3 Must-Do Holiday Activities in Greater Peoria

November 18, 2024

Every family has its traditions during the holidays. Whether it’s baking cookies for Santa, belting out Mariah Carey or rocking matching pajamas, these rituals hold special meaning. They’re the glue that holds the holiday together. Traditions bring comfort and familiarity, a gentle reminder of what’s truly important. They give Christmas its unique essence, forming memories that stay with us forever.

We have a few traditions in Greater Peoria that make even the grinchiest among us feel like kids again. If you’re looking to jingle your way through the holiday season, we’ve got your festive roadmap below. Scroll down for three Christmas activities you won’t want to miss.

137th Annual Santa Claus Parade

When: Friday, November 29, 2024, at 9:15 a.m.

Where: Downtown Peoria

You know a parade is good when it’s been around since 1887. As the nation’s longest-running holiday parade, this event kicks off the Christmas season with marching bands, costumed characters, elaborate floats and Santa himself waving from his sleigh. It’s a cozy celebration of our community spirit and shared love of the holidays.

Pro Tip: Arrive early, dress warm and bring snacks.

East Peoria Festival of Lights

When: November 29, 2024, through January 5, 2025

Where: 123 Par 3 Lane, East Peoria

The Festival of Lights is celebrating its 40th anniversary with 40 eye-popping floats, from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to a 95-foot-long smoke-spewing Chinese dragon. The Parade of Lights is Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. After that, the whimsically creative floats and other lighted displays are set up at Folepi’s Winter Wonderland for all to enjoy. There’s no better place to grab a solid Instagram pic this holiday season — with over a million lights illuminating the East Peoria sky. It’s Clark Griswold’s dream.

Pro Tip: Driving through the display takes about 30 minutes, so be sure to get some hot cocoa and holiday nibbles beforehand.

Christmas in the Village

When: December 6-7, 2024

Where: Peoria Riverfront Museum

Christmas in the Village is a beautiful blend of holiday magic and cultural enrichment — a combo even Scrooge would approve of. The Peoria Riverfront Museum is transformed into something straight out of a storybook, with horse-drawn carriage rides, a holiday laser show, adorable animals, the Peoria Ballet Nutcracker ballerinas and more. Plus, Peoria’s LARGEST live Christmas tree. It’s a spectacle you can’t afford to miss.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the tree-lighting ceremony; you’ll experience serious FOMO if you do. Also, swing in and visit the museum — the first, best and only museum of its kind in the nation!

That’s a Wrap

Make this holiday season the year you and your family dive into a world of joy and wonder. From cheering for Santa in the parade to marveling at the dazzling lights to unleashing your creativity at the museum, Greater Peoria’s holiday events will create memories your kids will never forget. Happy holidays, everyone.