Experience the Holiday Magic in Mercer County, Illinois
Author: Kayla Morath
We wish you a Merry MerCo Holiday!
When you make your way to Mercer County, you are sure to feel the magic this holiday season. Our charming communities come alive with festive cheer, offering an array of fun holiday events for you to come and enjoy.
Come join us up in the northern corner of Illinois for a memorable holiday season.
Viola’s Christmas in the Village
Kick off the holidays with a visit to Viola, Illinois on December 2nd. You can enjoy the twinkling lights and the parade at this returning annual holiday event. Viola’s Christmas in the Village begins at 11am and runs until 5pm. Stick around the village the see the parade at 5pm.
You can also find activities such as face painting, vendor shopping, Santa pictures, and more.
Aledo Main Street’s 18th Annual Holly Days
Come feel the holiday cheer in Aledo, Illinois for Aledo Main Street's 18th Annual Holly Days! Come on day one to take Santa pictures, view Aledo’s Tree Lighting, cheer on the Electric Parade, and shop the pop-up vendors. On day two, there will be the Hot Chocolate Hustle 5k and more pop-up vendor shopping. Bring along your friends, family, and anyone special to share a bit of our local holiday magic.
You can find more information and stay updated on the event page.
Village of New Windsor’s “Grinchmas Party”
Spread the holiday cheer by supporting local businesses and enjoying the people around you. There will be multiple raffles and prizes, treats, hot drinks, fun crafts, and more holiday activities! All this being said, come get your Grinch on at The Village of New Windsor’s Merry Grinchmas Party on December 1st from 6pm-8pm.
The event post can be found here and was posted by New Windsor Communications.
Holiday Open House and Bake Sale at the Mercer County Health Department
Do you hear the sleigh bells ringing? They’re coming from the Mercer County Health Department!
Head over in your pajamas for their Annual Holiday Open House and Bake Sale starting at 9am on December 6th. When you arrive, you will find a bake sale, hot cocoa, gift basket drawings, a children’s activity, Santa pictures, and more! Pajamas are not required, however are encouraged and needed to enter into the drawings.
All proceeds go towards emergency food and housing needs for individuals and families right here in Mercer County, Illinois.
You can find more information and stay updated on the event page.
Looking for more opportunities to take Santa pictures?
On December 2nd, you can find Santa in Sherrard at New Kingdom Trail Riders’ open house. There is no cost to sit with Santa and you can find him at one of the photo ops 10am-12:30pm. Listen for the sleigh bells and check out the event page for more details.
If you miss him there, he will be back in New Boston December 2nd at 1pm. Not only can you see Santa and Mrs. Claus, but he will be taking letters in his mailbox!
Be sure to write to Santa with a return address to receive something back. If you want to come see the iconic holiday pair in New Boston, be sure to visit the event page to stay updated.
In Keithsburg, The Eagles Nest will be hosting a Santa Drive Thru on December 16th at 4pm-6pm! Come by and take a selfie with the man in the big red suit.
Mercer County, Illinois is a place to experience during the holidays. For more events and fun activities, be sure to check out our event calendar! We do our best to keep you updated with MerCo events. For emails on other updates and MerCo happenings, you can subscribe to our newsletter.
Have a merry time in MerCo and be sure to use #visitmerco and #merrymerco when you post for the holidays.
