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Welcome to Bloomington-Normal!

Bloomington-Normal, Illinois

Get in the Holiday Spirit in BN

Nothing lifts your spirit like holiday events! November and December are perfect for spending time with your family, friends and loved ones. Uptown Normal, Downtown Bloomington and many of our attractions are ready to entertain you this holiday season with their exciting events.

Turkey Trot – Sponsored by T-Mobile

November 25

After a year off, you’ll once again be able to run, jog, or walk in-person as this year’s 43rd annual Thanksgiving tradition will be back at Miller Park! Sign in begins at 8:00am inside Miller Park Pavilion with races beginning as early at 9:00.


Small Business Saturday in Downtown Bloomington

November 27 -December 3

Celebrate Small Business Saturday in #DowntownBLM! The City of Bloomington Economic Development Division has partnered with 26 Downtown Bloomington Businesses to make your #ShopSmall dreams come true! Shop from November 27th to December 3rd at any of the businesses listed below for a chance to win a curated gift basket that is sure to make you smile! With each purchase, you will receive a stamp in your Shop Small Passport! New to the event this year will be Mystery Discount Coupons that will be included in your passports.


Small Business Saturday in Uptown Normal

November 27

Spend Small Business Saturday in Uptown Normal, your favorite place to celebrate shopping small. On Nov. 27, Uptown businesses will be offering great sales and specials as a thank you to the loyal customers that shop small all year long!


Wild Lights at the Zoo – Sponsored by T-Mobile

December 3-4, 10-11

How does the Miller Park Zoo look at night lit up with candles are the Zoo? Come to this 8th annual event and witness over hundreds of luminaries around the entire Zoo.


Jammies & Jingles

December 3

Start shopping for those matching pajamas now! Jammies and Jingles is back at the Children’s Discovery Museum. The entire family will enjoy visits with Santa, holiday crafts and seasonal games and activities.


Candy Cane Drop

December 4

A new event! Santa will be taking a ride with our forestry crew in one of the boom lift trucks and dropping candy canes for the kids to pick up! Parents will need to remain with their children through the entire event. All participants will get a chance to visit Santa when he comes back down to the ground!


Ugliest Sweater Run – Sponsored by T-Mobile

December 4

Put on your best holiday cheer and come out to Miller Park for the 7th annual Ugliest Sweater Run with Bloomington Parks Rec, and Fleet Feet Bloomington. There will be a 3 Mile non-competitive run or walk, with prizes awarded for special categories.


Skate with Santa Open Skate – Sponsored by T-Mobile

December 4

Skate with Santa at the Bloomington Ice Center this Christmas. Free cookie and 8oz hot chocolate with paid admission. Santa will be available for pictures. Have fun with all of your family and friends skating to Christmas classics.


Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo – Sponsored by MetroNet

December 11

Enjoy breakfast with Santa.$10 for members, and $15 for non-members. Two breakfasts, 8:30 am and 10:00 am.


Christmas at the Mansions Tour

December 11

This much-loved annual holiday event offers community members an opportunity to tour two of Bloomington-Normal’s favorite historic homes the David Davis Mansion and Ewing Manor. Exuding elegance of the Victorian and Gilded ages, these grand old homes boast exquisite architecture and beautifully restored furnishings. You will find fabulous holiday décor, dining tables set with antique silver and china, and Hosts and Hostesses in period costumes offering glimpses of life from bygone eras.


Holiday Pops in the Heartland

December 17

Holiday Pops is truly a community affair, as the Illinois Symphony Orchestra is joined by the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony, Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra, Springfield Ballet Company, Springfield Youth Ballet, and the Twin Cities Ballet. Great fun for the entire family, young and old!


Downtown Bloomington Holiday Farmers’ Market

December 18

The Holiday Farmers’ Market will take place the Saturday before Christmas, and is your opportunity to. get all of your last-minute holiday gifts and food items.
Please remember that clear bags and masks will be required to enter the Grossinger Motors Arena.

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