guides

Holiday Character Sightings

Where to find Santa, The "Grouch", and more this holiday season!

By Julia Briggs, Macaroni KID Peoria November 1, 2024

🎅✨ 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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