Visitsi

12/08/2024

Welcome to Very Merry Marion Sunday. This weeks feature is the Very Merry Marion Holiday Market happening this weekend on December 13th - 15th.

Come experience the Holiday cheer while shopping for the perfect gift to give or keep for yourself. For more information check out the Very Merry Marion page or verymerrymarion.com website for times and bookings.

12/07/2024

Enjoy Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at Dotty Event Center located in downtown Herrin, Illinois.

This event is from 10am - 1pm. Tickets are $15 each child (max $30 per immediate family) at the door which includes 2 4X5 done by French's Studio.

12/06/2024

Brighten up your Christmas activities with a stroll through communities featuring Holiday Light Displays. Here are just a few located in the Southern Illinois your family will enjoy.

- Yost Family Lights
- Reis Lane Christmas
- The Home Alone Experience Marion IL
- Candy Cane Lane

12/05/2024

Shooting Star Photography is offering pictures with Santa this year! Check out date and times on the graphic. Please contact them with any questions 🎅

*Santa will be on Tower Square Plaza during the named dates and times weather permitting. Please check the Very Merry Marion social media accounts for the most up to date information

12/04/2024

For event happenings check out this weeks Weekend Roundup. For more activities check our website at visitsi.com/events.

Events held by/at:
- Celebrations Event Center
- Little Egypt Arts Association
- Downtown Carterville Illnois
- Walker's Bluff Legends

12/03/2024

It's !

Grab some of your favorite deli meats, cannolis, or one of the best Italian beef sandwiches around at Louie's P&R located in Herrin Illinois.

Open Tuesday - Friday 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8am to 3pm.

11/29/2024

Happy Shopping! The Holidays are here and you don't want to miss out on some of your favorite items. If you need gift ideas check out our 2024 Christmas Gift Guide featuring Williamson County's local businesses.

- www.wittywebb.com
- Warehouse Antique Mall - Marion, IL
- Milkweed Provisions
- The Basket Case
- Bits & Pieces Art and Antiques

11/28/2024

In observance of Thanksgiving, visitSI will closed today November 28th and November 29th. We will reopen at 8am December 2nd, 2024.

Have a Wonderful Day!

11/27/2024

We have reached the final weekend in November. Check out the many festivities happening on the Weekend Roundup. For more events see our website at visit.com/events.

Events held by/at:
- Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
- Eccentrics Boutique
- Marion Cultural and Civic Center

11/26/2024

With Thanksgiving just a couple of days away Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is one of the best stays for your family for this holiday.

Conveniently located right of off I 57, this hotel is in the center of restaurants and entertainment.

For more amenities and perks see https://visitsi.com/destination-item/country-inn-suites-radisson/

11/25/2024

Looking for things to do during the Holiday Season? Check out our curated Christmas Event list for upcoming and exciting things to do in Williamson County Illinois. See visitsi.com/events. If you have more event listings place them in the comments. Happy Holidays!

Nov 29 - Holiday Shop Hop - Downtown Marion

Nov 30 - Merry Little Christmas Vendor & Craft Show - Marion Centre Mall
Nov 30 - Johnston City Hometown Christmas - Downtown Johnston City IL
Nov 30 - Herrin Hometown Christmas - Herrin Civic Center

Dec 1 - Very Merry Marion Holiday Parade - Downtown Marion - Very Merry Marion

Dec 5 - Gingerbread Decorating Social - Celebrations Event Center

Dec 6 - Carterville Lighted Christmas Parade - Downtown Carterville

Dec 7 - Pancakes & Pajamas - Marion Senior Citizens Center

Dec 8 - Breakfast with Santa - Legends Walker's Bluff
Dec 8 - Christmas Bonfire with Santa - Harrison Bruce Historical Village
Dec 8 - Scuba with Santa - The HUB Recreation Center

Dec 9 - High Image Dance A Super Sweet Christmas - Marion Cultural and Civic Center

Dec 12 - Who Brought The Humbug? - Marion Cultural and Civic Center

Dec 13-15 - Very Merry Market - Tower Square Plaza - Very Merry Marion
Dec 13 - Luminare Christmas - Walker's Bluff Casino Resort

Dec 14 - Christmas in Carterville - Downtown Carterville
Dec 14 - Newsong's Very Merry Marion Christmas - Marion Cultural and Civic Center

Dec 15 - Artstarts Swingin Holiday Concert - Artstarts House

Dec 16 - Little Eygpt Highlander Holiday Event - Herrin Civic Center

11/22/2024

11/21/2024

We are excited to announce that one of our very own local artisan Glaciers End located in The City of Marion Illinois has been selected as one of the 16 Illinois Made Makers featured in the Holiday Gift Guide by the Illinois Office of Tourism Enjoy Illinois. Stop by the storefront in Downtown Marion for great holiday gifts and check out the press release below for other holiday gift ideas.

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/illinois-made/illinois-made-holiday-gift-guide/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0_H7beZlomPB3YVPw450FUtjxfNDEOTVyV4uNUg1Ewvy2k-XPYCzcLi3I_aem_JYcI583VfA1Q4jAjF470Ow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 21, 2024
Illinois Office of Tourism Releases 2024 Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide
The 2024 gift guide showcases 16 one-of-a-kind Illinois Made products to inspire travel and support local businesses this holiday season
CHICAGO – The Illinois Office of Tourism today released its annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide, highlighting 16 small businesses statewide that are part of the Illinois Made program, just in time for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30th. The 2024 guide features a variety of handcrafted items and homemade goods, each reflecting the diversity of Illinois’ local businesses. From artisanal candles and essential oils to savory treats and seasonal coffee blends, this guide celebrates the unique craftsmanship of small businesses across the state.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Illinois’ economy, and through this annual guide we’re helping both visitors and residents discover the incredible Makers in every corner of our state,” said Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). “By discovering the items featured in the Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide, holiday shoppers can support local businesses and drive economic growth throughout Illinois.”
“Our much anticipated Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide inspires everyone to not only discover these one-of-a-kind gift ideas but also plan a visit to the communities where these businesses thrive,” said Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of DCEO, Office of Tourism. “From delicious seasonal coffee blends, rustic dough bowl soy candles and locally grown Southern Illinois elderberry syrup to custom-made baseball bats and premium butcher blocks, this year’s holiday gift guide is a true testament to the craftsmanship found in our great state.”

Shop local this holiday season by gifting Illinois-made products. Learn more about local businesses making products in the state.

11/20/2024

It's Hump Day! What are your plans for the weekend? Check out these events and more at visitsi.com/events.

Events held by/at:
- Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
- Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center
- Crown Brew Coffee Co.
- Perfectly Posh Boutique

11/19/2024

Looking for places to eat on Thanksgiving Day? Check out our list on locations serving delicious Community meals.

- Knights of Columbus 6210-Marion, IL
- Herrin Civic Center
- City of Carterville, Illinois
- Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
- The Whistle Stop

11/18/2024

Monday Night Meals brings you yummy Italian beef! Donations greatly appreciated. Come eat and watch the Texans play the Cowboys! Food ready to serve around 630.

11/14/2024

VisitSI had an incredible time at the Conference in Chattanooga, TN connecting with experts, learning from industry leaders, and gaining insights to support the new sports fields in Marion, IL. The collaborative energy was inspiring as we engaged with professionals from across the country, shared ideas, and built partnerships that will benefit the entire region. We are excited to see the positive impact this development will have on Marion, Williamson County, and Southern Illinois. The visitSI team is committed to making our destination a hub for tournaments, recreation, and local pride! 🌟

11/13/2024

Lots of great things are happening in Williamson County IL. Take a look at the Weekend Roundup. You can see more events on our website at visitsi.com/events.

Events held by/at:
- Milkweed Provisions
- Sanctuary S IL Lounge
- Marion Centre Mall
-Marion Cultural and Civic Center