It is finally socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music in public and put the lights up on your house…or just turn them on if you’ve had them up since,well, several Christmases ago when you put them up last. One of my favorite holiday traditions is to take a trip back in time to the 1800’s when Christmas meant carolers and performers in the streets, horse-drawn carriages gliding through the snow, merchants filling the streets, and friendly smiles and conversations with neighbors. You don’t need a fancy time machine, you just need a motorized vehicle to take the long trek across the Mississippi to one of my favorite places – Lebanon Illinois. Since 1993, Lebanon Illinois has been hosting the annual Victorian Holiday Festival along the brick streets lined with incredible shoppes where time seems to stand still. Make sure to take a carriage ride to one of the great local restaurants.

This year’s festival:  November 16th, 17th and 18th. The merchants will open @ 10:00 AM on Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM. They are also open on Sunday from 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.

Lebanon is also known as the only city in Illinois that the famous author, Charles Dickens, stayed overnight. Historians believe that Lebanon was used as inspiration for Dickens’ A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas.  Now, each Christmas, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is performed in Lebanon by the Looking Glass Playhouse. It is a one of a kind experience. My favorite part is the homemade cookies and hot chocolate in the lobby after the show, so don’t leave early! This year’s performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 7th. 8th and 9th @ 7:30 PM and Sunday @ 2:00 PM. Tickets go on sale November 22nd.

Melissa DeCicco

Melissa is a wiz at crazy facial expressions, golfs at every chance possible, and loves super uncomfortable shoes. A dedicated Dolly Parton fan, she purchased Dollywood season passes several years in a row (it’s 500 miles away) and finally met her in 2004 – she ROCKS!

More Posts - Website

Follow Me: