Year’s End in the Middle of Everywhere
Towards the end of the year, Ottawa plays host to some exciting events and seasonal opportunities for all kinds of fun! Whether you’re in the mood for some high energy fun, cozy vibes as the temps drop, or something else, a trip to Ottawa this time of year is guaranteed to be a memory-maker. This blog can be your guide to late fall/early winter happenings in Ottawa, Illinois! Be sure to click the event titles for more information.
November 6-7, 4:45 PM to 5 PM the *next* day, Washington Square
The 18th Annual 24-Hour Veterans Honor Guard Vigil will be held at the War Memorial in Washington Square, downtown Ottawa. Opening ceremony begins on the 6th at 4:45 PM, when area Submarine Veterans will be the Lead Honor Guard. A combined area Color Guard will Place the Colors, followed by brief remarks, then place the Lead Honor Guard. A brief closing ceremony will begin at 5 PM on the 7th, with the Rifle Salute, TAPS, and Retirement of the Colors. Boy Scout Troop 745 will assist.
Military vehicles will be on display. The “Tunes of Glory” Bagpipers will play appropriate music on Saturday, 3 to 5 pm. The American Legion Amateur Radio Club (TALARC) will have a Field Day Exercise, where all interested can learn new skills. “Flutes for vets” will also demonstrate throughout the event. New this year, is a Legion vs VFW Bags Tournament on Saturday. Contact Ottawa American Legion Post 33 (815-433-1191) if you wish to participate as a Veteran/Active Service Member or a volunteer.
Christmas Open House Weekend/Shop, Sip, Savor & Sparkle Weekend
November 6-7, throughout downtown
Our downtown businesses are decking the halls and rolling out the holiday cheer! Explore our locally owned shops, discover unique gifts, and get a head start on your Christmas shopping all weekend long!
HOLIDAY ORNAMENT HUNT | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Add a little adventure to your holiday shopping! Visit downtown businesses and join in the fun of our Holiday Ornament Hunt!
CHRISTMAS CAROLERS | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Nothing says Christmas quite like the sounds of holiday music! Enjoy festive caroling as you stroll through downtown Ottawa.
SHOP, SIP & SAVOR | ALL WEEKEND
Make a day of it! Take a break from shopping to enjoy a meal, a sweet treat, or a festive drink at one of Ottawa’s wonderful local establishments.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and make some new holiday memories right here in Ottawa! Shop Local. Dine Local. Celebrate Ottawa!
Win a two-night stay at Ottawa’s Heritage Harbor, tickets to the Wine & Art Walk, and a wide variety of gift cards to your favorite local businesses! Find out how at https://wgnradio.com/contests/shop-sip-savor-and-sparkle-weekend-in-ottawa/#//
Wine & Art Walk at Heritage Harbor
November 7, 3 PM to 6 PM, Heritage Harbor
Grab a glass and hit the Harbor! Spend the afternoon sipping your way through Heritage Harbor with wine tastings, local art, tasty bites, shopping, and fun surprises along the way. You can expect to find local artists sharing one-of-a-kind work, wine & spirits to sample, tasty bites + a market to browse, and beautiful harbor views throughout your stroll. Go at your own pace and stop where you like at this self-guided experience.
After, make your way to The Vue, Heritage Harbor’s new waterfront event venue. Jonny Lyons & the Pride will take the stage from 6 PM to 9 PM. Admission to the live music at The Vue is included with your Wine & Art Walk ticket. Separate concert tickets will be available for guests who want to join for the evening.
November 11, 10:15 AM to 11 AM, Washington Square
On the North side of Washington Square Park, a ceremony for Veterans’ Day will be held on November 11th 10:15 am. Program will begin at 10:30 am to 11:00 am. The VFW will provide a courtesy brunch for the community afterward.
BLT: A Bourbon, Lobster and T-Bone Experience
November 12, 6 PM to 9 PM, The Vue @ Heritage Harbor
Join the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation in celebrating a significant milestone! Enjoy the New BLT Celebration of Giving. Your “BLT” dinner includes a delicious lobster tail or T-bone steak, perfectly prepared by Harbor House by Valentino’s, & a Bourbon tasting experience. A full bar will also be available. Presented by Hometown National Bank, hosted by The Vue at Heritage Harbor (111 Harbor Drive).
November 14-15, 9 AM to 4 PM both days, 3277 East 18th Road
Enjoy a unique shopping experience set in the backdrop of a 1920s town. The Rusty Halo offers a variety of vendor markets throughout the year, featuring homemade goods, artisanal products, delicious treats, seasonal decor, primitives, and so much more. Those who relish in the holiday season, Christmas decorations, and that magical winter-time vibe are sure to love the Snowman Express!
November 21, 9 PM to 12 AM, Downtown Ottawa
Select downtown shops will reopen for some late-night shopping. Grab your hat & gloves and hit the town for unique holiday shopping experience. The first 50 guests to check in at Fresh Prints (112 West Main Street) will receive a swag bag packed with valuable coupons and treats from your favorite downtown businesses. This is a FREE event, but the bags are first come, first served. Be on the lookout for the ODA’s participating store list!
Back in the Day Restaurants – OHSHM Lecture
November 15, 2 PM, Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum
Our local museum regularly holds lectures detailing the rich, illustrious history of Ottawa, Illinois. This month, Director Mollie Perrot will speak about Ottawa’s restaurants, ice cream parlors, and bakeries of the past. Over the years, there have been many restaurants in our fair city; some widely known, others not so much. Where did the masses go to “eat out”? Admission to a single session is $10 for non-members, for members of the museum: $9.
November 27, 6 PM, Downtown Ottawa
The Festival of Lights Parade has been an iconic draw to Ottawa for decades. Join us as we kick off the holiday season in dazzling style in the heart of our historic downtown. Festive floats, sparkling lights, and holiday music will fill the streets with cheer! This magical tradition brings families and friends together to celebrate the season, with a joyful procession that lights up the night and hearts alike. Bundle up, bring the cocoa, and make your way downtown for a holiday experience you won’t want to miss!
Starting November 27, 12 PM (opening day), Jackson Street
Ottawa’s Chris Kringle Market is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. This open-air Christmas market runs every weekend starting November 27th through the weekend of December 18th. Find the perfect gift for that special someone, stocking-stuffers, or do some retail therapy. You’ll find warm snacks, unique trinkets, and more at the market! Don’t forget to visit Santa & Mrs. Claus at their cottage, participate in some holiday-themed activities & events, (like the Santa Shuffle or Krampus Cookie Crawl), and make it a winter to remember in Ottawa! Don’t forget to vote in the 4th Annual Deck the Windows Competition, from November 27th to December 24th.
Starting November 27, 12 PM (opening day), 601 West Norris Drive
The Exploreum Children’s Museum is a group trying to bring an educational/interactive children’s museum to Ottawa. This indoor holiday market is set in the prospective future home of the children’s museum. From the weekend of November 27th through the weekend of December 11th, stop by for a pop-up market with holiday shopping, FREE kids’ activities, and more! While the grown-ups shop, children can enjoy the Exploreum Play Zone, hands-on holiday activities, crafts, the Community Christmas Tree, North Pole Post Office, and more.
December 4, 7:30 AM to 4 PM, WCMY Radio Station
This local event benefits the Ottawa Community Food Basket. There will be a live radiothon & area schools performing on WCMY. Monetary donations & drive thru drop off are accepted. There will be local celebrities and business donation collectors participating. All monetary proceeds go to the Ottawa Community Food Basket.
