Traveling to our region?
WATCH
Holiday
BEFORE YOU
WANDER
A
When it comes to planning a trip, it is second nature to do a quick internet search and watch a few videos of the place you plan to visit. Travelers love to have an idea of what to expect when arriving to their destination and at ILLINOISouth we couldn’t agree more. We take videos of all of our travels and have posted over 160 videos to our YouTube channel! So if you’re curious about what food to eat, where to shop, and things to see while in our neck of the woods – just search ILLINOISouth Tourism on YouTube or check out our video library at: ILLINOISouth.org/Video-Library
Celebrate the Holidays in Albion VFW Veterans Day Flag Display
nother aspect of the Holiday season that can certainly be considered a tradition is shopping. While Black Friday is popular, Small Business Saturday has picked up A LOT of steam in ILLINOISouth. Whether it is in Mt. Carmel, Red Bud, Salem or anywhere in between - several local chambers of commerce put together ‘Shop Small’ events that give folks plenty of opportunities to buy unique gifts for loved ones, all while supporting people in their communities. One place that supplies a one-stop-shop for several different gifts is Warehouse 300 in Trenton. They are hosting their Mistletoe Market Days from Wednesday, November 17th through Sunday, November 21st. This five-day event is full of shopping, twinkling lights, and lots of giveaways. There will be extended evening hours again this year until 6pm, and vendors will restock their areas throughout those five days, so there is always a great selection of Holiday décor and gift ideas. “Warehouse 300 loves hosting this Christmas event,” exclaims owner Brenda Kohlbrecher. “Our vendors go the extra mile in creating a festive shopping atmosphere! Extra vintage lights, holiday lights, Christmas trees, mantles, and light up merchandise can be found throughout the entire market.” In terms of social distancing, there will be a limit of 40 shoppers in the Warehouse at any given time. “The market never superseded two dozen at any one time last year, and it's a big place,” Kohlbrecher explains. “All that said, shopping at the warehouse is by far your safest experience as you prepare for the holidays! Make plans to attend Mistletoe Market Days! Or come shop Warehouse 300 during regular hours, and let us help you capture the holiday spirit!”
Yet another aspect of shopping during the Holiday season is picking out the perfect tree for your home! There are over a half-dozen tree farms and nurseries throughout ILLINOISouth that specialize in the pick-your-own tree experience. Two of those tree farms can be found in Bond
Another place to do some shopping around this time is the POP-UP SHOP in Columbia! This historic venue gives entrepreneurs a retail space to sell their products to folks that they otherwise may not have the chance to sell to. Entrepreneurs cycle in and out of the space, so there is always something new and exciting to check out! CHRISTKINDLMARKT IN BELLEVILLE
Thursday, November 11 Program starts at 11am
Likely the most popular shopping event during the Holiday season is the Belleville Christkindlmarkt. This year marks the 8th year of the market, which usually opens up the day after Thanksgiving, and is open each weekend afterwards all the way through December, ending on the 23rd. It is modeled after one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets – and features chalets where vendors can sell their goods. There is such a good mix of shopping to be had, and that’s not all! There are also opportunities to meet Santa, and there are also live reindeer on display. People travel from hours around to experience one of the only German Christmas markets in the region, so be sure to mark this one on your calendars for sure!
CHRISTKINDLMARKT IN BELLEVILLE
Albion Turkey Trot Thursday, November 25 8:00AM Edwards County High School
Hot Cocoa Run Saturday, November 27 8:00AM
Albion Done Bright Lights Nov. 25, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022
Breakfast With Santa Saturday, December 11 8:00AM to 10:00AM Albion Fire Station
“A Classic Christmas” Annual Lighted Parade Saturday, December 11 5:30PM Edwards County Fairgrounds
Find us on X Albion, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
10
Holiday 2021
(618) 257-1488
