Allerton Park, one of our favorite places to experience nature as a family, should be tops on your list
There are so many things to love about Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello that it’s hard to pick just nine. Monticello is a short drive from Champaign-Urbana in Central Illinois — just over 30 minutes from the heart of C-U — and if you’ve never been, you’ll want to make the drive the next time you’re met with a beautiful day and want something to do. Here’s why:
- FREE. There is no admission fee to Allerton Park! (Allerton does appreciate donations, if that’s something you wish to do.) Anywhere we can visit with our families that’s free is tops on our list.
- Imagination. Their gardens transport you to a place where your imagination can run wild. Our kids’ favorite spot at Allerton is the Triangle Parterre Garden, where it feels like a scene straight out of the book, “The Secret Garden.”
- Art. Perhaps your kids are still at that young and rambunctious age where the thought of walking them through a quiet indoor museum while you attempt to enjoy some beautiful art sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. At Allerton, you’ll find art at every turn — Robert Allerton had a love for all things art and music — and your kids will be able to run around and burn off all that energy at the same time. Win win!
- Nature. We know how important it is for children and adults to spend unstructured time in nature and we’re fortunate to have so many places surrounding Champaign-Urbana to do exactly that. At Allerton, you’ll hear plenty of birds while climbing and jumping and playing. You can take in the breathtaking scenery of the formal gardens and paths that make up the grounds.
- Activity. We can’t think of many places more beautiful than Allerton where you can hike to get in your steps for the day and burn off that energy. Allerton Park is open year round (except for a few holidays), so you can head there even in the middle of winter if you just need somewhere to get outside and move.
- Picnic. Allerton Park was made for picnics! If the idea of eating outside on a blanket is on your family’s bucket list, Allerton is your spot. And if you don’t want to pack sandwiches from home, or if you just want to grab a coffee or cool off with some ice cream, the Greenhouse Cafe has you covered (check website for hours).
- Stunning. There’s a reason that Allerton Park is so popular for weddings and other picture-heavy occasions. If it’s been a while since something took your breath away, there’s a good chance that something at Allerton will. Your kids may see it as a fun place to visit but they may not appreciate its beauty in the same way you do. It’s simply gorgeous and photos can’t fully do it justice. You have to go see it for yourself.
- Concerts. Allerton provides a great backdrop for outdoor concerts in the warmer months and has a variety of special events throughout the year. Some may have a cost attached to them, but others will be free. (If there are concerts or other events coming up on our Event Calendar, they’ll be listed below.)
- Holiday Glow. This event is an annual tradition for many C-U families and, for some, the only time they make it to Allerton Park all year.
Friday, December 6, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
<h4>Holiday Showcase Opening Night - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday [Showcase + GLOW] Opening Night Start the holiday season with a magical evening at Holiday [Showcase + GLOW] Opening Night from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. Take an enchanting stroll through the magical, illuminated gardens of Holiday GLOW presented by the U of I Community Credit…read more…
Saturday, December 7, 2024
<h4>Holiday Showcase - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Celebrate the season at the Holiday Showcase presented by Sterling Wealth Management Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6-8 in the Mansion! Come out and shop for gifts and relax with friends over drinks and/or an optional lunch. The Showcase features specially selected artisans and businesses selling their unique products, handcrafted wares and baked…read more…
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Sunday, December 8, 2024
<h4>Holiday Showcase - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Celebrate the season at the Holiday Showcase presented by Sterling Wealth Management Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6-8 in the Mansion! Come out and shop for gifts and relax with friends over drinks and/or an optional lunch. The Showcase features specially selected artisans and businesses selling their unique products, handcrafted wares and baked…read more…
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Monday, December 9, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
<h4>Holiday Mansion Tours - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Come see the Mansion shine in all of its holiday splendor at the Holiday Mansion Tours on Monday, Dec. 9 (5 p.m. and 6 p.m.), Thursday, Dec. 12 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Tuesday, Dec. 17 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Enjoy the twinkle from more than 40 trees…read more…
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Thursday, December 12, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
<h4>Holiday Mansion Tours - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come see the Mansion shine in all of its holiday splendor at the Holiday Mansion Tours on Monday, Dec. 9 (5 p.m. and 6 p.m.), Thursday, Dec. 12 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Tuesday, Dec. 17 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Enjoy the twinkle from more than 40 trees…read more…
Friday, December 13, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Saturday, December 14, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Sunday, December 15, 2024
<h4>Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa | Registration Opens 10/1</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!
<h4>Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required | Registration Opens 10/1</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Monday, December 16, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
<h4>Holiday Mansion Tours - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come see the Mansion shine in all of its holiday splendor at the Holiday Mansion Tours on Monday, Dec. 9 (5 p.m. and 6 p.m.), Thursday, Dec. 12 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Tuesday, Dec. 17 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Enjoy the twinkle from more than 40 trees…read more…
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Thursday, December 19, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Friday, December 20, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Saturday, December 21, 2024
<h4>Grinch Chase 5K</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Sangamon Valley CEO Grinch Chase 5K - December 21, 2024 https://raceroster.com/events/2024/96669/grinch-chase-5k Come out for an exciting event for all ages! Packet pick-up and same day registration 8 a.m. Ages 5-9 100m Chase. 9 a.m. Ages 10-11 400m Chase. 9:30 a.m. Grinch Chase 5 K. 10 a.m. Prizes for overall male…read more…
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
<h4>Winter Solstice Bonfire</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Head to Monticello to celebrate the “shortest day of the year” at the Winter Solstice Bonfire on Saturday, December 21 from 5-9 p.m. in the Allerton Meadow! The winter solstice marks the official beginning of winter and has been celebrated in a variety of ways for thousands of years, traditionally…read more…
<h4>Winter Solstice Bonfire</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Winter Solstice Bonfire Head to Allerton in Monticello to celebrate the “shortest day of the year” at the Winter Solstice Bonfire on Saturday, December 21 from 5-9 p.m. in the Allerton Meadow! The winter solstice marks the official beginning of winter and has been celebrated in a variety of ways for thousands…read more…
Sunday, December 22, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Monday, December 23, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Thursday, December 26, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Friday, December 27, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Saturday, December 28, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Sunday, December 29, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Monday, December 30, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
<h4>Holiday Glow at Allerton</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday GLOW is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6-23 & 26-31
A Must See: The Peony Garden at Allerton Park | Gardens and Flower Farms in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond | Allerton Glow: A Holiday Tradition | Greenhouse Cafe
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