Peoria, IL, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering a variety of events that capture the festive spirit. Stroll through the historic courthouse square at Christmas on Court, where twinkling lights and handcrafted wares create a nostalgic atmosphere. For those who love art, the Winter Wonder Walk livens up the riverfront with interactive ice sculptures and light projections.
Families can experience the magic of the East Peoria Festival of Lights, a dazzling drive-through display featuring over two million lights. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Peoria's holiday events provide unique experiences that celebrate the community's rich history and vibrant creativity.
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The Top Christmas Events in Peoria
- Winter Wonder Walk
- Peoria Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Downtown Peoria Holiday Lights Tour
- Zoo Lights at Peoria Zoo
- Holiday Market at Shoppes at Grand Prairie
- Bradley University's Christmas Concert
- Holiday Pops Concert
- Metro Centre Shopping Extravaganza
Peoria Holiday Light Displays
Downtown Peoria Holiday Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Guided trolley tour of historic downtown buildings illuminated for holidays
Description:
Embark on a guided trolley tour through downtown Peoria's holiday lights display. Historic buildings are illuminated with intricate light designs, showcasing the city's architectural heritage. The tour highlights the stories behind Peoria's most iconic structures, some dating back to the 19th century. Passengers can warm up with complimentary hot cocoa while learning about the city's holiday traditions. This unique experience combines sightseeing, history, and holiday cheer in a way that only Peoria can offer.
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Downtown Peoria Holiday Lights Tour
Zoo Lights at Peoria Zoo
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays and nocturnal animal encounters
Description:
Zoo Lights at Peoria Zoo transforms the wildlife park into a luminous nocturnal adventure. Animal-themed light displays illuminate the pathways, creating a unique after-dark experience. Visitors have the rare opportunity to observe nocturnal animals during their active hours. The event pays homage to the zoo's conservation efforts, which began in the 1950s. You can participate in animal-themed crafts while learning about wildlife preservation. This event offers a distinctive blend of holiday cheer and wildlife education.
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Peoria Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market at Shoppes at Grand Prairie
What to Expect:
Curated selection of local artisans and makers
Description:
The Holiday Market at Shoppes at Grand Prairie spotlights a curated selection of local artisans and makers. This event transforms the shopping center into a bustling marketplace featuring unique, handcrafted gifts. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, connecting them to the region's artistic heritage. The market celebrates Peoria's long-standing tradition of supporting local businesses, which dates back to the city's early days as a trading post. You'll discover one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting the local creative community.
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Holiday Market at Shoppes at Grand Prairie
Metro Centre Shopping Extravaganza
What to Expect:
Extended hours and special promotions at local businesses
Description:
The Metro Centre Shopping Extravaganza offers extended hours and special promotions at local businesses. This event celebrates the diverse array of independent retailers that call Metro Centre home. Shoppers can explore unique boutiques and specialty stores, many of which have been community fixtures for decades. The extravaganza harkens back to the heyday of local shopping districts, promoting a sense of community and personal service. You'll discover exclusive holiday deals while supporting Peoria's vibrant local business scene.
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Metro Centre Shopping Extravaganza
Peoria Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Peoria Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Local twist on classic ballet with Peoria-inspired sets
Description:
Peoria Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker infuses local flavor into the classic tale. The production features custom-designed sets inspired by Peoria's landmarks and history. Dancers glide across the stage, bringing to life the story of Clara and her magical journey. This performance has been a Peoria tradition for over 50 years, evolving to reflect the city's changing landscape. You'll be captivated by the graceful movements and intricate costumes that bring this timeless story to life with a distinctly Peorian flair.
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Peoria Ballet's The Nutcracker
Bradley University's Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Collaborative performance featuring multiple university ensembles
Description:
Bradley University's Christmas Concert showcases a collaborative performance featuring multiple university ensembles. The event brings together the talents of the university's choirs, orchestra, and wind ensemble in a harmonious celebration of the season. This concert has been a university tradition for over 70 years, reflecting the institution's commitment to the arts. Attendees can experience the rich acoustics of the historic Dingeldine Music Center as it fills with the sounds of both classic and contemporary holiday compositions.
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Bradley University's Christmas Concert
Holiday Pops Concert
What to Expect:
Symphony orchestra performs holiday favorites with guest vocalists
Description:
The Holiday Pops Concert features the Peoria Symphony Orchestra performing beloved holiday favorites with special guest vocalists. This event blends classical orchestration with popular holiday tunes, creating a unique musical experience. The concert continues a tradition that began in the 1950s, showcasing Peoria's long-standing appreciation for symphonic music. You'll be swept away by the powerful combination of full orchestra and talented vocalists as they breathe new life into classic holiday melodies.
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Peoria Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonder Walk
What to Expect:
Interactive winter-themed art installations along riverfront
Description:
Peoria's riverfront comes alive with the Winter Wonder Walk, featuring interactive art installations that celebrate the season. Local artists showcase their creativity through ice sculptures, light projections, and winter-themed exhibits. You can participate in a scavenger hunt to discover hidden artistic elements throughout the walk. This event draws inspiration from Peoria's rich artistic heritage, dating back to the early 20th century. The sound of crackling ice sculptures adds an auditory dimension to this immersive winter experience.
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Nearby Events
Christmas on Court (Pekin)
What to Expect:
Historic courthouse square transformed into holiday village
Description:
Peoria's historic courthouse square transforms into a charming holiday village for Christmas on Court. Twinkling lights adorn century-old buildings, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the square, admiring local artisans' handcrafted wares displayed in pop-up shops. This event harkens back to the early 1900s when the courthouse was the center of holiday celebrations in Peoria. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air as you explore this unique blend of history and holiday cheer.
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East Peoria Festival of Lights (East Peoria)
What to Expect:
Drive-through display with over 2 million lights
Description:
East Peoria's Festival of Lights dazzles visitors with a spectacular drive-through display featuring over two million lights. Enormous illuminated sculptures depict holiday scenes, local landmarks, and whimsical characters. This tradition began in 1984 with just a few displays and has grown into a regional attraction. Families can tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music as they cruise through the twinkling wonderland. The festival showcases the community's dedication to creating a unique holiday experience.
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East Peoria Festival of Lights
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (East Peoria)
What to Expect:
Outdoor-themed Santa experience with free activities and photos
Description:
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops offers an outdoor-themed holiday experience. Children can engage in free activities like crafting wooden toys and writing letters to Santa. The event showcases the store's commitment to outdoor recreation, a tradition dating back to its founding in 1972. Families can capture memories with complimentary photos with Santa in a rustic woodland setting. This unique take on meeting Santa combines holiday traditions with a celebration of nature and outdoor pursuits.
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Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Chillicothe Wonderful Christmas Parade (Chillicothe)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with handcrafted floats and local performers
Description:
The Chillicothe Wonderful Christmas Parade embodies small-town charm with its handcrafted floats and local performers. Community groups and businesses showcase their creativity through unique parade entries. This event has been a staple of Chillicothe's holiday season for over 50 years, reflecting the town's close-knit community spirit. Spectators can enjoy the sounds of local marching bands as they perform holiday tunes. The parade culminates in the lighting of the town Christmas tree, a tradition that brings together generations of Chillicothe residents.
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Chillicothe Wonderful Christmas Parade
Santa Claus Parade (Canton)
What to Expect:
Longest-running Santa Claus parade in the United States
Description:
Peoria's Santa Claus Parade holds the distinction of being the longest-running Santa Claus parade in the United States. This historic event has been a city tradition since 1888, evolving alongside Peoria's growth. Elaborate floats, marching bands, and community groups fill the streets with holiday spirit. Spectators can warm up with traditional roasted chestnuts sold by local vendors, a nod to the parade's Victorian-era roots. The parade culminates with Santa's grand arrival, marking the official start of the holiday season in Peoria.
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Festival of Lights Parade (East Peoria)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats and performers
Description:
The Festival of Lights Parade illuminates the night with dazzling floats and performers. This unique nighttime procession features creatively lit entries that transform the streets into a moving light show. The parade originated in the 1980s as part of East Peoria's growing holiday celebrations. Spectators can marvel at the intricate light designs and choreographed performances set against the backdrop of the night sky. This event kicks off the holiday season with a brilliant display of community creativity and holiday spirit.