Winter adventures in Illinois

The temperature may be dropping, but the cold doesn’t stop Illinois adventures. Bundle up to enjoy all of the wonderful experiences that Illinois has to offer this month.

Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition
Visit Rockford for a chance to see snow sculpting teams from across the state in action competing to represent Illinois in the U.S. National Snow Competition in 2025. The competition will be held Jan. 24-27 and the sculptures will be on display in the park for as long as weather conditions allow.

Sledding Hill at Soldier Field
One of the best places for sledding in Chicago is at Soldier Field’s 220-foot sledding hill. Sledding on the hill is permitted during daylight hours based on weather conditions.

Morton Arboretum Pine Pacer
The Pine Pacer hosted by the Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a virtual running event that challenges participants to complete a goal of running or walking 25, 50 or 100 miles by the end of January. Individuals can reach their goal by running or walking through the beautiful winter scenery at the Arboretum, around their neighborhood, or anywhere else they enjoy running or walking. Registration for the event is now open.

Stay warm!

Eagle watching in Illinois

Catch a glimpse of the majestic American bald eagles that represent our country’s spirit, freedom and strength in Illinois this winter season!

More than 3,100 wintering bald eagles call Illinois home during the coldest months of the year, which is more than any other state outside of Alaska. Bald eagle watching in Illinois is a tradition for many people across the state. This year, Illinois Eagle Day is celebrated Saturday Jan. 27, but eagle watching events occur all winter long.

Here are two eagle watching events to check out in January:

Rock Island Clock Tower Eagle Watch
Eagle watching from the Clock Tower building on the Rock Island Arsenal is the perfect opportunity to view bald eagles in their natural habitat along the Mississippi River. Eagle watching will be available Saturday, Jan. 13 and Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Starved Rock Eagle Watch Weekend
Visit Starved Rock State Park Saturday, Jan. 27 and Sunday, Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn more about bald eagles, experience the breath-taking sights of the park and witness bald eagles in the wild. Activities will be taking place at various locations across the Starved Rock area.

For more winter eagle watching events, visit the state website.

Happy watching!

What is the "Christmas Pickle" tradition in Illinois?

If you have never heard of the Christmas tradition called the “Christmas Pickle,” you are missing out.

The “Christmas Pickle” tradition is when a decoration or ornament in the shape of a pickle is hidden in a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. The person who finds the pickle first receives a special present, gets to open the first gift or gets to hand out the presents for their family to open.

You may be wondering, “why a pickle, and where did this tradition come from?” Many Americans believe this is a tradition from Germany, and the pickle is often referred to as a Weihnachtsgurke, but evidence shows that the tradition did not originate in Germany.

Many families in Illinois celebrate this tradition, and hang a pickle ornament on their tree every year.

One suggested origin is that the tradition came from Camp Sumter during the Civil War in America. Bavarian-born Private John C. Lower had enlisted in the 103^rd Pennsylvania Infantry, but was captured in April 1864 and taken to a prison camp. On Christmas Eve, he begged a guard for a pickle while starving, and the guard provided him with the pickle. Lower credited that pickle and guard for saving his life, and when he returned to his family in Bavaria, he began the tradition of hiding a pickle in the tree each year.

Another suggested origin of the tradition comes from Berrien Springs. It is a Victorian era tale of St. Nicholas saving two Spanish children who were trapped in a barrel of pickles by an innkeeper, but this story also derives from a gruesome medieval legend.

So, what do you think? Is the “Christmas Pickle” tradition something you see yourself doing with your family this year?

For more information on the pickle tradition, visit here: https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/holiday-br/the-christmas-pickle-tradition-does-your-family-do-it/

Fun and new ways to celebrate the new year!

Communities in Illinois are preparing for new and exciting celebrations to help you ring in the new year! From a holiday parade with dazzling light shows to a night in downtown Springfield celebrating with fireworks, entertainment and music, there are many different opportunities to enjoy the new year in your local community. Do not miss out being a part of these New Year’s Eve events near you:

Chicago

The City of Chicago is known for some unique and grand New Year’s Eve celebrations including the city’s premier party at Time Out Market featuring 18 different eateries.

If you want to see fireworks with a spectacular view, then head over to Cindy’s Rooftop New Year’s Eve Bash where music, complimentary drinks and firework displays from Navy Pier create a vibrant atmosphere.

Or dress up and have a sophisticated evening at The Lobby’s New Year’s Gala at the Peninsula where you can enjoy a five-course prix-fixe dinner featuring caviar, lobster and a dessert buffet while listening to music by a solo pianist and a seven-piece band.

Peoria

Tour Folepi’s Winter Wonderland with Peoria’s “Get Lit” New Year’s Eve Celebration, which features the city’s Parade of Lights’ floats, lighted trolley rides and other mesmerizing light displays.

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