Summer is quickly drawing to a close and I’m here to remind you that there are only 16 Mondays until Christmas 2025!! In my family, the first mention of Christmas always happens in July. Once we hit the “ber” months, we begin our planning for the most wonderful time of the year! Every fall, I make it my mission to find the best seasonal activities our area has to offer—and this year’s discoveries did not disappoint. Below you will find a thorough list of Christmas activities and events in the Central Illinois area, including Morton, Dunlap and Peoria. Have a favorite tradition or event that I missed? Comment below so I can add it in!

Central Illinois 2025 Christmas Activities

Kringle At Keller Station, November 1, 2025-Held at Keller Station, this is one of the first events of the holiday season. Photo ops with Santa, a real firetruck (what child doesn’t love that!), local vendors, live animals (last year they had alpacas and my kids loved it!), and more.

Kristkindlmarkt, November 15 + 16, 2025-enjoy traditional German fare at the Exposition Gardens. Food, music, Santa Claus, and a kid’s area! Please note: their website shows the dates for previous markets. The 15th and 16th are the dates for 2025, as found on their Facebook page.

Mistletoe Market, November 15, 2025-So Chic Boutique, Morton

17th Annual Festival of Trees at Holiday Inn and Suites Grand Prairie, November 20-22

Turkey Trot, November 23, 2025, Detweiler Park

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Arboretum, The Morton Arboretum *tickets go on sale October 1st, don’t miss out!* The Illumination event has special nights, including a 21+ brew trail, a sensory friendly night, and pet friendly night. Check them out here.

Peoria Santa Clause Parade, November 28 at 9:15 am in downtown Peoria.

Santa’s Wildlife Express, Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City-follow their website to stay up to date on 2024 dates!

Kris Kringle Market, November 28-29, 2025, December 5-6, 2025-At Tower Park in Peoria Heights, enjoy two weekends of holiday fun. Tree lighting, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and vendors.

Pointsettia Show at Luthy Botanical Garden, November 21, 2025-December 30, 2025. Located in the conservatory, walk through a magical set up of this classic Christmas plant. Admission to Luthy Botanical Gardens is always free (and it’s one of our favorite spots in Peoria!)

Wreath Making Class at Luthy Botanical Gardens, November 29, 2025 (9:30 am-11:00am), $45, all supplies provided.

Breakfast with Santa, dates between November 29, 2025 – December 23, 2025, Morton Arboretum

Pekin Winter Wonderland Festival, November 30, 2025, Mineral Springs Park (don’t miss the parade!)

Holiday Shop and Stroll, December 5, 12, and 19. , Forest Park Nature Center

Central Illinois Ballet’s The Nutcracker, December 5-7, 2025

Christmas at Soderstrom Castle, select nights in December

Trolley Rides through Trees at Alpha Park, December 9-11, Bartonville

Luthy Lights, December 5-6, 11-13, 18-23, 5-8 pm, Luthy Botanical Gardens

Tremont Hometown Christmas, December 6, 2025, downtown Tremont, 4-7 pm

Forever Motown: The Soul of Christmas, December 6, 2025, Five Points Washington

Brunch with Santa, December 6, 2025 (10:30am-1:00pm), $25. Must register!

Christmas In the Village, December 5,2025, held by the Peoria Riverfront Market. Must purchase tickets to attend.

Folepi’s Winter Wonderland, opens the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs through the first week of January. A 30 minute drive through Christmas light display, $10 per car. Check their Facebook page for weather updates.

Christmas on Court, December 5, 2025, Downtown Pekin

Grinch Fest, December 12, 2025, Pekin Public Library, 11-4pm

Peoria Ballet’s Nutcracker, December 13-15, 2025, Prairie Home Alliance Center

A Holly Jolly Holiday Adventure, December 18-20, 2025, Peoria Players

Home for The Holidays with Debbie Wileman, December 20, 2025 Peoria Civic Center

An American Family Christmas 2025, December 19 + 20, 2025, December 21, 2025, Peoria Civic Center

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, December 22, 2025, Peoria Civic Center

Lindsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour, December 23, 2025, Peoria Civic Center