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Shedd Aquarium

Very Merry Marion

Tue, Nov 26 – Tue, Dec 31, 2024 • 5:30pm - 10:00pm

800 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL 62959

Kick off the holiday season with this fun holiday festival in downtown Marion, Illinois! With lots of activities for the whole family, this is one you won't want to miss.

Parade- Start your holiday with the Very Merry Holiday Parade on November 26th. Close to 100 entries with a special surprise at the end with the Budweiser Clydesdales making their parade debut!

Ice Skating- Ice Skating on the square begins November 26th and runs through January. Sessions are one hour on the hour from Thursday- Sunday. Thurs and Fri are 5-9 and Sat and Sun 1-9.

Very Merry Market- Come shop with local vendors on December 13th-15th and check out their unique handcrafted items at the Very Merry Holiday Market. The Very Merry Holiday Market is located in the parking lot south of Market Street Conservatory.

The HUB Holiday Fun Run- Get that ugly Christmas sweater, Santa hat, Elf suit, etc. ready and let’s show our city some fun holiday spirit! Runners and walkers, families and friends are welcome to participate in this short (1.5 mile), fun event. There will be a costume contest, hot chocolate and a surprise at the end of the route! Most Spirited Winner will enjoy a free Christmas Carriage Ride!

Carriage Rides- Enjoy a nostalgic carriage ride in downtown Marion to get you in the holiday spirit. Carriage rides will be available from November 27 through December 1 and December 3 through December 10. The cost is $40 per reservation. Each reservation can accommodate up to 8 riders and are approximately 15 minutes long.

Pancakes and Pajamas- Put your pajamas on and eat pancakes with family and friends at Marion Senior Citizens. Reservations are required. You can make your reservation by calling 618-997-9019 beginning November 1, 2023. In addition to a yummy breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis, there will be a shopping area for children to buy gifts for their families with their Santa bucks that will be provided, a chance to make magical reindeer food and to write Santa a letter that you can drop off in the Santa Mailbox located at Marion City Hall on the square. Oh, and one last thing...we hear Santa will be there!

Santa will also be on the square in his house each weekend in December through the 22nd.

Places to stay nearby...

Gray Plaza Motel - Marion

Marion

This motel offers affordable rates with a location close to I-57.

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America's Best Value Inn - Marion

Marion

We've got you covered from the time you hit the road, until your head hits the pillow.

Read more about America's Best Value Inn - Marion

Econo Lodge - Marion

Marion

Conveniently located off Interstate 57, our Econo Lodge® hotel in Marion is near the Illinois Star Centre shopping mall. It is easy to find, easy…

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