Nov. 17--Illinois
Through Jan. 2: Shelbyville Festival of Lights. Thousands of lights illuminate Forest Park for the holidays with a variety of themed displays. Visit the Victorian Village, or take a carriage ride. 217-774-2244, http://tinyurl.com/prn5tcw. Miles from Chicago: 210
Dec. 13-23: Christmas Light Trolley Tour, Utica. Starved Rock Lodge conducts these tours of the LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby and Utica area to view Christmas displays. Reservations are required. 815-220-7386, http://tinyurl.com/l9xytxa. Miles from Chicago: 95
Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23: Old Capitol Holiday Walks, Springfield. There's shopping downtown, along with Santa at the Old State Capitol and holiday music. 217-544-1723, http://tinyurl.com/o39nubl. Miles from Chicago: 205
Indiana
Through Dec. 31: Celebration Crossing, Indianapolis. The Indiana State Museum is ready for the holidays with a monthlong celebration that includes lots of Santa-related activities, along with a walk down Memory Lane by having lunch at the historic L.S. Ayres Tea Room. 317-232-1637, http://tinyurl.com/oe34x39. Miles from Chicago: 185
Dec. 5-6: Annual Kouts Christmas Open House. About 40 homes, churches and restaurants will be offering up crafts, food and fun. 219-405-1452, http://tinyurl.com/p43hdde. Miles from Chicago: 65
Iowa
Dec. 1-24: Advent Calendar, Davenport. The German American Heritage Center offers a new design on the building exterior each night of the holiday season. The center also has a Christkindlmarkt with gifts from Germany. 563-322-8844, http://tinyurl.com/p6azb8b. Miles from Chicago: 180
Michigan
Dec. 5: 43rd Annual Noel Night, Detroit. More than 70 institutions in the Midtown District will offer free admission. Among those participating are the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. There will also be a wide range of performances, horse-drawn carriage rides and shopping. 313-420-6000, http://tinyurl.com/akzvza2. Miles from Chicago: 285
Through Dec. 24: Dutch WinterFest, Holland. A Holiday Kerstmarkt will offer the experience of an open-air European Christmas Market at the Eighth Street Market Place on select days during part of the holiday season. Other events planned at various times include a Christmas pageant, Parade of Lights, Sinterklaas Eve Procession, home tours and more. http://tinyurl.com/osmcuqb Miles from Chicago: 150
Minnesota
Nov. 27-Dec. 20: Holidazzle, Minneapolis. Loring Park comes alive Thursdays through Sundays with holiday entertainment, food, a holiday movie, a skating rink and much more. 612-376-7669, www.holidazzle.com. Miles from Chicago: 410
Ohio
Dec. 4-5: Redsfest, Cincinnati. Fans of the Cincinnati Reds can meet players, collect autographs, buy memorabilia and more. 513-381-7337, http://tinyurl.com/5n6b9l. Miles from Chicago: 300
Wisconsin
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
MidwestEventsTrib@yahoo.com
