The Twinkliest Town In Illinois Will Make Your Holiday Season Merry And Bright
There are certain towns where the snow seems to fall in particularly perfect flakes and winter spirits shine especially bright. In Illinois, historic Galena is one of these towns. While this might surprise those familiar with its haunted reputation, the holidays light up the city of Galena with events both merry and bright, transforming it into the state’s twinkliest city and a sight from your wildest wintery dreams.
The celebrations happen all over town, but you’ll find most of the action on Main Street,
Galena, Il 61036.
Gorgeous Galena is located on the Galena River, a tributary of the Mississippi. This makes an idyllic setting for a holiday celebration. The town's preserved 17th-century buildings also make a stunning sight buried in snow.
Galena kicks off its festivities with a different kind of Christmas light show: a massive fireworks display to take in from the charming downtown. The fireworks crackle and spit like a fire and Christmas colors fill the sky in a way lights just couldn't accomplish.
Just a few days later, the town is saturated with the spirit of the season. Beyond the fireworks, Galena has another amazing event to highlight your holiday: the beloved Night of the Luminaria and Living Windows.
Galena's Luminaria lights up the city with over 5,000 handmade candle lanterns. These lanterns make the streets and parks of Galena dance with their enchanting, romantic, and cheerful twinkles.
You can bask in these beautiful lights with a view of the river. There's really no better gift than a picturesque view like this, especially when it's shared with family, friends, or someone special.
Alongside its less traditional displays, Galena's Living Windows display features wreaths and lights galore, arranged with care by community businesses. The downtown is always charming, but during the holidays its warmth and hospitality reach new heights.
When you take a trip to Galena this holiday season, you’ll see why there’s no better place for making merry under the warm glow of winter lights. This town twinkles with charms in every season; when the lights and lanterns go up, its spirit just burns brighter. Visit the city’s website to plan your travel to merry Galena today.
What are your favorite towns in Illinois that dedicate themselves to seasonal celebrations? What Illinois town takes its tinsel most seriously? Let us know in the comments!
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Address: Galena, IL 61036, USA
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Benjamin Clancy is the Illinois and Indiana writer at Only In Your State, a doctoral candidate at UNC Chapel Hill in Communication, and an artistic type who has attended the Vermont Studio Center residency in poetry writing and makes something like music as "little other." They grew up in Austin, Texas and currently live in Chicago, IL with their partner, two dogs, and a cat. Get in touch by emailing bclancy@onlyinyourstate.com.
