23 Christmas in ILLINOIS (Fun, Memorable, & Festive)

When speaking about the most anticipated holiday, everyone knows it is Christmas.

The season’s joy is contagious, and people plan to spend more time with their families and friends.

By November, the air is filled with so much jubilation as everyone plans everything they want for themselves.

What do you typically do during that time of the year?

Would you usually celebrate with family and friends or alone?

Do you have a routine or want to do something different?

If yes, you should know that this article contains all the fun things you should look forward to when spending Christmas in Illinois.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Outdoor Activities in Illinois.

Christmas in Byron, Illinois

1. Miracle on 2nd Street (Annual December 6th Event)

As a local, it’s common knowledge that the Miracle on 2nd Street hosted by the Byron Chamber of Commerce every year on the 6th of December ushers everyone into the holiday festivities.

The event, quite surprisingly, hosts quite several activities in just one day, such that you have to plan appropriately to make the most of it.

From the horse carriage rides, Nutcracker Bingo, hay wagon rides around town, and the visits with Santa, to the tree lightings, the festival of trees at the Museum, and holiday shopping, it’s almost impossible not to have the time of your life at the event.

Finally, there is also the band performance by the Byron High School Civic Band and Madrigal Choir which is always a delight to the ears.

Address: 127 W. 2nd Street, Byron, IL

2. Christmas Memories Musical at Byron (Original Play by Andrew Mahan)

The Christmas Memories Musical at Byron is a Christmas event that will get you in your feelings just in time for Christmas.

It is an original play by Andrew Mahan, a local playwright, about beautiful Christmas memories, especially for those returning home for the holidays.

This play features musical performances with a local choir singing popular Christmas songs.

It is a fantastic opportunity for families to bond over hot chocolate as they try to keep warm in the winter while sharing favorite Christmas memories at the square.

The event runs for two days – from late November to early December.

Considering that the event sells out in time, you should keep your ears out for information from October so you can purchase your tickets soon enough.

Address: 850 N. Colfax Street, Byron, IL

3. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Experience (Family Christmas Event)

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Experience is a family Christmas event and is even more fun if you have kids who love to ride the train.

Every December, the train runs through Canada and the USA, with various stops at different cities.

At each stop, the train delivers food and donates items while featuring complimentary snacks and holiday music.

The train also houses 14 rail cars with incredible holiday design decorations and brazing LED lights.

Considering the experience is for less than an hour and usually attracts a lot of crowds, an important tip would be to drive early enough to the station and park by the north side of the train track.

If you are looking to experience the train stop this year, be sure to follow updates on what date and time the train will be stopping at the city so that you can plan adequately.

Address: 4374 Old Grand Avenue, Byron, IL

Also see our article on Indoor Activities in Illinois.

Christmas in Chicago, Illinois

1. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade (Late November Event)

The Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive is an excellent activity if you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit early enough, as it typically happens in late November before Thanksgiving.

This full-day event starts as a public parade under thousands of twinkling lights through the city as it turns on Christmas lights on the way, house by house.

Additionally, the parade features about three to five bands every year.

Then there are live concerts all afternoon at the Harris Stage at the Pioneer Court on 401 North Michigan Avenue.

The magnificent event closes with a show-stopping fireworks show over the Chicago River.

While the event is usually broadcasted and televised all through December, it’s an event that is better experienced than watched.

Address: 401 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

2. Alder Planetarium (Unique Christmas Location)

The Alder Planetarium, while not being a strictly Christmas destination, is a unique and perfect Christmas location for families.

This planetarium at the Chicago’s Museum Campus introduces you to beautiful sights and side attractions where you learn about planetary bodies and space attractions.

It mainly offers exciting activities such as sky gazing, views of their solar system and the mission moon, and exhibits in different rooms within the planetarium.

The space also offers visits to the Doane Observatory, the historic Atwood Sphere, and the Chicago night sky.

While different shows run throughout the year, you can book tickets for Christmas specials on the website beforehand.

If you wish to stay for more than a day and book a vacation with family, you can book a stay at the Hilton.

Address: 1300 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL

3. Christkindlmarket Christmas Market (German Tradition Shopping)

Although shopping is a typical Christmas activity, the Christkindlmarket Christmas Market introduces a delightful twist to Christmas shopping as it is reminiscent of German tradition.

The famous Christkindlesmarkt inspired this shopping experience in Nuremberg, Germany, in the 16th century.

It happens yearly at the Daley Plaza and features all the necessary gift and shopping items.

Additionally, there are gallery visits, history sessions, hotel accommodations, and virtual events if you aren’t in the shopping spirit.

More interestingly, you will find European-inspired food such as strudels, raclette, and currywurst to tingle your tastebuds.

The location is only open for the Christmas season, which starts mid-November and ends around Christmas.

Be sure to mark your calendar for this wholesome event with friends, family, or alone physically or virtually.

Address: 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL

4. Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along (Series of Concerts)

Very few things get you in the Christmas mood more than singing carol songs.

The Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along is a series of concerts featuring various choirs singing together at the park.

This event usually kicks off later in the day from 6-7 pm and runs through different weekends from late November till December while featuring different ensembles.

Each week, these different ensembles lead the sing-along while celebrating the rich cultures of Chicago.

These choir groups include the Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers, the Destinos al Aire, the Destinos al Aire, and the Cuerdas Clásicas.

Asides from the choir, you can also look out for pop-up performances at the park through the holiday season.

Stop by the Cloud Gate any weekend in December to enjoy this experience.

Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL

5. Holiday Shopping (Chicago’s Shopping Experience)

How do you even know you’re celebrating Christmas in Chicago if you haven’t done holiday shopping?

If you’ve been in the city anytime around the end of the year, you would realize that the shopping that goes on around that time is almost mandatory and indicative that there are fun days ahead.

Depending on your budget, you can start with the Magnificent Mile for high-end stores such as Loius Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Gucci, or Burberry.

You can also check out Lakeview for gift items from alternative clothing stores, vintage shops, offbeat home decor stores, quirky art from local artisans, and bookstores.

Your shopping experience isn’t complete if you haven’t visited Macy’s on State Street for everything you could need, ranging from handbags, toys, and clothing to housewares.

Gather your coins as you prep for Christmas shopping in Chicago this year.

Address: Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL

Also see our article on National Parks in Illinois.

Christmas in Naperville, Illinois

1. Reindeer Road Drive Through (Santa Photoshoot & Santa Appearance)

During Christmas, the popular Reindeer Road Drive-Through in Naperville is a drive-through on a well-lit path.

This drive-through consists of cars driving in unison, with the first car beginning the train at 6:30 pm and the last joining at 9:30 pm.

The event starts with the Christmas ribbon cut on the first day to signify the start of the season.

Then it runs through a few days from the 1st of December till the last week of the month.

Asides from the theatrical lighting, it features a lot of attractions, including the Santa photoshoot, mailbox drop for letters to Santa, actual Santa appearance, and free candy canes and hot chocolate.

Finally, considering that the ticket per carload is $10 and it may be difficult to navigate traffic to the venue, carpooling with friends and family is advisable.

Address: 1805 High Point Drive, Naperville, IL

2. Yuletide festival (Caroling & Holiday Music)

Like any traditional Christmas celebration around the country, the Yuletide festival is outdoors and open to everyone, and it is such an excellent opportunity to spend Christmas with family.

The Yuletide Festival is a popular holiday event in Naperville and spans several weekends in December, from morning to late evening.

It is also packed with caroling, live holiday music, a craft and cooking decoration station, free mulled wine or hot cocoa, and a holiday market.

You can also look forward to exciting sights like ice sculptures, a giant gingerbread house, and other lighted displays.

Most of all, if you’re lucky, you may see Santa.

Isn’t that wonderful?

These unique setups allow you to take pictures with family and friends you will cherish years later.

So what are you doing this Christmas in Naperville?

Address: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL

3. Beauty and the Beast (Re-enactment of Disney Classic)

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. And yes, that is precisely what this event is about.

Every year, the Broadway series at the Paramount Theatre re-enacts the classic movie during the holiday celebrations.

With the talented crop of stage actors, the famous Disney classic comes to life on the stage.

Aside from the beautiful memories that come from watching this fairytale with family and friends and building memories, what is particularly exciting is that the event runs into January, as the holiday season ends.

The event starts mid-December and runs through the second week of January, with different show times for each day.

You can get your tickets daily and watch as many times as needed.

If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to bond with family through the holiday without the typical outdoor activity, this play is for you.

Address: 23 E. Galena Blvd., Naperville, IL.

4. Let it be Christmas (Community Christmas Church Play)

While numerous fun activities may be lined up throughout the holiday period, you would agree that it is incomplete without a typical Christmas story.

Every holiday season, the Community Christmas Church organizes its holiday play where the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus.

The cast tells this story while focusing on their journey through Bethlehem as the origin story for the Christmas celebration.

“Let it Be Christmas,” also known as The Gospel According to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George, and Ringo, sets the story to The Beatle’s music and gives a beautiful twist to the play.

This event is unique as it approaches Christmas from a Christian perspective and should be on your bucket list if this appeals to you.

Address:1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL

5. Illumination (Quiet Christmas Activity)

Did you ever watch those cheesy rom-com Christmas movies where the protagonists take a romantic walk through a well-lit street while having the time of their lives?

You are here in time if you ever watched those and thought of recreating them.

Illumination during the holiday season is your atypical low-key, quiet Christmas activity with a one-mile, well-paved walk path.

Even more, are the live trees with lights and effects that make everything look magical in the winter with the light snowfall.

If you aren’t too enamored just staring at the sheer beauty of the lit streets, you should check out the Tree Fascination, which is patterns and lights projections over a grove of Scots Pine and Eastern White trees.

You can end your walk by scooting around a bonfire for warmth while roasting marshmallows.

Address: 25, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Lincoln Ave, Naperville, IL

Also see our article on State Parks in Illinois.

Christmas in Wheaton, Illinois

1. Wheaton Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony (Parade on Front Street)

If you are a visitor looking to spend the holidays in Wheaton, the locals would tell you that the holiday season doesn’t officially start till the Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony.

The official Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony at Wheaton lets you get a feel of the city while meeting new people.

This parade begins at the intersection between Wesley Street and Wheaton Avenue and runs the entire length of Front Street while coming to a close at Cross Street.

From Cross Street, the parade moves to the Wheaton’s Mayor and City Council at Adams Park to officially launch the lighting ceremony.

So wait are you waiting for this Christmas?

Book your accommodation early enough and come and have the time of your life In Wheaton this holiday.

Address: W Wesley St, Wheaton, IL

2. Festival of Lights & Christmas Tree Sale (Cosley Zoo Holiday Transformation)

The Festival of Lights & Christmas Tree Sale in Wheaton takes place every year during the holiday season at the Cosley Zoo.

It runs from the last week in November, just after Thanksgiving, till the end of December, during which the organizers transform the zoo into a Christmas wonder.

A walk through the zoo at that time of the year features a beautiful selection of Christmas trees, a constellation of Christmas lights, whimsical lit-up animal figures, and a beautiful collection of wreaths and greenery.

You can also get beautiful gift items from the Wild Side Gift Shop, with the proceeds going to the zoo.

You can get free hot chocolate while at it if you’re lucky.

This festival is an excellent opportunity to experience the zoo for free and in the beauty of Christmas.

Address: 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton, IL

3. Christmas at Wheaton College (Conservatory of Music Performances)

As the primary educational institution and a hallmark in Wheaton, it’s unsurprising that Wheaton College has its array of Christmas celebrations from November through to December.

The Wheaton College Christmas Festival is a tradition almost as old as the school itself and a great way to start the holidays.

This festival features the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music performances from the first weekend in December.

These performances include three major Christmas concerts featuring different conservatory ensembles: the women’s choral, the symphonic band, the percussion ensemble, the gospel choir, the men’s glee club, the concert choir, and the harp ensemble.

The ensembles usually feature guest soloists and vocalists rendering traditional Christmas melodies.

If you are a sucker for choirs, this festival is quite the Christmas experience.

Address: 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL

Also see our article on Amusement Parks in Illinois.

Christmas in St. Charles, Illinois

1. St. Charles Holiday Homecoming (Two-Day Festival in November)

The St. Charles Holiday Homecoming is undoubtedly the mother of all holiday events in the city and holds for two days in November, just after Thanksgiving.

Aside from being firmly rooted in the city’s history, the festival, unlike others, features several mini-events that are already a delight.

The two-day event begins with lighting the lights at 5 pm on the first day in the 1st Street plaza, where you get to meet Santa and take amazing pictures under the most fantastic lighting.

Then it continues with a free holiday movie screening at the Arcada Theatre the following morning with free snacks at about 10 am.

Next is a visit from Santa in the afternoon at the First St. Plaza down Alter Brewing&Kitchen, Downtown St. Charles.

The festival closes with the most impressive electric Christmas parade on Main Street in Downtown St. Charles with the most beautiful floats.

Address: 2 E Main Street, St. Charles, IL

2. Santa visits (Various Santa Events)

While there are different Christmas events in the city, not all guarantee a Santa visit, and that is why a Santa visit during Christmas in St. Charles is making this list.

You may begin by purchasing tickets for the Woodlands Santa Holiday Workshop in the first week of December.

Alternatively, you can sign up for breakfast with Santa at the Pottawatomie Community Center or storytime with Santa at the Sportsplex of St Charles.

You can also check out the Oakbrook Centre, Geneva Commons, and the Spring Hill Mall throughout the month to get pictures with Santa.

Finally, you can check out Santa’s house near First Street Plaza every Saturday and Sunday in December.

Visiting these locations lets you take good old Santa pictures with your children and family while ensuring they experience the Christmas tradition.

Address: 3795 Campton Hills Rd. St. Charles, IL

Also see our article on Water Parks in Illinois.

Christmas in Union, Illinois

1. Happy Holiday Railway: The Holiday Light Experience (Drive-Through in Your Car)

The Happy Holiday Railway in Union mirrors the regular Christmas car parades with a twist.

This holiday experience features a drive-through through the museum campus in your car instead of street car rides.

While the parade takes you through the beautiful decorations, including the lit-up freight train, and other public facilities, such as the display barns, you can enjoy Christmas songs playing in the background.

This drive-through spans from 5 pm to 8 pm, after which no car cannot join.

The parade begins the weekend of Thanksgiving and continues for all of the weekends in December till the 27th.

You can purchase your tickets for $10 per carload way before the parade starts so you can join in time and enjoy the entire event.

Be sure to go with friends and make some more while on the parade so you can enjoy the parade to the fullest.

Address: Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

2. Marion First Baptist Church Musical Celebration (Performances by Various Ensembles)

Marion First Baptists Church is a famous church in Union, and they are not left out of the Christmas celebrations.

The church’s choir consists of amazing singers from all parts of the city who typically sing during the church’s Sunday services.

However, during the holiday season, they have celebrations featuring performances from their choir.

This holiday celebration features musical renditions of Christmas classics from the Freedon Orchestra, the JOY Singers Choir, or the Celebration Choir.

So whether or not you are a church member, the doors are open to everyone so you can have the most solemn and beautiful Christmas experience.

Be sure to go with friends and family as you all sing along and make long-lasting Christmas memories at the Marion First Baptist holiday musical celebration.

Address: 401 W Union St., Union, IL.

Also see our article on Trampoline Parks in Illinois.

Christmas in Galena, Illinois

1. Holiday fire in the sky (Fireworks Display in December)

Every year during Christmas, the city of Galena gives its people the most beautiful display of fireworks to commemorate the holidays.

This event marks the beginning of the holidays and gets everyone in the mood for further celebrations.

The fireworks go off at the beginning of December, just after Thanksgiving.

Then the fireworks continue for days, till the middle or end of December, as the locals bask in other festivities.

So any day in the first week of December, the people of Galena gather at 6 pm, adults and children alike, to enjoy the mind-blowing display of lights.

Aside from being free, the most fantastic thing about the fireworks is that you can see them anywhere in Galena or neighboring cities.

So if you find yourself around Galena or its environs during Christmas, look out for the fantastic fireworks.

Address: 101 Bouthillier Street Galena, Galena, IL

2. The Festival of Trees (Annual Christmas Tree Display)

Wherever you find yourself, you can always tell it is Christmas from the pine trees and multi-colored bright lights.

The festival of trees in Galena is an annual Christmas celebration with the most beautiful trees and brazen lights.

Towards December every year, the Warren Community Building (Old Stone Hotel) assembles to display over 50 beautifully and uniquely decorated Christmas trees by the streets.

They also allow schools, churches, organizations, or just about anyone in the Warren community to join in the decorations.

As this event commemorates the beginning of the festive season, it pans for a few days from the last day in November, just after Thanksgiving, to the first few days in January.

So you get to see the fantastic sights and join in the celebration throughout the Christmas and New Year seasons.

Address: 110 W Main Street, Warren, Galena, IL

3. Night of the Luminaria and Living Windows (Romantic Candlelight Event)

It is clear at this point that the people in Galena love good lighting displays to commemorate the holidays.

While they have the Festival of Trees and the Holiday Fire in the sky, the Night of the Luminaria and Living Windows are fun to look forward to.

On a chosen day within the first two weeks in December, all of the streets in the city will be lit up in the most romantic and nostalgic lighting from candles.

In addition to the bulb lights hanging from trees and doorposts, the locals in Galena line the sidewalks, streets, store windows, and even steps with thousands of candles.

The store windows come alive with the most intriguing holiday-inspired animation from about 4-7 pm while opening up their doors for the best shopping experience.

Wherever you find yourself in Galena during Christmas, walk through the streets for the most enchanting experience.

Address: Main Street, Galena, IL

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Museums, Festivals, and Movie Theaters in Illinois.

Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on how best to spend your Christmas in Texas and California.