Illinois Christmas 2026

Top Events Across Illinois

Find the best Christmas events across Illinois this year!

1. 1
   City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Chicago

   Chicago's 113th annual tree illumination ceremony featuring live entertainment and fireworks.

2. 2
   West Chicago Frosty Fest West Chicago

   Annual community winter festival with tree lighting and Santa visits.

3. 3
   Holiday Express Aurora

   Unlimited holiday train rides, cozy winter sleigh rides, and Santa visits.

4. 4
   Stroll on State Rockford

   Free downtown holiday celebration featuring a parade, tree lighting, and fireworks.

5. 5
   Light Up The Parks Holiday Parade Loves Park

   A joint community parade featuring fireworks, candy, and two tree lightings.

6. 6
   Light Up The Holidays Festival & Parade Joliet

   Downtown Joliet festival and parade held the Friday after Thanksgiving.

7. 7
   Naperville Rotary Holiday Parade of Lights Naperville

   Parade of Lights fundraiser supporting local youth non-profits

8. 8
   Hobnob Holiday Market Springfield

   Vintage and handmade market featuring over 130 handpicked vendors.

9. 9
   Peoria's 138th Annual Santa Claus Parade Peoria

   Longest-running Santa Claus Parade in the USA

10. 10
    Breakfast and Photos with Santa East Peoria

    Breakfast with Santa and holiday crafts for kids.

11. 11
    Kris Kringle Market Peoria Heights

    Charming holiday hut village featuring local vendors and visits with Santa.

12. 12
    Festival of Lights Queen Pageant Chillicothe

    Annual pageant selecting the queen to reign over holiday festivities

13. 13
    Holly Days in Downtown Elgin Elgin

    Holiday Cheers Beverage Crawl supporting local businesses

14. 14
    Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour Waukegan

    Christmas concert by Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz

15. 15
    Farmer City Christmas Parade Farmer City

    Large Central Illinois parade with over 120 floats, bands, and Santa.