Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Kick off the holiday season and create your special memories on The Magnificent Mile in 2013! The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the nation’s largest evening holiday celebration, jump starts the holiday season on Saturday, November 23 with a full day of family friendly activities, concerts by top musical artists and the best holiday shopping. The day’s excitement culminates with a grand evening parade down Michigan Avenue marshaled by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, illuminating one million lights on 200 trees. The parade concludes with a grand finale fireworks show over the Chicago River.

CITY: Chicago

Night of the Luminaria

Be a part of one of the most beautiful and romantic visions of the year. The streets, steps and sidewalks of Galena come alive with nearly 5,000 candle-lit luminaries at dusk. Take a special luminaria trolley ride, be a part of a pub crawl, or just stroll through the streets for this enchanted view.

CITY: Galena

Christkindlmarket

The Christkindlmarket is a four-week, open-air market modeled after the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. The market offers shopping opportunities and serves as a winter wonderland meeting place for family and friends. Plus, enjoy German delicacies like brats, goulash and potato pancakes while you’re there.

CITY: Chicago

East Peoria Festival of Lights & Folepi's Winter Wonderland

Light up your night at the East Peoria Festival of Lights (FOLEPI)! The annual Festival of Lights is a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacular. With more than two million lights in the festival, the beauty will be sure to mesmerize you and your family.

CITY: East Peoria

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by the laughter of children and more than one million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One. This holiday classic has become one of the Windy City’s must-see seasonal events. Watch live ice carving then escape Jack Frost with an exotic trip past crocodiles, pygmy hippos and meerkats at the Regenstein African Journey. Animal exhibits stay open late as guests roam taking in the lights, music and taking photos with Santa. Prepare holiday crafts and enjoy the zoo’s incredible animals immersed in an atmosphere unlike any other.

CITY: Chicago

Boo! at the Zoo

Halloween fun awaits families at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo celebration. The popular daytime event, presented by Fisher-Price, features a Costume Parade, Costume Showcase, professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, not-so-scary games and activities, special animal Zoo Chats, and haunted hayrides. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.

CITY: Brookfield

Six Flags Great America FrightFest

It's Thrills by Day, Chills by Night at Fright Fest Presented by Snickers®. Six Flags Great America will be totally transformed into a Halloween playground, Fridays - Sundays. Have a ghoulish good time with hair-raising shows, electrifying street entertainment and thrilling haunted houses. Plus, experience all the rides in the dark. There will also be a special trick-or-treat trail just for kids.

CITY: Gurnee

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light

Christmas Around the World began in 1942 as a United Nations Day salute to American allies during the war, is now in its 69th year. The exhibit features more than 60 dazzling trees and displays that are decorated by members of Chicago's ethnic communities to reflect holiday customs from around the world. Holidays of Light showcases various global holidays that celebrate light or enlightenment such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Festivities include ethnic dancing and singing, storytellers, and school choir performances.

CITY: Chicago

Festival of Trees

The annual Festival of Trees welcomes visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holidays! The spectacular Christmas décor, entertainment, and special events will entertain all ages. Come and enjoy a wide variety of custom-designed trees, including a selection of celebrity trees, a gingerbread village, unique centerpieces and festive wreaths. All items are available for bid in a silent auction. The Festival of Trees is in its 20th year as a family-centered community event. Proceeds from the festival benefit The Baby Fold, a local organization serving children and families. For more information, please call 309-454-1770 or visit www.festoftrees.org.

CITY: Bloomington

Warrenville Holly Days

Holly Days, sponsored by the Warrenville Park District is the City's annual holiday celebration that marks Santa's official entry into Warrenville. Guests can enjoy a warm bonfire, raffles, free horse and carriage rides, hot cider and cookies, and, of course, a visit with Santa. Local Park District and school dance troops, singers, and bands entertain attendees during the event. It is at this event that Warrenville officially turns on its holiday lights creating an array of colors for passersby along Route 56 to see. Holly Days, primarily for Warrenville residents, gives the community an opportunity to come together and kick off the holiday season.

CITY: Warrenville

Capital City Celebration

How can we celebrate the birth of our nation any other day except July 4? Entertainment starts at noon with local bands, free activities for children. Enjoy food, refreshments and fireworks at dusk.

CITY: Springfield

Red, White & BOOM! Fireworks

Join us for the 4th of July on the Riverfront for one of the biggest fireworks show in the country! Activities and prime viewing space for "Methodist Red, White and BOOM!" will be plentiful along Peoria's and East Peoria's Riverfront.....from open grass area near the Riverplex to Liberty Park, you'll find food and beverage vendors, live entertainment, radio station remote broadcasts and much more. For more information please visit our website.

CITY: Peoria

Holiday Lights Train

The Holiday Light Train is Pete's biggest event of the year. The park is decorated for the Holidays. See over 250,000 lights in various displays. Giant toy soldiers, candy canes, cascading snow flakes, flying reindeer, and swans swimming, just to name a few of Pete's displays!

CITY: Waterman

Mt. Pulaski Town-wide Garage Sale

Town-wide garage sales are a July Fourth tradition in this historic Logan County community and, weather permitting, the day of shopping will end with a fantastic fireworks display at dusk.

CITY: Mount Pulaski

Way of Lights

The Way of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville offers the only light display that tells the Birth of Jesus. The story depicts the “Journey to Bethlehem” and culminates at the nativity. A million white lights, life-size statues and electro-art sculptures bring the story to life. Inside the Visitors Center there are tree & wreath displays, an interactive children's village, choir performances, live animals, camel rides and an indoor laser show making this an evening to remember.

CITY: Belleville

19th Century Christmas at Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth Center

Don't miss these two beautifully decorated Deere family mansions during the holiday season. The 19th Century Christmas features the interiors of the homes decorated for the holidays; along with living-history volunteers, Choir performances, Santa Claus, music, and make-and-take activities for the children. These homes once belonged to the John Deere family and are now operated by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust. Open noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

CITY: Moline

Shelbyville Festival of Lights

Come to Shelbyville and take a drive through Forest Park as it is lit up for the Holiday season. Different themed areas delight with the centerpiece being a large carousel placed on the Historical Chautauqua Auditorium. These lights are put in place each year by volunteers and new lights and themed areas are added yearly. Candy Cane lane is to honor loved ones. Come enjoy the Victorian Village, Santa's Shop, the North Pole, Bethlehem, and others.

CITY: Shelbyville

Mattoon Lightworks

Enjoy the lights of the season in beautiful Peterson Park. Over 50 magnificent light displays, many of which are animated. Definitely a site to see! Drive through at your leisure evenings starting at 5pm. Over 15,000 visitors each year see this great display of holiday lights. Admission is free, donations accepted.

CITY: Mattoon

Weihnachten (Christmas) at the Vineyard!

Take some time this winter to visit White Oak Vineyards, Inc. for Weihnachten (Christmas) at the Vineyard event! The vineyard currently features Seyval Blanc, Frontenac, Foch, Traminette, Cayuga White, Steuben, Chardonel, St. Croix, Marquette and Johannisberg Riesling grapes on eight acres. A log home on the property has been remodeled into the winery and tasting room with a comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for gatherings with family and friends. The wrap around porch offers lovely views of the vineyards, new pond and surrounding countryside.

CITY: Carlock

Annual Lights Fantastic Activities & Parade

Take pictures with Santa’s reindeer in Carbondale's Town Square, stop by the Polar Express Station (the Old Train Depot) for candy cane treats, and enjoy the Holiday Cookie Walk, where downtown businesses offer cookies and refreshments. The Lights Fantastic Parade kicks off at 6pm.

CITY: Carbondale

Avenue of Lights

Avenue of Lights is a two-mile holiday display of animated lights at Moorman/Wavering Park in Quincy. It runs from Thanksgiving until New Years, nightly from 6-9:30pm. A staple attraction of Quincy during the holiday season.

CITY: Quincy

Geneva's Christmas Walk & House Tour

On Friday evening, Santa Lucia arrives by horse-drawn carriage and Santa arrives to open his Gingerbread House. Enjoy carolers, the Great Tree lighting, roasted chestnuts, Swedish cookies, and old-fashioned candy cane pull, and holiday shopping. On Friday & Saturday, five distinctive homes festively decorated for the holidays by local decorators open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours.

CITY: Geneva

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

December 18th & 19th December 26th - 31st January 1st 4-9pm Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest light festival featuring over 120 animated light displays and million twinkling lights. Come celebrate the holiday season with family and friends during Brookfield Zoos 29th annual Holiday Magic. Enjoy live entertainment, amazing animals, model trains and a train ride, special Dolphin Show, Sing to the Animals and professional ice carvers. Call or visit website for more info.

CITY: Brookfield

Holiday Lights at Bunker Hill

Historic buildings at Kennekuk County Park's "Bunker Hill Historic Area" will be lit for the occasion and decorated for the holidays. Continuing throughout the holiday season, the holiday lights will be displayed weekends from 5-8 p.m.

CITY: Danville

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus and make a holiday craft!

CITY: Decatur

Christmas at Clover Lawn

The David Davis Mansion's annual holiday celebration, Christmas at Clover Lawn, runs from November 28 through December 29th. Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tours are free, but donations are welcome. Create holiday memories with your family by visiting the David Davis Mansion, all decked out for the holidays. Antique dolls and toys, spectacular evergreens, more than 15 decorated trees, and hundreds of 19th-century paper and glass ornaments turn the house and grounds into a Yuletide wonderland.

CITY: Bloomington

Cocoa & Cookies with Santa

Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with Santa and also make a holiday craft!

CITY: Decatur

Taste of Lombard 2013

Celebrate summer fun and Independence Day with live music, family activities, great food, carnival, arts & crafts fair, and more. Don't miss the fireworks concert on July 4th at approximately 9:30pm.

CITY: Lombard

Christmas at the Courthouse

Visit the McLean County Museum of History's annual holiday event! The Christmas at the Courthouse celebration includes musical performances, crafts, homemade goodies and much more! Don't forget to check out all of the exciting exhibits at the museum while you're here!

CITY: Bloomington

Du Quoin Annual Holiday Lights Fair

Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through the month of December. Come experience Du Quoin Tourism’s transformation of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds into a magical place with lights and decorations. The event features a 1 1/2-mile drive through over $250,000 worth of lighted displays as well as decorated trees, entertainment, food, crafts and visits with Santa in the Expo Hall. The light trail opens nightly from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., and the Expo Hall will be open on the second and third weekends in December from 5:30 — 9:30 p.m. The Expo Hall features Santa’s train ride and Santa’s Workshop.

CITY: Du Quoin

Christmas at the Mansions Tour

Christmas at the Mansions is a community-wide tour of the David Davis Mansion and two Mystery Houses in Bloomington-Normal. You'll see these gorgeous homes decorated in period Christmas finery. Take in the architecture, history, postcard scenes of decorated evergreen trees and Christmas wreaths, poinsettia plants, and even hosts dressed in period costumes, as you walk back in time to the late 1800's and early 1900's. Music and other surprises will complement your tour! Three hour tours are scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central parking and shuttle service is available at the David Davis Mansion or Second Presbyterian Church (313 N. East Street, Bloomington, Illinois).

CITY: Bloomington

Mighty Richland Players Theater: "Christmas Snow"

Another year of combined musical theater talents with cast members coming from Mighty Richland Players, Plum River Playhouse and Hanover Back Street Players. The whole family will delight in the humor and meaning of the holiday season. All performances are in dessert theater format. November 29, 30, December 1. Friday and Saturday: Doors Open: 7 pm; Show: 7:30 pm; Sunday: Doors Open: 1:30 pm; Show: 2:00 pm. Dessert Theater: $20

CITY: Orangeville

July 4th Celebration

Bring the family and enjoy the best views of the fireworks over the Mississippi River at this family-friendly event. There will be magicians, jugglers, face painters and more on hand to entertain. This is a no-alcohol event with 24 hours security.

CITY: East St. Louis

Luminary Night On Stephenson and Lincoln Streets

Enjoy the beauty of the soft light of luminaries and the architecture of these historic homes as you stroll this lovely residential neighborhood. Also, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Stephenson Street and Lincoln Boulevard from West Street to Park Boulevard.

CITY: Freeport

Grafton Holiday Riverwalk

Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Grafton. Stop in the various businesses along Main Street and near the riverfront for special promotions, discounts, refreshments and entertainment. The Jerseyville High School choir will be caroling throughout the town. Visitors will also be able to tour the various B&Bs and guest houses in town, a perfect opportunity to check out the accommodations and purchase a gift certificate as a gift. The festivities will conclude with a Show Choir performance at the Grove Memorial Park Gazebo as we light up the town!

CITY: Grafton

Gallery of Trees

Throughout the Kankakee County Museum, Christmas trees are decorated by community organizations. Yearly, a special theme is added for your enjoyment. Come in and view the different arrangements and vote for that special tree.

CITY: Kankakee

Christmas Wonderland

Begin your holiday celebration escaping from the chaos of the season and experiencing the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display. The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again transforming Rock Springs Park in Alton, Illinois into a Winter Wonderland. Visitors can drive through the park to view more than 2 million lights, cascading waterfalls of lights, lighted trees and displays, and visit Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest. Christmas Wonderland 2009 will be open from November 27th through December 27th. The suggested donation is $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. Carriage rides will be available with advanced reservations by calling Greatting Horse Farm at 618-458-6986. For more information about Christmas Wonderland, call 1-866-465-7890.

CITY: Alton

Festival of Trees "Wishes Come True"

The annual Festival of Trees is the premiere community event in the Danville area. Each year, more than 1,500 volunteers and designers, generous sponsors, a steering committee and Foundation staff make this multi-day event a terrific fundraiser and affordable family holiday experience. Annually, more than 14,000 visitors stream through the Arena to see beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, participate in activities and entertainment, special events, and sounds and tastes of the holidays. Proceeds from the Festival of Trees fund our outreach programs that give back to the greater Danville community.

CITY: Danville

Hometown Christmas

Celebrate the Christmas season with a parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, food, crafts, music, storytellers, a petting zoo, and children's activities at the Apollo Theater and Fire House on State Street. Seasonal vendors and a Christmas tree display are featured at the Community Building Complex.

CITY: Belvidere

Christmas in the Village

Spend the day in downtown Cobden, where you can enjoy fresh-roasted nuts while listening to strolling Victorian carolers and madrigal players, take an old-fashioned horse-drawn surrey or wagon ride around the village, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Feed Store, where handcrafted wreaths and gingerbread houses will be on display.

CITY: Cobden

Belvidere Holiday Walk

Travel back in time for a glimpse of holidays in seasons past. Luminaries will light the way to our log cabins where pioneer families will be celebrating. They might even be serving holiday goodies! Stop by and share your holiday wishes with a Civil War era Santa. Enjoy freshly popped corn along the way and come inside the Nature Center to listen to the sound of music. Held on the Festival Grounds in Spencer Conservation Area.

CITY: Belvidere

Christmas Home Tours

Visit Historic Golconda, and tour 4 homes, 1 church and the local museum. Christmas in the courtyard begins at 5:30pm with refreshments and a visit from Santa.

CITY: Golconda

John A Logan College Autumn Fest

This annual event features over 100 original arts and crafts, great food and music, children's activities, free admission, and free parking. For more information call 1-800-851-4720.

CITY: Carterville

Jonamac Orchard's Haunted Maze!!

This 10-acre cornfield and 3-miles of winding pathways will take on a Halloween makeover! Open on Fridays and Saturdays from October 4 - 26, 2013

CITY: Malta

Easter Sunrise Service

Annual Easter Sunrise Service held at the 111 foot Bald Knob Cross, music & refreshments.

CITY: Alto Pass

Holiday House at Magnolia Manor

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Magnolia Manor is adorned in Holiday decorations, and, many of the displays are for sale. Luncheon reservations are available, as well as tours of the 14 room mansion by members of the Historical Society.

CITY: Cairo

Christmas Craft and Wine Fair

The Pavilion of the City of Marion holds the Annual Christmas Craft and Wine Fair to showcase the homemade area crafts and local wines. This 2 day event brings crafters together with wine tasting in a wonderful event for the Christmas season. Sales from Local Wineries will be available. We have a variety of unique crafters to find that perfect gift. There will be door prizes, giveaways, Christmas music and more. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa or Mrs. Claus if you attend.

CITY: Marion

Charleston Red, White & Blue Days

The 23rd annual community celebration features a concert by X-factor winner Tate Stevens with The Lemon Brothers for a free show on July 3rd. Also part of the fun is bingo, family activities, games, food, all you can eat ice cream, free entertainment, parade & fireworks! Located at Morton Park in Charleston.

CITY: Charleston

Olde Tyme Christmas and Living History

Decorations and period music accompany reenactments of what 18th century life was like at Fort Massac. The park staff and local historical re-enactors will welcome guests to the visitors' center and museum, which will be festively decorated with items based on 17th and 18th century designs. Hot spiced tea will warm visitors as they sample cookies baked in the authentic period bake oven.

CITY: Metropolis

Annual Highwood Pumpkin Festival

Home of the World Record for the longest line of pumpkin pies, the Highwood Pumpkin Festival will be packed with daily events, vendors galore, live music, hay rides, pumpkin carving, massive pumpkin displays, nightly lightings, a parade, 5K/10K Pumpkin run and so much more.

CITY: Highwood