Experience the Midwest

Events and Festivals in the Midwest

NOW - DECEMBER 31, 2024

Winterfest

St. Louis, MO

 

Winterfest, presented by Bank of America and Worldwide Technology, returns with ice skating, s'mores, igloos and 100,000 twinkling lights by the Gateway Arch. Enjoy events like "Try Hockey Free," princess and superhero visits and a family-friendly New Year's Eve fireworks show.

Nearest Amtrak Station: St. Louis, MO (STL)

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Walking Through Wonderland: A Visit Effingham Experience

Effingham, IL

 

For one night only, stroll through Wonderland in Lights to experience dazzling displays up close. Enjoy free admission, festive music, a visit with Santa, complimentary cocoa and cookies as well as food trucks to satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to grab a free holiday souvenir at the Visit Effingham tent. Donations are welcome.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Effingham, IL (EFG)

NOVEMBER 28, 2024

Annual Thanksgiving Lighting & Fireworks Extravaganza

Sedalia, MO

 

Experience the Annual Thanksgiving Lighting & Fireworks Extravaganza. For free admission, bring the family out to enjoy traditional Christmas music and a fireworks display synchronized to music on Thanksgiving evening.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Sedalia, MO (SED)

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

Peoria’s Santa Clause Parade

Peoria, IL

 

Peoria Area Community Events (PACE) proudly announces the theme for the 137th Annual Santa Claus Parade: “Hometown Holidays.” The parade will showcase costumed characters, unique walking units, festive floats, marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Peoria, IL (PIA)

NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 31, 2024

Christmastime in Hermann

Hermann, MO

 

Celebrate the holidays all month long with the Sounds of Starkenburg Concerts & Christmas Market, Children’s Lantern Parade, Holiday House Tours and more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Hermann, MO (HEM)

NOVEMBER 30, 2024

Parade of Lights

Champaign, IL

 

Small Business Saturday kicks off the holiday season. The parade begins at 6:00 pm in downtown Champaign, with pre-parade activities starting at 1:00 pm, including an indoor market, horse and carriage rides, Santa visits and more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Champaign-Urbana, IL (CHM)

NOVEMBER 30, 2024

Stroll on State 2024

Rockford, IL

 

Stroll on State, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is Rockford, Illinois' festive kick-off to the holiday season. This free downtown event features a tree lighting, parade, fireworks, horse and wagon rides, Santa visits and much more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Rockford, IL (RCK)

NOVEMBER 30 - FEBRUARY 23, 2024

Penguin March at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Kansas City, MO

 

The Penguin March is back at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Join the fun each Saturday and Sunday at 11 am through February at Helzberg Penguin Plaza. The Penguin March is included with Zoo admission or membership.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Kansas City, MO (KCY)

DECEMBER 1, 2024

Home Alone in Concert

Kansas City, MO

 

A holiday favorite, Home Alone comes to life with a live performance of John Williams’ charming score by the Kansas City Symphony. This classic film is holiday fun for the whole family.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Kansas City, MO (KCY)

DECEMBER 7, 2024

Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade

Carbondale, IL

 

Celebrate the holiday season with an enchanting after-dark parade featuring hundreds of thousands of lights. Since 1990, this winter celebration has delighted all ages, drawing participants and onlookers from surrounding communities. Crowds gather along Main Street to enjoy dancers, marching bands and dazzling floats.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Carbondale, IL (CDL)

DECEMBER 21, 2024

Gateway to Pride Exhibit

St. Louis, MO

 

In Gateway to Pride, the Missouri History Museum presents the first-ever full-scale exhibit on St. Louis’s fascinating and powerfully relevant LGBTQIA+ history.

Nearest Amtrak Station: St. Louis, MO (STL)

DECEMBER 31, 2024 - JANUARY 1, 2025

Fire & Ice New Year’s Eve Masquerade, Presented by Helzberg

Kansas City, MO

 

Ring in the new year at Kansas City's most exciting event — The Fire & Ice New Year's Eve Masquerade. Experience a magical night at J. Rieger & Co. with live performances, luxurious food and drinks and dazzling entertainment.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Kansas City, MO (KCY)

JANUARY 1 - APRIL 12, 2024

Chicago Black Hawks Men’s Hockey

Chicago, IL

 

Grab your gear and head down to the historic United Center to cheer on your Chicago Black Hawks.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Chicago, IL (CHI)

JANUARY 1 - APRIL 15, 2025

St. Louis Blues Men’s Hockey

St. Louis, MO

 

Get your tickets now for the St. Louis Blues 2025 season at the Enterprise Center. Don’t miss the action as the Blues hit the ice for another exciting hockey season.

Nearest Amtrak Station: St. Louis, MO (STL)

JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 11, 2024

Winter Old Capitol Farmer’s Market

Springfield, IL

 

Experience the award-winning Old Capitol Farmers Market, proudly supported by HSHS St. John’s Hospital and Downtown Springfield Inc. Voted Best Farmers Market and Best Free Entertainment, it’s the go-to spot for fresh, local produce and vibrant community spirit — right in the heart of Springfield.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Springfield, IL (SPI)

JANUARY 10 - 12, 2025

Disney’s The Sound of Magic

Kansas City, MO

 

Join the Kansas City Symphony for a magical evening as musical theatre stars bring your favorite Disney animated film scores to life. Enjoy hit songs from Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and more, with original Disney film footage projected live on the big screen in Helzberg Hall. Celebrate a century of magical moments with the Kansas City Symphony.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Kansas City, MO (KCY)

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