Winter Solstice Bonfire
Visitors celebrate the shortest day of the year gathered around a large outdoor bonfire in the meadow. Guests can explore the Holiday GLOW path, grab a drink from the bar, or purchase food from visiting food trucks and the Greenhouse Café. Overnight lodging is also available on-site in the Mansion or guest houses.
Mon, Dec 21, 2026 All ages
See more other Christmas activities near Monticello
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
$20 per vehicle, payable upon arrival; cash only, exact change appreciated.
Hours
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm; bonfire lit around 6 p.m.
Food & Drink
Visitors can buy drinks from the bar and meals from food trucks or the Greenhouse Café, which has a limited menu.
Parking
There may be a wait for entry; arrive early to be present for the bonfire lighting around 6 p.m.
Accessibility
Disability-related accommodations can be requested by emailing owarren@illinois.edu.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Bring cash, since payment at the gate is cash only and exact change is appreciated to keep the entry line moving.
- Arrive early if you want to see the bonfire lit, because there may be a wait to get into the meadow.
- Wear boots if you plan to stroll through Holiday GLOW, and dress warmly for an evening spent outdoors.
- The Greenhouse Café has a limited menu that night, so the food trucks are your other option for a full meal.
- Book a room in the Mansion or a guesthouse if you'd like to stay overnight instead of driving home after the bonfire.
Special Events & Promotions
- Overnight stays in the Mansion or a guesthouse can be booked separately to round out your visit.
Links & Contact
Run by Allerton Park & Retreat Center
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What else is there besides the bonfire?
You can stroll through Holiday GLOW, get a drink at the bar, and buy a meal from a food truck or the Greenhouse Café.
What should I wear?
Boots are recommended for the Holiday GLOW stroll. Dress warmly, too, since the evening is spent outdoors in the meadow.
Will there be a wait to get in?
There may be. Thousands of people come, so arrive early if you want to see the bonfire lit.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes. You can book a room in the Mansion or one of the guesthouses online or by phone.
Will I be photographed?
You may be. Allerton photographs the event for its marketing, so tell the photographer or videographer if you don't want your picture taken.
Browse Christmas in Decatur
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.