The Peoria area has 12 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2026 in Peoria on November 13 to Folepi's Winter Wonderland in East Peoria, which runs through January 3. 7 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Illinois, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Peoria for 2026, in Peoria and East Peoria
- First: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2026, Peoria, November 13. Runs latest: Folepi's Winter Wonderland, East Peoria, through January 3
- Free: Poinsettia Show, Parade of Lights, Reindeer Ornament Craft, FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with Santa, Gingerbread House Decorating, Winter Solstice Crafts: Cinnamon Ornaments and Herb Sachets and Polar Express Watch Party
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Illinois Christmas train rides page.
Peoria Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Peoria and East Peoria
- Season
- November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 7
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, holiday event, holiday parade and holiday lights
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Peoria Christmas event for kids happens
The first is U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2026 in Peoria on November 13; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2026Peoria · Nov 13
- Poinsettia ShowPeoria · Nov 20 to Dec 30
- Parade of LightsEast Peoria · Nov 21
- Folepi's Winter WonderlandEast Peoria · Nov 27 to Jan 3
- Christmas in the VillagePeoria · Dec 1 to Dec 5
- Breakfast and Photos with SantaEast Peoria · Dec 12
- Winter Wonderland Pajama PartyPeoria · Dec 13
- Reindeer Ornament CraftPeoria · Dec 16
- FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with SantaEast Peoria · Dec 17
- Gingerbread House DecoratingPeoria · Dec 19
- Winter Solstice Crafts: Cinnamon Ornaments and Herb SachetsPeoria · Dec 21
- Polar Express Watch PartyPeoria · Dec 22
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Peoria? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Peoria
8 confirmed events for kids in Peoria, soonest first.
Peoria: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2026
Holiday eventPeoria Riverfront Museum · Peoria
- Host
- Peoria Riverfront Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602
- When
- Friday, November 13, 2026, 4:30 pm
- Cost
- See museum page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Each year a different national forest supplies the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, nicknamed The People's Tree, and the tree travels to Washington, D.C. on a tour of stops. On Friday, November 13, at 4:30 pm, it visits the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Visitors can see the tree itself and visit booths from the United States Forest Service, official Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Kenworth Truck Company, Boise Cascade, and the Illinois DNR Forestry Division. It is a short, early-season holiday stop that works well for families with children who like trucks and big trees. The museum page does not state a price, so check it before you go. The museum is at 222 SW Washington Street in downtown Peoria. The tree stop is a one-evening event, so it is worth planning around the 4:30 pm start and checking the museum site for parking and timing.
Parent tip: Dress for an evening outdoors in November. Check the museum page for any ticket details.
See dates and details from Peoria Riverfront Museum (opens in a new tab)Peoria: Poinsettia Show
Holiday eventFreePeoria Park District · Peoria
- Host
- Peoria Park District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Luthy Botanical Garden Conservatory, 2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (Daily 10 am to 5 pm, closed Nov 26 and 27 and Dec 24 and 25), 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free, donations appreciated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The annual Poinsettia Show at Luthy Botanical Garden in Peoria's Glen Oak Park runs from November 20 through December 30, 2026. The conservatory's tropical collection blends with drifts of poinsettias to create what the garden calls a wonderland.
The show is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and is closed on November 26 and 27 and on December 24 and 25. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated to support the garden. Because it is indoors and warm, it is an easy winter outing for toddlers and preschoolers, and it pairs well with a visit to the PlayHouse children's museum in the same park. The Peoria Park District also holds a Winter Wonderland Pajama Party at the PlayHouse on December 13.
Parent tip: Free and indoors. Closed Thanksgiving week days listed above and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
See dates and details from Peoria Park District (opens in a new tab)Peoria: Christmas in the Village
Tree lightingPeoria Riverfront Museum · Peoria
- Host
- Peoria Riverfront Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602
- When
- Tue December 1 (6:30 pm), Fri December 4 (4 to 8 pm) and Sat December 5 (noon to 8 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Family $60 ($50 members), individual $25 ($20 members), covers both days
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas in the Village marks its fifth year at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, gathered around Peoria's largest live Christmas tree. Over two days, families can visit Santa, take carriage rides, see live animals, sip cocoa, browse holiday vendors and explore the museum's exhibitions, with a show in the Dome Planetarium or Giant Screen Theater also part of the experience. This year the village expands to the Caterpillar Visitors Center next door.
The tree lighting ceremony takes place Tuesday, Dec 1, at 6:30 pm sharp. Village tickets cover both Friday evening and Saturday, and a family ticket admits two adults and up to four children from the same immediate family, which makes it a good value for larger families.
Parent tip: One family ticket covers both days, so you can come back Saturday for anything you missed Friday.
See dates and details from Peoria Riverfront Museum (opens in a new tab)Peoria: Winter Wonderland Pajama Party
Holiday story timePeoria Park District · Peoria
- Host
- Peoria Park District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum, 2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603
- When
- Sunday, December 13, 2026, 9 am to noon
- Cost
- $25 per child, $20 for PlayHouse members, adults $5
- Ages
- Ages 12 and under with a grown-up
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum hosts a Winter Wonderland Pajama Party on Sunday, December 13, from 9 am to noon. Children wear their favorite pajamas and settle in for a morning of holiday fun with their grown-ups.
The program includes a special screening of The Polar Express, a train-themed craft in Santa's Workshop, hot chocolate and sweet treats, and festive photo stations. There is also holiday story time, a chance to write letters to the North Pole, and time to explore the museum exhibits. Outside, families can take a weather-dependent ride on the Glen Oak Express through Glen Oak Park. All indoor activities run as scheduled whatever the weather. Registration is requested to hold your spot.
Parent tip: Register ahead. The Glen Oak Express ride depends on weather, but everything indoors goes on as planned.
See dates and details from Peoria Park District (opens in a new tab)Peoria: Reindeer Ornament Craft
Holiday craftsFreePeoria Public Library · Peoria
- Host
- Peoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Peoria Public Library, North Branch, 3001 W Reservoir Blvd, Peoria, IL 61615
- When
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- All ages welcome
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The North Branch of the Peoria Public Library invites children to make a reindeer ornament for the holiday season on Wednesday, December 16, from 4 to 5:30 pm. The program takes place in the North Beehive Storytime Room.
Registration is required so the library can make sure it has adequate supplies, and all ages are welcome. The program is listed as an arts and crafts holiday event. It is free, like other library programs, and it makes a good after-school activity because it starts at 4 pm. Younger children should come with a grown-up to help with the craft. The North Branch is on the north side of Peoria, and the program is held in the Beehive Storytime Room. Check the library calendar for open spots, since registration is required for this craft.
Parent tip: Register through the library calendar so there are enough supplies.
See dates and details from Peoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Peoria: Gingerbread House Decorating
Holiday craftsFreePeoria Public Library · Peoria
- Host
- Peoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Peoria Public Library, North Branch, 3001 W Reservoir Blvd, Peoria, IL 61615
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Peoria Public Library's North Branch invites families to join a holiday tradition on Saturday, December 19, from 2 to 5 pm. The library provides a small gingerbread house, which is actually made of graham crackers, plus a variety of goodies to decorate it.
Participants bring the creativity and the sweet tooth. The program is for all ages and takes place in the North Beehive Storytime Room. Registration is required, and the event is free. The three-hour window means you can arrive any time and take as long as you like, which is helpful for children who work at different speeds. Because supplies are provided, there is nothing to bring except a willingness to get sticky. Register through the library calendar, and consider eating a snack beforehand so little ones are not tempted to eat the decorations.
Parent tip: Register ahead because supplies are limited. Expect sticky fingers.
See dates and details from Peoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Peoria: Winter Solstice Crafts: Cinnamon Ornaments and Herb Sachets
Holiday craftsFreePeoria Public Library · Peoria
- Host
- Peoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Peoria Public Library, North Branch, 3001 W Reservoir Blvd, Peoria, IL 61615
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, noon to 1:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Monday, December 21, the North Branch of the Peoria Public Library marks the shortest day of the year with a winter solstice craft program from 12 to 1:30 pm. The library describes it as celebrating the beginning of the return of light.
There are two crafts, cinnamon dough ornaments and herb sachets. It is a drop-in program for all ages, and supplies are limited, so crafts are available while supplies last. The session takes place in the North McKenzie Room. It is free and falls during winter break, which makes it a convenient midday outing. Because the crafts are drop-in, there is no sign-up, but quantities are limited. The ornaments and sachets are made to take home, so they work as small handmade gifts or tree decorations.
Parent tip: Drop in early because supplies are limited.
See dates and details from Peoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Peoria: Polar Express Watch Party
Holiday showFreePeoria Public Library · Peoria
- Host
- Peoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Peoria Public Library, Main Library, 107 NE Monroe St, Peoria, IL 61602
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 2 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Peoria Public Library's Main Library hosts a Polar Express Watch Party on Tuesday, December 22, from 2 to 4 pm. The library invites families to come aboard for an afternoon of hot cocoa, crafts and holiday fun.
Doors open at 2 pm and the movie starts promptly at 2:10 pm in the auditorium. Crafts and hot chocolate are available during the movie. The program is designed for children and the adults who accompany them, and the library page lists it for every age group. It is free. Because it is the day before Christmas Eve, it is a good low-key activity for a break day. The Main Library is at 107 NE Monroe Street in downtown Peoria. This is a movie screening with crafts, not a train ride, so it works for children who like the story and want a warm indoor afternoon.
Parent tip: Arrive by 2:10 pm for the start of the movie.
See dates and details from Peoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in East Peoria
4 confirmed events for kids in East Peoria, soonest first.
East Peoria: Parade of Lights
Holiday paradeFreeEast Peoria Festival of Lights · East Peoria
- Host
- East Peoria Festival of Lights (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- East Washington Street and Taylor Street parade route, E Washington St, East Peoria, IL 61611 (near Peoria)
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026, 6:30 pm
- Cost
- Free to watch
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Parade of Lights kicks off the East Peoria Festival of Lights on Saturday, November 21, at 6:30 pm. This year's parade features 42 floats shaped by bright LED lights, including a 70-foot Clydesdale hitch pulling a delivery wagon, a 95-foot Chinese dragon, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Duck and Ducklings, and a 160-foot steam engine train float.
Spectators spread out along the two-mile route, mostly on East Washington Street and Taylor Street. Roads close fully by 6:00 pm and reopen by 8:30 pm. The start is later than usual because of a live broadcast on WMBD-TV, and you can also watch on TV or by livestream. Mix 106.9 plays commercial-free holiday music through speakers on the floats.
Parent tip: Arrive early for a curb spot and dress warmly. Roads are closed from 6:00 pm.
See dates and details from East Peoria Festival of Lights (opens in a new tab)East Peoria: Folepi's Winter Wonderland
Holiday lightsEast Peoria Festival of Lights · East Peoria
- Host
- East Peoria Festival of Lights (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Folepi's Winter Wonderland, VFW Post 2078 Park, 123 Par 3 Lane, East Peoria, IL 61611 (near Peoria)
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (Nightly, 5 to 9 pm Sun to Thu, 5 to 11 pm Fri and Sat, 5 to 9 pm Dec 26 to Jan 3), 5 pm
- Cost
- $10 per car, van or truck
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Folepi's Winter Wonderland is the main attraction of the East Peoria Festival of Lights. Visitors tour this light park by car and see the bulk of the floats from the Parade of Lights plus many other glowing scenes, such as a western town, Space Land, Prehistoric Land, a ski jumper, a Candy Cane Factory and lit arches with circus animals.
It opens Friday, November 27 and is open every night until Sunday, January 3, 2027. Sunday to Thursday it is open 5 to 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday it stays open 5 to 11 pm, except from December 26 on, when closing is 9 pm. The ride takes roughly half an hour, and 88.1 FM on your radio plays holiday tunes. Pay at the entrance booth: $10 for each standard vehicle. On Tuesdays you can drop off letters to Santa.
Parent tip: Lines on Friday and Saturday can get very long, so earlier-in-the-week evenings are easier with young kids. You pay at the booth, not online.
See dates and details from East Peoria Festival of Lights (opens in a new tab)East Peoria: Breakfast and Photos with Santa
Breakfast with SantaEast Peoria Festival of Lights · East Peoria
- Host
- East Peoria Festival of Lights (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Festival Building, 2200 E Washington St, East Peoria, IL 61611 (near Peoria)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free under 3, $5 ages 3 to 12, $10 ages 13 and up
- Ages
- Kids and families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Children can join Santa for a pancake breakfast and photos at the Festival Building in East Peoria on Saturday, December 12. The event is presented by East Peoria St. Jude Runs, and the proceeds benefit that cause.
Breakfast features pancakes and sausage, and every child receives a goodie bag. Photos with Santa happen during the event, so bring your own camera. Special guests include Folepi, the Festival of Lights toy soldier mascot, and the 2026 Festival of Lights royalty. There are two one-hour time slots, 9 to 10 am and 10 to 11 am. Cost is free for children up to age 2, $5 for ages 3 through 12, and $10 for ages 13 and older. Adults who are not eating breakfast are not charged.
Parent tip: Tickets are sold online by card only, and registration closes December 3. Bring your own camera.
See dates and details from East Peoria Festival of Lights (opens in a new tab)East Peoria: FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with Santa
Story time with SantaFreeFondulac District Library · East Peoria
- Host
- Fondulac District Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fondulac District Library, 400 Richland St, East Peoria, IL 61611 (near Peoria)
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Fondulac District Library in East Peoria hosts FOLEPI Night at the Library on Thursday, December 17, from 6 to 7 pm. Kids of all ages can hear a story read by Santa, have their photo taken with him, and then enjoy a craft and a snack.
Folepi, the Festival of Lights mascot, and the Festival of Lights queen will be there too. The event is all ages, drop-in, and free, so there is no registration to manage. It is an easy evening outing on a school night because it lasts just one hour, and the library is happy to answer questions at 309-699-3917. The library is at 400 Richland Street in East Peoria. It is one of several Festival of Lights events, including the Winter Wonderland drive-through and a Breakfast and Photos with Santa on December 12.
Parent tip: Drop in any time during the hour. Free admission, no registration.
See dates and details from Fondulac District Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Illinois Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Chicago, Springfield, IL and Naperville. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonPeoria Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Peoria in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Peoria for 2026 on each host’s own page: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2026 in Peoria (November 13), Poinsettia Show in Peoria (November 20), Parade of Lights in East Peoria (November 21), Folepi's Winter Wonderland in East Peoria (November 27), Christmas in the Village in Peoria (December 1), Breakfast and Photos with Santa in East Peoria (December 12), Winter Wonderland Pajama Party in Peoria (December 13), Reindeer Ornament Craft in Peoria (December 16), FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with Santa in East Peoria (December 17), Gingerbread House Decorating in Peoria (December 19), Winter Solstice Crafts: Cinnamon Ornaments and Herb Sachets in Peoria (December 21) and Polar Express Watch Party in Peoria (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Peoria, Illinois?
For families in and around Peoria, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2026 (Fri, Nov 13, 4:30 pm, see museum page); Poinsettia Show (Daily, Nov 20 to Dec 30, 10 am to 5 pm, free, donations appreciated); Christmas in the Village (Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 8 pm and Sat, Dec 5, noon to 8 pm; tree lighting Tue, Dec 1, 6:30 pm, family $60 ($50 members), individual $25 ($20 members), covers both days); Winter Wonderland Pajama Party (Sun, Dec 13, 9 am to noon, $25 per child, $20 for playhouse members, adults $5); Reindeer Ornament Craft (Wed, Dec 16, 4 to 5:30 pm, free, registration required); Gingerbread House Decorating (Sat, Dec 19, 2 to 5 pm, free, registration required); Winter Solstice Crafts: Cinnamon Ornaments and Herb Sachets (Mon, Dec 21, 12 to 1:30 pm, free, drop-in); Polar Express Watch Party (Tue, Dec 22, 2 to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Peoria section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in East Peoria, Illinois?
For families in and around East Peoria, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Parade of Lights (Sat, Nov 21, 6:30 pm, free to watch); Folepi's Winter Wonderland (Nightly, Nov 27 to Jan 3, from 5 pm, $10 per car, van or truck); Breakfast and Photos with Santa (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 10 am or 10 to 11 am, free under 3, $5 ages 3 to 12, $10 ages 13 and up); FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with Santa (Thu, Dec 17, 6 to 7 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the East Peoria section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Peoria?
Yes. 7 of the 12 events here are free: Poinsettia Show in Peoria, Parade of Lights in East Peoria, Reindeer Ornament Craft in Peoria, FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with Santa in East Peoria, Gingerbread House Decorating in Peoria, Winter Solstice Crafts: Cinnamon Ornaments and Herb Sachets in Peoria and Polar Express Watch Party in Peoria. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Peoria this December?
Santa appears at Christmas in the Village in Peoria (December 1), Breakfast and Photos with Santa in East Peoria (December 12) and FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with Santa in East Peoria (December 17). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Peoria?
Holiday story times on this page: Winter Wonderland Pajama Party in Peoria and FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with Santa in East Peoria. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Peoria?
Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast and Photos with Santa in East Peoria (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 10 am or 10 to 11 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Peoria on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Poinsettia Show in Peoria (through December 30) and Folepi's Winter Wonderland in East Peoria (through January 3).
How much is U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2026 in Peoria?
See museum page. U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2026 is on Friday, November 13, 2026, 4:30 pm at Peoria Riverfront Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Poinsettia Show in Peoria?
Free, donations appreciated. Poinsettia Show is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (Daily 10 am to 5 pm, closed Nov 26 and 27 and Dec 24 and 25), 10 am to 5 pm at Luthy Botanical Garden Conservatory. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Parade of Lights in East Peoria?
Free to watch. Parade of Lights is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 6:30 pm at East Washington Street and Taylor Street parade route. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Folepi's Winter Wonderland in East Peoria?
$10 per car, van or truck. Folepi's Winter Wonderland is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (Nightly, 5 to 9 pm Sun to Thu, 5 to 11 pm Fri and Sat, 5 to 9 pm Dec 26 to Jan 3), 5 pm at Folepi's Winter Wonderland, VFW Post 2078 Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas in the Village in Peoria?
Family $60 ($50 members), individual $25 ($20 members), covers both days. Christmas in the Village is on Tue December 1 (6:30 pm), Fri December 4 (4 to 8 pm) and Sat December 5 (noon to 8 pm), 2026 at Peoria Riverfront Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast and Photos with Santa in East Peoria?
Free under 3, $5 ages 3 to 12, $10 ages 13 and up. Breakfast and Photos with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Festival Building. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Wonderland Pajama Party in Peoria?
$25 per child, $20 for PlayHouse members, adults $5. Winter Wonderland Pajama Party is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 9 am to noon at Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Reindeer Ornament Craft in Peoria?
Free, registration required. Reindeer Ornament Craft is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 5:30 pm at Peoria Public Library, North Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with Santa in East Peoria?
Free. FOLEPI Night at the Library: Storytime with Santa is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Fondulac District Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread House Decorating in Peoria?
Free, registration required. Gingerbread House Decorating is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 5 pm at Peoria Public Library, North Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Solstice Crafts: Cinnamon Ornaments and Herb Sachets in Peoria?
Free, drop-in. Winter Solstice Crafts: Cinnamon Ornaments and Herb Sachets is on Monday, December 21, 2026, noon to 1:30 pm at Peoria Public Library, North Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Polar Express Watch Party in Peoria?
Free. Polar Express Watch Party is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 2 to 4 pm at Peoria Public Library, Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Peoria?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Peoria Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
