Manhattan Set To Shine In Christmas On State 2025

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan is set to welcome the holiday season, kicking things off with a weekend of festivities in and around the downtown.

Christmas on State begins at 3 p.m. Dec. 6, with activities leading up to a Christmas parade and tree lighting that day. Holiday fun starts the night before, at Round Barn's Winter Fest set for the evening of Friday, Dec. 5.

Activities are planned throughout the weekend around town, including ice sculpture demonstrations, Highland cow appearances, food trucks, ornament and stocking decorating and more. The weekend includes a little something sweet and festive for all.

Round Barn's Winter Fest

Opening at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 and organized by the Manhattan Park District, Round Barn Farm's Winter Fest features a DJ Grinch dance party, crafts, holiday lights, hayrack rides, and more. Beer, wine, cocoa and snacks will be available for purchase. Manhattan Intermediate School and Manhattan Jr. High choirs will perform, followed by the Canterbury Carolers. Manhattan-Elwood Library will host a storytime, followed by a DJ Grinch dance party pumping up the crowd. The fest is free to attend.

There is a Lincoln-Way Special Recreation Association special needs hour from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration is required.

Commemorative Cup

Back this year is a piece of commemorative memorabilia—switched up this year to a stainless steel solo cup. Only 100 cups available, for $10 each. On sale until Dec. 5, or while supplies last. Each cup comes with exclusive coupons for a discounted signature drink at these participating locations on Dec. 6

• Gallagher’s Pub, 160 E. North St.
• Midtown Bar, 100 S. State St.
• Fritz’s Saloon, 225 S. State St.
• Arrowhead Smoke Works, 195 S. State St.

Where to buy:

• Manhattan Village Hall, 260 Market Place
• Posh West Boutique, 125 S. State St.

Wabash Market

Starting at 3 p.m. Dec. 6, the Wabash Market will open at the Wabash Parking Lot/Township Garage. Food trucks start at 4 p.m., and will include:

• Auntie Anne's
• Chick-fil-A Bradley Bourbonnais
• Travelin' Tom's Coffee of Tinley Park
• Cousins Maine Lobster—Chicago
• Drew's Dogs

Pictures with Santa run from 3 to 5 p.m., with face painting from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Kids can make reindeer food, decorate ornaments and stockings, color Christmas snap bracelets, and write letters to Santa. Enjoy festive face painting and create a holiday craft with the Manhattan Public Library. Visit the Merry Manhattan Highland Cows from Remnant Ranch, and don’t forget to take a photo with Santa or the Grinch. An ice sculpture demonstration is set for 4 p.m.

Chamber Holiday Bazaar

Saturday, Dec. 6

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Manhattan Jr. High, 15414 W. Smith Rd.
• Local vendors, crafts, basket raffles, holiday gifts, letters to Santa.
• Admission is free.

Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting

The Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m., capped with the town's tree lighting. A Township crew will cut down the tree donated this year by Elwood residents Kyle and Sarah Kolodziej, according to Manhattan Township Supervisor Jim Walsh. The 30-foot tree will be erected in the center of town at Times Square. A local child is typically selected to lead the parade, and flip the switch to light the tree.

Parade entries are open to all businesses, organizations, families, and community groups—everyone is welcome to participate.

You can register online or, if you prefer a paper form, they'll take those, too. Submit your completed application by Dec. 1 to kreinke@villageofmanhattan.org. Find the flyer for printing here.

To keep the parade safe, fun, and festive for everyone, participants are reminded:

• LIGHTS, LIGHTS, LIGHTS! The brighter, the better!
• No profanity or vulgar displays on any entries.
• All candy or giveaways must be handed out—please do not throw items from floats or vehicles.