Christmas Markets Illinois 2025: Top Festive Events and Locations

41) Bartlett Winter Wonderland

When you show up at Bartlett Winter Wonderland, you’ll see decorated stalls and lights all over downtown Bartlett. Local vendors bring crafts, homemade things, and seasonal snacks, so it’s easy to find a unique gift for just about anyone.

Kids can dive into simple activities—maybe making ornaments or getting their faces painted. Santa Claus usually stops by for photos, which is a big hit with families.

Live music and carolers wander through the event. A lot of people grab hot drinks and stroll the market, soaking up the performances.

This mix of entertainment and shopping makes Bartlett a favorite for Illinois holiday events. There’s no fee to walk in, but crafts and some activities might cost a little extra.

The open-air setup lets you enjoy winter without feeling crowded.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 10-12, 2025	Downtown Bartlett, IL	10 AM – 7 PM	Free entry; activities charge small fees	Hotels in Bartlett, IL	Bartlett Winter Wonderland

42) Downtown Dixon Christmas Market Experience

Important Information for Visitors

Downtown Dixon’s Christmas Market sits right in the heart of Illinois. Each year, the event draws people in with its warm holiday spirit.

The streets come alive with music, decorations, and festive activities for both kids and adults. Festivities kick off with a tree lighting ceremony at KSB Hospital.

When the lights flick on, the crowd shares a moment together. Carolers and the Dixon Municipal Band keep the evening moving with live holiday music.

Kids can snap free photos with Santa or hop on horse-drawn wagon rides. If you’re up for a little adventure, join the Christmas Rock Hunt—find a painted stone and you might win an entry to the 2025 Petunia Festival.

Street performers help set a laid-back mood. The Grinch’s Parade rolls through with floats and music, drawing families from all over.

Shops and restaurants stay open late, offering seasonal deals and treats. Shopping and dining feel extra special with all the holiday energy.

Event Schedule and Details

Dates	Location	Times	Entry Cost	Where to Stay (booking.com)	Official Website
December 1, 2025	Downtown Dixon, Illinois	5:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Free	Dixon area hotels	Discover Dixon’s Christmas Walk

43) Galesburg Christmas Open House

Galesburg’s Christmas Open House draws locals and visitors every holiday season. Downtown stores put up festive decorations and showcase unique items you just don’t find everywhere.

If you’re hunting for gifts or holiday decor, local boutiques and specialty shops line the streets with creative displays.

Family-friendly activities are everywhere. Kids get to make crafts or play games, while adults browse shops or listen to live music in the background.

Many cafes serve up seasonal drinks, which gives you a cozy spot to relax. Shops usually run special deals for the event, so it’s a smart time to search for discounts on gifts or holiday goods.

As you wander the district, you’ll notice the blend of historic buildings and new decorations. Below is what you need to know to plan your visit:

Dates	Location	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (booking.com)	Website
Dec 15-16, 2025	Downtown Galesburg	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Free	Holiday Inn Express, Galesburg	Galesburg Holiday Open House

44) Holiday Season at Volo Antique Malls

If you want holiday gifts with a little character, Volo Antique Malls in Volo, Illinois, is worth a visit. You’ll wander more than seven miles of aisles packed with antiques, vintage finds, and collectibles.

You’ll see rustic decorations, comic stuff, old toys, and movie memorabilia. This annual event works well for families and friends who like browsing through different eras in one spot.

There’s no admission fee, so you can take your time moving from booth to booth. Since the antique malls sit right next to the Volo Auto Museum, you might as well check out both for a fun holiday outing.

The mall first opened in 1963 and the same family still runs it. That long history gives the event a unique vibe each year.

December feels extra welcoming with all the decorations. Here’s what you need to plan your trip:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1 – Dec 24, 2025	27640 Volo Village Rd, Volo, IL 60073	10 AM – 5 PM	Free	Nearby Hotels	Volo Antique Mall

45) Orland Park Winter Market

Orland Park Winter Market pops up every January, drawing visitors looking for a laid-back shopping day. Vendors set up shop with handmade crafts, knitwear, and unique jewelry.

Local artisans bring lots of energy as they sell their creations. Food stalls offer snacks and hot drinks, so you can take a break from shopping with a warm treat.

The market doesn’t charge an entry fee, and kids usually enjoy the holiday-themed activities set up for families. Everything happens indoors, so you stay cozy even if the weather outside isn’t great.

If you want to stay overnight, Booking.com lists nearby hotels. It’s easy to make a whole day of it.

Date	Time	Address	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
January 25, 2025	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Orland Park, IL	Free	Hotels near Orland Park	Winter Craft and Maker Market

For more details, check out the Winter Craft and Maker Market.

46) Forest Park Holiday Walk & Market

Forest Park Holiday Walk & Market brings a classic local holiday feel to Forest Park, Illinois. Madison Street shops decorate their windows with animated displays and welcome everyone inside with deals and little snacks.

Holiday lights line the street and brighten up the whole block. Horse-drawn carriage rides take people up and down Madison, giving you a relaxed way to see the decorations.

Families love the balloon artists and live ice carving, which make for fun photo ops. Santa and Mrs. Claus usually show up to hear wish lists from kids.

If you’re interested, here’s a quick rundown of the event:

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
TBA (2025)	Forest Park, IL 60130	TBA	Free	Forest Park Hotels	Holiday Walk event page

Bundle up and expect family-friendly activities and a good crowd, especially if you want to catch Santa. For anyone who prefers small-town holiday charm over big city crowds, this event is a solid pick.

47) Francesca’s Bellevue Place Holiday Market 2025

Francesca’s Bellevue Place Holiday Market brings you a wide selection of seasonal goods and handcrafted gifts.

You’ll wander past stalls with homemade candles, jewelry, and festive decorations—perfect if you’re searching for something special. Bright holiday lights and live music set the mood, making it a cozy place to browse.

As you walk through, you’ll catch the scent of pine and warm snacks like roasted nuts. Hot drinks are everywhere, so you can stay warm while you shop.

Families and groups of friends both find plenty to enjoy here. The market feels festive but relaxed, never too hectic.

If you want to support local artists and small shops, this market is a great spot. Handmade products fill the stalls, and every purchase feels a bit more personal.

Organizers keep things running smoothly with clear signs and a safe, welcoming environment.

Dates	Location	Times	Entry Fee	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1 – Dec 23, 2025	Bellevue Place, Bellevue, WA	Daily: 10am–8pm	Free	Hotels near Bellevue Place – Booking.com	Francesca’s Bellevue Place Christmas Market

48) Morton Holiday Treasure Market

The Morton Holiday Treasure Market packs in plenty to see and do.

You’ll find handmade crafts, holiday ornaments, and artisan jewelry at every turn. Shoppers come here to hunt for unique gifts they won’t spot in regular stores.

Local food stalls serve up warm drinks and fresh baked goods. Hot cocoa and cookies seem to be favorites.

If crafts are your thing, you can join hands-on workshops. Face painting and other activities keep kids happy and busy.

Live music and holiday performances add to the lively vibe. Friendly vendors and creative displays make browsing easy and fun.

You can chat with local artists about their work.

Here’s a quick guide for your visit:

Dates	Location	Times	Admission	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 7-9, 2025	Jefferson Grade School, Morton, Illinois	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Free	Hotels in Morton	Holiday Treasure Hunt Market

Expect a friendly crowd and a laid-back pace as you explore.

49) Riverside Holiday Market at the Park

Riverside Holiday Market at the Park brings together handmade crafts, unique gifts, and bright decorations for your home.

You get to explore booths packed with one-of-a-kind finds while soaking up a cheerful, friendly vibe.

Seasonal treats are on sale, and live music or performances keep things upbeat. You can visit Santa for photos, so families with kids have plenty to look forward to.

Warm drinks like hot cocoa are easy to grab as you wander the decorated paths.

This local tradition pops up in early December and welcomes everyone. Your visit supports local creators and lets you enjoy holiday fun in a walkable spot—parking’s nearby, so that’s one less thing to stress about.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 5 – Dec 7, 2025	Riverside Park, Riverside, IL	Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm	Free	Hotels near Riverside Park on Booking.com	Riverside Christmas in the Park Market

50) Rivers Edge Holiday Bazaar in Peoria

The Rivers Edge Holiday Bazaar in Peoria feels lively and full of seasonal spirit.

When you visit, you’ll meet local artisans selling handcrafted goods, unique decorations, and tasty treats made just for the holidays. The bazaar gives you a chance to support small businesses and find gifts you won’t see everywhere else.

Live music and food trucks keep the energy up. Kids and adults can both jump into different holiday activities during the day.

This market really draws families looking for a cheerful, activity-filled spot.

Here’s a quick reference to plan your stop:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 2-3, 2025	123 Riverside Drive, Peoria	10 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Adults $10, Kids Free	Hotels near 123 Riverside Drive, Peoria	Rivers Edge Holiday Bazaar

If you want a holiday market with food, music, and gifts all in one place, this bazaar is a solid choice.