2018 Holiday Festivities in Central Illinois
The Knell Group
The Holiday season is upon us and The Knell Group thought it would be NICE (not naughty) to share a list of several area events. Central Illinois offers a wide variety of events throughout the season for young and old. Mark your calender's now!
*Click heading of each event to be directed to more information *
2018 Folepi’s Winter Wonderland
DATES: November 22 – December 31
Folepi's Winter Wonderland in East Peoria features the most of the Parade of Lights floats in a drive-thru park. Enjoy the scenery from your toasting warm car! Be sure to tune your vehicle's radio to 107.3 for holiday music to accompany your drive.
DATES: Fri, Sat, Sun Nov 17 – Dec 24
Located in Canton, IL this unique reindeer farm is a perfect family event.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
DATES: Daily Thru December 24 | 10:00am-9:00pm
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and so much more at the East Peoria Bass Pro Shop.
Holiday Classics on the Big Screen at Riverfront Museum
DATES: Dec 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23
Five classic movies on the giant screens at the Riverfront Museum theater in downtown Peoria.
Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis
Date: December 1 | 8:00am
Festive 5k run plus many other activities in downtown Peoria
DATES: December 1 and 2
Five Historic homes open for touring including the Pettengill-Morron House Museum and the John C Flanagon House Museum.
DATE: December 6 | 5:00pm-8:00pm
Join the Washington Specialty Shops on the historic Washington Square and get in to the holiday spirit. Carriage rides, a visit from Santa, a talking Christmas Tree, community Christmas sing and more.
Santa’s Wildlife Express at Wildlife Prairie Park
DATES: December 7, 8, 9 | Time Varies
A Central Illinois favorite, festive train ride at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City.
Breakfast with Santa at Kickapoo Creek Winery
DATE: December 8 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Enjoy a meal with Santa at Kickapoo Creek Winery in Edwards!
DATE: December 8 | 8:00am
The 4th annual 5k race begins at Junction City Shopping Center in Peoria-- EVERY racer is dressed as Santa!
Peoria Ballet Presents – The Nut Cracker
DATE: December 8 and 9
A night at the ballet at Peoria Civic Center.
A Very Electric Christmas (By Lightwire Theatre)
DATE: December 9
Live and in complete darkness, this unique show is held at the ICC Performance Arts Center in East Peoria.
Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular
DATE: December 14 | 7:30pm
A holiday performance at Peoria Civic Center.
Central Illinois Ballet presents The Nut Cracker
DATES: December 14 and 15
A beautiful ballet performance at the ICC Performing Arts Center in East Peoria
An American Family Christmas – Five Points Washington
DATES: December 14, 15, 16
A seasonal music concert in the Five Points hall located in Washington.
DATES: December 14, 15, 16
These one-acts performances at the Peoria Players Theater in Peoria are written and directed by local talent.
DATE: December 20
A holiday rock event for the whole family at Peoria Civic Center
HOI Chefs Ice Carving Competition
DATE: December 29 | 2:00pm
Watch as local chefs compete on the Peoria Civic Center Sonar Tide Patio. Ice sculptures will be displayed through New Year's Eve... unless they melt!
BONUS: Make your New Year’s Eve Plans too…
DATE: December 31 | 7:30pm
This musical revue at the Peoria Players Theater in Peoria will be a night to remember.
DATE: December 31
Fun for ALL ages throughout New Year's Eve. Don't miss the NYE Ball that's 200 feet in the air lighting up downtown way above City Hall.
Happy Holidays,
❤ - The Knell Group
* List is not inclusive of all Central, IL events.