Ottawa Il Christmas Market Guide

Ottawa, Illinois is a charming town that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. One of the highlights of the season is the Ottawa Il Christmas Market, a festive celebration that brings together local vendors, artisans, and the community. If you're looking for a fun and unique way to get into the holiday spirit, this guide will give you the inside scoop on what to expect and how to make the most of your visit.

The Ottawa Il Christmas Market is a beloved annual tradition that takes place in downtown Ottawa, typically on the first weekend of December. The market features over 50 vendors selling handmade crafts, local goods, and delicious treats. You'll find everything from unique gifts and decorations to holiday-themed apparel and accessories.

What to Expect at the Ottawa Il Christmas Market

The Ottawa Il Christmas Market is more than just a shopping event – it's an immersive holiday experience that will leave you feeling merry and bright. Here are some of the things you can expect to find at the market:

• Unique gifts and decorations from local artisans and vendors
• Delicious food and drink, including hot chocolate, cookies, and other holiday treats
• Live music and entertainment, including caroling and visits with Santa
• A festive atmosphere, complete with holiday decorations and twinkling lights

Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

To make the most of your visit to the Ottawa Il Christmas Market, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best selection of goods
• Bring cash, as not all vendors may accept credit or debit cards
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing
• Don't forget to try some of the local food and drink – it's a big part of the holiday experience!

Meet the Vendors

The Ottawa Il Christmas Market is proud to feature over 50 vendors selling a wide range of unique and local goods. Here are some of the types of vendors you can expect to find:

• Artisans selling handmade crafts, such as jewelry, pottery, and textiles
• Local food vendors selling holiday treats, such as baked goods, chocolates, and hot cocoa
• Small business owners selling unique gifts and decorations, such as candles, soaps, and wreaths

Vendor Spotlight: Local Artisans

One of the highlights of the Ottawa Il Christmas Market is the opportunity to support local artisans and small business owners. Here are some of the talented vendors you can expect to find:

• Emily's Handmade Jewelry: Unique, handmade jewelry using natural materials and recycled metals
• The Cozy Candle Company: Artisanal candles made with natural wax and essential oils
• Willow Creek Pottery: Handmade ceramics and pottery perfect for gift-giving or personal use

Special Events and Activities

The Ottawa Il Christmas Market is more than just a shopping event – it's a festive celebration that includes a range of special events and activities. Here are some of the things you can expect to find:

• Visits with Santa Claus: Bring the kids to meet the big man himself and get a photo to commemorate the occasion
• Live Music and Entertainment: Enjoy festive tunes and performances by local musicians and performers
• Holiday Crafts and Activities: Get creative with hands-on crafts and activities, perfect for kids and adults alike

Special Event Spotlight: Santa's Arrival

One of the highlights of the Ottawa Il Christmas Market is the arrival of Santa Claus. Here are the details:

• Date: Saturday, December 5th
• Time: 10:00 am
• Location: Downtown Ottawa, near the Christmas Market
• What to Expect: Santa will arrive in a festive parade, complete with floats, marching bands, and of course, Mrs. Claus and the elves. Don't miss it!

Getting There and Getting Around

The Ottawa Il Christmas Market takes place in downtown Ottawa, which is easily accessible by car or on foot. Here are some tips for getting there and getting around:

• Parking: There are several parking lots and garages located throughout downtown Ottawa, including the Ottawa Municipal Parking Garage and the LaSalle Street Parking Lot.
• Shuttle Service: A free shuttle service will be available to take visitors from the parking lots to the Christmas Market.
• Walking: Downtown Ottawa is highly walkable, and many of the shops and restaurants are within a short distance of the Christmas Market.

Getting Around Spotlight: Shuttle Service

To make getting around the Christmas Market easier, a free shuttle service will be available. Here are the details:

• Schedule: The shuttle will run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
• Route: The shuttle will make stops at the Ottawa Municipal Parking Garage, the LaSalle Street Parking Lot, and the Christmas Market.
• Frequency: The shuttle will run approximately every 15 minutes.

Accommodations and Dining

If you're planning to spend the day or weekend in Ottawa, there are plenty of accommodations and dining options to choose from. Here are some recommendations:

• Accommodations: The Ottawa Inn, the Hampton Inn Ottawa, and the Comfort Inn Ottawa are all highly rated and within walking distance of the Christmas Market.
• Dining: Some popular dining options in downtown Ottawa include the Lone Buffalo, the Jeremiah Joe Coffee House, and the Basta Pasta.

Accommodations Spotlight: The Ottawa Inn

One of the top-rated accommodations in Ottawa is the Ottawa Inn. Here are some details:

• Location: 100 East Lafayette Street, Ottawa, IL 61350
• Amenities: Free breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, and business center
• Reviews: 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, 4.5 stars on Google Reviews

Conclusion

The Ottawa Il Christmas Market is a fun and festive event that's perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. With its unique vendors, delicious food and drink, and special events and activities, it's an event that's sure to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you're a local or just visiting, we hope you'll join us for this special holiday celebration.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences about the Ottawa Il Christmas Market in the comments below!