Don't miss the top holiday highlights in Carbondale! Our guide has all the must-see festive events. For those who wake up to Carbondale views and those just dreaming of them, this guide brings holiday wishes to reality.
One cherished local tradition is the Santa Parade, where joyful floats and festive cheer fill the streets, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages. With delightful activities set to light up the town, Santa on the Square offers a chance for families to enjoy pictures with Santa and holiday treats. And the FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing a charming way to see the sparkling holiday lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Carbondale
- Santa Parade (Belleville)
- Santa on the Square (Belleville)
- FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides (Belleville)
- Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash (Belleville)
- Downtown Cookie Stroll (Belleville)
- Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk (Belleville)
- Quincy Holiday Gift Show (Quincy)
- St. Charles Christmas on Fox (St. Charles)
- Lockport Christmas Crossroads Craft Show (Lockport)
See these and even more events listed below!
Carbondale Holiday Markets and Shopping
FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn trolley tour through historic downtown area.
Description:
Take a leisurely ride through Belleville's historic and beautifully decorated Public Square, exploring unique downtown shopping and dining districts, as well as the Christkindlmarkt.
Where: Belleville | More Info: FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
Quincy Holiday Gift Show
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and community support.
Description:
The Quincy Service League's Holiday Gift Show features over 100 vendors selling unique handcrafted items, artisanal treats, and dazzling jewelry. Proceeds support local community initiatives and charitable projects.
Where: Quincy | More Info: Quincy Holiday Gift Show
St. Charles Christmas on Fox
What to Expect:
Handmade holiday items and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The St. Charles Christmas on Fox Art and Craft Show features over 100 vendors showcasing handmade holiday decorations, jewelry, unique photography, and more. The event is held at the Prairie Events Center in Kane County Fairgrounds, offering a variety of arts and crafts, including whimsical folk art, homemade soup and dip mixes, handmade soap, wood signs, and knitting. Lighted trees and Christmas music create a festive ambiance, while Holiday greens are available for purchase from Heinz Brothers Greenhouse.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: St. Charles Christmas on Fox
Lockport Christmas Crossroads Craft Show
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with over 220 local crafters and artisans.
Description:
The Lockport Christmas Crossroads Craft Show is an annual event featuring handmade items from over 220 local crafters, artisans, and makers. The show includes a variety of categories such as bath and body products, candles, children's items, and more. Each year, over 100 volunteers come together to organize this holiday event, with all proceeds benefiting local causes within the community.
Where: Lockport | More Info: Lockport Christmas Crossroads Craft Show
Carbondale Other Holiday Activities
Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois with festive floats and live performances.
Description:
Join the family-friendly Santa Parade in downtown Belleville, featuring floats, marching bands, and dance groups, as well as the official Lighting of the Fountain and Holiday Sing-a-Long.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Santa Parade
Santa on the Square
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois with floats, marching bands, and dance groups.
Description:
Welcome Santa to his house in Public Square, where he will be available for visits from November 29 to December 24. This event includes floats, marching bands, and dance groups, making it the largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Santa on the Square
Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with a kids' dash.
Description:
The 2024 Belleville Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash is a festive event in downtown Belleville, featuring a 5K run/walk and a kids' dash where participants can outrun Sam the Gingerbread Man. All participants receive a long sleeve tee shirt, finish line photos, and sweet treats along the course.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
Downtown Cookie Stroll
What to Expect:
Collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies while exploring Downtown Belleville.
Description:
Stroll through Downtown Belleville to visit quaint shops and local restaurants while collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies. Enjoy the German Christkindlmarkt, gingerbread displays, a horse-drawn trolley, and the Santa house.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Downtown Cookie Stroll
Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
What to Expect:
Candle-lit walk through historic neighborhood.
Description:
Take a candle-lit walk through the historic Abend and Garfield Streets neighborhood, enjoying the beautifully decorated homes and historic architecture.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Cape Girardeau (33 miles)