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 official Christmas tree lighting ceremony

2. 2
   West Chicago Frosty Fest West Chicago

   Annual community winter festival with tree lighting and Santa visits.

3. 3
   Hanukkah Events in Chicagoland Chicagoland

   Chicagoland's guide to Hanukkah family celebrations

4. 4
   Holiday Express Aurora

   Festive train ride and tree decorating activity

5. 5
   Stroll on State Rockford

   Downtown transformed into a winter wonderland with parade, drone show, and fireworks.

6. 6
   Light Up The Parks Holiday Parade Loves Park

   Community holiday parade with fireworks and tree lightings.

7. 7
   Light Up The Holidays Festival & Parade Joliet

   Spectacular parade, fireworks, and North Pole Market.

8. 8
   Naperville Rotary Holiday Parade of Lights Naperville

   Parade of Lights fundraiser supporting local youth non-profits

9. 9
   Old Capitol Holiday Walks Springfield
10. 10
    Peoria's 138th Annual Santa Claus Parade Peoria

    Longest-running Santa Claus Parade in the USA

11. 11
    Breakfast and Photos with Santa East Peoria

    Breakfast with Santa and holiday crafts for kids.

12. 12
    Kris Kringle Market Peoria Heights

    FREE family-friendly winter market with Santa visits

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

    One of Central Illinois' largest Christmas parades