WAND’s 2025 Holiday Master Guide: Your go-to for festive fun across Central Illinois

(WAND) - The holiday season is here, and WAND is helping you make the most of it with our 2025 Holiday Master Guide — your one-stop destination for everything merry and bright across Central Illinois.

From parades and tree lightings to holiday markets, concerts, and family events, the guide highlights ways to celebrate the season in your community.

51st annual Turkey Trot

5K, 10K, or Half Marathon run; or 1/2-mile Turkey Tot Trot in Fairview Park! Tot Trot (Ages 12 & under) includes a T-shirt and participation prizes. 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon races include computerized results and 3-deep awards per age group.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Fairview Park Pavilion #1, Decatur

Click here for more details. 

Talking Turkey at Rock Springs Nature Center

Learn about the bird that almost became our national symbol. Discuss the natural history of turkeys, their conservation saga in the state of Illinois, and what makes them unique. 

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m. 

Where: 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur

Click here for more details.  

Thanksgiving Feed the Community 

Rest-Oration Church will host a Sunday service and a Pre-Thanksgiving Brunch. 

When: Sunday, Nov. 23, at 12:30 p.m. 

Where: 1719 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign 

Click here for more details. 

72nd annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon

A Thanksgiving meal shared with the Decatur community. This year's guest speaker is Head of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and former U.S. Congressman, Rodney Davis. 

When: Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 11:15 a.m.

Where: Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 4191 US-36, Decatur

Click here for more details. 

Winter Lights

Stroll through an immersive light and art experience in Downtown Urbana right before Christmas. Attendees can even enjoy free hot cider and hot cocoa at the Gallery Art Bar. 

When: Saturday, Dec. 20, from 6-9 p.m. 

Where: Downtown Urbana

Click here for more details.

Windsor Wonderland

The evening starts with the Golf Cart and ATV Lighted Parade. Parade participants will line up at the Windsor High School parking lot at 4:30 PM, with the parade kicking off at 4:45 PM. The procession will culminate at the Community Christmas Tree, where the tree lighting ceremony will officially launch the evening’s festivities at 5 PM.

Santa Claus will make his grand arrival as part of the parade and will be available for visits at the Windsor Library until 6:30 PM. Families can take photos and share their holiday wishes with Santa.

Windsor CUSD will serve a free chili and hot dog dinner, ensuring everyone stays warm and well-fed. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities, including:

• Live reindeer for an up-close holiday experience

• Cookie decorating for all ages

• A mini cake walk with tasty treats to win

• A cozy hot cocoa bar to warm your hands and heart

Wintree Wonderland at White Oaks Mall

A festive new tradition for Springfield and the surrounding area. This event features over 45 beautifully decorated Christmas trees created by local designers, schools, and scout groups, with attendees invited to vote for their favorites. Visitors can meet Santa, take photos, and create crafts at Santa's Workshop each weekend.

The celebration also includes art displays, a holiday store for kids, a Gingerbread Playhouse, and Special Event Sundays with activities like Caring Santa, Teddy Bear Toss, and a train ride on the A.L. Express.

When: November 14, through December 31, during regular mall hours

Where: 501 W Wabash Ave, Springfield

Click here for more details. 

Santa House 

Visit Santa at the Transfer House, Downtown Decatur in Central Park! Don't forget your letters to Santa!

When:

• Wednesday, December 3, from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.
• Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Sunday, December 7, 14, 21, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13, 20, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Monday, December 22, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 23, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. 
• Wednesday, December 24, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Central Park, Downtown Decatur   

Click here for more details. 

3rd annual Holiday Market & Festival of Trees 

This festive event features over 50 local vendors showcasing handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and unique holiday gifts. Don't miss the stunning display of decorated Christmas trees available for auction, children's holiday crafts, festive photos with Santa, and live performances from local musicians. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 and up.

When: Saturday, November 22

Where: iHotel and Conference Center in Champaign

Click here for more details. 

Downtown Decatur Christmas Walk 

Enjoy delicious treats, live music, and fun activities for the whole family in downtown. Shop local vendors for the perfect gifts, dine at charming restaurants, and ride the free trolley. Don’t miss visiting Santa Claus and soaking up the beautiful Christmas tree at the Decatur Civic Center. Plus, Theatre 7 will host a cozy selfie station with cookies and hot drinks.

When: Wednesday, December 3, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Where: Downtown Decatur 

Click here for more details. 

34th annual Cookie Walk

The Friends of the Barclay Public Library Cookie Walk returns Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. at the Illini Park Building. Enjoy a huge selection of homemade cookies and festive treats, choose your favorites, or grab a pre-packaged box to go. Arrive early—this event sells out fast! Proceeds support community programs at Barclay Public Library, and every purchase earns a raffle entry. All are welcome to join the holiday fun!

When: Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m. 

Where: 265 S Main St., Warrensburg, IL, 62573 

Click here for more details. 

Kringle Market

The Kringle Market returns to Vinegar Hill Mall, bringing festive fun and local charm to your holiday season! Join the holiday fun at Trish & Mary’s Event Space for a cozy indoor market featuring local makers, unique gifts, and plenty of seasonal cheer.

When: Saturday, November 22, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday, November 23, from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. 

Where: 107 W. Cook Street, Suite A, Springfield, IL

Click here for more details. 

Springfield Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade

For more than 70 years, the Springfield Jaycees have brought holiday magic to downtown with their beloved Holiday Lights Parade. First launched in 1949 and held continuously since 1972, the parade has evolved through the decades—shining as a weeknight celebration, a daytime spectacle, and even a featured highlight of the Downtown Holiday Walks.

When: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. 

Where: Downtown Springfield

Click here for more details. 

Cookies & Cocoa Crawl at The Railyard

Warm up your holiday season at The Railyard’s first-ever Cookies + Cocoa Crawl! Enjoy scratch-made cookies and signature cocoa from every vendor as you stroll through the festive outdoor space. With live acoustic music, full comfort-food menus, cozy igloos, photo ops, heaters, and fire pits, it’s the perfect way to sip, snack, and soak up the holiday magic.

When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: 2242 S. 6th Street, Springfield

Click here for more details. 

Trees & Lights from Around the World

The festival features 34 multicultural window art displays throughout downtown Urbana. The displays will light up every night throughout December, featuring art from local artists, businesses and organizations. More information can be found here. 

Noon Year's Balloon Drop at Martens Center

Where: 1515 N. Market St., Champaign

Click here for more details. 

39th annual First Night Springfield

Celebrate a Springfield tradition 39 years in the making! First Night Springfield returns to downtown with a full day of music, art, theater, and family-friendly entertainment across three iconic venues. 

When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, from noon to 8 p.m. 

Where: Hoogland Center for the Arts, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Union Square Park/Downtown Springfield 

Click here for more details.

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