Find winter holiday events in Illinois and Iowa from Dec. 1 to 7 that reach out to marginalized identities like LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, represent alternative or ancient faith traditions, or are off the beaten path in some way.
Week of Dec 1st
Dec 3 (1 event)
6:00 pm • 22nd Annual Santa In The Park • Colp–
Dec 3Meet Santa -- and grab some free gloves and hats if you need them! It's Day Two of the African American Museum of Southern Illinois's annual Santa In The Park.
Dec 4 (1 event)
6:00 pm • 22nd Annual Santa In The Park • Carbondale–
Dec 4Meet Santa -- and grab some free gloves and hats if you need them! It's Day Three of the African American Museum of Southern Illinois's annual Santa In The Park.
Attucks ParkDec 5 (1 event)
10:00 am • Carbondale Community Winter Resource Fair • Carbondale–
Dec 5Check out more than two dozen community groups and their resources at this holiday-themed community fair, featuringfree snacks and beverages from Cristaudo’s Café and Bakery.Dec 7 (8 events)
10:00 am • Alternative Gift Market • Johnston–
Dec 7This charitable event is happening for the 11th year and features crafts, food and creations from more than a dozen service groups.
12:00 pm • Krampus Yule Market • Rockford–
Dec 7This all-ages shopping fair features several metaphysical vendors -- and Krampus!2:00 pm • Thankful: Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus • Des Moines–
Dec 7Join the nonprofit Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, founded in 2001, for the matinee edition of its annual holiday concert. Tickets are $35; get yours here.
4:00 pm • Bolingbrook Pride Friendsgiving • Bolingbrook–
Dec 7This annual tradition is for all ages. Bolingbrook Pride provides the main course (including a vegan option), and you bring the sides. Pre-register here. Address will be provided shortly before the event.BolingbrookBolingbrook, IL4:00 pm • Timeless Traditions: An American Girl Christmas Celebration • Cedar Rapids–
Dec 7Elementary-age kids will find this American Girl Christmas party extra suitable. Join the museum to learn about history, celebrate the season, and enjoy the fun of dolls overall. You're encouraged to bring your doll if possible. Tickts are $5; get yours here.6:00 pm • Krampus Nights • Rock Island–
Dec 7Learn about the legend of Krampus through a professional presentation from the German American Heritage Center & Museum. Make your own Krampus mask - and get your photo taken with Krampus himself. Get your tickets here: $9-11 for adults, and $5-7 for youth.6:00 pm • The Chosen Table: A Holiday Gathering for the LGBTQ+ Community • Des Moines–
Dec 7This sober, family-friendly gathering is a united effort of 11 different entities. Meat and vegan main dishes will be provided; you just need to bring a side. Read all about them at the event page; to attend, RSVP here.7:00 pm • Thankful: Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus • Des Moines–
Dec 7Join the nonprofit Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, founded in 2001, for the evening edition of its annual holiday concert. Tickets are $35; get yours here.