🎅✨ Macaroni KID Peoria has gathered all the Santa and other Christmas Character sightings in one place! Check out the list below, organized by date from earliest to latest.
Don’t forget to visit our website’s events calendar for a complete list of upcoming events—more will be added as they are announced!
We also offer a personalized and printable letter from Santa for your kiddos if you'd like.
But did you know your kids can CALL Santa? Yes, it’s true! There’s a FREE 24/7 Santa Hotline available year-round at 605-313-0691. For Spanish, kids can call 605-313-4001. They’ll hear a 48-second recording of Santa speaking to them, followed by a beep for them to leave their Christmas wishes!
Short on time? No problem! Kids can also TEXT Santa at 833-798-0109
Google's Santa Tracker | Online every day until Christmas!
NORAD Santa Tracker | Online December 1 through Christmas!
Santa at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie - November 22nd - December 24th
Friday, Nov. 22nd 5:30-7:30pm - Tree Lighting/ Santa Arrival
Santa & Mrs at event center after arrival
Musical group singing carols and ushering Santa in/ Prospect Sound
The Unique Twist balloon art at event center after arrival of Santa
CI Ballet short Nutcracker performance
Bake & Brew treats/ coffee/ cocoa inside CI Ballet
Black Friday, Nov. 29th (Shoppes hours 8am- 9pm) Santa & crafts in the event center 12-5 Grouch 12-2pm Saturday, Nov. 30th Grouch 12-2pm Santa 12-5pm Carriage Rides 12-4pm Sunday, Dec. 1st Santa 12-5pm Friday, Dec. 6th Santa Pet photos w/ Santa in event center 3-7pm Grouch 3-7pm Saturday, Dec. 7th Santa 12-5pm Grouch 2-4pm Sunday, Dec. 8th Santa 12-5pm Carriage rides 12-4pm Friday, Dec. 13th Santa & Celebrate Snow w/ Elsa & Anna in event center 3-7pm Carriage rides 2-6pm Saturday, Dec. 14th Santa 12-5pm Carriage rides 12-4pm | Sunday, Dec. 15th Santa 12-5pm Carriage rides 12-4pm Thursday, Dec. 19th Nick of Time Shopping 12-4pm Santa 12-4pm Grouch 2-4pm Kids Train Rides 12-4pm Friday, Dec. 20th Santa Cookie decorating in event center 3-7pm Carriage rides 2-6pm Saturday Dec. 21st Santa 12-5pm Grouch 2-4pm Carriage rides 12-4pm Sunday, Dec. 22nd Santa 12-5pm Carriage rides 12-4pm Monday, Dec. 23rd Santa 12-5pm Carriage Rides TBA Tuesday, Dec. 24th Last day to see Santa before he heads to the North Pole! 9am-12pm |
Bass Pro Shops - November 2nd - December 24th
Experience Santa’s Magical Arrival, Tree Lighting, and Seasonal Treats at your local Bass Pro Shops on November 2nd.
- Photos begin November 3rd.
- Get a free 4x6 photo
- Plan your visit up to 7 days in advance.
Kids can experience FREE weekday giveaways (*While supplies last)
- 3D Christmas Light: Nov. 4th - 15th
- Wooden Ornaments: Nov. 18th - 26th
- Bass Cookie Cutter: Dec. 9th - 24th
Special Santa Sightings
- Christmas Tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus - Tuesday's at 5pm Nov. 5 - Dec. 17th
- Yuletide Breakfast - Nov. 16th & 23rd, and Dec. 7th at 9am
November 2nd
Kringle at Keller Station | 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Keller Station, 6035 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria IL 61616
Pet Photos with Santa | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Doodlekins Barkery, 121 S Main Street, Morton, IL 61550
November 7th
Free Pics w/ St. Nick for kids & pets | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Hoerr Nursery, 8020 N Shade Tree Dr., Peoria, IL 61615
November 9th
Pet Pics with Santa | 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
My Dog's Bakery, 4100 W. Willow Knolls Drive, Suite A04, Peoria IL 61615
A Hometown Holiday | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Midwest Farm Charm, IL-17, Lacon, IL 61540
November 16th
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus | 8 am
Tanners Orchard, 740 State Route 40, Speer, IL 61479
Peoria Kristkindlmarkt | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Exposition Gardens,1601 W Northmoor Rd, Peoria, IL 61614
See Santa at Craftology | 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Craftology, 131 E Washington St, East Peoria, IL 61611
November 17th
Pictures with Santa | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tails of a Bookworm, 2936 Court St, Pekin, IL 61554
December 7th
Santa Breakfast at Kennel Lake (Morton) | 8:00 am - 11:00 am
22172 Kennel Lake Dr., Morton IL 61550
Winter Wonderland Market & Santa Clause | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Shore Acres, 100 Park BLVD., Chillicothe, IL 61523
Breakfast with Santa | 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Peoria Chapter Izaak Walton League, 1125 Spring Bay Rd (Rt. 26), East Peoria, IL 61611
Santa Breakfast - Five Points Washington | 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Five Points Washington, 360 N Wilmor Rd Washington, IL 61571
December 13th
Santa's Wildlife Express | 10 am - 3 pm
Wildlife Prairie Park, 3826 N Taylor Rd Hanna City, Hanna City IL 61536
Communication Junction's Sign + Sing Christmas Party | 2 times: 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm
Northminister Learning Center, 10720 N Knoxville Ave Peoria, IL 61615
December 14th
Santa's Wildlife Express | 10 am - 3 pm
Wildlife Prairie Park, 3826 N Taylor Rd Hanna City, Hanna City IL 61536
Sensory Santa | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA), 8727 N. Pioneer Rd.Peoria IL 61615
December 15th
Santa's Wildlife Express | 10 am - 3 pm
Wildlife Prairie Park, 3826 N Taylor Rd Hanna City, Hanna City IL 61536
Do you know of a Holiday Character Sighting in or around Peoria that isn't listed here? Please submit your event here and we will get it added!
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