It’s that jolly time of year again! If listening to carolers, sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying the colored lights sounds like your idea of the perfect Christmas celebration, sally forth to Woodstock, Illinois. You will find just the old-fashioned Christmas you seek, and maybe even some chestnuts roasting on an open fire, too.
Woodstock is located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The Lighting of the Square kicks off the holiday season and brings the magic of Christmas to town.
Real Woodstock/Facebook Enjoy free hot cocoa and doughnuts. There are children’s activities and food trucks. Santa makes a grand entrance on an old-fashioned fire truck. You can sit with Santa in the Christmas Hut here throughout December.
Next up, watch the annual Christmas parade. Wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus as the parade makes its way through the charming brick streets of Woodstock.
Real Woodstock/Facebook After the parade, join Santa for cookies and churros.
Take a complimentary horse-drawn carriage ride around Woodstock Square.
Real Woodstock/Facebook For the health and welfare of the horses, they only give rides for a limited time. Dress warmly!
As part of the Holiday Walk, take your picture in front of the life-size Christmas characters placed throughout Woodstock Square – including the teddy bear.
Real Woodstock/Facebook Other photo-op props include a stack of presents, a train, a gingerbread man, and a wreath.
Stop by the Casting Whimsy Tea Shop for a holiday tea with finger foods during the month of December.
Casting Whimsy/Facebook
Homeowners, business owners, and entire blocks sign up to compete in the annual Holiday Lights Contest. At a pre-determined date and time, all contestants turn their lights on – like a switch was flipped in town.
Real Woodstock/Facebook Get your hands on a map to see all the homes and businesses entered in the contest. Prizes are awarded in six categories.
Make time for the Gingerbread House Walk, too. Vote for your favorite edible creation as you peruse this year’s masterpieces.
Real Woodstock/Facebook
Catch a holiday performance of The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol at the Woodstock Opera House.
Real Woodstock/Facebook
If you join the Legend of the Pickle Scavenger Hunt, you will try to locate 20 different ornamental pickles hidden throughout local stores. Get a free jar of pickles when you sign up for the event.
Real Woodstock/Facebook The Legend of the Pickle states that the first person to find the pickle ornament on the tree on Christmas morning will get an extra present or be blessed with a year of good fortune. Claussen pickles are made and packaged right here in Woodstock, Illinois.
Find the perfect Christmas tree this year and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Oney’s Tree Farm.
Real Woodstock/Facebook For more fun, follow the Holiday Tree Walk to see at least 25 trees decorated for Christmas by local organizations.
If you are looking for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration, you have come to the right place. Woodstock has a historic, small-town feel, with a full agenda of Christmas events throughout the season. For event information, visit the Real Woodstock website and Facebook page. For afternoon tea, visit the Casting Whimsy Facebook page. For Christmas trees, visit Oney’s Tree Farm website. If Woodstock has captured your heart, be sure to come back for the Groundhog Day festivities in February.
Real Woodstock/Facebook
Enjoy free hot cocoa and doughnuts. There are children’s activities and food trucks. Santa makes a grand entrance on an old-fashioned fire truck. You can sit with Santa in the Christmas Hut here throughout December.
After the parade, join Santa for cookies and churros.
For the health and welfare of the horses, they only give rides for a limited time. Dress warmly!
Other photo-op props include a stack of presents, a train, a gingerbread man, and a wreath.
Casting Whimsy/Facebook
Get your hands on a map to see all the homes and businesses entered in the contest. Prizes are awarded in six categories.
Real Woodstock/Facebook
The Legend of the Pickle states that the first person to find the pickle ornament on the tree on Christmas morning will get an extra present or be blessed with a year of good fortune. Claussen pickles are made and packaged right here in Woodstock, Illinois.
For more fun, follow the Holiday Tree Walk to see at least 25 trees decorated for Christmas by local organizations.
Where do you celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas in Illinois? Share your thoughts with us!
Read our other Christmas articles: celebrating in Galena, the best drive-thru displays of Christmas lights, and an entire list of towns that go all out at the holidays.
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Address: Woodstock, IL 60098, USA
