(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.
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.
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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