DeSoto Dispatch - November 2026

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Welcome to

The DeSoto Dispatch

November 2026

From

The DeSoto House Hotel

"Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel"

Since 1855

Stay with us at The DeSoto House Hotel and enjoy all the fun of fall in Galena!

What Our Guests are Saying:

"We thoroughly enjoyed out stay! Everyone was pleasant and went above and beyond to take care of us."

Check out this video Travel the Tri-State put together about the DeSoto House Hotel!

Tickets on Sale Now!

Join the DeSoto House Hotel and the Galena Generals at the annual General's Ball!

Dinner in the Grand Ballroom followed by dancing in the Courtyard Atrium.

This event will sell out - don't miss your chance!

For tickets, Call Now!

Thanksgiving

Luminaria Dinner

Breakfast With Santa

November Packages:

Midweek Dinner Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

$50.00 Dinner coupon

$194.00

Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through November 30, 2026

Midweek Breakfast Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

$174.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through November 30, 2026

Midweek Breakfast & Dinner Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

$50.00 Dinner coupon

$219.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through November 30, 2026

Everyone loves a cocktail or two...

Stay with us Sundays through Thursdays and

enjoy a cocktail in one of our fabulous restaurants.

Then join us for dinner!

Upcoming Events:

42nd Annual Nouveau Parade

2:30 PM

November 20th

The parade of revelers will assemble at 2:30pm for a trek around Galena’s Main Street in assorted modes of transportation and merriment from horse-drawn wagons to trollies as the annual Nouveau wine is delivered to Galena merchants who support the Nouveau, by displaying posters in their shop windows. Join in or watch the procession - “Le Beaujolias Nouveau est arrivé!”

Local restaurants and Galena businesses continue the celebration all weekend with live music, wine tastings, dinner specials and receptions.

Murder and Mayhem

8:00 PM

November 27th

Join The Haunted Galena Tour Company inside the historic DeSoto House Hotel for an evening of dark Galena history, eerie folklore, and true Galena ghost stories, with a touch of music. Hear the macabre stories of infamous murders, tragedies, and hauntings that have lingered throughout Galena’s darkest history.

Our intimate, 5-star-rated parlor-style show is performed in the Eli Parker Room of the haunted Desoto House Hotel and features a cash bar and complimentary desserts. Running time is 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $34 per person. Doors open at 7:30 with a cash bar and desserts available. The show starts at 8:00 PM.

Written and performed by Galena storytellers and musicians, Ted Williams and Robyn Davis, this is a hauntingly chilling, uniquely local event you won’t want to miss!

Galena Holiday Kickoff!

Saturday, November 28th

5:00 PM

Join in welcoming Santa to town to kick off the holiday season in Galena!

On the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus arrive on his sleigh in Galena, Illinois (reminiscent of a Hallmark holiday movie!). This festive Jeep Jingle, with brightly lit Holiday JEEPS, will escort them to the city’s tree lighting. The Galena (Civil War) Generals will lead off, and the Galena Trolley will transport good girls and boys to enjoy treats and a visit with Jolly Old St. Nick!

Make a holiday visit to Historic Downtown Galena this Thanksgiving weekend as Santa's arrival kicks off this Magical Season! (A little elf spilled the eggnog that Mr. Kringle and The Grinch will be packing gifts to award outstandingly decorated parade Jeeps!)

The parade is also a Holiday fundraiser for Riverview Center which benefits families affected by Domestic Violence who may need assistance during this Holiday Season... and beyond.

Wishing you a great holiday season!