Bloomington-Normal Best Holiday Activities – Christmas 2024

Some great holiday activities can be discovered in Bloomington-Normal. The history and charm of Bloomington, Illinois often get overlooked by tourists, but it’s a fun destination to visit.

Bloomington shines during the winter season, offering visitors a chance to experience the charm of a vibrant university town decked out for the holidays. With a calendar full of festive activities and events, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, the city’s holiday spirit is sure to captivate. Here’s a look at some of the best Christmas events happening around town this year.

The Bloomington-Normal Events website isn’t consistently updated. This post shares updated links and sources for December 2024.

Best Holiday Activities in Bloomington-Normal

Bloomington, a lively college town with two major universities, hosts a wide variety of events. Here’s a look at some of the 2024 holiday activities happening in the city.

Best Place to Stay Bloomington-Normal

If you’re looking for a cozy B&B to stay in while enjoying the holiday events and festivities around Bloomington-Normal? The Vrooman Mansion is the perfect destination for wedding nights, honeymoons, babymoons, or any romantic getaway!

🏠 Vrooman Mansion > Check Availability

The B&B features en-suite rooms within the mansion or guests can stay in the Carriage House just a few steps away from the main house.

Best Hotel Options

Below are the best hotels to stay in Bloomington-Normal.

Budget: La Quinta Inn & Suites
Midrange: Springhill Suites by Marriott

Miller Park Zoo Wild Lights & Breakfast With Santa – December 6, 7, 13, 14 (Breakfast With Santa ALREADY SOLD OUT Dec 14, 2024)

Celebrate the holidays with the festive Miller Park Zoo Wild Lights evening events. Wild Lights runs on December 1 and 2 and December 8 and 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the zoo. Always a community favorite, the event features kid-friendly activities, Santa and Mrs. Claus, local vendors, and concessions. Families can purchase a S’mores kit for $3 apiece. The cost is $8 per person for ages 3 and older.

🎫🦍 Skip the Line Tickets Miller Park Zoo > Buy Now

Additionally, the Miller Park Zoo offers a ticketed Breakfast with Santa event, on December 9, with two seatings at 8:30 a.m. and another at 10 a.m. Tickets are limited and can be purchased by phone or at the admissions window. More information is available online.

Holiday Tree Lighting “Once Upon A Holiday” – December 6: 4:45 p.m.

Kick off the Bloomington-Normal Holiday Season with the annual Christmas tree lighting event on Friday, December 1 from 4:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. held in various locations in downtown Bloomington.

Christmas Under the Dome, December 6 & 7

Join the McLean County Museum of History on Friday AND Saturday for free, festive fun during Christmas Under the Dome! Free admission times and activities can be found here.

Jammies and Jingles – Friday, December 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The Children’s Discovery Museum is offering a festive evening out for families, full of holiday fun, all while wearing your Christmas pajamas. Children must be accompanied by a paid adult. Jammies and Jingles runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the cost is $11 for members/Museums For All and $16 for nonmembers.

Jaycee’s Annual Holiday Parade – December 7, 10 a.m.

The annual Jaycee’s Annual Holiday Parade kicks off the holiday season at 10 a.m. The theme this year is Storybook Holiday Parade. The parade route runs from Kingsley Jr High School to the McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington. Show your holiday cheer with hysterical light-up Christmas-themed beanies. Details are available here.

Ice Skating With Santa Claus – December 7, 2024

For a fun way to get exercise head to the Bloomington Ice Center for open skating. Admission is $7 per person and skate rentals are available on-site for $3 per person. On December 7, 2024, Santa makes a special appearance, all while skating to the best Christmas music classics. A free cookie and hot chocolate come with each paid admission. Additional information is available on the Bloomington Ice Center website and All Events Bloomington. Call to confirm times +1 309-434-2737.

Music For the Holidays – December 7, 8, and 13

Early December kicks off the Illinois State University’s College of Fine Arts winter concert season. What gets folks more excited for the holidays than enjoying the festive songs of the season? Bloomington offers a variety of choir, band, and orchestra concerts to bring on the holiday spirit. This family-friendly event features Illinois State University choruses and Symphony Orchestra performing music to celebrate the season.

Candy Cane Drop – December 7, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Santa will be facilitating the second annual Candy Cane Drop! Watch how he rises on a boom crane, with the help of the local forest crew as he drops candy canes for children aged 3 to 12. The drop occurs promptly at 10:15 a.m. and participants will meet with Santa upon his return to the ground. He’d love to see you in some reindeer antlers. Pre-registration is required for the event and the cost is $12. Please call (309) 434-2260 for information.

Christmas Movie Double Feature Community Players Theatre – December 14

Celebrate the season with a cozy evening of holiday fun featuring two beloved films: The Muppets Christmas Carol and Scrooged. Enjoy cookies, popcorn, and hot chocolate as we come together to watch these timeless classics. Check out the Facebook page for more information.

David Davis Mansion Children’s Christmas Events – December 20 & 21

Experience a traditional Victorian and Edwardian Christmas during the “Christmas at the Mansions” holiday events. To celebrate the season, the David Davis Mansion decks its halls with festive lights, trees, period costumes, and decorations to help guests envision what Christmas was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This year, A Gilded Age Christmas With Santa! takes place December 20 and 21, from  5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Christmas at the Mansions Tour Ticketed Event – December 14

During the annual Christmas at the Mansions Tour, guests can appreciate the architecture and story behind each historic home. The participating mansions include the David Davis Mansion and the Ewing Manor. The event operates from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and costs $15 in advance, and $20 on the day of the event. Additional information is available here.

Bloomington-Normal Best Sledding Hills – Ongoing

Make the most of the Illinois winter with one of Bloomington-Normal’s best sledding hills. Four locations make wintertime fun easy and accessible. They include:

• Highland Golf Course, 1613 S. Main Street
• Gregory Hill, just west of the ISU Weibring Golf Course
• Jersey Hill at Ewing Park III, 901 Jersey Ave.
• Clearwater Park, 2716 Clearwater Ave.

Be sure to bring a snow tube for the entire family.

Pantagraph Holiday Spectacular – December 7 & 8

Each year, The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts offers a variety of holiday-inspired events. For 2024, the BCPA offers the Pantagraph Holiday Spectacular on December 7 and 8. Check out the BCPA events page for performance information.

🎅🎫🎄 Pantagraph Holiday Spectacular Tickets > Buy Now

Santa’s Station – December 6 through 24, 2024

Santa’s Station is located in the heart of Uptown between Uptown Station and the Children’s Discovery Museum. Santa opens his station on Saturday, December 6, 2024, and you can visit him right up until December 24, when he departs to take care of some important business. A visit to Santa’s Station is free, but donations are encouraged. Bring your cameras because no photography services are provided.

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