*This has been updated for 2026! I will continue to post events as I find them*

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. One of my favorite traditions is decorating our house and photographing my kids in it with themed Christmas pajamas (I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to do that for, so you better believe I’m taking advantage!). If you’re wanting to add Christmas photos in your home to your traditions list, reach out to schedule your spot. In-home Christmas sessions (like these precious Peoria Il family Christmas photos) are very limited this year. 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 7, 2026-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.

Mistletoe Market, November 14, 2025-So Chic Boutique, Morton. A free event with over 50 booths and a visit from Santa!

Tanner’s Orchard Christmas Open House, November 7, 2026

Santa Breakfast at Tanner’s Orchard, November 21, 2026

Holiday Open House at Two Sisters and a Warehouse, November 14, 2026, pictures with Santa, shopping, free popcorn and coffee, and giveaways

18th Annual Festival of Trees at Holiday Inn and Suites Grand Prairie, November 19-21, 2026. Over 80 designer decorated trees and special events like Paint Day, Family Night, Senior Day, Brunch and Bubbly.

Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving weekend, 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. This event runs November 14-January 2, 2027

Peoria Santa Clause Parade, Always held on Black Friday 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 2026 dates!

Kris Kringle Market, November 27-29, 2026, At Tower Park in Peoria Heights, enjoy a full weekend of holiday fun. Tree lighting, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and vendors.

Pointsettia Show at Luthy Botanical Garden, November 21, 2026-December 30, 2026. 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!)

Breakfast with Santa, 9 dates in November and December 2026! Breakfast is from 9-11am. Tickets go on sale November 10 for members, November 17th to the public. Morton Arboretum

Pekin Winter Wonderland Festival, November 29, 2026, Mineral Springs Park (don’t miss the parade!). The tree lighting ceremony is on November 24, 2026.

Central Illinois Ballet’s The Nutcracker, December 4-6, 2026

Christmas at Soderstrom Castle, 2026 dates TBA

Trolley Rides through Trees at Alpha Park, 2026 dates TBA Bartonville

Luthy Lights, 2026 dates TBA, Luthy Botanical Gardens. This was one of our FAVORITE events last year!

Tremont Hometown Christmas, 2026 dates TBA

Christmas In the Village, December 4-5, 2026, 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 4, 2026, Downtown Pekin, 5-8pm

Santa Visits Downtown Pekin-December 8, 2026 and December 15, 2026 from 5-7pm

Peoria Ballet’s Nutcracker, December 12-13, 2026, Prairie Home Alliance Center

A Charlie Brown Christmas-Live on Stage, December 15, 2026, 7pm, Prairie Home Alliance Theater

Peoria Pops Orchestra Presents: Christmas Rocks at the Pops!, December 12, 2026, 7pm at Five Points Washington

Kids Merry Market, December 12, 2026 from 11-4 at Two Sisters and a Warehouse. A specialty market for children 12 and under to shop for family! All items will be 5 items or less plus tax and store employees will help your kids shop!