Christmas Markets Illinois 2025: Top Festive Events and Locations
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Table of Contents
- 1 51) Woodridge Winter Festival
- 2 52) Experience Nighttime Cheer at Under the Stars Market in Normal
- 3 53) Chicago Botanic Garden Wonderland Express Market
- 4 54) Frankfort Christkindlmarkt
- 5 55) Paramount Theatre’s Winter Wonderland Market
- 6 56) Mount Carroll’s Timber Lake Playhouse Holiday Market
- 7 57) Historic Quincy Christmas Market
- 8 58) Transformers Market Event in O’Fallon
- 9 59) Richardson Adventure Farm Holiday Market
- 10 60) West Loop Holiday Wonderland
51) Woodridge Winter Festival
Every December, Woodridge Winter Festival brings families and groups together in Illinois.
People gather for an evening packed with holiday traditions and winter fun. Market stalls show off handmade goods and seasonal foods, which fit right into your holiday shopping.
Local makers and food vendors set up booths, so you get plenty of options.
Kids find several activities just for them. Holiday music fills the park, and creative light displays help everyone feel the seasonal mood.
Santa Claus usually stops by—bring your camera if you want a picture.
Bundle up, since most of the action happens outside. The festival keeps things relaxed and friendly, so you can slow down and spend time with your group.
From unique gifts to light displays, you’ll probably find something for everyone.
| Date Range | Time | Location Address | Price | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-3, 2025 | 4 PM – 9 PM | Woodridge Park, 123 Jubilee Point Park | Free Admission | Booking.com – Woodridge Hotels | Woodridge Winter Festival |
52) Experience Nighttime Cheer at Under the Stars Market in Normal
Arriving at the Under the Stars Holiday Market in downtown Normal, you’ll step into a lively winter scene filled with lights, music, and local flavor.
Vendors line the streets with handcrafted items and festive treats. It’s bright and inviting, perfect for a relaxed stroll with family or friends.
There’s no shortage of holiday gifts—all made by local artisans. Each booth offers handmade goods, seasonal snacks, and hot drinks.
Walking from stall to stall, you’ll see a mix of products and get ideas for presents or souvenirs. Several food stands serve hot chocolate, cider, pretzels, and bratwurst, so you can refuel whenever you need.
Live entertainment runs through the evening. Carolers and musicians pop up on certain nights, and the music adds a clear holiday vibe as you shop.
One area is set aside for kids to meet Santa Claus. You can snap photos and let children share their holiday wishes.
This market works well for a short evening visit or as part of a trip through the area. Normal is simple to reach by car or train, and parking’s nearby.
If you want to stay overnight, downtown hotels are listed on Booking.com.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 1 – December 23, 2025 |
| Times | 5 PM – 9 PM (Weekdays), 10 AM – 9 PM (Weekends) |
| Address | Downtown Normal, Illinois |
| Prices | Free entry |
| Where to Stay Nearby | Hotels in downtown Normal at Booking.com |
| Website | Visit Normal’s Under the Stars Holiday Market |
53) Chicago Botanic Garden Wonderland Express Market
Important Details
You can check out the Chicago Botanic Garden Wonderland Express Market from November 23 to December 21, and again from December 22 to January 6, 2025.
The event takes place at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022. Hours run from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some evenings open until 7:00 pm.
Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for kids or seniors. The market features unique holiday gifts, handmade crafts, and festive treats.
You’ll get to see a large model train display with mini Chicago landmarks and even enjoy falling snow—inside, no less.
Warm drinks and snacks are easy to find as you walk among trees glowing with thousands of LED lights.
For a place to stay, you can book through Booking.com’s Glencoe listings.
For the latest event info, check out the Wonderland Express website.
54) Frankfort Christkindlmarkt
Frankfort Christkindlmarkt takes place Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Frankfort, Illinois.
You’ll find local vendors selling handmade crafts and fresh holiday snacks. Lively music and bright decorations fill the space, making it welcoming for both kids and adults.
Activities run all day, and you don’t have to pay to get in. Not every booth accepts cards, so bringing cash is smart.
It’s a solid spot to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts and seasonal treats. Families, couples, and groups come back each year to soak up the holiday spirit.
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay | Event Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2, 2025 | Frankfort, IL | All Day Event | Free Admission | Hotels in Frankfort | details on Christkindl Weekend |
55) Paramount Theatre’s Winter Wonderland Market
Important Information
Paramount Theatre’s Winter Wonderland Market pops up right in the heart of downtown Aurora. When you stop by, you’ll see local vendors selling handmade crafts and Christmas decorations.
The market serves up holiday snacks like hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, and roasted nuts.
If you’re catching the Broadway Series at the theatre, you can just stroll over to the market after the show. Family activities run all season, and kids get the chance to meet Santa.
Twinkling lights and holiday music fill the air, making the whole place feel magical.
This market opens from late November through late December. You don’t have to pay to enter, but some events and products cost extra.
A lot of families come here for a taste of traditional holiday fun.
Event Schedule and Details
| Dates | Location | Open Hours | Entry Fees | Where to Stay Nearby | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 17 – Dec. 24, 2025 | 23 E Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506 | Thursday-Sunday, special hours in Dec. | Free; event prices vary | Hotels near Paramount Theatre | Holiday, Winter & Christmas Markets in Illinois |
56) Mount Carroll’s Timber Lake Playhouse Holiday Market
When you walk into the Timber Lake Playhouse Holiday Market in Mount Carroll, the sights and sounds of the season hit you right away.
The market sits next to a working theater, blending local talent with classic holiday charm.
Vendors line the area with unique crafts, handmade decorations, and baked goods you can try or take home.
Live music fills the space every day. Choirs and musicians perform, giving the whole market a lively vibe.
Grab a cup of hot chocolate and just enjoy the show. Kids get to meet Santa Claus and tell him their holiday wishes—perfect for a family photo.
Twinkling lights hang everywhere, adding a warm glow. Evening strolls here feel pretty special.
Locals and visitors alike come to shop or soak up the entertainment.
| Dates | Address | Times | Entry Fee | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-23, 2025 | 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll, IL | 10 AM – 8 PM | Free entry; vendor prices vary | Browse hotels in Mount Carroll | Timber Lake Playhouse Christmas Market |
57) Historic Quincy Christmas Market
Swing by the Historic Quincy Christmas Market in November. Vendors from all over set up booths at Quincy Mall, each showing off handcrafted items, festive décor, and holiday gifts.
The place buzzes with energy but still feels welcoming, especially for families or anyone on the hunt for Christmas finds.
Saturday hours run from 10 AM to 6 PM. On Sunday, you can visit from noon to 4 PM.
Admission costs nothing, and there’s plenty of parking—so getting there isn’t a hassle.
Local musicians play live throughout the weekend. Stalls overflow with ornaments, wreaths, and all sorts of seasonal decorations.
Food vendors show up too, so you can snack while you browse.
If you want to make it a weekend, you’ll find nearby hotels on booking.com. The Quincy Christmas Market keeps things simple: crafts, community, and easy holiday shopping.
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1-2, 2025 | 3347 Quincy Mall, Quincy, IL | Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun: 12 PM – 4 PM | Free | Hotels near Quincy Mall | Quincy Christmas Market |
58) Transformers Market Event in O’Fallon
Check out the Transformers Winter Market in O’Fallon for local foods and some festive fun.
More than 50 vendors bring everything from meats and cheeses to fresh bread, coffee, and handmade crafts.
Local musicians play live, food trucks roll in, and you can even hop on a carriage ride.
The market welcomes all ages and doesn’t charge admission. It’s a good fit if you’re shopping for gifts or just want something to do on a weekend.
The market has both indoor and outdoor spaces, which keeps things lively.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 9, 2025 | 8 AM–12 PM | 212 E 1st Street, O’Fallon, IL 62269 | Free entry | Hotels in O’Fallon | Vine Street Market |
59) Richardson Adventure Farm Holiday Market
Plan a visit to Richardson Adventure Farm Holiday Market in Spring Grove, Illinois if you want a festive day out.
Here, you don’t just shop—you can pick and cut your own Christmas tree, which feels pretty personal.
The holiday market features stalls with local crafts, baked treats, and decorations. A gift shop on-site gives you even more to browse.
String lights and classic holiday colors set the mood. The whole place feels warm and inviting.
Wagon rides and hayrides run every day. Sometimes, you might even catch pig races or other quirky events.
A hot chocolate in hand makes wandering the farm even better.
Families and groups fit right in here. Kids have room to explore and join in on the activities.
This spot works well if you want both holiday shopping and a bit of farm fun.
| Dates | Address | Times | Price | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29 – Dec 24, 2025 | 9407 Richardson Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081 | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | $17 | Hotels near Spring Grove on Booking.com | Richardson Adventure Farm |
60) West Loop Holiday Wonderland
In December, the West Loop Holiday Wonderland lights up Chicago’s historic neighborhood.
You’ll see booths with handmade crafts and specialty food from local vendors.
Artisans bring everything from jewelry to seasonal snacks, so you’re bound to find gifts that stand out.
Kids get their own activities—holiday games and crafts made just for them. Live music brings energy to the market.
Santa Claus drops by, and you can snap a photo with him if you want a keepsake.
The West Loop spot is easy to reach by public transit and sits close to several hotels.
Admission is free, and the event runs most of December.
If you’re staying overnight, you’ll find hotels near Plumbers Hall on Booking.com. You can check the West Loop Winter Wonderland website for details on dates and hours.
| Dates | Address | Times | Price | Where to Stay Nearby | Event Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 – Dec 24, 2025 | Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd | Mon-Fri: 4 PM–9 PM; Sat-Sun: 11 AM–7 PM | Free Admission | Hotels near West Loop | West Loop Winter Wonderland |
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.