Winter Wonderland opens, new events offered this year

EAST PEORIA (25News Now) - FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland drive-thru display is officially open for the holiday season.

It opened on Black Friday.

This is the 30th year Winter Wonderland has been a part of the FOLEPI tradition.

As you drive through, you’ll see all 40 of the floats from the parade that was held on Nov. 18. There are also extra lights and displays that supplement the floats.

Twenty-five-thousand cars are expected to drive through Winter Wonderland this year.

Jill Peterson, the Public Relations Coordinator for the City of East Peoria, says Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days, but this year, there are some new incentives for those who stop by during the week.

“Monday is “Chick-fil-A Monday” and every car gets Chick-fil-A coupons. Tuesday is “Letters to Santa Tuesday.” Santa himself will be here to accept letters from the little kids and he’ll stick his head in the car. He likes to take selfies,” Peterson said. “And then Wednesday is “Elevate Trampoline Park Wednesday.” Visitors will get coupons to Elevate Trampoline Park.”

You can visit Winter Wonderland through January 1, 2024. It’ll be open every night, including holidays, until then.

Here are the hours: