Gingerbread House Gallery: Check Out Illinois' Contest Entries

We asked and you delivered, big time: Here are the Illinois entries in Patch's gingerbread house decorating contest.

Holiday Shipping Deadlines Are Approaching In Illinois

Here are the deadlines in Illinois to send holiday packages in time for delivery by Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25.

Chicago-Area Malls Closed Thanksgiving, Open Black Friday 2020

From The Promenade to Old Orchard, Water Tower Place, Fox Valley, Oakbrook and more, here's the hours for Chicago-area malls.

Jewel, Mariano's, Meijer: Thanksgiving Grocery Store Hours In IL

Find out when you can pick up those last-minute Thanksgiving staples from Caputo's, Whole Foods and more.

A Pandemic Thanksgiving: How To Celebrate Safely In Illinois

Public health officials are calling on Americans to stay home this Thanksgiving. If you can’t, here are a few tips to enjoy the holiday safe

Keep Thanksgiving Virtual Or Within Own Household In IL: CDC

Small gatherings are a big contributor to the worsening coronavirus pandemic, health officials said. Illinois is on a stay-at-home advisory.

Daylight Saving Time Ends: What Time The Sun Sets In Illinois

The pandemic added steam to the biannual debate over Daylight Saving Time, which will mean the sun sets earlier in Illinois Sunday.

See Which Halloween Costume Is Most Popular In Illinois

Popular costume trends appear randomly sprinkled across the states in 2020.

Illinois Urban Legends: Patch Readers Pick Spookiest Story

From a demon butcher to legends of a crazed killer, here's what you said is the scariest tale.

Halloween Poll: Vote For Patch's Scariest Illinois Urban Legend

Spooky season is upon us — time to trot out the best urban legends and scary stories in Illinois. But which one is the most spine tingling?

Kids Will Trick-Or-Treat, But Parents Wary: Illinois Patch Survey

Parents also weighed in on alternative ways to celebrate Halloween during the coronavirus pandemic.

Best Chicago-Area Pumpkin Patches And Corn Mazes 2020

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, there's still fall fun to be had in Illinois. Here's where you can head out and pick a pumpkin.

Will Your Kids Trick-Or-Treat This Year? Take IL Patch's Survey

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we do most things. Should it change Halloween, too?

Halloween In IL: Avoid 'High Risk' Trick-Or-Treating, CDC Says

Several Chicago-area towns have set trick-or-treating hours despite the coronavirus pandemic and new CDC guidance.

IL 4th Of July: Where Fireworks Are Happening, Where They're Not

Is your town still having a 4th of July fireworks show? Find out on Illinois Patch.

Swimming Pool Safety Tips For July 4 In Illinois

As residents in Illinois prepare to hit the water for Independence Day, it’s essential to keep safety a top priority.

4th Of July Fireworks 2020: What's Legal, What's Illegal In IL

With many fireworks displays canceled due to coronavirus, it may be tempting to put on your own pyrotechnic display. Here's what's illegal.

Illinois Patch Readers Share Father's Day 2020 Tributes

Father's Day is going to be a bit different this year, but we can still honor the special fathers in our lives.

Celebrate Father's Day 2020: Send Your Photos To Illinois Patch

Help us celebrate Father's Day 2020 by sending a message of love to your dad.

New Year's Eve Events Around Chicago, Suburbs: 2019 Guide

Ring in 2020 at one of these events, whether you're looking for a swanky party, a romantic evening or something for the whole family.

Santa Tracker: When St. Nick Arrives In Illinois

Get the milk and cookies ready! Know when Santa and his reindeer will be heading to your neck of the woods.

Bah Humbug? How Much Illinois Loves Christmas

A new study by GetCenturyLink ranked the states with the most and least Christmas spirit. Find out where our state landed on the jolly list.

Christmas Toys: Here Are The Most Popular In Illinois

Few moments are more exciting for kids than Christmas morning. Make sure you’re prepared with the right gift.

Electricity Costs Of Christmas Lights In Illinois

Simple. Thrifty. Living determined the added cost to your electricity bill to run Christmas lights in Illinois and in every U.S. state.

Worst Time For Holiday Travel, Plus Free Metra NYE Rides In IL

Know when to avoid the roads, how to share your I-PASS and how to get a free coffee on Christmas, New Year's Eve.

Restaurants Open On Christmas Day In Illinois

Don’t feel like cooking a feast for the whole family? Here are the chain restaurants open on Christmas in Illinois.

Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day 2019 In Illinois

Don’t feel like cooking all day? Here are the restaurants open for Thanksgiving in Illinois.

Black Friday 2019 Sales, When Stores Open In Illinois

Here’s a look at when retail stores open in Illinois and a peek at some of the Black Friday ads and special discounts.

Matteson Library White Christmas Bus Trip Dec 14

Matteson Library trip leaves you time for dining and shopping, after seeing a matinee of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.

IL Thanksgiving Store Closures 2019: Sam's, Costco, Burlington

Major retailers including Lowe's, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx will remain closed on Turkey Day. Dozens more will join them. See the list so far.

Illinois' Most Popular Halloween Costume, According To Google

Google is sharing the most popular Halloween costume searches of 2019. Any guesses for our state?

Haunted Illinois: 11 Haunted Spots Across The State

Some of these reputed haunts capitalize on their reputation by offering events and ghost tours.

Halloween Candy: Most Popular In Illinois

Few nights are more exciting for kids than Halloween. Make sure you’re prepared with the right candy.

Apple Orchards, Corn Mazes: Chicago-Area 2019 Guide

Apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions are open for the season.

Drowning In Illinois: It Doesn't Look Like You Think

As Illinois residents head to the water this weekend, it’s important to recognize the signs of drowning, which may not be what you think

Father's Day 2019: Illinois Families Share Photos With Dad

Take a look through these images of some of the best dads in the state.

Illinois Summer Festival Guide 2019

From live music and food fests to craft beer and fireworks, there's plenty to keep you busy this summer in Chicago and the suburbs.

Mother's Day 2019 Steals & Deals In Illinois

Some discounts and deals for Mom — or to help you treat your mom this Mother's Day.

Surprise Your Mom This Mother's Day By Sharing Your Pics On Patch

We are celebrating Mother's Day by inviting readers to share their favorite mother-daughter or mother-son photos and messages on Patch.

New Year’s Eve Drunken Driving: Where Illinois Ranks

New Year’s Eve is one of the deadliest nights on the nation’s highways. Here’s where Illinois ranks in impaired driving deaths.