As the holidays are nearing us, many museums in the state are offering free admission dates throughout the month of December! If you are looking free, family fun activities check out the locations and dates below:

Illinois’ favorite holiday market is back in Chicago and the suburbs. The Christkindlmarket, an annual holiday tradition that brings European customs to Illinois, is a favorite among Chicagoans and visitors.

The famous open-air market is inspired by holiday markets in Germany that date back to the 16^th century in Nuremberg. The Christkindlmarket has been an annual tradition in Chicago since 1996 and this year, the market will be in Aurora for its third year.

The Illinois Product Holiday Market is returning to downtown Springfield, offering a wide variety of vendors and gifts for everyone!

The market will take place Dec. 6-8 at Jackson Street, between Fourth and Fifth Street, located north of the Governor’s Mansion. Finding the perfect gift at the market is like discovering a little piece of holiday magic.

Along with many shopping vendors, the market also offers a wide variety of food that is ready to eat. Some of the tasty Illinois food vendors that you can experience include 17th Street BBQ, Custom Cup Coffee, Peter’s Produce, Zillions Chili, Space Cadets Candy, and many more.

In addition to Illinois products, there will be daily giveaways. Visitors can stop by the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent to take the Illinois Product Pledge, committing to spend $10 of their weekly grocery budget on local items. Those who take the pledge will receive an Illinois Product sticker.

Did you know? Illinois native LaRoyce Hawkins is best known for his lead role in NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” where he plays Officer Kevin Atwater.

Hawkins is an American actor born and raised in Harvey, Illinois, where he attended Thornton High School and first endeavored into acting and stand-up comedy. During high school, he was a member of the speech team, where he became a two-time state champion. In 2005, he captured the state title in the Illinois High School Association’s Original Comedy event.

Oct. 26 celebrates National Pumpkin Day! Throughout the month of October, pumpkins are all around us on porches, at stores, and in patches. A pumpkin serves as a tribute to fall and Halloween. There are numerous ways you can celebrate National Pumpkin Day including baking, carving pumpkins and enjoying pumpkin flavored treats. One of the best ways to celebrate National Pumpkin Day and to get a taste of Illinois’ greatness is to visit an exceptional pumpkin patch.

Illinois has many fun fall pumpkin patches for the whole family. Here are a list of some of the best pumpkin patches across the state: