Express Festival, Lucia Nights and more: 17 things to do in Galesburg
This weekend in Galesburg offers variety of family fun activities.
From shopping at local businesses to seeing Santa, there's something for everyone.
Here are 17 things to do in the Galesburg area this weekend.
2023 Lucia Nights
What: This Swedish tradition is based on a legend of Saint Lucia, Queen of Light. Throughout the evening, businesses and museums will have Lucia Girls greeting guests. Around the village, each building will have a single candle in each and every window. Sidewalks will also be illuminated by candles. Restaurants are open both evenings. Special Christmas gifts will be on sale. On both evenings, Bishop Hill will be hosting a wide variety of free Christmas activities.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Bishop Hill
For more: 309-927-3899
More: What to expect at this year's Lucia Nights Festival of Lights in Bishop Hill
Galesburg Express Festival
What: This festive, family-friendly event boasts a plethora of activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy free or low-cost activities in the heart of downtown Galesburg by stopping at participating businesses and creating memories the whole day through.
When: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Downtown Galesburg
For more: Galesburg Express Festival on Facebook
Pop-Up Holiday Market and Pub Crawl
What: Shop these local vendors with a drink in hand: Buddes Pizza, Jimmy’s Pizza, Opie's Bar & Grill and The Bar 65. Grab a punch card and visit all four locations to be entered into a drawing for prizes from each of them plus Back Pocket Brewing and Amazon gift cards.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Downtown Galesburg
For more: 309-297-4427
Felted Wool Pointsettia Ornaments
What: This technique involves using natural wool and agitating it with a sharp tool so that the fibers lock together and hold their shape. Wool paintings and sculptural objects can be created through the simple, repetitive process of working a needle through the fibers. Artist Jeanne Clark will teach the basics of felting, starting with how to use the tools and materials to build dimension and create a ball ornament. You will also learn to finish and apply a poinsettia decoration to the piece using natural, dyed wool.
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: $25; $20 for members; includes all materials and instruction
For more: 309-342-7415
Animal Explorers
What: Become an animal expert in this interactive monthly club, designed for kids in grades k-3. Participants receive a free take-home kit containing library books on the animal of the month and an explorer guide, then meet to share info and enjoy activities as a group on the first Thursday of each month. Advance registration is required in the Children’s Room.
When: 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7
Where: Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: 309-343-6118
Crayon N' Sip
What: There will be hot chocolate and snacks, Santa Claus, Christmas activities, music and a visit from the Grinch. We are accepting donations for those that can help. Kids ages 5 and younger must be with a parent at all times. Parents who leave must sign our drop off papers.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Where: McBride Gym at the back door, Knox County YMCA, 1324 W. Carl Sandburg Drive, Galesburg
Cost: Free but donations encouraged
For more: Crayon N' Sip on Facebook
Parents Night Out
What: Parents, need to do some holiday shopping or just want an evening out? Enjoy a couple hours kid-free while knowing your children are engaged and active with the Indoor Mobile Playground on the multipurpose courts. Qualified staff will lead a variety of games and activities for your child. Pizza will be provided as part of the program cost. For ages 4-12.
When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Where: Lakeside Recreation Facility, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: $15For more: 309-345-3683
Sunshine Regiacorte and Casey Foubert
What: Live music performed by Sunshine Regiacorte and Casey Foubert plus, special guests Andy Crawford and Zoe Rose. All ages are welcome. There will be a full bar, and you can bring food from any local restaurant. No outside beverages.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free; cash bar
For more: 309-342-7415
KGS Christmas Baroque
What: Kedrick Armstrong returns to The Orpheum Theatre with local soloists and members of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. Featuring works by Bach and Charpentier, and Corelli's Christmas Concerto.
When: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
For more: 309-341-7268
Macaron Class with Spoon River Macaron Co.
What: Get information and tips about macaron making, a filling recipe, build and pipe one dozen macarons, a cute holiday to-go box and one drink. Limited space; buy tickets online in advance for class.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Where: Hidden Hills Vineyard & Winery, 120 Hidden Drive, Galesburg
Cost: $40 per personFor more: Hidden Hills Vineyard & Winery on Facebook
Merry Markets
What: Get ahead on your holiday shopping and support local artisans. Merry Markets is held in the Middle Gallery. The featured artists Dec. 9 are Leslie Schenkel (Twisted Chicken) and Becky Peterson.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free admission
For more: 309-342-7415
3-store Christmas Open House
What: The Galesburg Antiques mall, Galesburg Not too Shabby and The Junk Drawer are hosting Christmas open houses.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: The Junk Drawer, 147 S. Cherry St., Galesburg
For more: 309-221-7542
Howling at the Moon Dueling Pianos
What: The Knights of Columbus presents event for ages 18 and older to celebrate. Attendees can win a Bradley Smoker Gas Grill valued at $1,000. Buy tickets in advance at The Knights of Columbus or call for more information.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: The Knights of Columbus, 1556 E. Fremont St., Galesburg
Cost: $40; includes show, sliders and sides
For more: 309-343-6415
Second Saturdays: Welcome to Midwest Weather
What: Let's talk about winter weather in Illinois: snow, ice, rain, tornadoes, thundersnow and sun … maybe all in the same day. Class will be outdoors at the shelter, with a nature walk through the woods, so dress for the weather.
When: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Lakeside Recreation Facility, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: evarner@ci.galesburg.il.us, 309-345-3683
Galesburg Express – Polar Express Movie
What: Come for the annual Galesburg Express movies and enjoy the yearly showing of two free Christmas movies. The matinee movie will be The Polar Express, a beloved Christmas classic starring Tom Hanks.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: 309-342-2299
Little Sprouts
What: Come for hands-on fun and exploratory activities with your child around the Nature Center. Class will be held outside, weather permitting, at the Lakeside Nature Center Shelter, with a walk through the woods so dress accordingly. Geared toward children ages 2-5 and their caretakers.
When: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Lakeside Recreation Facility, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: $5
For more: 309-345-3683
Brunch with Santa at Hy-Vee
What: Bring the kids for brunch buffet and photos with Santa, coloring pages, candy canes and cookie decorating.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Hy-Vee, 2030 E. Main St., Galesburg
For more: 309-342-1615
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Galesburg Express Festival among 17 things to do this weekend
