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Best Cheap Holiday Escapes Near Chicago

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year, but they can also be a very stressful and overwhelming time of the year. An inexpensive holiday escape may be just what is needed to recharge and reinvigorate. Whether it is a day escape or an overnight escape, here you will find the best cheap holiday escapes near Chicago. If you are looking for additional holiday escapes near Chicago, please click here.

Carriage
(Credit: visitlonggrove.com)

Long Grove, IL
Visitor's Information Center
307 Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, IL 60047
(847) 634-0888
www.visitlonggrove.com

Long Grove, Illinois is known as Illinois' first historic district and is only about 35 miles northwest of Chicago. Long Grove has a nice selection of local stores, restaurants, art and entertainment. The holidays are an especially charming time of the year when the town celebrates the season with beautiful holiday décor and lighting. Santa Claus comes to town, carolers sing festive tunes and carriage rides are offered on Sundays.

Geneva, IL
Geneva Chamber of Commerce
8 S. 3rd St.
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-6060
www.genevachamber.com

Geneva, Illinois is a quaint, historic town located approximately 43 miles from Chicago and the town goes above and beyond with decorating and celebrating during the holiday season. This charming town decorates with an extensive amount of twinkling white lights and also has many boutique stores that offer unique items and gifts. The upscale restaurants offer an exquisite range of menu selections and it is a great holiday escape for both families and couples. Santa's gingerbread house opens during the first weekend in December and remains open throughout the holiday season; carriage rides are also offered throughout the month of December.

Rockton, IL
Rockton Chamber of Commerce
330 E. Main St., Suite 700
Rockton, IL 61072
(815) 624-7625
www.rocktonchamber.com

Rockton, Illinois is located approximately 96 miles from Chicago and celebrates the holiday season in style. The highlight of the festive decor is the local Village Green Park which is adorned with thousands of holiday lights, making the park look like a twinkling, colorful city; a holiday sight worth seeing. Many of the unique, local shops offer coupons and incentives for holiday shoppers, making a purchase that much more enticing. Rockton, IL offers antique shops, restaurants, museums, hotels plus much more; a perfect holiday escape without the high costs.

Related: Family Guide To Chicago Brunches

Santa
(Credit: cedarburgchristmas.com)

Cedarburg, WI
Cedarburg General Store Museum & Visitors Center
W61 N480 Washington Ave.
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-5856
www.cedarburgchristmas.com

Cedarburg, Wisconsin is located approximately 112 miles from Chicago and is a charming and picturesque town, especially during the holiday season. There are many activities and events happening during the holiday season for both couples and families. The town of Cedarburg offers a window unveiling to present to visitors with the stores' holiday décor. There is also a Christmas lighting presentation, live nativity scene, horse-drawn sleigh rides, shopping, coffee shops, cozy pubs, art galleries, restaurants and much more. Visitors can be close to everything by staying at the Washington House Inn or Stagecoach Inn; both offer rooms that are reasonably priced.

Shipshewana, IN
Wolfe Building
345 Morton St.
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 768-4743
www.shipshewana.org

Shipshewana, Indiana is located approximately 133 miles from Chicago and is defined by its surrounding Mennonite and Amish communities. The many activities and family events happening in Shipshewana during the holiday season are reflective of the community's strong family values and ties. One of the highlights of the season is the lighted holiday parade along with spectacular floats, carolers, wagons and horses. Shopping and restaurant choices abound at very reasonable prices. There are also a plethora of overnight accommodations at a range of prices such as bed and breakfast establishments, many hotels and motels and campgrounds with RV accommodations.

Related: Best Long Weekend Trips For College Students

Michelle Guilbeau is an elementary teacher living in Chicago, Illinois. She has also experience in school administration and literacy coaching. Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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