Christmas in the Village
Visitors can experience Peoria's largest live Christmas tree, visit Santa, and explore Peoria Riverfront Museum exhibitions. The festival offers horse-drawn carriage rides, Laser Holiday Magic, holiday movies in the Giant Screen Theater, and performances by carolers and Peoria Ballet Nutcracker ballerinas. Guests can also enjoy live animals, local food trucks, holiday cocktails, hot chocolate, and shopping with local vendors.
What to Expect
Peoria holiday festival featuring the area's largest live Christmas tree.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Peoria
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Alison Unkovich
Food & Drink
The event features local food trucks, hot chocolate, and holiday cocktails; 2026 food and drink vendors are still to be announced.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and storybook
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Fri 4-8pm; Sat 12-8pm.
Tips & Advice
- Choose an individual ticket or a family ticket for up to six, depending on your group size.
- Use the admission included for both days to spread out visits to the rides, theater, and museum exhibitions.
- Bring warm layers for horse-drawn carriage rides, which may involve time outdoors during the December event.
- Allow time for both indoor options, such as movies and museum exhibitions, and the event’s other activities.
- Keep plans flexible because the 2026 village map and food, shopping, and entertainment vendor details are still forthcoming.
Special Events & Promotions
- Family tickets cover a group of up to 6 people.
- Every ticket is good for both days of the event.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do?
Horse-drawn carriage rides, Laser Holiday Magic, carolers, live animals, Peoria Ballet Nutcracker ballerinas, holiday movies in the Giant Screen Theater, museum exhibitions, Santa, and Peoria's largest live Christmas tree.
What food and drink is there?
Local food trucks and vendors, hot chocolate and holiday cocktails.
Does one ticket cover both days?
Yes, every ticket includes admission on both days of the event.
Can I buy one ticket for my whole family?
Yes, there are family tickets that cover up to 6 people, as well as individual tickets.
Who does the event support?
It raises resources for the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Every Student Initiative, which brings Central Illinois students in for curriculum-connected museum visits.
More Christmas Events Near Peoria
More Christmas Events near Peoria
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.