MONTICELLO, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Allerton Park & Retreat Center is hosting its Holiday Opening Weekend, holding a variety of festive fun happening from Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7.

It’s not too late to get out to Allerton today, but if you’re not able to make it on the first day of festivities, there’s still two more days of holiday celebration at the park.

Shop from local vendors, stroll through the illuminated gardens and woodlands, enjoy special musical entertainment, linger over food and drink, bundle up on a picturesque carriage ride, stay overnight in the historic Mansion, and more!

Registration for each day is $10 per person (12 and under free), and you can register here.

Friday, December 5, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

5:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Holiday Showcase (Mansion), Natural Ornament-Making Workshop (Mansion Carriage House), Holiday GLOW (outdoors), Food Trucks (Gatehouse Lawn), Bar (Mansion + Gatehouse Lawn)

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Greenhouse Café open with a limited menu, wine tasting and additional vendors

5:30 – 8:00 p.m.: Monticello High School Madrigal Singers (Mansion Courtyard)

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Quest Church Handbell Choir (Brick Wall Garden, 20-30 minute performances at 7, 8 & 9 p.m.)

Saturday, December 6, 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Carriage Rides (Mansion Courtyard, additional cost and reservations required)

12:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Holiday Showcase (Mansion), Greenhouse Café open (limited menu and additional vendors), Bar (Mansion Solarium

12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., or 5:00 p.m.: Luncheon (Mansion Carriage House; additional cost and reservations required)

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Piano/violin holiday music by LeeAnn Capace and Judy Deverell (Mansion Gallery)

5:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Holiday GLOW (outdoors), Food Trucks + Bar (Gatehouse Lawn)

Sunday, December 7, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.*

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Carriage Rides (Mansion Courtyard, additional cost and reservations required)

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Holiday Showcase (Mansion), Greenhouse Café open (limited menu and additional vendors), Bar (Mansion Solarium)

12:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.: Afternoon Tea (Mansion Carriage House; additional cost and reservations required)

*Sunday’s Holiday GLOW is not included in Opening Weekend but will begin Sunday evening at 5 p.m. with a cost of $10/vehicle.

For more information, visit Allerton Park & Retreat Center’s Holiday Opening Weekend page.