Can you believe it’s already time for the Night of the Luminaria?  This is one of my favorite Galena Holiday events and is being sponsored by the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce, who says “Encounter the ethereal beauty of Galena as it is transformed along streets, steps and walkways into an enchanting, serene and magical place. Radiating with over 5000 candle-lit luminaries aglow around the city. Whether you choose to stroll down sidewalks, travel by trolley or cuddle up in a carriage, you will be captivated by the peaceful splendor of it all. The event offers an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective and for many attending has become a family tradition”.

Area businesses have extended their hours, which makes this a perfect opportunity to shop local!   And when you need a little rest, stop in one of the local restaurants for some food (and spirits).  There are many wonderful restaurants to choose from so you can feed whatever it is you’re craving.

Prefer to stay warm and cozy and let someone else do the driving?  Take the Night of the Luminaria Bus Tour, provided by Amelia’s Tours.  Tours run from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on the half hour. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and reservations are required as space is very limited.  Check out Amelia’s Facebook Page for more information.

Galena is just so beautiful during Luminaria.  Come on out to Galena and see the beauty of The Night Of The Luminaria for yourself!

Christmas In Elizabeth

Head on over to the village of Elizabeth where you will experience an old-fashioned Christmas. Tour the 1876 Banwarth House and Museum, decorated for the holidays. Visit the Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum and see model trains and chat with Santa. At 11:00am the Apple River Fort offers a living history demonstration and more. There will be a Christmas concert, craft show and bake sale. Many stores will remain open longer offering bargains and discounts.

Here’s the schedule of the day’s events Click Here

An Evening with Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln
DeSoto House Hotel – 230 S Main St. in Galena
Saturday, February 4, 2012-6pm Cocktail Hour-7pm Dinner

Galena’s historic DeSoto House Hotel plays host to An Evening with Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln

You are invited to a rare glimpse of the 1865 White House as President and Mrs. Lincoln share stories of their lives together during a documentary play set against the backdrop of the American Civil War.

6:00pm – Cash Bar
7:00pm – Dinner
8:00pm – Living History Theater

Go to The Galena Historical Museum website for details on this event.

It’s January – let’s Ski!!!  Below are January’s upcoming events at Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort.  For more information or to make reservations, go to the Chestnut Mountain Website.

TUESDAY, JANUARY  17th, 24th and 31st

 Two-Fer Tuesday – Two ALL-DAY or ALL-NIGHT lift tickets for the price of one!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18th 

Wednesday Great Escape Special – $45 for lift, lunch and cocktail; $55 for lift, lesson, rental, lunch and cocktail

Season Pass Appreciation Night Featuring Laura and Jeff Specials:

• 20% off all food purchases in “The Summit”
• Food & Spirits
• 2.50 16 oz Budlight Drafts and $3.00 you call it
• 16 oz. drafts of any tap beers
• Free group lesson at 4:30 or 6:00
• Free Nastar on Blackhawk 6-8pm
• Bring a friend and they get Lift, Lesson, and Rental for only $20 (one friend per pass holder)
• Nightly prize drawings in the Summit at 8:45 (must be present to win)
• Live entertainment “Laura and Jeff” from 7:30pm – 10:30pm in The Summit

FRIDAY, January 20th & 27th

Fantastic Friday – Chestnut Mountain Resort will be keeping it’s slopes open until midnight every Friday in the months of January and February.  Don’t miss out on this unbelievable special.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JANUARY  21st &  22nd

KLONDIKE KAPERS – Snow sculptures on slopes, silly slalom on bunny (Sat. 3pm), DJ in Vista Lounge (Sat. 9am-1am), Fireworks on The Slopes At approx. 10:15pm on Sat.

USASA SNOWBOARDING COMPETITION DAY – Never competed in USASA before? You can compete in 1 event for $1.00 with a valid lift ticket and signed waiver packet.  Click here for all the details!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25th

Season Pass Appreciation Night –  Frank Busch Entertainment and  Grand Prize Drawing

• 20% off all food purchases in The Summit Food & Spirits
• $2.50 16oz Budlight Drafts and $3.00 you call it 16oz Drafts of any of our tap beers.
• FREE Group Lesson at 4:30pm or 6pm
• FREE Nastar on Blackhawk 6pm-8pm
• Bring a friend and they get Lift, Lesson, and Rental for only $20.00 (One friend per pass holder)
• Grand Prize monthly drawing  for a snowboard
• Live Entertainment “Frank Busch” from 7:30pm – 10:30pm in The Summit.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28th

Burton Demo – On Slope Burton Demo 10am to 3pm.  Must have vaild lift ticket to demo equipment.

TUESDAY-THURSDAY, JANUARY 31st – FEBRUARY 2nd

Illinois Special Olympics Winter Games – This event was cancelled last year due to weather, so these Olympians are more than ready to thrill.  Come on out and show your support.