A Holiday Weekend in Kankakee County
Kankakee County has something for everybody during the holiday season. Located on the country-edge of Chicagoland, KaCo gives the traveler fresh air and hometown vibes while still just a short drive from downtown Chicago. Over this 48-hour kid-friendly adventure we package up Kankakee County’s holiday lights, Christkindl markets, architectural history, children's museum, nature, food and drinks, and even sightings of Santa Claus and reindeer.
The Hilton Garden Inn served as a welcoming base, beautifully decorated for the season with multiple Christmas trees and a hot chocolate bar, which set the tone for holiday weekend. Our weekend exploration covered sights such as the B. Harley Bradley House, the Christmas Parade, and the Sounds of the Seasons concert at Olivet Nazarene University. The Kris Kringle Market offered a bustling holiday atmosphere, complete with Santa, storybook readings, and decorated trees to vote on at the Kankakee County Museum.
We ate our way through devil’s pasta at Tucci’s and sushi at Koi alongside sipping hot cocoa and winter sangria. There was plenty to do to; from the Perry Farm hike and playground to the Winter Wander celebration at Kankakee Public Library. The Riverview Historic District, with its century-old homes and holiday strolls, provides a charming historical touch. The weekend was a perfect blend of culinary delights, festive attractions, and family-friendly adventures, making Kankakee County a memorable destination for those seeking holiday cheer and a little winter magic (even when the snow hasn’t fallen yet).
STAY
When the holidays come around, the Hilton Garden Inn in Kankakee does the decorations right. They have a hot chocolate bar in the lobby amidst a series of decorated holiday trees. There’s a pool for the kiddos and a 24/7 convenience pantry. Check-in was smooth and we were surprised with an awesome welcome basket from Visit Kankakee County!
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Kankakee’s Winter Wander turns downtown into a local holiday market that starts in the Kankakee Public Library. We picked up 12 tiny handmade stockings for our nieces and nephews, some bandannas for our pups and a Christmas bow tie for our little guy. Later in the afternoon, the lights come out and Kankakee celebrates with a Christmas Parade along with a light + radio show at the train depot.
For another all-day celebration of the holiday season visit Miracle on 8th and Kris Kringle Market at the Kankakee County Museum. Settled in/around the historic buildings you’ll find Santa, reindeer, a market both indoors and outdoors, story book reading for kids and more. The museum also featured the 45th annual Gallery of Trees; an array of decorated holiday trees perched amongst the exhibits for visitors to vote on.
To truly immerse yourselves in the spirit of the holiday, get tickets to the Sounds Of the Seasons at Olivet Nazarene University. Multiple ensembles coming together for a well coordinated holiday music and lights production! Buy tickets online in advance for this sold out show.
EAT
Lori’s Restaurant is a cozy diner that serves you everything you’d want out of a local breakfast spot. We had the french toast w/ banana, breakfast burrito, pancakes w/ sausage patties, and coffee. Also try Berry & Butter Cafe in Bradley for sweet kiwi-strawberry french toast, savory biscuits and gravy, and pancakes and sausage links for the kiddos. If you’re just looking for coffee, Connect Roasters is a must visit. They’re born and raised in Kankakee County, are a staple at the local farmers market and have made a name for themselves throughout Chicagoland and beyond.
When lunch comes around, stop by Stefari West Ave for euro-inspired bites with excellent flavor combinations and perfect portions. This bright, lively cafe was full when we arrived but we were quickly seated. We highly recommend the turkey brie apple sandwich, turkey cranberry walnut sandwich, and the peanut butter banana sandwich for kids. For drinks they’ve got a great espresso bar and serve delightful cocktails if you’re in the mood.
For dinner, Tucci’s was our first stop in Kankakee County. Their devil’s pasta is savory with just-enough spice and pairs well with the Winter sangria from their seasonal cocktail menu. We also ordered calamari, cheese ravioli with bolognese, and a slice of cheesecake to go. For flavors of a different hemisphere, try Koi Asian Bistro. Koi was absolutely packed when we visited (call ahead or try ordering for take-out). We ordered gyoza, sushi rolls (Alaska and yellowtail), kimchi tofu soup and pad thai.
Devil’s Pasta at Tucci’s
DO
The Perry Farm Park is a dynamic park open year-round from dawn to dusk. This 170 acre park features trees on the outer edges surrounding a natural prairie in the center. Updated playground equipment, farm animals, shelter houses, clean restrooms, miles of paved trails for hiking, running, rollerblading and more. This also includes access to the Kankakee River and the Indian Caves where we saw a gaggle of geese that were late to head down South. The park is also home to the Exploration Station Children’s Museum, a highly rated children’s museum that’s open Tuesday - Saturday. Click here to view an exhibit map and learn more.
For a deep dive into the area’s architectural history tour, drive over to Kankakee’s Riverview Historic District. The most famed building is the B. Harley Bradley House. Also known as “Glenlloyd” this house is a transitional work for the famed architect. This is Frank Lloyd Wright’s first prairie design. Regular tours are available on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Off schedule times are also available. Click here to book a tour. To view 12 other historic homes in this neighborhood, take the self-guided walking tour. With Cobb Park as its anchor, the Riverview Historic District is filled with custom-built, historic homes. Many are older than 100 years. The neighborhood also hosts a holiday stroll where the neighborhood lines the sidewalks with lanterns. If you have the time we highly recommend sticking around on a Sunday evening to see this.
