Christmas Markets Illinois 2025: Top Festive Events and Locations

21) Springfield Holiday Market at the Old State Capitol

You’ll find the Springfield Holiday Market at the Old State Capitol, right downtown. Lights and holiday displays decorate the area, setting the scene for a lively seasonal market.

Local vendors bring a mix of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and foods that show off local flavor. You can browse for winter hats, ornaments, scarves, baked treats, and more. People often come here looking for presents you just won’t find at big chain stores.

Live music drifts through the market, with classic songs adding to the friendly mood. The stalls are simple to explore, and you can take your time wandering.

The historic Old State Capitol stands just steps away. You can easily add a stroll through this landmark to your visit. At night, the building glows with holiday lights—honestly, it’s a pretty great spot for photos.

When you need a break, local food vendors serve up hot cocoa and mulled cider. These warm drinks hit the spot on a chilly day.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 8-9, 2025	411 E. Adams St.	Wed & Sat: 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Free	Hotels in Springfield	Springfield Old Capitol Holiday Market

22) Elmhurst Holiday Bazaar

The Elmhurst Holiday Bazaar takes over Wilder Mansion with handcrafted gifts and seasonal displays. You can walk in for free and check out more than 55 artisan booths with pottery, jewelry, children’s clothes, and artwork.

This event pops up in early November, so it’s one of the first holiday shopping stops in Elmhurst. Inside Wilder Mansion, you’ll get plenty of space and the charm of a historic venue. The recent renovations make the place feel cozy and easy to browse.

Food vendors serve up fresh gourmet snacks, so you can pause and recharge between shops. The vendors are friendly and help make the whole thing feel welcoming. It’s a great way to start your winter season, especially if you’re after something you won’t see at the mall.

Here’s a quick table with all the details you’ll need, from times to where to stay.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 7 – 8, 2025	Wilder Mansion, 211 Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126	Fri: 4pm – 8pm, Sat: 10am – 4pm	Free Admission	Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Elmhurst/Oakbrook Area	Holiday Market at Wilder Mansion

23) Aurora Winter Fest

At Aurora Winter Fest, you get to dive into classic winter fun at RiverEdge Park. You can rent ice skates and glide around an outdoor rink under strings of holiday lights. Skating draws in families, couples, and groups of friends.

Vendors serve up warm treats like hot cocoa and roasted chestnuts. If you want to shop for unique gifts or seasonal crafts, you’ll find plenty of stands selling handmade items. The whole event lets you relax and even knock out your holiday shopping in one trip.

Live performances happen all festival long. Local choirs, bands, and dance groups take the stage with holiday music. Kids can meet Santa Claus during scheduled times, which is perfect for family photos.

The park is decked out with sparkling trees and light displays everywhere you look. Even on cold nights, the festive scene makes you want to stay outside. With the music, lights, and cheerful crowds, the whole place feels inviting.

Need a place to stay? You can check hotels in Aurora on booking.com. All the details—dates, times, prices, and more—are in the table below.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
Nov 21, 2025 – Dec 24, 2025	360 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505	Thu: 11am-7pm; Fri-Sat: 11am-9pm; Sun: 11am-6pm	Varies (see website)	Nearby Hotels	Aurora Winter Fest Details

24) Alton Christmas Parade and Holiday Market

Every winter, the Alton Christmas Parade and Holiday Market bring festive spirit and local tradition to downtown Alton. The parade winds through city streets with floats, bands, and costumed walkers. People crowd the sidewalks, joining in the holiday fun. Families, couples, and visitors all show up for the celebration.

After the parade, you can head over to the holiday market at Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street. Booths offer handmade crafts, snacks, and seasonal gifts. You’ll spot home decor, baked treats, and local produce. Vendors set up both inside and out, so you can browse no matter the weather.

You don’t have to pay to enter, and many families bring kids to enjoy the music and atmosphere. The market feels safe and welcoming for everyone. If you want to stay overnight, local hotels and inns are easy to find on Booking.com.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 7, 2025	Corner of Landmarks Blvd. & Henry Street, Alton, IL	10:00 AM–5:00 PM	Free Admission	Find options at Booking.com	Visit Alton Christmas Market

25) Blue Spruce Holiday Market in Crystal Lake

If you’re in Crystal Lake this December, you really shouldn’t skip the Blue Spruce Holiday Market. Rows of local vendors set up shop with handcrafted items. You’ll find artisanal candles, homemade ornaments, and quirky decorations at every stall.

The market feels cozy, with a small-town vibe that makes it easy to relax. Local businesses show off their creations, and you can pick up gifts you won’t see in big-box stores. Supporting independent sellers here feels good, honestly.

Live music weaves through the market, adding to the holiday mood. If you get chilly, you can grab a hot drink or snack from the food stalls. It makes winter shopping a lot more comfortable.

Families can check out the crafts area for kids. Children get to make their own holiday decorations, which keeps everyone happy. The friendly setting makes it easy to spend a few hours just browsing with your family.

Dates	Location	Times	Admission	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 5–7, 2025	Crystal Lake, IL (Exact address TBD)	Fri 4pm–9pm, Sat & Sun 10am–6pm	Free	Hotels near Crystal Lake	Blue Spruce Holiday Market

26) Carlinville Christkindlmarkt

You can swing by Carlinville’s Christkindlmarkt from December 6 to 8, 2025. The market fills the Historic Downtown Square, with decorated streets, heated tents, and vendors selling crafts and local snacks.

Live music and street performers keep things lively. The whole place feels festive and a bit old-fashioned in the best way.

Friday hours run from 3pm to 9pm, while Saturday and Sunday go from 9am to 7pm. Admission? Totally free—so maybe splurge on a few extra treats or gifts.

If you’re hunting for holiday presents, this market is a solid stop. Local stands and small businesses show off handmade ornaments, decorations, and regional bites.

Some folks just like to wander and listen to the musicians or check out the decorated corners. The setting is definitely family-friendly, with that cozy small-town holiday vibe.

Here are the main details for your visit:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Nearby Stays	Event Website
Dec 6 – 8, 2025	470 W. Side Square, Carlinville, IL 62626	Fri 3pm-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm	Free	Local hotels on Booking.com	Carlinville Christmas Market details

Carlinville Christkindlmarkt lets you soak up Midwest holiday traditions in a cheerful, comfortable spot. Whether you’re into food, music, or just browsing for something special, you’ll probably find something to love here.

27) Belleville German Christmas Market

You can check out the Belleville Weihnachtsmarkt—also called the Christkindlmarkt—on Belleville’s Public Square in Illinois. Vendors from Europe and the US bring handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and unique holiday décor.

The open-air setup means you can wander and sample classic German holiday food or international treats. It’s a bit like a whirlwind tour of Christmas, honestly.

Live entertainment and seasonal activities add even more energy. You can try German sausages, fresh strudel, or even some Polish specialties.

On opening day, the Santa Parade and fountain lighting draw a crowd. Caroling groups and a free horse-drawn trolley make the whole thing feel extra festive.

The 2025 market happens in two parts: November 29 to December 1, and then again December 19 through 23. Admission doesn’t cost a thing, so you can come back as often as you want.

Here’s a quick look at the details:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 29 – December 1, 2025	Belleville Public Square, IL Route 159 and Main Street	9:00 AM – 8:30 PM	Free Admission	Booking.com for Belleville Hotels	Belleville Christkindlmarkt
December 19 – December 23, 2025	Belleville Public Square, IL Route 159 and Main Street	9:00 AM – 8:30 PM	Free Admission	Booking.com for Belleville Hotels	Holiday Christkindlmarkt

If you want a Midwestern Christmas market with a European touch, Belleville’s Weihnachtsmarkt is a great pick. Local hotels make it easy to crash nearby after a full day of exploring.

28) Evanston Winter Handcrafted Market

If you’re into handmade gifts, the Evanston Winter Handcrafted Market is worth a visit. The event happens every year at the Evanston Art Center and brings in over 140 creators from around the Midwest.

You’ll find all kinds of things—jewelry, ceramics, metal art, glass, textiles, paintings, photos. It’s a bit overwhelming, in a good way.

As you move from booth to booth, you can chat with artists and hear the stories behind their work. The vibe feels friendly and relaxed, which makes it easy to browse without pressure.

A lot of people come here to score one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and to soak up the buzz of the local art crowd.

There’s no entrance fee. The market stays open for several weeks, so you’ve got plenty of time to stop by.

Here’s a snapshot of the details:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 22 – December 20, 2025	1717 Central St, Evanston, IL	Mon – Fri: 9am – 9pm; Sat: 9am – 4pm	Free Admission	Hotels in Evanston	Evanston Art Center Winter Expo

If you want to support local artists and browse a big mix of handcrafted work, this market is a solid choice. You can enjoy the scene, hunt for gifts, and see what the creative community is up to.

29) Geneva Steeple Walk Market

Looking for that classic holiday atmosphere? The Geneva Steeple Walk Market delivers.

This market pops up every year in downtown Geneva, Illinois. Vendors sell seasonal merchandise, crafts, and sweets.

You can stroll through the market to hunt for unique holiday gifts. Live entertainment is a big part of the night.

Carolers and musicians perform for the crowd, making the whole place feel extra lively.

Food’s easy to find too. Hot cocoa and mulled wine help you stay warm, and there’s always a snack or two to grab as you wander.

The market’s right in downtown Geneva, so you’re close to other local shops and sights.

Decorated booths and festive lights add to the fun. It’s pretty easy to get to, and honestly, it’s a simple outing for friends or family.

Market Details

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Saturdays, Dec 6, 13, 20, 2025	Various locations, Downtown Geneva, IL	5:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Free Admission	Check local hotels at Booking.com	Geneva Steeple Walk Market

30) Holiday House at Joliet Area Historical Museum

What to Expect at the Holiday House

When you visit the Holiday House at Joliet Area Historical Museum, you’ll see bright lights and detailed holiday displays in every room.

The space feels like a traditional winter celebration. Kids can make crafts or listen to stories, and Santa’s there to hear holiday wishes.

Live music fills the halls with carols, adding a cheerful background as you walk through. You can grab seasonal treats like hot cocoa and cookies along the way.

After you explore the exhibits, you can check out temporary holiday gift shops inside the museum. They offer special items that make gift-giving a little easier.

Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Nearby Hotels	Website
December 1-31, 2025	204 Ottawa St, Joliet, IL	10:00 am – 5:00 pm	$10 adults, $5 kids	Find hotels near Joliet museum	Joliet Area Historical Museum

This event welcomes all ages and offers a full day of activities. The museum stays open most of the month, so you can pick a time that works for you.