It's officially December, and if you have young children in your home the only thing that matters in life right now is Santa.

Favorite Things About Santa

I'm willing to admit that as a parent, I often lean on the Santa threat during the months of November and December.

"Stop fighting with your sister...Santa is watching."

"Eat your vegetables...Santa is watching."

"Read your books and put your underwear in the dirty laundry basket...Santa is watching."

I think you get my point...kids will do just about anything to avoid getting on the naughty list, and I am here to take full advantage of it.

The only thing I love more than using the Santa threat to get well-behaved children is the way their faces light up when they see the Big Guy in person...

Townsquare Media
Townsquare Media
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Visiting Santa is a must-do for most kids each Christmas season, but sometimes it's a must-not for their parents' wallet. If you want to treat your children to a little holiday magic this weekend, but don't want to shell out a bunch of money for their experience, here are 4 places you can visit and take a pic with Santa for free in the Stateline area..

1. Williams Tree Farm in Rockton, IL - You can visit and take pics with Santa and Mrs. Claus every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 18, 2022.

Williams Tree Farm via Facebook
Williams Tree Farm via Facebook
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2. Kegel Harley-Davidson in Rockford, IL - On Saturday, December 3, 10, and 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa will be on hand to meet and take pics with your kids, pets, and everything in between. Visiting Santa is free, but donations of non-perishable food items and everyday personal necessities are encouraged. Each kid will go home with a special goodie bag too while supplies last.

3. Janesville's Jolly Jingle in Janesville, Wisconsin - The City of Janesville's big holiday celebration, Jolly Jingle, is this weekend, (Dec. 2 - 4) and features several different opportunities to visit Santa including; free "Stories With Santa and Mrs. Claus" at Hedburg Public Library and "Skate With Santa" at Janesville Ice Arena. Here's the full list of Jolly Jingle events...

Here are even more options for holiday fun in Illinois this month...

Snowman's Reindeer Farm, in Canton, Illinois, is Full of Christmas Magic

Snowman's Reindeer Farm is a prime spot to experience the magic of Christmas in Illinois.

Galena, Illinois: One of America’s Very Best Christmas Towns

Wouldn't you know it, the most magical time of year also happens to be when this old-fashioned town looks its best.

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