Illinois
Dec. 3: Christmas Candlelight Tours, Lerna. Visitors to the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site are welcome to tour the Lincoln and Sargent Farms by candlelit paths to see how Christmas may have been observed by 19th century Americans. Free; 217-345-1845; tinyurl.com/38pqnh7. Miles from Chicago: 190
Dec. 5: 19th century Christmas at Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth Center, Moline. The Deere family mansions are decorated for the holidays, and there will be living-history volunteers, choir performances, Santa Claus and music. Free; 309-765-7970; butterworthcenter.com. Miles from Chicago: 165
Indiana
Saturday-Dec. 30: Christmas at the Seiberling, Kokomo. The Seiberling Mansion is decked out, and there will also be special events, such as the Holiday Spirits Wine, Champagne and Beer Tasting on Dec. 3 and the Seiberling Mansion Candle Light Tour on Dec. 11. Fee applies; 765-452-4314; howardcountymuseum.org/events/index.htm. Miles from Chicago: 160
Dec. 3-4: Christmas Concert, Valparaiso. Familiar carols and music of the Christmas season will ring through the Chapel of the Resurrection during the annual Valparaiso University concert. Fee varies; 219-464-5162; valpo.edu/vuca/ticket.php. Miles from Chicago: 55
Iowa
Dec. 4-5: Amana Colonies Christmas Haus Tour. Tour century-old and contemporary houses decorated for the holidays, and visit with homeowners. Fee applies; 319-622-3678; amanaartsguild.com/christmas.html. Miles from Chicago: 245
Michigan
Dec. 2-5: Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend, Manistee. Belgian draft horses pull a 40-foot tree through the Victorian port city as part of this holiday tradition, which also includes entertainment, a Festival of Trees and carolers in period dress. Fee for some events; 800-288-2286; manisteedowntown.com. Miles from Chicago: 265
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 21-23, 26 and 28-30: Christmas at the Crossroads Holiday Magic, Flint. Experience old-fashioned holiday magic aboard the Huckleberry Railroad for a train ride and view of the light display, or drive through to see the lights. Fee varies; 800-648-7275; geneseecountyparks.org/CRVDefault.asp. Miles from Chicago: 275
Minnesota
Dec. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19: Target Holidazzle Parade, Minneapolis. Dazzling lights and festive floats are part of this 19th annual event, which runs four days a week during the season. Free; 612-376-7669; holidazzle.com. Miles from Chicago: 410
Missouri
Dec. 3-5: St. Louis Holiday Magic. This family-friendly weekend show offers a variety of entertainment and shopping options, including a full-size ice skating rink, full-scale carnival rides, Amtrak trackless train rides and a large shopping area. Fee varies; 800-247-9791; stlholidaymagic.com. Miles from Chicago: 300
Ohio
Friday-Saturday: A Christmas Story House convention, Cleveland. The house that was the basis for the “you’ll-shoot-your-eye-out” holiday classic movie holds its annual convention. In addition to tours of Ralphie’s renovated home, the weekend will include appearances from the movie’s cast members, rides on the original firetruck from the movie, a BB gun range in the backyard, and a special movie screening. Fees vary; 216-298-4919; tinyurl.com/ye3zlx9. Miles from Chicago: 345
Friday through Jan. 1: Legendary Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill, Clifton. More than 3.5 million lights decorate the mill, which is one of the largest water-powered grist mills in existence, along with the river gorge, trees and bridges. Fee varies; 937-767-5501; cliftonmill.com. Miles from Chicago: 320
Wisconsin
Dec. 3-5: Christmas in the Country, Cedarburg. A large Christmas boutique featuring Midwestern folk artists and Christmas artisans. Fee applies; 866-626-7005; cedarcreeksettlement.com. Miles from Chicago: 110
Dec. 4: Fair Trade Holiday Festival, Madison. More than 50 vendors of fair-trade gifts from across the globe. Free; 608-251-3241; tinyurl.com/33j5ptp. Miles from Chicago: 150
