Jacksonville, Illinois, December 16, 2025
As Christmas approaches, Jacksonville, Illinois, is filled with festive activities and events that reflect the community spirit. Local organizers have arranged various events to celebrate the season, ranging from light displays to live performances, encouraging community participation and joy. This guide covers all the exciting happenings in Jacksonville leading up to Christmas, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this special time of year.
Jacksonville, Illinois, Celebrates the Holiday Season with Festive Events
Join in the Seasonal Cheer and Community Spirit
As Christmas approaches, Jacksonville, Illinois, is abundant with spirit and activities that celebrate this festive time of year. Local organizers and community groups have stepped up to provide an array of joyous events designed to lift hearts and bring people together. These gatherings foster a sense of belonging and connection, showcasing the resilience and initiative of the residents. With limited bureaucracy, these events can flourish, making the most of existing community resources and enthusiastic participation.
From enchanting light displays to heartwarming performances, there’s something for everyone in Jacksonville this holiday season. Here’s your guide to the exciting events lined up in the weeks leading to Christmas.
Jacksonville Festival of Lights
Dates: December 18–28, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N Westgate Ave, Jacksonville, IL 62650
Admission: $10 per car (up to 8 passengers), $20 per vehicle (9–15 passengers), $50 for buses
Experience a dazzling drive-thru light display at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. This spectacular event is open Thursday through Sunday from November 27 to December 14, and Sunday through Thursday from December 18 to 28. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (217) 245-6800.
Live Nativity on the Square
Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park
Experience the Christmas story brought to life through live actors, animals, and narration, presented by 1C Church of Jacksonville. For more details, call 217-243-6445.
Holiday Ice Jamz
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., Jacksonville, IL
Join Santa and his elves for an evening of festive fun on the ice, complete with a selfie station, craft table, and a hot chocolate bar. For more information, call 217-546-4103 ext. 1012.
Santa House
Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) and Sunday, December 14, 2025 (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Location: Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., Jacksonville, IL
Visit Santa’s House, a beloved tradition for over 40 years during the holiday season. For additional details, call 217-546-4103 ext. 1012.
Christmas Songs and Bells
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 215 Park St., Jacksonville, IL
Enjoy a performance by the Jacksonville Symphony Chorale and Orchestra, featuring The Bells of Peace handbell ensemble. Admission is $20, while college students and children enter free. For further details, call 217-602-9555.
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Times: 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM
Location: Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St., Jacksonville, IL
Share a delicious breakfast, enjoy hot chocolate, and spend time with Santa. Children can create festive crafts to take home. Pre-registration is required, with tickets priced between $20 and $25. For more details, call 217-679-2123.
World’s Tallest Advent Calendar
Dates: December 1–24, 2025
Location: Farmers State Bank and Trust Company, Jacksonville, IL
Witness the transformation of a 110-foot-tall building into a holiday countdown, revealing a new symbol each day. Visitors can receive a sweet treat during business hours. The display remains up through January 5, 2026. For more information, visit the bank’s website or contact them directly.
Jacksonville Christmas Parade
Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Jacksonville
Join the excitement as Santa Claus arrives in Jacksonville during WJVO’s Annual Christmas Parade filled with lights. The parade kicks off at 6:00 PM from the lot across from the Municipal building and ends at Santa’s House. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while celebrating this festive evening. For more details, contact WJVO/WJIL at 217-245-5119 or [email protected].
For the most current information on these events, please refer to the official websites or contact the event organizers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Jacksonville Festival of Lights?
The Jacksonville Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display at the Morgan County Fairgrounds, open Thursday through Sunday from November 27 to December 14, and Sunday through Thursday from December 18 to 28. Admission is $10 per car (up to 8 passengers), $20 per vehicle (9–15 passengers), and $50 for buses. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (217) 245-6800.
When is the Live Nativity on the Square?
The Live Nativity on the Square is scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM in Downtown Jacksonville’s Central Park. Experience the Christmas story through live actors, animals, and narration. Presented by 1C Church of Jacksonville. For more details, call 217-243-6445.
What is the Holiday Ice Jamz event?
Holiday Ice Jamz is a festive event on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., Jacksonville, IL. Join Santa and his elves for fun on the ice, including a selfie station, craft table, and a hot chocolate bar. For more information, call 217-546-4103 ext. 1012.
When is Santa House open?
Santa House is open on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., Jacksonville, IL. Experience the magic of the season at Santa’s House, a tradition for over 40 years. For more details, call 217-546-4103 ext. 1012.
What is the ‘Christmas Songs and Bells’ event?
‘Christmas Songs and Bells’ is a performance by the Jacksonville Symphony Chorale and Orchestra, joined by The Bells of Peace handbell ensemble, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 215 Park St., Jacksonville, IL. The event includes a visit from Santa. Tickets are $20; college students and children enter free. For more information, call 217-602-9555.
When is Breakfast with Santa?
Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 13, 2025, with two sittings at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM at Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St., Jacksonville, IL. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, sip on hot chocolate, and spend time with Santa. Children can create festive crafts to take home. Pre-registration is required. Tickets range from $20 to $25. For more details, call 217-679-2123.
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Festival of Lights | December 18–28, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Morgan County Fairgrounds | $10 per car (up to 8 passengers) |
| Live Nativity on the Square | December 12, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Central Park | Live actors recreate the Christmas story |
| Holiday Ice Jamz | December 13, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Lincoln Park Funshop | Festive activities on ice with Santa |
| Santa House | December 13-14, 2025 | Varied | Lincoln Park Funshop | Tradition for over 40 years |
| Christmas Songs and Bells | December 13, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel | Performance by Jacksonville Symphony |
| Breakfast with Santa | December 13, 2025 | Two sittings at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM | Kidzeum of Health and Science | Delicious breakfast and crafts for kids |
| World’s Tallest Advent Calendar | December 1–24, 2025 | During business hours | Farmers State Bank | Daily symbols revealed |
| Jacksonville Christmas Parade | November 28, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Downtown Jacksonville | Annual parade welcoming Santa |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
