See what fun events are happening in November in Illinois.

Hobnob Market

Nov. 3-4, 2023, Springfield

More than your average antique market, Hobnob Market features more than 150 vendors of vintage and handmade items. Each winter, it celebrates the season with the Holiday Market in November.

Run by Scott and Holly Snelling, the market holds several pop-ups throughout the year, with their winter event being the perfect place to for your holiday shopping. Vendors have many items available for purchase, including old-fashioned finds and handmade goods and crafts. You can also purchase food and wine during the event.

Held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds , the Holiday market kicks off on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and continues all day Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about this market and other Hobnob Markets, visit hobnobmarket.com.


Morton Arboretum Illumination event
Photo by Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

Nov. 18, 2023-Jan. 6, 2024, Lisle

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle celebrates the holiday season with an impressive color, light and sound show spanning 50 acres. Stroll the 1-mile paved path while listening to festive music and enjoying the light effects and concession tents along the trail. Then warm up beside the fire while roasting marshmallows for s’mores. Illumination runs Nov. 18 through Jan. 6 (closed select Mondays and Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Event organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance, as many nights will sell out. For more information and tickets, visit mortonarb.org.


Christmas Barn Sale Trail/Giltner Family Farm
Photo by Christmas Barn Sale Trail/Giltner Family Farm

Christmas Barn Sale Trail

Nov. 9-11, 2023, Metropolis

Start checking off your holiday shopping list while driving from barn to barn through southern Illinois this November on the Christmas Barn Sale Trail. Artisans and vendors will showcase their unique goods at more than 10 barns in Massac County, all located within 7 miles of one another. Inside each decorated barn, shoppers can browse handmade crafts, vintage collectibles, antiques, one-of-a-kind gifts and more. The shopping experience also includes food vendors and photo ops with Santa. Tickets are required for the early bird VIP Experience on Thursday, but admission on Friday and Saturday is free. To learn more and see a schedule of barn opening times, call (618) 940-0743 or visit thechristmasbarnsaletrail.com.


Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights

Nov. 18, 2023, Chicago

Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile kicks off the holiday season in style at the annual lights festival. One of the nation’s largest evening holiday celebrations, this event is a must-attend.

Bundle up and head to the city for family-friendly activities in Lights Festival Lane, live concerts, lots of holiday shopping and a grand tree-lighting parade down Michigan Avenue, featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse as the grand marshals. The festival concludes with a fireworks show over the Chicago River.

For more information on the celebration, visit TheMagnificentMile.com/lights-festival.


Photo Credit: Facebook/Community Revitalization & Beautification Committee

Christmas Magic Weekend

2023 dates TBD, Robinson

Don’t wait until December to get in the Christmas spirit. The Christmas Magic Weekend in Robinson is the perfect way to jumpstart the holiday season. This two-day event will feature breakfast with Santa and other festive activities on Saturday, Nov. 20, as well as ice skating on the town square both days. For more information, visit illinoisouth.org/events or search for the Community Revitalization & Beautification Committee of Robinson on Facebook.


Pope County Deer Festival
Photo by Brian McCord

Pope County Deer Festival

Nov. 18, 2023, Golconda

Known as the “Deer Capital of Illinois,” Pope County has been celebrating its title for 63 years on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Festivities take place on Main Street in downtown, where the parade begins at 2 p.m. featuring themed floats, classic cars, marching bands, firetrucks and the Deer Festival Pageant royal court. Other highlights include an arts and crafts market and the Golconda Rotary Club’s barbecue pit, with all proceeds benefiting the club’s scholarship funds for Pope County High School students. Children’s activities include face painting, inflatables, a petting zoo and more. For more information, visit mainstreetgolconda.org or call (618) 683-6246.


Artists of the Corn Shuckin' Awesome Art Market
Photo by Kimberly Lawson

Artists of the Corn Shuckin’ Awesome Art Market

Nov. 18-19, 2023, Shirley

Artists of the Corn, a central Illinois-based artist collective, hosts its third annual Shuckin’ Awesome Art Market this November. The free, two-day event features more than 30 local and regional artists and makers offering a wide variety of homemade goods for sale. Get a start on your holiday shopping while browsing one-of-a-kind items ranging from pottery and jewelry to fiber and glass art, mixed media designs and much more. The market takes place at Funk Farms Premium Beef in Shirley from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For more information, visit artistsofthecorn.com or keep up with Artists of the Corn on Facebook at facebook.com/artistsofthecorn.


Annual Country Christmas Craft Show

Nov. 18-19, 2023, Gifford

Shop ’til you drop at the Country Christmas Craft Show, sponsored by The Gifford State Bank. The annual event takes place at Gordyville USA, located on Route 136 in Gifford (five miles east of Rantoul).

The craft show takes place in a welcoming, heated indoor facility with free parking and a $1 donation at the door. With more than 300 craft and food booths, guests can find that perfect gift for everyone on their list. Bring the kids for pictures with Santa on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All show proceeds benefit local community projects. For more information, check out the Facebook page.


Photo courtesy of Rebeca Gabel

Victorian Holiday

Nov. 17-18, 2023, Lebanon

Take a stroll back in time with Lebanon’s annual Victorian Holiday weekend! Per tradition, the Ole’ Lamplighter will journey down St. Louis Street to light up the shops and town Christmas tree. Listen to carolers, musicians and madrigals dressed in festive outfits and enjoy traditional dancers and other jolly entertainers. Jump in a horse-drawn carriage, take a picture with Father Christmas and indulge in plenty of holiday sweets and baked goodies. Charming Lebanon makes the perfect backdrop for this historical holiday celebration.

For more information, contact (618) 977-9713 or visit the Facebook page.


Photo courtesy of Robert L. Schreiner

Happy Holiday Railway

Select dates in November and December, Union

Forget the Polar Express – the Happy Holiday Railway takes place right in your own backyard with no trip to the North Pole required. Embark on a magical 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself.

Hosted by the Illinois Railway Museum, this event is a perfect holiday activity filled with fun for the whole family. Children can visit with Santa Claus and his elves, plus enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. All aboard!

Advance reservations are recommended. Book your trip by visiting irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway.


iStock.com/stockcam

Annual Kristkindlmarkt

Nov. 19-20, 2023, Peoria 

Experience Old World Christmas Magic at Harmonie’s 10th Annual Kristkindlmarkt at the Lindenhof. This market models itself after the traditional German outdoor street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent.

More than 25 area vendors will be offering a variety of arts and crafts perfect for holiday gift-giving, including a number of imported items from Germany and Austria (such as German smokers and beer steins). Indulge in delicious international cuisine, like bratwurst, schnitzel, homemade strudel, glühwein, Bavarian pretzels, German beer and more. Christmas carolers, accordion players and a brass group will provide musical entertainment, and Kristkindl (Christmas Angel) and Santa Claus himself will be handing out candy canes to the little ones.

To learn more, call (309) 444-4656 or visit peoriagermans.net.


Native American Holiday Market

Nov. 24, 2023, Cahokia Mounds

Come one, come all to a cultural showcase that simply can’t be missed. Discover the craftsmanship of Native American artists at the annual Native American Holiday Market. From jewelry to paintings to metal work, pottery and more, you are bound to find beautiful items for sale (which also make for excellent Christmas gifts). Plus, you’ll be able to talk with the artists themselves and learn all about their inspiration and process. For more information about the event, visit cahokiamounds.org/events or call (618) 346-5160.


Photo credit: Unsplash/Anton Scherbakov

Annual Nighttime Christmas Parade

Nov. 25, 2023, Beardstown

Main Street in Beardstown’s annual tradition lives on. Celebrating a decade, the Nighttime Christmas Parade takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, officially kicking off the holiday season. Businesses, service organizations, churches and other community members adorn each float with lights, making a beautiful display as they journey to the city square.

Activities begin in downtown Beardstown at 6 p.m., with refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call (217) 909-4228 or visit the Facebook event page.

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