12 Locations throughout southern Illinois
Illinois
United States
About The Jingle Hike Challenge 2025
Jingle bells are tied to 12 trees in parks throughout southwestern Illinois from Thanksgiving Day to New Year's Day. Participants visit as many parks as possible, take a photo with the bell/bow, and submit the photo evidence using the QR code or link on the tag or map.
Prizes
Registered participants are eligible to win prizes. For each bell you discover and submit, you earn an entry! The more bells, the higher your chances of winning a prize. (If you're hiking in a group, ensure each person submits their entry separately to be in the prize draw.)
BONUS ENTRY: Earn an extra entry for every submission by correctly identifying the tree (e.g., red oak). Pro-tip: The tree tag includes helpful information.
Find at least six bells to be eligible for the grand prize. Remember, you must be 18 or older to claim a prize. (For kids and registered pets, prizes can be claimed by a parent, guardian, or adult pet owner).
Registration
Registration begins October 1, 2025. Cost is $25 per person and includes shirt, printed map brochure with instructions, and chance to win great prizes. Register by 11:59 pm on November 2 to get a shirt. (You can still register after November 2, but shirts will not be available). Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more.
Additional shirts are not included in the $25 registration cost, but are available for purchase for an additional $25. All proceeds benefit HeartLands Conservancy's conservation work in southern Illinois.
Packets without a shirt will be mailed to participants at no additional cost.
Can I still play if I don’t register?
Yes! All are welcome to find the bells, snap a selfie, and share it on social media using the hashtag #JingleHike. However, only registered participants are eligible for prizes. More information is available at https://heartlandsconservancy.org/jingle-hike-challenge/
What information is needed to register and participate?
To register and participate, you will need the following:
Email address (a parent or guardian's email address can be used for children under age 18)
Jingle bells are tied to 12 trees in parks throughout southwestern Illinois from Thanksgiving Day to New Year's Day. Participants visit as many parks as possible, take a photo with the bell/bow, and submit the photo evidence using the QR code or link on the tag or map.
Prizes
Registered participants are eligible to win prizes. For each bell you discover and submit, you earn an entry! The more bells, the higher your chances of winning a prize. (If you're hiking in a group, ensure each person submits their entry separately to be in the prize draw.)
BONUS ENTRY: Earn an extra entry for every submission by correctly identifying the tree (e.g., red oak). Pro-tip: The tree tag includes helpful information.
Find at least six bells to be eligible for the grand prize. Remember, you must be 18 or older to claim a prize. (For kids and registered pets, prizes can be claimed by a parent, guardian, or adult pet owner).
Registration
Registration begins October 1, 2025. Cost is $25 per person and includes shirt, printed map brochure with instructions, and chance to win great prizes. Register by 11:59 pm on November 2 to get a shirt. (You can still register after November 2, but shirts will not be available). Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more.
Additional shirts are not included in the $25 registration cost, but are available for purchase for an additional $25. All proceeds benefit HeartLands Conservancy's conservation work in southern Illinois.
Packets without a shirt will be mailed to participants at no additional cost.
Can I still play if I don’t register?
Yes! All are welcome to find the bells, snap a selfie, and share it on social media using the hashtag #JingleHike. However, only registered participants are eligible for prizes. More information is available at https://heartlandsconservancy.org/jingle-hike-challenge/
What information is needed to register and participate?
To register and participate, you will need the following:
Email address (a parent or guardian's email address can be used for children under age 18)
