How to Spend a Holiday Weekend in Peoria, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a winter getaway, but it quickly became one of our favorite holiday trips. Located an easy drive from both St. Louis and Chicago, this city is truly a hidden gem Christmas destination. Our family loved the festive downtown, family-friendly attractions, and cozy holiday events. If you are looking for a holiday weekend that feels relaxed but still special, Peoria is a wonderful choice.
Luthy Botanical Garden and Luthy Lights
Our first stop during our recent weekend visit was the Luthy Botanical Garden. During the winter months the garden features several special exhibits including a lovely Poinsettia Show. The conservatory is filled with colorful plants and holiday displays for a peaceful way to start your visit. My daughter especially enjoyed the adorable fairy garden area.
When evening arrives the garden transforms with soft lights and gentle music. The paths are paved and easy to walk with beautiful light displays and photo ops. There is no admission fee although donations are appreciated, making this a great outing for families on a budget.
You can warm up during your visit by purchasing hot chocolate or s’mores to enjoy by the firepit. There is also a holiday pop-up with more food and drink options in a heated building.
Where to Stay in Peoria
After our evening visit to the Luthy Botanical Garden, we checked into the Marriott Pere Marquette in downtown Peoria. The building dates back to the 1920s and still feels elegant but with updated and modern rooms. The central location also makes it easy to explore all the downtown attractions without driving far.
Breakfast at Childers Eatery
We started the next morning in Peoria with a delicious breakfast at Childers Eatery. The menu has plenty of choices for both kids and adults. The food was so amazing that my son polished off four whole pancakes! This is the kind of cozy breakfast spot that keeps everyone happy and full before a busy day of adventure.
Caterpillar Visitor Center
The Caterpillar company that manufacturers heavy equipment first began in Peoria. No visit to Peoria is complete with a stop at the large Caterpillar Visitor Center, right in downtown. I was surprised at how much there was to see and do with exhibits to appeal to all ages.
Both kids and adults can climb into giant machines, try hands on activities, and learn about the history of the company. Your visit begins with a virtual ride in the bed of a massive two-and-a-half story Cat 797F Mining Truck. Visitors can learn how Caterpillar’s story began, design your very own Cat machine, and test your skills on a simulator. This makes a great indoor activity during colder weather.
Lunch at Thyme Kitchen Holiday Pop Up
For lunch we stopped at Thyme Kitchen just down the street from the Caterpillar Visitor Center. The restaurant makes a wonderful place to eat year round, but for Christmas it is full out decorated as a holiday pop-up with decor on every surface.
Thyme Kitchen felt so cheerful and festive and the menu offered a nice variety for both kids and adults. The atmosphere is casual enough to be family-friendly but still feels like a special treat for a holiday weekend.
Peoria Zoo
Even though it was a chilly day, we decided to made a quick stop at the Peoria Zoo. Our family was pleasantly surprised by how many animals were active even with snow on the ground.
There are also several buildings along the path if you need a spot to warm up while viewing the reptiles, primates, and several other smaller animals.
The zoo is smaller than many large city zoos which actually makes it easy to explore in a short visit. Families with younger kids will especially enjoy this zoo as you can more easily see the animals up close. My kids were extra excited by the close up view of the tiger, lion, reptiles, and primates.
I would love to visit again in warmer weather to explore the canopy trails area with elevated boardwalks over the African animals area. You can even hand feed the giraffes. Another special walk through area only open in summer is the Australia walk about where you can get a close up visit with wallabies and emus.
Riverfront Museum and Christmas in the Village
Our last stop on our trip was the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The museum is a wonderful place to visit year round, but in December it is the location of the special Christmas in the Village event. This event only happens for one weekend every December (typically the first full weekend of December) so it is definitely something to mark on your calendar for next year.
Riverfront Museum
We first explored inside the Riverfront Museum. This museum offers exhibits on art and history. We loved the various art galleries with an impressive variety of media as well as the natural history area with fossils and minerals.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum hosts both permanent and traveling exhibits. Our whole family was fascinated by the Finding Titanic: Secret Mission exhibit. This gallery told so many details about the discovery of the Titanic and how it was actually part of a top-secret military investigation searching for the wreckage of two submarines.
Other activites at the Peoria Riverfront Museum include a large screen theater, gift shop, and the Planetarium. We enjoyed a special holiday laser light show set to Christmas music as part of the Christmas in the Village experience.
Christmas in the Village
The Christmas in the Village event first started 4 years ago in Peoria and continues to grow each year. Families can enjoy carriage rides around downtown, holiday music with carolers, festive treats, shopping with local vendors, live animals to visit and pet, and beautiful lights and decorations.
This was such a cozy spot to stroll and enjoy the various shops and activities. You also can’t miss the giant, 75 tall Christmas tree. It is the largest live tree in all of Peoria.
Several of the Christmas in the Village events are located inside the Riverfront Museum. Kids will love the Santa’s Workshop on the lower level with coloring sheets, games, and other activities. The theater was showing various Christmas movies along with demonstrations of the Peoria Nutcracker Ballet which happens each December.
Tips & Things to Know Before You Go
- You can find many more holiday events in Peoria including the Winter Wonderland, Holiday Home Tour, and the Nutcracker. Find more details HERE.
- If you plan to visit Luthy Botanical Garden during the holiday season, check for the Poinsettia Show dates (typically late November through December) and the Luthy Lights schedule. Lights usually run evenings in early–mid December, but it changes yearly so check their website before you go.
- The Caterpillar Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m. Adult admission is $7 ($6 for seniors and $5 for military). Kids 12 and under are free.
- The Peoria Zoo is open daily 10-5 except major holidays. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $9 for kids ages 2-12, and $11.50 for seniors or active military.
- Consider purchasing a family ticket for Christmas in the Village if you go with kids, it covers two adults and several children and tends to offer good value.
- Pack layers. Winter in Illinois can be unpredictable. Having a warm coat, gloves, and maybe waterproof boots (especially if there’s snow) will make everything more enjoyable.
- We didn’t have time to visit, but Peoria is also home to the Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum. This makes another great stop to explore as a family.
Why You Should Plan a Visit to Peoria
What I loved most about Peoria was the mix of holiday activities and relaxing moments. The city feels festive without being overwhelming and there are plenty of things for families to enjoy together. It is close enough for a simple weekend trip but still feels like a completely different place once you arrive. If you are looking for a holiday destination that feels welcoming and a little under the radar, Peoria is a wonderful option.
Have you ever visit Peoria?
