As fall winds down, Illinois is gearing up for the most magical time of the year. From twinkling light displays to festive markets and parades, the holiday season shines bright across the state. We also honor Native American heritage this month recognizing the traditions, stories, and communities that have shaped our state’s history.
TOURISM NEWS
Illinois Showcases at Brand USA Travel Week
(Oct. 20–23, London)
Illinois at Brand USA Travel Week in London, an event that brought together U.S. destinations and top international travel partners from across the U.K. and Europe. Throughout the week, the Illinois team met with key tour operators, reporters and others in the travel industry to highlight Illinois’ diverse visitor experiences—from our vibrant cities and cultural institutions to our outdoor recreation, culinary strengths and historic Route 66 assets.
Interest in Illinois continues to grow, particularly around authentic Midwestern experiences, Chicago’s world-class attractions and new regional offerings. Our meetings helped strengthen existing relationships, open doors to new collaborations and create opportunities to increase international visitation in the year ahead. There’s certainly lots of international interest in celebrating the Route 66 Centennial in 2026!
We are in the process of following up with our partners to support itinerary development, media coverage and cooperative marketing opportunities. Illinois has a compelling story to share, and our presence at Brand USA Travel Week ensures that we remain top-of-mind as travelers plan future U.S. adventures.
Tis the Season in the Middle of Everything
As the fall season comes to a close, we’ve officially launched the holiday campaign, shining a spotlight on the events, festivals, and attractions that make this time of year so special. Communities across the state are transitioning from fall foliage and harvest celebrations to light displays, holiday markets, and winter experiences that drive both local and visitor engagement.
The campaign shares upcoming holiday programming, leveraging seasonal content to help travelers discover the magic happening in every corner of Illinois. Explore featured events, itineraries, and promotional resources on the Holiday Season landing page.
We're also teaming up with Fox River to bring some extra winter magic your way with the Keep it Cozy Sweepstakes. Enter for a chance to win a $1,500 Expedia voucher for your next Illinois winter escape, plus a one-of-a-kind Keep It Cozy Kit. And that's not all: 25 runners-up will score a $150 Expedia voucher and their own Keep It Cozy Kit - perfect for adding a little Illinois warmth to your winter. The sweepstakes ends December 14th at midnight, so enter now!
Big Lincoln Makes His Big Debut One of the nation’s largest holiday celebrations is back! The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicks off the season with its signature tree-lighting parade, fireworks, and family fun. Keep an eye out for Big Lincoln walking in the parade as part of this beloved Chicago tradition.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month This November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and honor the stories, history, and resilience of Native American communities across Illinois. Discover ancient traditions, visit significant sites, and engage with interactive exhibits that bring the stories of Indigenous peoples to life.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
3 Travel Trends Making 2026 Tourism More Sustainable
According to a Forbes article, sustainability continues to shape the future of travel. From eco-conscious accommodations to community-driven tourism, these emerging trends offer insight into how destinations like Illinois can lead with purpose and care for the planet.
The Biggest Travel Trends for 2026: Skincare, Snacks & Storybook Escapes A Parade Magazine article highlights the top traveler obsessions for 2026, from skincare-inspired wellness travel to snack-fueled foodie adventures and vacations inspired by beloved books. Each trend speaks to travelers’ growing desire for experiences that nourish, surprise, and inspire.
ENJOY ILLINOIS MAGAZINE
When browsing the Fall/Winter issue of the Enjoy Illinois inspiration guide, you'll feel like you're already out there enjoying the best the state has to offer. Whether it’s cozy fall getaways, festive Chicago celebrations, winter adventures, and more! There's always something new to explore. View online Download the PDF
