, an apple blossom contest, a cornhole tournament, and way more. Come and have massive fun in a small town.
Free & Cheap Illinois Fall Activities
If you like wandering through colorful forests, snacking on pumpkin-laden treats, and attending some of the biggest festivals in the state and are wondering “What are some other fall activities near me?” then get ready to have some fun that won’t break the bank. These options are either free or quite inexpensive and will take you to some of the best places to visit in Illinois in the fall.
Wow Factor: The largest corn maze in the world is right here in Illinois!
Need To Know: Prices vary, so please check with individual locations for hours and pricing.
Illinois has no shortage of corn farms and therefore an abundance of corn mazes. There are corn mazes in Illinois of every shape and size so you’re sure to find one to fit your budget and schedule. It’s a lot of fun to wander these and enjoy the various attractions, activities, and foods that surround them. One shouldn’t let the fall season pass by without exploring one of these fun maize mazes.
Wow Factor: Galena has tons of Victorian homes and over 125 independently-owned businesses in its downtown area.
Need To Know: The Galena Depot serves as a visitor center for local information.
The charming and historic town of Galena is the perfect destination for a fall day trip. There are gorgeous Victorian homes throughout the town and it is filled with trees that burst with color in the fall. The vibrant downtown area has tons of quaint shops and delicious cafes and the populace is so friendly and welcoming. Make sure to stroll the bridge that covers the river.
Wow Factor: This is the longest running festival in Illinois. This year is its 126th year!
advertisement
Need To Know: The Windsor Harvest Picnic is free and takes place August 15 to August 17, 2024.
Come take part in the 126th annual Windsor Harvest Picnic. Tons of live music, home-cooking including a fried fish cookout, a 5K run, a parade, a tractor pull, a carnival, and a lot more await you this year. This year’s headliners will be The Bellamy Boys. What a great way to spend a fall weekend in Illinois.
Wow Factor: The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival has been going on since 1956 and spans the entire downtown area.
Need To Know: The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival is free to attend will run from October 23 to October 27, 2024.
advertisement
The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival is one of the most whimsical and celebratory free festivals in Illinois. There’s a display of hundreds of decorated pumpkins which are so creative and fun. A carnival will take place with big carnival rides. There is so much fun to be had. This year’s theme is “Pumpkins Around the World”.
This ultimate guide to fall attractions and activities in Illinois should give you a great start on finding fun things to do this fall. Enjoy the fall foliage, pumpkin patches, festivals, and other events and be sure to let us know all about your experiences in the comments. If you’d like to view the gorgeous fall colors from the comfort of your car, take this fall foliage road trip to see the best of it:
With our beautiful lakes, sprawling prairies and iconic cities, Illinois has stunning landscapes and skylines that light-up in every color when fireworks fly above them. As the Fourth of July approaches, you might be planning out the best way to enjoy some celebratory sparks on the United States’ 248th birthday. Navy Pier in downtown Chicago is arguably the most known spot for fireworks in the state, but their Independence Day fireworks will be set off on the 3rd, not the 4th of July. Luckily, there is no shortage of spots all around Illinois’ largest cities to see some fireworks on the Fourth of July this year.
advertisement
1. Stockton Fourth of July Celebration - Stockton, Illinois
For the last 50 years, the village of Stockton has seen thousands of people flock from all over the state to take part in their festival around Independence Day. In the hours before the show-stopping fireworks display there will be a basketball contest, classic car show, bounce houses, and a tractor pull. This free event is ideal for families and creates a laid-back environment to have a picnic and enjoy watching fireworks with your toes in the grass.
2. Fourth of July Celebration - Itasca, Illinois
Food trucks will take the Hamilton Lakes offering endless options of local foods to sample in anticipation of the village of Itasca’s fireworks show. Known for being Illinois' largest Independence Day fireworks show synchronized to music, Itasca’s fireworks display is truly a sight to behold and a fun place to dance as well. There will even be a dedicated kids’ entertainment section with face painting, so there is lots for everyone to enjoy! Do note that while the event itself is free, parking is not and takes cash only.
advertisement
3. South Holland Fourth of July - South Holland, Illinois
The Village of South Holland is hosting a fireworks show at Veterans Memorial Park. The fireworks show will kick off at dusk following an afternoon of fun with bounce houses, balloon artists and even a giant slide.
4. Fourth of July Parade, Concert and Fireworks - Elgin, Illinois
The city of Elgin encourages people to hit the streets and showcase their patriotism by taking part in the annual Fourth of July Parade on Douglas Avenue. Early in the morning, there will be a pet parade as well. The festivities move to Festival Park in the evening where you can enjoy some food trucks, play tabletop games, or watch the pie-eating contest. The evening will conclude with an illuminating fireworks display.
Coinciding with Fourth of July, Rosement’s Rockin' in the Park free summer series will mix music and fireworks. This year, visitors can catch Silver Bullet STL performing a 10-piece tribute to Bob Seger’s music.
6. Mount Prospect Lions Club 4th of July Festival - Mount Prospect, Illinois
The festivities in Mount Prospect kick off early in the day with the annual pancake breakfast. Following that, you can explore a sizable carnival with rides and see live musical performances bringing the whole area to life. Fireworks are free to enjoy and will spark off around dusk.
advertisement
7. Knights Action Park/Trade Winds 4th of July - Springfield, Illinois
Knights Action Park in central Illinois is a fun time day or night, with water slides, a drive-in movie theater and go karts. This year on the Fourth of July, the focus will be on the skies above. The band Unchained will be performing at the Trade Winds outdoor patio at Knights Action Park as a fireworks display lights up the sky.
8. Rockford's Fourth of July Fireworks Show - Rockford, Illinois
Approximately 6,800 firework shells will contribute to Rockford’s annual Fireworks Show. Davis Park is the suggested viewing place for the show, and there will be food trucks, drinks and children’s entertainment provided there. This will be the 60th year of the fireworks show and celebration. In Rockford you can also participate in a 5K run and a motorcycle parade before the sun sets as well.
advertisement
All summer long, Illinois has incredible firework displays, but there’s something special about celebrating Fourth of July in a crowd. It’s only so often when we all collectively come together, put down out devices and stare out at the dark sky, waiting for something magical to happen. At any of these eight destinations you can enjoy Independence Day in vivid colors, leaving a memory you won’t soon forget.
Rather than dancing with danger and trying to set off your own fireworks, sit back and enjoy the incredible displays that experts curate for weeks before lighting the fuse. The best way to get situated for a fireworks display? Bring you own folding chair. I like this one that has a built-in cup holder for a refreshing drink. Are you planning to watch fireworks this year? Let us know your favorite spot to see them in Illinois!
