The 19th Annual Carlinville Christmas Market Was a Truly Successful Holiday Celebration

Approximately 11,000 visitors discovered or re-discovered the small-town holiday magic that defines the Carlinville Christmas Market. For the 2008 edition, they came from Carlinville, Macoupin County, neighboring counties, from all over Illinois, and from neighboring states. Some of them came for the weekend, some for a couple of days, and some just for a day. But no matter where they came from, they left our town happy.

The entertainment was lively and plentiful, including an array of musical tributes to the spirit of Christmas, ice sculptures, bagpipers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and trolley tours highlighted the activities for the adults. Children were equally wide-eyed over the chance to visit Santa Claus, pet a real reindeer, take a ride on a pony, and wonder at the tricks of the top-spinner, the magician, and the juggler.

Thanks to dry weather, shopping was also an enjoyable treat. Visitors browsed the big, white heated tents for the perfect holiday gift. What they didn’t find there, they found at the many shops that line the brightly lit sidewalks of the town square.

And they ate well . . . snacks ranging from cinnamon-roasted almonds (a Christmas Market tradition), funnel cakes, and fudge to sausages, cheese, sandwiches, and dips. Folks wanting a full lunch or dinner found their answers in local restaurants, the food court, or a church soup and chili fest. Those who visited the Christmas Show at the Anderson Mansion had a chance to savor the hearty and locally renowned meals offered by the Macoupin County Historical Society.

The Carlinville Christmas Market Foundation, which produces the annual festival, extends sincere thanks and appreciation to the visitors, vendors, and volunteers who combined to create the premier holiday celebration in Central Illinois.

The Foundation is already planning its 20th annual Carlinville Christmas Market in 2009 with the intent to make it even better and certainly very special. We invite you to save the dates and join us.

20th Annual Carlinville Christmas Market DECEMBER 4, 5, & 6, 2009