(PEORIA, ILLINOIS) — Whether you’re the type of person to put up the Christmas tree on November 1st, or you’d rather wait until after Thanksgiving, the stores you shop at and your social media feeds are probably getting ready for Christmas!
It’s the most magical time of year, but it can also be an extremely stressful time of year. And trying to balance work, holidays and family, while keeping everything together in one place, can be a challenge!
So… that brings us to this very moment. To the 2026 Christmas & Holiday Events Guide, presented by Peoria Passport! Rachel and I launched Peoria Passport earlier this year, as a way to shine a light on the wonderful family-friendly things to experience in the Greater Peoria, Illinois area. If you’re not following yet, please show some support and do so! We are on both Facebook and Instagram.
We’ve put together multiple sections of what’s going on in our local communities. This guide highlights shopping & markets, family fun events, holiday light displays, and pop up bars!
Shopping & Markets:
Makers Market at Three Sisters Park
Shop 50+ local makers and small businesses for handmade gifts, holiday treats and unique finds. Food and drinks available.
Date: Saturday, November 7 | 9 AM–3 PM
Location: Three Sisters Park, 17189 IL-29, Chillicothe, IL
Admission: $5 | Ages 15 and under free | Free parking
Website | Facebook
Kringle Market at Keller Station
Enjoy holiday shopping with local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Date: Saturday, November 7 | Noon–5 PM
Location: Keller Station, 6035 Knoxville Ave, Peoria, IL
Admission: Free
Facebook
Tinsel the Town
Shop nearly 80 small business booths featuring holiday gifts, plus food, drinks and a photo booth.
Date: Thursday, November 19 | 5–9 PM (VIP at 4 PM)
Location: Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino, 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL
Admission: $15 General | $20 VIP
Tickets & Website | Facebook
Kristkindlmarkt of Peoria
Experience a German-inspired Christmas market with 35+ indoor vendors, German food, live holiday music, Santa and kids’ activities.
Dates: November 21–22 | Sat 10 AM–6 PM, Sun 11 AM–5 PM
Location: Life Together Center, 3625 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL
Admission: Free
Facebook
Kris Kringle Market in Peoria Heights
Shop local holiday vendors, enjoy seasonal treats, write letters to Santa and take free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Dates: November 27–29 | Fri 3–7 PM, Sat–Sun Noon–4 PM
Location: Tower Park, 1222 E Kingman Ave, Peoria Heights, IL
Admission: Free
Website | Facebook
Christmas on Court in Pekin
Celebrate Christmas in downtown Pekin with local shopping, pop-up vendors, Santa visits, live music and festive photo opportunities.
Date: Friday, December 4 | 5–8 PM
Location: Court Street, Downtown Pekin, IL
Admission: Free
Website | Facebook
FOLEPI’s Gifts Galore Shop & Stroll
Shop East Peoria businesses, enjoy free carriage rides, holiday vendors, raffles and visits with Santa, FOLEPI and the Grinch.
Date: Saturday, December 5 | Noon–4 PM
Location: Levee Park, 361 W Washington St, East Peoria, IL
Admission: Free
Website
Elmwood Christmas Market
Discover handmade Christmas gifts, local artisans, bakers and small businesses, plus a special visit with Santa.
Date: Saturday, December 5 | 4–7 PM
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Evergreen St, Elmwood, IL
Admission: Free
Facebook
Family Fun Events:
YMCA North Pole Breakfast Club
Enjoy breakfast treats, holiday crafts, Christmas music and Zumba class dancing, and photos with Santa
Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 8:00am-10:00am
Address: Greater Peoria Family YMCA- 7000 N Fleming Ln, Peoria IL 61614
Admission: Free Entry; registration required
Holidays at The Shoppes
Enjoy various events such as Santa’s Arrival & the Tree Lighting, Santa Photos, Holiday Crafts, Get Grouched Day, and more!
Date: Various Dates
Time: Various Times
Address: The Shoppes at Grand Prairie – 5201 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL, United States, 61615
Admission: Free Entry
Pekin Winter Wonderland Festival
Mineral Springs Park transforms into a dazzling holiday destination, featuring over 400 lighted trees, a vibrant parade, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks show.
Date: November 24-December 29
Time: Times vary https://pekinwinterwonderland.com/schedule/
Address: Mineral Springs Park – 1701 Court St, Pekin, IL 61554
Admission: Free Entry
Santa Claus Parade
Enjoy historic floats, marching bands, local units and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Date: Friday, November 27
Time: 9:15am
Address: (starts at the Peoria Central Firehouse at 505 NE Monroe St. and ends near the Peoria County Courthouse
Admission: Free Entry
Christmas in the Village
Celebrate the holiday season at Christmas in the Village in Peoria, IL! Enjoy festive decorations, holiday shopping, seasonal activities and family-friendly Christmas fun.
Date: December 4-5
Time: Friday, 12/4 from 4-8 PM. Saturday, 12/5 from 12-8 PM
Address: Peoria Riverfront Museum | 222 SW Washington St. Peoria, IL
Admission: (PRM Members): $50/family, $20/individual
Non-members: $60/family, $25/individual
Christmas at the Park (Wildlife Prairie Park)
New event – Details coming soon!
Date: Saturday, December 12
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Address: Wildlife Prairie Park – 3826 N. Taylor Road, Hanna City, IL 61536
Admission: Details coming soon
Winter Wonderland Pajama Party at the Playhouse
Enjoy a screening of The Polar Express, train-themed crafts, hot chocolate, sweet treats, photo stations, storytime, letters to the North Pole, and a ride on the Glen Oak Express through Glen Oak Park (weather dependent).
Date: Sunday, December 13
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Address: 2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603
Admission: Non-Members: $25 per child, Peoria PlayHouse Members: $20 per child, Adults: $5 per person
Charlie Brown Christmas Live
Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in a spectacular new touring production of A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage.
Date: Tuesday, December 15
Time: 7:00pm
Address: Peoria Civic Center
Website | Admission: Ticket Prices vary:
Holiday Light Displays:
Holiday Lights at the Ballpark
Brand new this year – A walk-through event with more than one million lights, immersive displays, holiday train rides, fire pits, themed entertainment, food and beverages, and more!
Date: November 12 – January 3
Time: 6:00 PM each night
Address: Dozer Park | 730 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61605
Admission: $13.50
Soderstrom Castle Holiday Home Tour
Step inside Peoria’s historic Soderstrom Castle for a festive holiday tour featuring beautiful Christmas decorations, unique architecture and seasonal charm!
Date: Select dates November 27 – December 20
Time: Vary per day
Address: 4717 North Grandview Drive, Peoria Heights, IL, United States, 61616
Admission: Between $65 – $85, depending on the date
FOLEPI’S Winter Wonderland
Experience the magic of FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland with dazzling Christmas light displays, festive decorations and holiday cheer at this beloved drive-thru East Peoria tradition!
Date: November 27 – January 3
Time: Sundays-Thursdays 5-9 PM, Fridays & Saturdays 5-11 PM (5-9 PM starting December 26 through January 3)
Address: Folepi’s Winter Wonderland: 123 Par 3 Ln, East Peoria, IL, United States, 61611
Admission: $10/car, $50/small bus, $150/full-size motorcoach
Luthy Lights
Stroll through a sparkling winter wonderland at Luthy Botanical Garden, featuring beautiful Christmas light displays, festive decorations and new this year — ice skating! Enjoy a magical, family-friendly holiday experience in Peoria!
Date: Select dates November 27 – January 3
Time: 5-9 PM Mondays-Saturdays, 5-8 PM Sundays
Address: 2520 N. Prospect Rd. Peoria, IL (Luthy Botanical Garden)
Admission: FREE – Donations appreciated
Pop-Up Bars:
“The Grinch” at Oliver’s in the Heights
Dates: November 7, 2026 – Early January 2027
Location: 1231 E Samuel Ave, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
“Christmas Time at Thyme” at Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer
Dates: November 16, 2026 – Early January 2027
Location: 736 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602
“Beery and Bright” at Bust’d Brewing
Dates: November 18 – December 31, 2026
Location: 4408 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Holiday Pop-Up at Jalapeño’s Metro Bar & Grill
Dates: November 22, 2026 – Early January 2027
Location: 4700 N University St, Peoria, IL 61614
Holiday Pop-Up at City Heat
Dates: Now – Early February 2027
Location: 2248 W Glen Ave, Peoria, IL 61614
“All I Want for Christmas” at Analytical Brewing
Dates: December 1, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Location: 831 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL 61602
Holiday Bar at Clink Bar & Events
Dates: November 24 through end of year
Location: 4450 N Prospect Rd, Suite S-12, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
“Jingle & Sip” at Kelleher’s Irish Pub
Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Location: 619 SW Water St, Peoria, IL 61602
“Snowflake Lane: Holiday Traditions Around the World” at Nightjar
Dates: November 24 – December 30, 2026
Location: 112 State St, Peoria, IL 61602
The Greater Peoria area has so much going on this holiday season. We did our best to create an extensive list that you can pick & choose from to fit your schedules & wants! We also realize we probably didn’t mention EVERYTHING. If you’re an event organizer and you’d like to be added to this list, please reach out to us here on my website, or through one of our social media channels.
Merry Christmas, and to all a good night!
