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
November 24-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.
Santa Claus Parade in Downtown Peoria
November 25 • 10:15 am
Yule Like Peoria in Downtown Peoria
November 25 • 6-9 pm
Start the evening at the Peoria County Courthouse for a tree lighting ceremony, then walk around downtown Peoria as businesses host various forms of entertainment and refreshments. An ice carving contest will be held and costumed characters will be walking around.
Motor Grader Express at Caterpillar Visitors Center
November 25 • 11:30 am
Includes a soups and sweets lunch, admission to the Caterpillar Visitors Center and access to the express Santa Claus line. A professional photographer will be onsite and images will be available for download through the Caterpillar Visitors Center Facebook page. Advance tickets required, $10-$17.
Santa Claus Visits Caterpillar Visitors Center
November 25 • 12 pm
Santa Claus arrives at the Caterpillar Visitors Center after the downtown Peoria parade and will pose for pictures in front of the Cat motor grader. A professional photographer will be onsite and images will be available for download through the Caterpillar Visitors Center Facebook page. Regular admission rates apply.
PNC Winterfest at the Peoria Civic Center
November 25, 2016-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
Christmas on Court in Pekin
December 2 • 5-8 pm
Stroll through downtown Pekin and enjoy carriage rides, a tree lighting ceremony, demonstrations and giveaways.
Community Festival of Nativities at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
December 2-3 • 10 am-9 pm
Come to this free event featuring hundreds of beautiful nativities, a live nativity, Bethlehem Street, live musicians, children's activities and more! Plus, view the entire 22-piece Rolan Johnson ornament collection.
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.
The Nutcracker at ICC Performing Arts Center
December 2-3
Treat your family to The Nutcracker presented by the Central Illinois Ballet, featuring its newly formed professional company, students at Cornerstone Academy, and professional guest artists from New York and Chicago. $12-$30
Candy Cane Hunts at Northtrail Park and Glen Oak Park
December 3 • Register by November 30
Dress warmly and find out where the candy canes have been hiding! There are two hunt locations: Northtrail Park at noon and Glen Oak Park at 2pm. For children ages 3-5 and 6-10. $5/child. Call 688-3667.
Breakfast with Santa at Franciscan Recreation Complex
December 3 • 10 am-12 pm
Santa is taking a break from his busy schedule to stop by FRC! Waffles, donuts, pastries, coffee and OJ will be served. Santa will be available for pictures. There will be games and fun for all ages. This is a free event.
December 3 • 8:30-11:30 am
Singing Santa is here! Gather your family for a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast. You will enjoy Christmas carols, Sleigh Ride, Reindeer games, writing letters to Santa, decorating cookies, making reindeer food and much more! $5 per person.
Breakfast with Santa at the YMCA
December 3 • Register by November 28
Bring your kids for a fun morning with Santa and Mrs. Claus! We'll have lots of activities, including photos with Santa, goody bags, crafts, mail a letter to Santa, story time, plus breakfast!
Critter Christmas at Peoria Zoo
December 3
Watch the animals at the Zoo get their presents! Enjoy a light breakfast and crafts in the lodge before heading out into the Zoo. Beginning at 10 am, the animals will receive special “holiday” treats throughout the day. $12-$18.
Christmas on School Street Craft Show in Washington
December 3 • 8 am-2 pm
Faith Lutheran Church invites you to get a start on your holiday shopping or buy something handmade for yourself. Enjoy Breakfast with Santa and get a free picture with him!
A Night in Bethlehem at Christ Alive Community Church
December 3 • Ticket required
This family-friendly event features creative nativity-inspired crafts and activities. Have fun with our musicians, nativity scene, readings, skits, live animals, and costumed staff. Food pantry donation instead of monetary fee.
Santa’s Woodland Workshop at Camp Wokanda
December 3 and 4 • Register in advance
Each “elf” can pick out three quality, hand-crafted gifts to construct and take home.
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 at Hy-Vee • Register in advance
Come make Grinch kabobs, pita trees, and hot chocolate mix!
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.
The Nutcracker at Peoria Civic Center
December 10-11
Peoria Ballet again presents The Nutcracker along with live music from the Heartland Festival Orchestra.
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
Decemeber 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.
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.
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.
