With all the concerns of flying, many are deciding to drive to their destinations this year. We got to thinking what about those who want to take a trip but aren’t sure where to go? We often post about destinations like Memphis, Nashville, Kansas City, but there are many other smaller towns that offer a lot of “old fashioned” holiday fun. Those from the St. Louis area already know about St. Charles and we’ve mentioned some of their events at the end of this article.
So we looked up some towns in Missouri and Illinois and after careful consideration of all the information and going to their website we made a decision. We will be taking a short trip to visit one of these towns. We’ll let you know which one after we go. If you decide to check out one of these towns, take some photos and send them to us.
Below is a short list and all of them have a Drury Hotel, except for Galena, Illinois, so if you have a few days, take a trip, stay at the Drury and get your breakfast, dinner, and happy hour included. Throw in a little popcorn in the late afternoon and you can have a fun holiday trip to an unexpected place.
We always stay at a Drury Hotel whenever possible and we have a special discount link for our readers. To get to the link: CLICK HERE.
You can also use the promocode: SPORTS.
Here are a few destinations we checked out:
Arnold, Missouri
The City of Arnold is having a “Snowman Decorating Contest” with their businesses so there should be a lot of snowmen around town for holiday viewing.
According to Courtney Sokolis, Executive Director of the Arnold Chamber of Commerce, “The Local House Restaurant and Bar and Twisted Tavern both decorate for the holiday season. Many of our local Churches will schedule Caroling throughout the December month along with Community Business volunteers setting up to Bell Ring for the Salvation Army.”
“We’re excited to bring a variety of festive holiday events to Arnold for the whole family to enjoy,” said Seidenstricker. “I would like to personally invite you to come share in the magic. We hope you can join us!”
Kimmswick, Missouri– Just 10 minutes from Arnold if you take Highway 55. (Not far from St. Louis)
The Old Fashioned Christmas Festival in Kimmswick is a cherished annual tradition designed to celebrate and promote the unique businesses that make our town so special. Unlike the Strawberry Festival or Apple Butter Festival, this event focuses on highlighting our local merchants and shops rather than hosting outside vendors. We encourage everyone to visit our stores and enjoy the holiday spirit throughout the festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to create cherished memories with loved ones and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit in Kimmswick’s picturesque setting. We can’t wait to share the magic of the season with you!
Rivertown Sound Quartet performances:
- Friday, Dec. 5 • 5:00–8:00 PM
- Saturday, Dec. 6 • 12:00–3:00 PM
- Sunday, Dec. 7 • 1:00–3:00 PM
Pictures with Santa:
- Friday, Dec. 5 • 3:00–8:00 PM
- Saturday, Dec. 6 • 2:00–8:00 PM
- Sunday, Dec. 7 • 12:00–4:00 PM
Historic Burgess-How Home Candlelight Tours:
- Friday, Dec. 5 • 5:00–9:00 PM
- Saturday, Dec. 6 • 5:00–9:00 PM
- Sunday, Dec. 7 • 1:00–4:00 PM
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Friday, November 28
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Vasterling suites courtyard
Christmas Tree Lighting
Join Santa & Mrs. Claus as they light the thirty-foot Christmas tree! Kick-off the holiday season with Christmas music, fire pits, and local food vendors.
Old Town Cape’s 30-foot Christmas Tree has quickly become a holiday destination for crowds in Cape Girardeau and surrounding areas. On the Friday following Thanksgiving, spectators can visit the corner of Broadway and Fountain to sing Christmas carols, illuminated aerial acrobatic performances, enjoy warm beverages and treats, and of course, watch Santa Claus light the tree. The tree then remains lit throughout the Christmas season until the beginning of the New Year. Join us in downtown Cape Girardeau at the Vasterling Suites Courtyard on Friday, November 28 from 5pm to 7pm!
Event Schedule:
| 5:30pm | – Vendors will be serving food – S’mores station will begin |
|---|---|
| 6:00pm | Master of Ceremonies, Jim Maurer, will welcome attendees to the event |
| 6:10pm | With Santa, Mrs. Claus & the elves’ arrival, musicians will lead attendees in singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” |
| 6:20pm | Master of Ceremonies will lead the countdown to lighting After the tree is lit, musicians lead singing “Deck the Halls” followed by “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” |
Sunday, November 30 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cape Girardeau Parade of Lights
Head downtown for the annual Parade of Lights beginning at dusk. The parade begins at the intersection of Broadway Street and West End Boulevard (Capaha Park entrance), continues East down Broadway toward the river, then turns right onto Main Street, and will end at 43 S. Main (Hutson’s Big Sandy Furniture parking lot). The theme for 2025 is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
The Parade of Lights is proudly presented by Old Town Cape, Inc., and our sponsors:
Drury Southwest, Rhodes, The Rhodes Group, and Saint Francis Healthcare Systems
Horse & Carriage Sponsorship: Downtown Cape Girardeau Community Improvement District
Volunteer Sponsor: Ritter Communications
Friday, December 5
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Holiday Open House
The 2025 Downtown Holiday Open House is a family-friendly event! On Friday, December 5, at Vasterling Suites courtyard, you will find Photos with Santa. In the Hutson’s Big Sandy Furniture parking lot at 43 S. Main Street, you can find horse-drawn carriage rides, warm your bones by the fire pits, and enjoy holiday tunes.
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
The Champaign-Urbana area has lots to do during the holidays. We spoke with Cristy Gillespie, Director of Marketing for Experience Champaign-Urbana.
“When the holidays arrive, the Champaign-Urbana area comes alive with lights, laughter, and the kind of community spirit that makes the season feel extra special,” saide Gillespie. “Our downtowns sparkle with festive parades, cozy markets, and family-friendly celebrations. The parks and gardens glow with brilliant light displays, while local music, theater—and, of course, Big Ten basketball—fills the calendar with reasons to gather. It’s also the perfect season to enjoy comforting, from-scratch meals and warm drinks at our acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants. Whether you’re getting together with loved ones, enjoying a weekend getaway, or simply soaking up the sights, there’s a little magic waiting around every corner.”
Where: Downtown Champaign
When: Saturday, November 29, 5 pm
Downtown lights up (literally!) for one of our favorite nights of the year. Come early for Small Business Saturday fun—Mistletoe Market, Santa visits, horse-and-carriage rides, and plenty of kid-friendly cheer—then stay for the twinkling parade and hot cocoa.
Where: Riggs Beer Company, 1901 S. High Cross Rd., Urbana
When: Weekends from Friday, November 28–Sunday, December 21
Think cozy German-style, Christkindlmarket vibes: Glühwein (hot spiced wine), hot chocolate, comfort-food vendors, and local makers with beautifully crafted gifts. There’s caroling, surprise visits (watch for the Santa-goats!), and lots of good cheer indoors and out. A perfect browse-and-sip kind of day.
Where: Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello
When: December 5–6, 7–23, and 26–31, 5–9 pm
Allerton’s gardens transform into a mile-long wonderland of lights—magical for date night, family strolls, and those golden holiday photos. Look for food trucks and a cash bar on select dates (weather permitting). Pro tip: December 5–7 is the Holiday Showcase with madrigal singers, cocktails, and local makers.
Hardy’s Reindeer RanchWhere: 356 County Rd. 2900 N, Rantoul
When: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm (hours may vary)
Yes, real Alaskan reindeer—right here in Illinois! This family-run favorite (just featured on Good Morning America, representing Illinois as part of their “America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks” series) serves up festive farm fun, photo ops, and the famous reindeer kiss. Bring your holiday spirit and sense of wonder!
Paxton’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: 153 N. Market St., Paxton
When: Friday, November 28, 7 pm
Gather on in Paxton’s quaint downtown as they officially flip the switch on the season. Expect small-town charm, warm smiles, and shops staying open a little later for local gift hunting. It’s pure Hallmark-movie joy.
Galena, Illinois
One of the most romantic times of the year, December is home to holiday concerts, fireworks, enchanting celebrations, luminaria, and more! Enjoy the festive glow down main street and the beautifully decorated storefronts and lodging properties that dress up for the holidays. Turn experiences into traditions with the magic and wonder of wintertime in Galena Country.
“Galena’s Historic Main Street is beautifully adorned for the holiday season, and the DeSoto House Hotel is especially known for its timeless décor,” said Fallon Oldenburg, vice president of marketing for Galena Country Tourism. “From our Hallmark-inspired Night of Luminaria & Living Windows event to festive experiences throughout the region, including the Mistletoe at the Millennium holiday pop-up in neighboring East Dubuque, Galena Country truly captures the magic and nostalgia of the season.”
With twinkling lights, festive events, and cozy winter activities, the Galena region turns into a holiday wonderland. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, romantic getaways, or local artisan treasures, there are many ways to celebrate in Galena. Oldenburg gave us these suggestions:
Top 8 ways to celebrate the holidays in Galena Country.
1. Stroll Galena’s Historic Main Street Decked in Lights & Décor. CLICK HERE
2. Attend Magical Holiday Events & Festivals CLICK HERE
3. Shop Small: Gifts of Galena Country CLICK HERE
4. Enjoy Winter Sports & Outdoor Activities CLICK HERE
5. Gift of Travel CLICK HERE
6. Sip & Savour Cozy Holiday Beverages CLICK HERE
7. Magical Stays CLICK HERE
8. Rediscover Romance CLICK HERE
Their website lists many holiday activities that range from wreath making and ugly sweater food tour, to “cow cuddling.”
The Galena Holiday Kickoff is Nov. 29. Address is: 123 N Commerce St, Galena, IL 61036
Kick Off the Holidays with Santa’s Arrival in Galena
Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Historic Downtown Galena on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a grand entrance by sleigh, escorted by a festive Jeep Jingle parade. Brightly lit, holiday-themed Jeeps will help guide them into town as the Galena Civil War Generals lead the way.
Enjoy holiday cheer as the Galena Trolley transports families to meet Santa for treats and photos. Then gather at the Old Market House for the annual tree lighting and a joyful countdown to the season.
This event also supports a great cause. The Jeep Jingle parade serves as a fundraiser for Purrfection Animal Rescue & Shelter.
Event Details
• Jeeps parked on Water Street throughout the day
• Tree Lighting at the Old Market House: 6:00 pm
• Visit with Santa at the Old Market House: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Plan your Thanksgiving weekend in Galena and be part of the magic as Santa officially kicks off the Galena Holiday Celebration.
Marion Illinois
Very Merry Marion Holiday Festival kicks off Nov. 30
Sun, Nov 30 – Wed, Dec 31, 2025 • 5:30pm – 10:00pm
800 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL 62959
Kick off the holiday season with this fun holiday festival in downtown Marion, Illinois! With lots of activities for the whole family, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Start your holiday with the Very Merry Holiday Parade on November 30th. Close to 100 entries with a special surprise at the end with the Budweiser Clydesdales making their parade debut!
Ice Skating on the square begins November 30th and runs through January. Sessions are one hour on the hour from Thursday- Sunday. Thurs and Fri are 5-9 and Sat and Sun 1-9.
Come shop with local vendors and check out their unique handcrafted items at the Very Merry Holiday Market. The Very Merry Holiday Market is located in the parking lot south of Market Street Conservatory.
Mount Vernon, Illinois
We spoke with Victoria Nesbitt of the Mount Vernon Tourism Board who told us about the Christmas Parade and other activities. Here are some things to do for the holidays in Mount Vernon.
The Lights at Cedarhurst
A dazzling winter tradition where the grounds of Cedarhurst Center for the Arts are transformed into a glowing wonderland of lights and festive installations.
Sat. Dec. 6
A Magical Mt. Vernon Christmas Parade & Activities in Mount Vernon
Christmas at The Commons with Ivas John
The Lights
Christmas Model Train and Nativity Exhibit
Lazer Tag with Santa and The Grinch
Woodlawn’s Winter Wonderland
Holiday Dinner with Elsa and Anna
Holiday Craft Fair
Finders Pickers Christmas Open House
Christmas at The Mall
Events | City of Mt. Vernon Tourism
Springfield, Illinois
We spoke with Angela Wolfgram, Springfield Tourism Marketing Specialist, who was full of information about taking a trip there during the holidays:
“We’re particularly excited for the free holiday historic homes tours—including the Governor’s Mansion—that will take place on the Saturdays between November 29 and December 20.( The photo, left shows the Governor’s Mansion decked out for the holidays.) We do have one main holiday parade downtown on December 6, put on by the local Jaycees chapter.
“As for restaurants decked out for the holidays, I recommend heading to The Gables, a shopping area that includes a few eateries—most notably, Curate for dinner and Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet for dessert! Between the décor and festive events, The Railyard—an outdoor food court inspired by Texan ice houses—will be a great spot during the holidays. I’m sure there will be more spots, but those are some of our most festive spots.
As far as lodging, there is a Drury Hotel in Springfield, Illinois.
“We have a wonderful Drury Inn property on Dirksen Parkway, located on a portion of historic Route 66,” said Wolfgram. “For those looking for more of a B & B, I also recommend the Inn at 835, a boutique located in a historic structure blocks from the State Capitol and the Dana-Thomas House, a beautiful Prairie-style home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.”
The photo at the top of the page is Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery.
Springfield, Illinois has many holiday offerings, and here is a list of some:
Click on the events for more details.
(HW-Old Capitol Holiday Walk Event, SP-Shopping Event, FF-Family Fun, PF-Performance/Concert, SC-Santa Claus Appearance, CF-Holiday Crafts, HS-Historic, 21+-Adults Only)
11/14 Winter Wonderland Launch at The Railyard
11/14-11/21 Happy Holiday Trees Exhibit at the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery
11/14-12/31 Wintree Wonderland at White Oaks Mall (FF)
11/14 Santa’s Grand Arrival at White Oaks Mall (FF, SC)
11/21 Holiday Movie Night at The Railyard (FF)
11/22 Winter Old Capitol Farmer’s Market at Union Station (SP)
11/22 Mini Explorer’s Club: Story Time Trail with the Gingerbread Man at the Illinois State Museum (FF)
11/22 Local First Holiday Market at Pole Barn Chic (SP, SC)
11/22-11/23 Kringle Market at Vinegar Hill Mall (SP)
11/23 Holiday Extravaganza at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (SP, SC, FF)
11/23 Pet Photos with Santa at White Oaks Mall (SC)
11/28-11/30 Holiday Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo (FF)
11/28-11/30 Light up the Park at Chatham Community Park (FF)
11/28 Santa’s Workshop 2025 at Studio on 6th (FF, CF)
11/28 Light up The Gables (FF, SC, SP)
11/29 Springfield Holiday Historic Homes Tours at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion (HS)
11/29 Illinois Local Holiday Market at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (SP, SC, FF)
11/29 Small Business Saturday Boutique Drive at Various Locations (SP)
11/29 Cocoa with Clara & Friends a Wild Rose (SP, FF, CF)
11/30 Illinois Governor’s Mansion: Holiday Tours (HS)
12/3 & 12/7 Illinois Governor’s Mansion: Holiday Tours (HS)
12/4-12/7 Holiday Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo (FF)
12/4-12/7 Light up the Park at Chatham Community Park (FF)
12/5-12/7 Illinois Product Holiday Market in Downtown Springfield (SP, FF)
12/5-12/7 Copper Coin Ballet Company: The Nutcracker at The Legacy Theatre (PF)
12/5 Holiday Movie Night at The Railyard on Route 66 (FF)
12/6 Fresh Evergreen Wreath Making Workshop at Washington Park Botanical Gardens (CF)
12/6 Christmas at the Front at the Illinois State Military Museum (HS)
12/6 Holiday Open House at Edwards Place (FF, HS, SC)
12/6 Santa at Clayville Historic Site (FF, HS, SC)
12/6 Christmas Market at the Brinkerhoff Mansion (SP)
12/6 Happy HoliGays at OUT on Second (SP)
12/6 Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Springfield (FF)
12/6-12/7 SYPG presents The Nutcracker at SHG Auditorium (PF)
12/6-12/21 Winter Holiday Floral Show at the Washington Park Botanical Gardens (FF)
12/7 A Special Visit with Caring Santa at White Oaks Mall (SC)
12/10 & 12/14 Illinois Governor’s Mansion: Holiday Tours (HS)
12/11-12/14 Holiday Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo (FF)
12/11-12/14 Light up the Park at Chatham Community Park (FF)
12/12 Christmas Candlelight Tour at Elijah Iles House (HS)
12/12 12 Days of Christmas Dinner at The Railyard on Route 66
12/13 Breakfast with Santa at the Kidzeum (FF, SC)
12/13 Gift of the Magi Holiday Tea the Edwards Place (HS)
12/13 Cookies & Cocoa Crawl at The Railyard on Route 66
12/14 Caroling at the Carillon at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon (FF)
12/14 Holiday Pops in the Heartland at the Illinois State Library (PF)
12/17 & 12/21 Illinois Governor’s Mansion: Holiday Tours (HS)
12/18-12/21 Holiday Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo (FF)
12/18-12/21 Light up the Park at Chatham Community Park (FF)
12/19-12/21 Dual Piano Christmas at The Hoogland Center for the Arts (PF)
12/19 Ugly Sweater Bash at The Railyard on Route 66
12/20 Winter Old Capitol Farmer’s Market (SP)
12/20 1850’s Carol Sing at First Presbyterian Church (HS)
12/22 Stella Cole in Concert at The Hoogland Center for the Arts (PF)
12/31 New Year’s Eve with Lick Creek at Boondocks (21+)
12/31 First Night Springfield at The Hoogland Center for the Arts/Downtown Springfield (FF)
For more events in Springfield throughout the year click here
(Remember to keep checking back with us as the event list is updated throughout the season!)
St. Charles, Missouri
Celebrate the Holidays with your friends and family with us! Check out what we have to offers for all of the major holidays year-round. Click on the following links to learn more.
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HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING – December 2, 2025
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CANDY CANE HUNT – December 7, 2025
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UGLY SWEATER BINGO – December 12, 2025
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STORYTIME WITH SANTA – December 14, 2025
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN ST. CHARLES 2025
OTHER HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS
Author
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Sally Tippett Rains started her sports media career at KMOX Radio Sports (writing/producing for Bob Costas, Jack Buck, Bill Wilkerson) in the late 1970′s, early ’80′s then switched to book writing and charity work while raising their children.
Currently she is content manager for STLSportsPage.com and author of 11 books, many in the sports genre.She also wrote "Choose Happy; Find Contentment in Any Situation," which comes in Black & White or Color versions.