Folepi's Enchanted Forest

Lighted tree and snowman next to a lighted building

Dates & Times

  • December 5 through December 31, 2020
  • Open nightly

Location

The Enchanted Forest is an outdoor display at the Levee District downtown area outside of the East Peoria Civic Plaza, located at:
401 W Washington Street
East Peoria, IL 61611

There will be no indoor activities at the forest or visits with Santa in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Lighted colorful holiday soldier displayCost

Free admission

Details

Take a stroll through the lights of Folepi’s Enchanted Forest! Folepi’s Enchanted Forest features the Festival’s 35-foot tall Christmas tree, lighted trees and displays, and the Terry the Tractor parade float. The giant Christmas tree is a popular backdrop for taking photos of the kids and selfies of the kids at heart.

Official Tree Lighting

The lights on the giant Christmas tree will turn on for the season during a tree-lighting event featuring carols sung by the Caterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus at 5:45 pm Saturday, December 5, 2020. At approximately 6 p.m. Miss Festival of Lights 2020 Chloe Rogers will lead a countdown to light the tree.

Holiday Story Walks

Fondulac District Library will sponsor holiday story walks in the Reading Garden at the forest's entrance. The story walks consist of colorful printed storybook panels placed in the Reading Garden. The schedule is:

  • Friday, December 4 through Thursday, December 10 - The Polar Express
  • Friday, December 11 through Thursday, December 17 - The Snow Globe Family
  • Friday, December 18 through Sunday, December 27 - The Night Before Christmas

Caterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus

People in festive holiday hats singing carolsCaterpillar, Inc. has sponsored the Employees Mixed Chorus since 1941, making it the oldest known corporate-sponsored activity of its kind in the United States. CEMC’s first official appearance was at a Christmas program in the Building HH Show Room Theater in East Peoria in December 1941.

TheCaterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus Logo chorus was founded as a musical outlet for all employees, retirees and dependents whose talents could then be enjoyed by the community as a whole. The chorus has various musical activities throughout the year, including a touring Spring Show performed at local retirement homes, appearances at Dozer Park, and miscellaneous Christmas performances.