Find winter holiday events in Illinois and Iowa from Dec. 15 to 21 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 15th
Dec 15 (3 events)
10:00 am • IAF Winter Solstice Brunch • West Des Moines
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Dec 15
Join the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, a nonprofit devoted to providing community for atheists, humanists and agnostics, for a day of feasting, games and education.
2:00 pm • Quad Cities Deaf Clubs Holiday Party • Bettendorf–
Dec 15
The Quad Cities Deaf Club Community hosts this potluck, raffle and ugly sweater contest. Bring a potluck to share; see directions at the event link!3:00 pm • Holigay Party • CarbondaleDec 19 (1 event)
7:00 pm • Winter Solstice Yoga and Meditation • Indianola–
Dec 19
This 75-minute yoga session features SomaYoga and is focused on "letting go of what is no longer serving us."Â You can also participate virtually!
Dec 20 (2 events)
5:00 pm • Winter Solstice Luminary Walk • Maquoketa–
Dec 20
Register by Dec. 18 for this walk along lighted trails followed by cocoa at the campfire. Celebrate the shortest day (and longest night!) of the year! Some people dread winter so let’s make it fun! Enjoy a campfire, hot cocoa, and walk the lighted trails as we celebrate the winter solstice and the coming of winter. Call (563) 652-3787 FMI.6:00 pm • Solstice Celebration • Romeoville–
Dec 20
Pre-register by Dec. 18 for this free outdoor celebration at the island museum of Isle a la Cache. The night will include cider, a quarter-mile hike, telling stories, and learning the science of the solstice. FMI: call 815-722-9301Dec 21 (1 event)
6:00 pm • Winter Solstice Night Hike • Mokena–
Dec 21
This all-ages, family-friendly, two-mile immersion in nature, on the longest night of the year, starts at Shagbark Grove Shelter and ends with roasted marshmallows. Pre-register here, or by calling 815-727-8700. You can also request accommodations or an auxiliary aid, by Dec. 17. Hosted by Hickory Creek in collaboration with the Forest Preserve District of Will County.
