The Charming Small Town In Illinois Where You Can Still Experience An Old-Fashioned Christmas
By Rachel Pfutzenreuter|Published November 22, 2022
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Rachel Pfutzenreuter
Author
Rachel lives just north of Chicago, she has two boys and a dog named Sky. She is always planning her next trip, and loves to help friends, family, and her readers find their next adventure.
It’s that jolly time of year again! If listening to carolers, sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying the colored lights sounds like your idea of the perfect Christmas celebration, sally forth to Woodstock, Illinois. You will find just the old-fashioned Christmas you seek, and maybe even some chestnuts roasting on an open fire, too.
Woodstock is located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The Lighting of the Square kicks off the holiday season and brings the magic of Christmas to town.
Enjoy free hot cocoa and doughnuts. There are children’s activities and food trucks. Santa makes a grand entrance on an old-fashioned fire truck. You can sit with Santa in the Christmas Hut here throughout December.
Next up, watch the annual Christmas parade. Wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus as the parade makes its way through the charming brick streets of Woodstock.
For the health and welfare of the horses, they only give rides for a limited time. Dress warmly!
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As part of the Holiday Walk, take your picture in front of the life-size Christmas characters placed throughout Woodstock Square – including the teddy bear.
Homeowners, business owners, and entire blocks sign up to compete in the annual Holiday Lights Contest. At a pre-determined date and time, all contestants turn their lights on – like a switch was flipped in town.
If you join the Legend of the Pickle Scavenger Hunt, you will try to locate 20 different ornamental pickles hidden throughout local stores. Get a free jar of pickles when you sign up for the event.
The Legend of the Pickle states that the first person to find the pickle ornament on the tree on Christmas morning will get an extra present or be blessed with a year of good fortune. Claussen pickles are made and packaged right here in Woodstock, Illinois.
Find the perfect Christmas tree this year and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Oney’s Tree Farm.
For more fun, follow the Holiday Tree Walk to see at least 25 trees decorated for Christmas by local organizations.
If you are looking for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration, you have come to the right place. Woodstock has a historic, small-town feel, with a full agenda of Christmas events throughout the season. For event information, visit the Real Woodstock website and Facebook page. For afternoon tea, visit the Casting Whimsy Facebook page. For Christmas trees, visit Oney’s Tree Farm website. If Woodstock has captured your heart, be sure to come back for the Groundhog Day festivities in February.
Where do you celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas in Illinois? Share your thoughts with us!
