Did you know that Illinois has rich holiday traditions that have been celebrated for years? The holiday season, for many people, is a time to enjoy gatherings and festivities with family and friends. Here are a few holiday traditions throughout Illinois to celebrate the season.

• Holidays at the Dawes House in Evanston – The Dawes House, located in Evanston, overlooking Lake Michigan, is an extravagant Chateauesque mansion. It was the home of Charles Gates Dawes, the former United States vice president under Calvin Coolidge and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. There are tours at the house as well as walking tours of Evanston neighborhoods, downtown and lakefront.
• Home for the Holidays in Oak Park – Celebrate the holidays the old-fashioned way by visiting downtown Oak Park. Home for the Holidays, an annual free event, offers horse-drawn sleigh rides, visits from Santa, hot chocolate, carolers singing holiday favorites, and a holiday classic movie showing at the Lake Theatre. The entire event and all the activities are free.
• Santas around the World: Exploring Winter Holiday Traditions in Naperville – At the Naper Settlement in Naperville, celebrate the holidays by learning about the origins of several holiday traditions, and the lore surrounding the celebrations of the holiday season.
• Holiday Lights at Bunker Hill Historic Area in Bunker Hill – Enjoy a large display of thousands of lights at the Bunker Hill Historic Area.
• Winter Nights at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Featuring “The Nutcracker” in Springfield – Enjoy ballet performances, craft tables for children, ice skating in Union Park, a display of lights and special effects, and free admission and free parking during special hours.
• Vintage Holidays in Long Grove – Celebrate the magic of the season in Long Grove. Experience a holiday walk with shopping, lights, photo stations, carriage rides, visits with Santa and caroling around town.
• Old Capitol Holiday Walks in Springfield – Enjoy the festivities of the holiday season in Downtown Springfield. Take in dazzling lights, local shops, and holiday magic.

Do any of these holiday traditions sound fun? Celebrate the season by considering attending one of these events!