Excited about the holidays in Galesburg? Our guide will lead you to all the festive activities! Whether you're intimately familiar with Galesburg or just discovering it, this guide enhances your seasonal experience.
One of the highlights of the season includes the Austin's New Year celebration, where you can enjoy lively music and a vibrant fireworks display that lights up the night sky. In addition, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar showcases a wide variety of unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans, perfect for finding that special something for loved ones. And the Austin Trail of Lights is something you definitely don’t want to miss, illuminating the city with dazzling light displays that bring the holiday spirit to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Galesburg
- Austin's New Year (Austin)
- Austin Trail of Lights (Austin)
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar (Austin)
- Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker" (Austin)
- Miracle on 5th Street (Austin)
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (Austin)
- Downtown Holiday Stroll (Austin)
- German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market (Austin)
- Kids Activities (Davenport)
- Hot Chocolate Hustle 5k (Davenport)
See these and even more events listed below!
Galesburg Holiday Light Displays
Austin Trail of Lights
What to Expect:
Iconic holiday light display with interactive experiences.
Description:
The Austin Trail of Lights is a 60-year-old holiday celebration in Zilker Park, featuring over two million lights, 65+ displays, and interactive experiences.
Where: Austin | More Info: Austin Trail of Lights
Holiday Light Walkthroughs
What to Expect:
Bigger and brighter holiday light show with synchronized music.
Description:
The Fejervary Holiday Lights display at the Fejervary Learning Center features a bigger and brighter light show than ever before. Shows last approximately 15 minutes, with a new show starting every 30 minutes from 5 PM to 9:30 PM. This is a park-and-watch event, not a drive-through. The event is accessible with directional signs and accessible parking. A radio broadcast on 107.5 FM syncs with the holiday lights music broadcast. Viewer discretion is advised due to potential seizure triggers for people with photosensitive epilepsy.
Where: Quad Cities | More Info: Holiday Light Walkthroughs
Galesburg Holiday Markets and Shopping
Local Shopping
What to Expect:
Unique boutiques and local artisans in historic downtown.
Description:
Downtown Davenport offers a vibrant shopping experience with unique boutiques, local artisans, and specialty stores. Explore the historic district to find one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.
Where: Davenport | More Info: Local Shopping
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
What to Expect:
Unique, high-quality, handmade items from local artists.
Description:
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a premier holiday shopping event in Austin, featuring over 200 regional vendors selling handmade jewelry, artwork, home goods, and unique gifts. The bazaar offers a stress-free shopping environment where customers can support local artists and artisans.
Where: Austin | More Info: Blue Genie Art Bazaar
German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Authentic German Christmas decorations and Glühwein.
Description:
The German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market transforms the German Free School and its gardens into a traditional German Christmas Market. Enjoy authentic German decorations, hand-made crafts from the Erzgebirge region, and hot spiced wine (Glühwein). The event is kid-friendly with activities and visits from St. Nick.
Where: Austin | More Info: German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market
Downtown Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Interactive art activations and live music.
Description:
The Downtown Holiday Stroll is a free family-friendly event on Congress Avenue between 8th and 11th streets, featuring artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more.
Where: Austin | More Info: Downtown Holiday Stroll
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
What to Expect:
Immersive fine art and music festival with diverse local and national artists.
Description:
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is Austin's premier holiday event, featuring over 200 local and national artists showcasing unique fine art and handmade crafts. Enjoy live music, a full bar, and festive atmosphere at the Palmer Events Center.
Where: Austin | More Info: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Galesburg Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Grinch Trivia
What to Expect:
Trivia night focused on The Grinch.
Description:
Engage in a fun and interactive trivia night centered around the beloved character The Grinch, testing your knowledge of the classic tale.
Where: Galesburg | More Info: The Grinch Trivia
A Christmas Story Trivia
What to Expect:
Trivia night celebrating the iconic holiday film A Christmas Story.
Description:
Join us for a night filled with fun, laughter, and nostalgia as we test your knowledge of the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Story. From Ralphie's desperate desire for a Red Ryder BB gun to the hilariously memorable antics of the Parker family, this trivia night will cover everything from iconic quotes to unforgettable scenes.
Where: Galesburg | More Info: A Christmas Story Trivia
Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker"
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker" is a timeless holiday classic featuring exquisite costumes, astonishing sets, and live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The production follows young Clara's dream-inspired adventures through a twinkling winter landscape to the Court of the Sugar Plum Fairy, showcasing the artistry of a cast of more than one hundred artists.
Where: Austin | More Info: Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker"
Austin's New Year
What to Expect:
Live music and fireworks display at iconic Auditorium Shores.
Description:
Austin's New Year is a free, family-friendly celebration at Auditorium Shores featuring live music from The Bros Fresh, The Suffers, and The Band of Heathens, food trucks, and a midnight fireworks show.
Where: Austin | More Info: Austin's New Year
Galesburg Other Holiday Activities
Kids Activities
What to Expect:
Interactive learning spaces with nature-themed kiosks and wall panels.
Description:
The Davenport Public Library offers a variety of creative and educational programs for kids, including storytimes, arts and crafts, and educational activities. These events are designed to engage children in different activities that support early literacy and learning.
Where: Davenport | More Info: Kids Activities
Hot Chocolate Hustle 5k
What to Expect:
Scenic crushed limestone paths with post-run refreshments.
Description:
The Hot Cider Hustle is a scenic running event featuring 8-mile and 5K courses through the beautiful crushed limestone paths of Danada Forest Preserve. Participants can enjoy hot cider and caramel apples at the finish line.
Where: Davenport | More Info: Hot Chocolate Hustle 5k
Miracle on 5th Street
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas pop-up experience with festive cocktails and unique decor.
Description:
Miracle on 5th Street is a multi-room, multi-level Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar featuring wall-to-wall Christmas decor, multiple bars, and cheery social experiences. Sip on holiday cocktails crafted by jolly staff, take photos in Santa's Throne, and connect with friends and family in the most decked-out holiday bar in the city.
Where: Austin | More Info: Miracle on 5th Street
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- East Moline (38 miles)
- Moline (39 miles)
- Burlington (40 miles)
- Rock Island (40 miles)
- Bettendorf (41 miles)
- Davenport (41 miles)
- North Peoria (44 miles)
- Peoria (45 miles)