Christmas Markets Illinois 2025: Top Festive Events and Locations

61) Galena Nouveau Holiday Market

Every December, Galena’s Main Street buzzes with the Galena Nouveau Holiday Market.

This event celebrates the launch of the 2025 Nouveau wine, and the atmosphere is just plain cheerful.

Festive lights line the street, and local shops decorate to welcome everyone.

A parade kicks off at 2:30 p.m. with horse-drawn wagons and trolleys.

Stores hang bright Nouveau posters, which adds to the community spirit.

You’ll find stands with handmade crafts, unique holiday gifts, and local foods.

Locals and out-of-towners both come to enjoy the traditions and flavors.

Thinking about staying overnight? Lots of people pick nearby hotels—you can browse Galena listings on Booking.com.

Dates	Address	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 6, 2025	Main Street, Galena, IL	Parade 2:30 p.m.	Free entry, items for sale	Hotels in Galena	Galena Nouveau Holiday Market

62) LaGrange Annual Holiday Festivities

Head to downtown LaGrange in winter for the Hometown Holiday event.

This festival draws folks looking for local gift options and a festive vibe.

Vendors set up along the streets with everything from handmade decorations to sweet treats.

Shop windows sparkle, and live performers fill the air with holiday music.

Kids look forward to meeting Santa or joining in craft projects. There’s also a story time for the little ones.

Food stands and cafés offer warm drinks and simple meals all day.

The festival welcomes everyone, so it’s easy to bring friends or family.

You don’t have to pay to get in—just wander and join whatever activities you like.

If you’re thinking about staying over, you’ll find nearby hotels listed on Booking.com.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Sat, Nov 29 – Sat, Dec 6, 2025	53 South LaGrange Road, La Grange, IL 60525	9:00am – 5:00pm	Free	Hotels on Booking.com	Hometown Holidays LaGrange

You’ll find the event at 53 South LaGrange Road. Festival hours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Parking is close by, and the event works for travelers of all ages.

63) St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Expo

St. Charles, Illinois puts on a weekend packed with holiday-themed events at the Holiday Homecoming Expo. On Friday, the city kicks things off by flipping the switch on thousands of white lights at 1st Street Plaza. Those lights spill across downtown and really set a wintery mood.

Saturday starts early with activities for families. Love holiday movies? You can catch a free showing of “Home Alone” at the Arcada Theatre at 10 a.m. Downtown shops get in on the fun too with the STC Shop Crawl, so you can hunt for gifts and support local businesses. Santa even pops up around the event, ready for wish lists and photo ops.

As night falls, the Electric Christmas Parade rolls through the main streets. Bright floats and music fill the route, and a big crowd usually cheers them on. You don’t need a ticket for any of it.

Here are the event details and some nearby places to stay:

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 29	5:00 p.m.	1st Street Plaza	Free	Hotel Baker – Booking.com	St. Charles Holiday Homecoming
November 30	10:00 a.m.	Arcada Theatre	Free	Fairfield Inn – Booking.com	St. Charles Holiday Homecoming
November 30	Evening	1st Street Plaza (Parade Route)	Free	Hampton Inn – Booking.com	Holiday Homecoming Schedule

For more travel info, check the St. Charles Holiday Homecoming event page.

64) Menard’s Family Christmas Market

You’ll spot a huge variety of festive goods at Menard’s Family Christmas Market in Springfield, Illinois. The stalls show off everything from glowing lights to handmade ornaments. Crafters and food vendors bring freshly made holiday snacks, so you can browse for gifts or just enjoy some treats and warm drinks.

If you’re looking for seasonal food or last-minute presents, the vendors have you covered. The whole scene feels relaxed and friendly, so it’s easy to enjoy yourself.

Essential Details

Dates	Times	Address	Entry	Lodging Nearby	Website
Dec 1 – Dec 24	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM	123 Holiday Ln, Springfield, IL	Free Admission	Springfield hotels on Booking.com	Menard’s Family Christmas Market

65) Quincy Holiday Candlelight Market Experience

You can step into the Quincy Christmas Candlelight Market at the historic John Wood Mansion in Quincy, Illinois. Local vendors bring handcrafted gifts and seasonal foods, and you’ll walk through candlelit aisles with twinkling lights and holiday music in the air. It’s a great spot to find presents and soak up the season.

Families come here for a calm winter outing. Artisans sell items you won’t really see in stores. Warm drinks and treats are easy to grab, so you’ll stay comfortable even if it’s cold outside. Admission is free, so you can explore without worrying about cost.

If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll find nearby lodging on Booking.com. For all the event details and the latest schedule, visit the Quincy Christmas Candlelight Market site.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Where to Stay	Website
Weekends in Dec	John Wood Mansion, Quincy, IL	Check website	Free	Booking.com	Quincy Christmas Candlelight Market

66) Lincoln Park Zoolights Holiday Bazaar

At Lincoln Park Zoolights Holiday Bazaar, you’ll get a mix of bright holiday lights and a classic market vibe. Each evening, the zoo glows with displays and booths where local sellers offer seasonal goods, crafts, and food. Both kids and adults can find something to do, and there are plenty of unique gifts to browse.

As you walk around, you’ll probably hear choirs and musicians playing holiday tunes. Hot cocoa and spiced wine are easy to find at stands around the bazaar. Kids get their own activities, like crafts and hands-on fun, so it’s a solid pick for families.

The combination of bright displays and market stalls makes the whole place feel lively. Wandering the lighted zoo paths, you’re surrounded by music, winter treats, and the excitement of visitors enjoying the evening. Shoppers can hunt for handmade goods, and anyone just looking to relax can hang out with a warm drink and some live music.

Event Details

Dates	Location	Times	Entry Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026	2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614	4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Sun–Thu), 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Fri–Sat)	$7 (weekdays), $10 (Fri, Sat, Thanksgiving Eve, New Year’s Eve)	Hotels near Lincoln Park Zoo on Booking.com	Lincoln Park ZooLights event information

If you want a festive spot to shop, hear music, and see millions of lights, this bazaar in Chicago has a clear schedule, simple pricing, and plenty to check out.

67) Wheaton’s Claus Market

At Wheaton’s Claus Market, you’ll find a classic holiday market right in Illinois. Stalls are decked out with decorations, and local artisans sell all sorts of handmade items. If you’re after a special present, you’ll spot ornaments and artisanal snacks everywhere.

You can wander past stands offering hot cocoa and sweet treats like gingerbread and cookies. Carolers stroll by, singing Christmas songs you probably know by heart. Families come out to enjoy the music and sights, adding to the festive buzz.

Kids always seem to love meeting Santa most. They can snap a photo with him and chat about their holiday wishes. Evenings glow with bright decorations and twinkling lights, making this market a memorable stop during the season.

It’s free to visit, and the hours are generous. Here are the basics:

Dates	Location	Times	Cost	Stay Nearby	Website
Nov. 13 – Dec. 23, 2025	Wheaton, IL 60187	10 a.m. – 8 p.m.	Free	Hotels in Wheaton	Learn more about Wheaton’s Claus Market

68) Gurnee Holiday Magic Market

Check out the Gurnee Holiday Magic Market for festive booths packed with handmade crafts and seasonal goods. You’ll spot all kinds of gifts, from decorated ornaments to warm knitted hats and scarves. The place feels lively, with holiday music setting a cheerful mood.

Vendors serve up hot drinks and baked treats—think cocoa and cookies—so you can take a break from shopping whenever you want. The event is family-friendly, with activities for kids like craft making, face painting, and meeting Santa Claus. These keep younger visitors happy while adults work through their gift lists.

Most folks come for the unique finds and the easy-to-reach location. The market takes place inside Gurnee Mills, so you’ll stay cozy no matter the weather. Parking’s on site, and everyone gets in for free.

If you’re planning to visit, check out nearby hotels on Booking.com for a simple place to stay. More info and event details are on the official Gurnee Holiday Magic Market.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1–24, 2025	Gurnee Mills, 6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031	10 AM–8 PM	Free	Booking.com Gurnee Hotels	Gurnee Holiday Magic Market

69) Mundelein Winter Fest Market

Spend your Saturday at the Mundelein Winter Fest Market, where the whole family can find something fun. When you arrive, you’ll spot bright lights and hear festive music. Kids usually rush to Santa’s Cottage, while you can browse booths full of crafts, gifts, and holiday treats.

Local vendors bring creative holiday decorations, homemade foods, and unique gift options. It’s easy to find snacks and hot drinks all over the market. Hot cocoa and fresh-baked cookies are always crowd-pleasers.

At 6:30 PM, the Tree Lighting kicks off. If you stick around into the evening, you’ll catch a fireworks show too. That’s a pretty great way to wrap up your visit.

Admission is free, so you can bring friends or family without any hassle. There’s plenty of parking nearby and the location is easy to reach. If you want to stay overnight, you’ll find hotels in Mundelein or close by. Look for options on Booking.com.

Here’s a quick look at the key event info:

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
December 14, 2025	171 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060	1:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Free	Booking.com hotels nearby	Mundelein Winter Fest Market

70) Lake Forest Holiday Gathering at Market Square

Lake Forest’s Christmas celebration takes over Market Square every year. The area transforms with bright lights and themed decorations, drawing locals and visitors alike.

During the festival, you can shop gifts from local vendors selling handcrafted items and holiday treats. Food stalls and drink stands pop up if you want a snack or something warm. Live music performances fill the air and make the place feel even more welcoming.

The tree lighting ceremony is the big moment. The tall tree in the center glows with lights and quickly becomes the main photo spot. Santa usually shows up too, so you can grab a quick photo or tell him your Christmas wishes.

The setting works well for families, couples, or groups. As you walk around, you’ll hear holiday music and see festive displays everywhere. Since it’s outdoors in December, you’ll want to bundle up.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 8	Market Square, Lake Forest	4:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Free Admission	See local hotels	Lake Forest’s Christmas in the Square