MAIN Christmas USA Christmas in Illinois

No surprise that Chicago tops the list of Illinois holiday attractions — with annual gems like the sublime Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza ... to the awesomely spectacular Magnificent Mile Lights Festival along Michigan Avenue.

Discover more holiday merriment, parades, craft fairs and light shows, plus where to find choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms in our grand tour of the Prairie State at Christmas time ...

Merry Christmas from Niles, Illinois!

DID YOU KNOW? Illinois Christmas fun facts

• No, you're not seeing things. The Leaning Tower of Niles is a half-size replica of the more famous tower in Pisa. It was built in 1934 by industrialist Robert Ilg as part of a recreation park for employees. Today, the Illinois town's landmark gets lit up like a Christmas tree just in time for the holidays.

• Elburn, Illinois is the place to be during the season for a spectacular light show put on by the Larsen family, who won first place in the ABC special "Great Christmas Light Fight" in 2013.

• One of the hottest holiday tickets in Chicago is a performance by the all-volunteer Apollo Chorus, the city's oldest seasonal show first established in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1871, and today most famous for its rousing rendition of Handel's Messiah.

More information about Christmas in Illinois around the Web:

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival - a weekend-long event at the end of every November with family-friendly fun and activities including stage performances, ice-carving contests, and the lighting of one million lights along magnificent Michigan Avenue.

Christkindlmarket Chicago - The traditional holiday market opening right after Thanksgiving at Daley Plaza, and continuing throughout the season with special German Christmas treats, music and entertainment. Get the complete story by downloading the brochure in PDF format..

Chicago Botanic Garden December Events - Check out the Wonderland Express holiday train exhibit and how to enter your pooch in the annual Reindog Parade.

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light - At the Museum of Science and Industry, beginning mid-November and through the Christmas with more than 50 Christmas trees, colorful displays and creches illustrating how the world decorates for the winter holidays

Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo - In addition to magicians, carolers and celebrity story tellers, almost one million twinkling lights bedazzle visitors each night throughout the season.

Peoria Area Holiday Events - The complete list including the annual Santa Claus Parade, Poinsettia Show, Parade of Lights, and holiday attractions nearby.

Christmas Tree Farms in Illinois - A complete directory browseable by region with listings in the Chicago area, Southern, Central and Northwestern Illinois.

also see in Travel -> Illinois Tourist Attractions

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