let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
ExperiencesEvents

The Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival In Illinois That Will Take You On A Journey Back In Time

Published Nov 7, 2023

Written by 

Rachel Pfutzenreuter

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.

Historic red brick courthouse with a clock tower, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
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.

A carousel made of colorful lights, surrounded by trees, glowing against a twilight sky.
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.

A child in a colorful jacket talks to Santa Claus, who is seated in front of a festive backdrop and a box labeled "Letters to Santa."
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.

Two decorated Christmas trees in a festive indoor setting, one with lights and ornaments, the other silver with colorful decorations.
Shelbyville Festival of Lights – Illinois/Facebook

Also drive by the houses in town participating in the Light the Town Christmas lights contest.

As a festive bonus, the historic Roxy one-screen movie theater offers free Christmas movies on Saturday mornings in December.

Neon marquee of Boardman's Roxy theater in downtown Shelbyville, illuminated with bright lights at night.
Boarmansroxytheatre.com

Why not mosey on over to Willow Ridge Winery?

A beautifully lit outdoor patio with a wooden structure, surrounded by greenery, at dusk.
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.

A red barn with a "Merry Christmas" sign, surrounded by frosted trees and a clear blue sky.
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.

A stunning ice sculpture of an eagle in flight, set against a sunset backdrop with a snowy landscape.
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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Florida Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

A small-town state park in Florida unlike any other, Honeymoon Island State Park will take you off the mainland into a peaceful, romantic haven.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jun 3
A pair of deck chairs overlooking the water at Honeymoon Beach State Park in Florida.
Stays
Camping

This Secluded Campground Near Mogollon Rim Is One of Arizona’s Best Kept Secrets

This secluded campground near Mogollon Rim is one of Arizona’s best kept secrets.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jun 3
a small camp building and sign at the entrance for the knoll lake campground in payson arizona
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One of Kansas’ Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

From an Oz Museum filled with movie history to a quiet park anchored by a historic windmill, Wamego blends small-town Kansas life with whimsical storytelling in a way that feels both unexpected and authentic.

by Kate Orlando
on Jun 3
A fiery sunrise over wheat in Kansas.
Stays
Camping

This Secluded Campground Near Hunting Island Is One of South Carolina’s Best Kept Secrets

This secluded campground near Hunting Island State Park is one of South Carolina’s best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jun 3
entrance sign to Tuck In The Wood Campground in saint helena island south carolina
Trips & Routes

You Can Explore This Coastal Georgia City Entirely on Foot—and It’s Stunning

Savannah, Georgia is one of the most historic cities in the state, but it's also one of the most walkable. Here's how to spend a weekend on foot.

by Molly Harris
on Jun 3
Forsyth Fountain in Savannah, Georgia