Holiday Getaways in Great Rivers Country
Walk candlelit streets in Galena, cruise through dazzling light shows along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and settle into a cozy river-town getaway in the Middle of Everything.
Holiday Things to Do
East Peoria Festival of Lights | Peoria
Description: The season starts with the glowing Parade of Lights through downtown East Peoria, then moves to Folepi’s Winter Wonderland, a drive-through “electric park” of lighted parade floats and displays. Allow about 30 minutes to drive through; Sunday–Thursday nights are the shortest waits.
Dates: Parade of Lights: Sat., Nov. 21, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Winter Wonderland: Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027, nightly.
Location: Parade along E. Washington & Taylor Streets; Winter Wonderland at 123 Par 3 Lane (VFW Post 2078 Park), East Peoria
The Galena Territory Holiday Market | Galena
Description: Located in Galena, The Galena Territory Holiday Market is a picturesque spot where shoppers can find an array of winter decorations, homemade baked goods, and one-of-a-kind gift items.
Dates: Nov., 21, 2026 — 8:30-1:30pm
Location: Main Street, downtown Galena
WonderLight’s Christmas
Description: A drive-through light show on the track at World Wide Technology Raceway, with lights choreographed to Christmas music you tune in on your car radio. The roughly two-mile route is billed as the largest synchronized holiday light show in the St. Louis area. Advance online tickets are recommended.
Dates: Nov 13, 2026 — Jan 3, 2027
Location: World Wide Technology Raceway, 700 Raceway Blvd., Madison
Places to Stay
DeSoto House Hotel
Type: Historic downtown hotel — billed as the oldest operating hotel in Illinois
Nearby To: Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows (on Main Street)
The Inn at Irish Hollow
Type: Country inn with English-style cottages on 500 acres in the Galena countryside
Nearby To: Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows (a short drive to downtown Galena)
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
Type: Riverside hotel and casino, East Peoria
Nearby To: East Peoria Festival of Lights
Pere Marquette Lodge
Type: Historic 1930s lodge and cabins in Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton — a 700-ton stone fireplace anchors the Great Room, and the lodge has an on-site restaurant
Nearby To: Great River Road scenery and Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette State Park; a drive from WonderLight’s Christmas (Madison)
Places to Eat & Drink
Blaum Bros Public House
Type: Gastropub on Galena’s historic Main Street from Blaum Bros. Distilling, with seasonal craft cocktails, local beer and wine, and a rotating food menu (109 S. Main St.)
Nearby To: Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows (on Main Street)
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Type: Upscale steaks, chops and Italian specialties in East Peoria’s Levee District
Nearby To: East Peoria Festival of Lights
Old Bakery Beer Company — Alton
Type: Certified-organic brewery and restaurant in a century-old bakery building, with seasonally rotating sandwiches, salads and soups (400 Landmarks Blvd.)
Nearby To: Alton and Grafton holiday outings; a short drive to WonderLight’s Christmas (Madison)
Looking for more ways to celebrate the season? Explore holiday events, light displays and winter getaways across the state in Middle Wonderland.
Enjoy Illinois Inspiration Guide
Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual inspiration guide that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that'll help you make the most of each season.
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