One of my dreams is to take my family to spend Christmas in Galena, Illinois for the Christmas holiday. It’s a quaint, historic tourist spot just 2 hours away and probably has more Bed and Breakfast homes than any other place in the U.S. It’s popular for antiques shopping and was home to Ulysses S. Grant. I’ve visited idyllic Galena numerous times in my life, but have yet to spend the holidays there. (Photos are not mine but links to photo sources are provided.)
Historic buildings line the streets of downtown Galena.
It’s beautiful any time of year. Fall is probably the most spectacular season, though.
Antique and vintage shops are plentiful. Galena is where I purchased my first piece of white ironstone.
I’ve never stayed at the Farmers’ Guest House, but it’s a popular bed and breakfast.
Cindy at Applestone Cottage shared her visit to Galena, Illinois.
She stayed at this beautiful B&B, the Annie Wiggins House.
The Park Avenue Guest House is another popular bed and breakfast in Galena.
Actually, I could say they’re all popular! It’s such a beautiful town.
This panoramic view of Galena showcases its historic buildings dotting the rolling hills.
Just outside of Galena lies the rolling hills of its countryside dotted with red barns.
I love exploring the country roads of Galena, like this one just outside the Inn at Irish Hollow.
Here’s one of the beautiful bedrooms at the Inn at Irish Hollow.
If I planned a trip to celebrate Christmas in Galena, the whole family could stay at the Inn.
One of the many historic buildings in Galena. Are you starting to see my attraction to this small town?
In December, Galena has a Night of the Luminaria festival.
I’ve not seen it yet … but someday I probably will since it’s only 2 hours away.
You can also enjoy old fashioned carolers in December when you visit Galena.
Isn’t this scene perfect for a Christmas card?
I’ve always wanted to go on a horse drawn sleigh ride through the snow while drinking hot chocolate.
Some day I will spend Christmas in Galena … but for now, I’ll enjoy dreaming about it!
See photos of my previous trip to Galena, Illinois.
Have a safe and blessed Christmas Eve!
I have been to Galena several times. What a beautiful town! I lived about an hour away all my life and now that I’ve moved away, I try to visit Galena when I visit home. Nice photos. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Eileen! It’s been a couple years since I’ve been to Galena. I might go this spring with hubby.
I went to Galena one year for my birthday. It is not far but yet still about a two hour drive away perhaps a bit more. It is a beautiful area.
Hi Maureen. I hope you enjoyed your trip to this quaint, historic town!
What a picture perfect town! Maybe next year will be THE year and you can post lots more eye candy for us to enjoy. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Mimi! Who knows? Maybe you’re right!!
Merry Christmas Jennifer!
Merry Christmas, Darrielle! Hope your holidays are happy!
We live in Oregon and visited Galena in the late fall two years ago. What a delightful town, just needed more time. Our visit was for only two days but found we could have spent a week there and enjoyed every minute! Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing this delightful post.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Galena! I’ve even been there in January and it was pretty. Have a Merry Christmas, Betty!
What a beautiful town! The first picture you posted of Galena looked like a small mountain ski town such as Telluride. That vintage shop looks like its full of goodies too!
Hi Teresa! I’ve never been to Telluride but Galena does remind me of a ski town … and they do have a nearby ski resort! 🙂
I think I want to spend a Christmas in Galena too! It’s just spectacular! You must do it some day! Merry Christmas to you and your entire family!
It’s a cute place full of history and plenty of nature nearby. Enjoy your holidays, Doreen!
Jennifer,
I have been to Galena several times in the fall and summer but never for Christmas. I bet it is beautiful to be there with all the beautiful lights and festive decorations. That inn looks so spectacular. How beautiful. We have always rented a house in Galena for us all to stay in but I love that Inn. I might have to check into that.
Merry Christmas.
Kris
Merry Christmas, Kris! I’ve stayed in a couple B&Bs and also in a house in the Galena Territory. I like it best when we stay in town. The Inn at Irish Hollow is a little off the beaten track but not too far away. I’ve always wanted to spend the night there. 🙂
The pictures are beautiful. I hope to visit there some day. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!
It’s a beautiful town, Cyndee. Hope your holidays were happy!
Oh my…I want to go!! I’ll come and visit you and then we can drive there…mmmkay
Hugs, Jamie
Sounds like a great plan to me, Jamie! 🙂
Just Beautiful! Another place to add to my list of places to go! Seeing some of the old houses reminded me of the nice old houses in your old hometown. It would be nice to see a Christmas exterior tour blog of them all decked out for the season… nothing is more charming to me than the old houses all a sparkling at night! Merry Christmas!
Kari, If I ever get out there during the Christmas season, I’ll be sure to take photos of those beautiful old houses dressed for the holidays! Great idea. 🙂
What lovely scenes. I’d love to spend Christmas somewhere this enchanting, too. Merry Christmas, Jennifer!
Hope your holidays have been enjoyable, Laurel!!
Thank you for the mention (All That’s Vintage). Great post!
Hi Jennifer!! I love your town! I’ll be sure to stop in your shop next time I visit!
Lovely post about Galena, IL!! Hope to see you back sometime soon…let us know if you have any questions planning your trip!