Motor Grader Holiday Display at Caterpillar Visitors Center
through December 30
Searching for the perfect backdrop for your holiday photo? Take your picture in front of a fully-decorated Cat motor grader! Included with general admission.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
through December 23
Santa’s Wonderland is simply chock full of fun. Bring your camera! There are many craft and game opportunities.
Holiday Poinsettia Show and Candlelight Walks at Luthy Botanical Garden
through December 31
View hundreds of poinsettias in our Conservatory and shop our unique ornaments. On Fridays and Saturdays through December 23 view the show at night by candlelight.
East Peoria Festival of Lights
through December 31
The drive-through electric park is the Festival of Lights' signature event! Folepi's Winter Wonderland features the majority of the Parade of Lights floats and many other lighted displays. $10 per vehicle.
PNC Winterfest at the Peoria Civic Center
through January 15, 2017
Peoria’s newest holiday tradition is back and bigger than before! This annual event gives central Illinois the chance to enjoy outdoor ice skating on the corner of Fulton Street and Jefferson Avenue! $5-$10
Holiday Shop and Stroll at Forest Park Nature Center
December 2, 9, 10 and 16
Experience a luminary-lit nighttime stroll, enjoy music and goodies, and shop the Nature Art Show and Sale.
Elf at Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch
December 8 • 5-7 pm
Tweens and teens ages 10-18, enjoy Elf on the big screen!
Puppet Show: Santa Cures a Cold at Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch
December 8 and 13 • 10-10:30 am
Help Santa feel better for Christmas Eve! For ages 3-6.
A Very Electric Christmas at Limelight Eventplex
December 9 • 6 pm
Follow the story of a young bird named Max and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers and caroling worms light up the stage as the entire production is done in the dark! Tickets start at $28.
Kids in the Kitchen! Holiday Party Cooking Class at Hy-Vee
December 10 • Register in advance
Come make Grinch kabobs, pita trees, and hot chocolate mix!
Holiday Gingerbread House Craft at Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch
December 10 • Register in advance
Make your own gingerbread house. For grades 1-6.
Breakfast with Santa at Dozer Park
December 10 • Purchase tickets in advance
From 10 am-12 pm enjoy a Breakfast Buffet, Christmas ornament, cookie decorating and get your picture taken with Santa! Homer will be there as well! $10-$15
Peoria POPS Orchestra: Classic Christmas at Five Points Washington
December 10 • 6:30 pm
Join us as the Peoria Pops Orchestra and Choir celebrate timeless Christmas melodies, from Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride to the Home Alone Trilogy and Mannheim Steamroller this is sure to be a Classic Christmas. Tickets are $8-$12.
Winter Olympic Games at Peoria Public Library North Branch
December 10 • 3-5 pm
Join the library for an afternoon of crazy games!
The Nutcracker at Peoria Civic Center
December 10-11
Peoria Ballet again presents The Nutcracker along with live music from the Heartland Festival Orchestra.
Frozen Sing-Along at Peoria Public Library North Branch
December 11 • 2-4 pm
Come sing your favorite Frozen songs - costumes welcome!
The Night Before Christmas Readers Theater at Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch
December 13 • 5-6 pm
Grades 5-6 will perform The Night Before Christmas.
Snowflake Tape Painting at Peoria Public Library Lakeview Branch
December 14 • 4-5 pm
Celebrate winter by painting your own snowflake tape art to take home. For grades 4-8.
An American Family Christmas at Five Points Washington
December 16-18
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale's An American Family Christmas is a Central Illinois family tradition. Join us at Five Points Washington on December 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and 18 at 3:00 p.m. to hear an uplifting mixture of hymns, carols, and secular songs of the season to fill you with the Christmas spirit! $20 for adults, $8 for students.
At Last the King at Northwoods Community Church
December 16-23 • Advanced tickets required
Enjoy these free performances of this Broadway-style Christmas musical show! Join the thousands of people who have been touched through this annual family Christmas experience. Free, though tickets must be obtained in advance.
Visit with Santa at Morton Public Library
December 17 • 9:15 am
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photographs, plus Communication Junction will teach holiday signs at this free event!
Skate with Santa at Owens Center
December 17 • 2:30-4:30 pm
Ice skate with Santa! Included with regular admission.
Winter Wonderland Tea Party at Peoria Public Library North Branch
December 17 • 2-4 pm
Get dressed up for a free fancy tea party to celebrate the beauty of winter.
Kids’ ‘Shop Away for the Holiday’! at Forest Park Nature Center
December 18
Parents can relax while staff helps children do their own Christmas shopping. Prices ranging from $1 and up.
Celebrate Peoria: Kwanzaa at Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum
December 18 • 12-5 pm
Included with admission.
Preschool Christmas Party at Alpha Park Library
December 20 • 10 am
A free storytime for ages 6 and under, including stories, songs, snacks, and a holiday craft.
Marbled Ornaments at Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch
December 20 • 5-6 pm
Those in grades 7-8 can design beautiful marbled ornaments.
Teen Ugly Sweater Party at Morton Public Library
December 22 • Register in advance
Wear your ugliest sweater and join us for snacks and games.
Winter Break Camp at RiverPlex
December 23-January 6 • Registration required
Need a fun place for your child to go when school is out? Ages 5-12 can spend their break playing games, sports activities, holiday arts and crafts, and swimming in the AquaPlex! Cost is $34/day or $336 for the entire camp.
Kwanzaa Display at Luthy Botanical Garden
December 26-31
Come learn the about Mishumaa Saba and Zawadi.
Julie K’s Noon Years Celebration at Five Points Washington
December 31 • 11 am-12 pm
Grab your little party animals and get ready to ring in the new year with Julie K! Kids concert, countdown to noon with a massive balloon drop and bubble wrap stomp! $12.50 per person; children under 2 are free.
Countdown to Noon at Peoria Public Library Lakeview Branch
December 31 • 11:30 am-12:15 pm
For ages 1-7, come experience a countdown to noon by dressing up, enjoying snacks, reading a book, and taking silly photos.
