SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for December.
Dec. 1 – Jan. 31
Gnome Roam
Giant City State Park
Makanda | Jackson County
Search the trails at Giant City State Park for hidden gnomes. Complete the challenge and earn a special Giant City Gnome Roam patch. Follow Giant City State Park on Facebook for more information.
Dec. 4-7
Second firearm deer hunting season
Statewide
Learn more about deer hunting in Illinois, including regulations, requirements and locations on the HuntIllinois.org calendar.
Dec. 6
Holiday wreath-making workshop
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
Lerna | Coles County
Participants in this beginner-level workshop will create a festive holiday wreath that will last through Christmas. A variety of greenery, ribbons and natural decorative elements will be available to create unique and interesting designs. Register online.
Dec. 6
Holiday wreath-making workshop
Giant City State Park
Makanda | Jackson County
Make your own holiday wreath using foraged materials like evergreen branches, pinecones, dried plants, and more. Register by calling 618-457-4836. Follow Giant City State Park on Facebook for more information.
Dec. 6
Christmas at the Fort
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
Elizabeth | Jo Daviess County
Participants will step back in time to a German Christmas, complete with décor, toys, games and marzipan. Learn more on Facebook.
Dec. 6-7
Julmarknad Christmas Market
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
Bishop Hill | Henry County
Swedish Christmas time is in full swing in Bishop Hill. Explore this historic village and enjoy seasonal Swedish foods, music, gifts and traditions. Visit the Bishop Hill State Historic Site calendar for details.
Dec. 6, 13 and 20
Santa Saturdays
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Springfield | Sangamon County
Meet Santa Claus at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site on Saturdays in December. Learn more on the Springfield state historic sites Facebook page.
Dec. 6, 13, 20
Holiday open house tours
Dana-Thomas House and Vachel Lindsay Home state historic sites
Springfield | Sangamon County
Tour these historic homes trimmed in holiday decorations. The homes will be open to the public from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Learn more on the Springfield state historic sites Facebook page.
Dec. 7
Nature’s Make and Take Series: Bees Wax Lip Balm
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
Discover the art of crafting your own natural lip balm for the winter season. It’s a fantastic idea for a stocking stuffer or a delightful winter break project to enjoy at home. Visit the Starved Rock calendar online for additional information.
Dec. 8-30
Annual photography show
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
The public is invited to view stunning images of nature captured by local photographers. The exhibition will be available throughout December. Visit the Starved Rock calendar online for additional information.
Dec. 12
Spring turkey second lottery opens
Statewide
Illinois residents and non-residents may apply. Limit one application per person. Applications are accepted online or by mail.
Dec. 12-13
Lucia Nights Festival of Lights
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
Bishop Hill | Henry County
Lucia Nights Festival of Lights tree lighting and candle-lit reception will take place 6 to 9 p.m. at Bishop Hill State Historic Site.
Dec. 12-14
Muzzleloader deer hunting season
Statewide
Learn more about deer hunting in Illinois, including regulations, requirements and locations on the HuntIllinois.org calendar.
Dec. 13-14
Arrival event
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
Hartford | Madison County
On Dec. 12, 1803, the Lewis and Clark expedition arrived at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and fixed on a place to build Camp River Dubois. Visit this historic site Dec. 13 and 14 to celebrate this arrival with reenactors, demonstrators and more. Visit Lewis and Clark online for more details.
Dec. 21
Winter Solstice
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Collinsville | Madison County
Celebrate winter solstice on Sunday, Dec. 21. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, as the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky. Visit Cahokia Mounds online for additional information.
Dec. 21
Gilded Age Christmas with Santa
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
Bloomington | McLean County
Visitors are invited to walk through the mansion at night and view each room decked out with beautiful holiday decorations while costumed guides walk the halls. Children can get their picture with Santa. Learn more on the David Davis Mansion website.
Dec. 23
Mini Explorer’s Club: Winter Critters
Illinois State Museum
Springfield | Sangamon County
Families are invited to join the Mini Explorer’s Club for a lesson about animals in winter. Visit the Illinois State Museum’s website for additional information.
Dec. 25
Traditional Julotta Christmas service
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
Bishop Hill | Henry County
Held annually since 1970, this dawn candlelight service incorporate
s traditional readings and hymns in both Swedish and English. Visit Bishop Hill State Historic Site online for details.
Dec. 31
La Guianne
Fort de Chartres
Prairie du Rocher | Randolph County
In a traditional celebration dating back to 1722, the La Guiannee singers will visit houses and Fort de Chartres in the early French town of Prairie du Rocher and sing for the residents. Visit the Fort de Chartre’s website for additional information.
Throughout December
Various hunting and trapping seasons
Statewide
Learn more about turkey, waterfowl and furbearer hunting and trapping, and stay up to date with seasons on the HuntIllinois.org calendar.
Jan. 1
First Day Hikes
Illinois State Parks
Statewide
Take a hike at one of Illinois’ state parks and kick off the New Year in nature. Participating parks will have stickers for visitors. Learn more about First Day Hikes online.
Follow IDNR on Facebook and its online calendar of events for further information. View the full list of IDNR seasonal events online.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is celebrating 100 years of conservation and service to the people of Illinois throughout 2025. The department was established Aug. 1, 1925, as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes.
Today, IDNR’s work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov for more information.