New in 2026

Our own Groundhog Statue sculpture by Erik Blome

View larger photos here.

Pictures courtesy of Maypole Studios

Special Tours for Groundhog Days

Groundhog Day Walking Tour

Join us for a fun and informative walking tour of the filming locations featured in Groundhog Day. The tour begins at the historic Woodstock Opera House and visits familiar locations around downtown Woodstock.

The tour concludes at the bed-and-breakfast where Bill Murray’s character wakes up each morning. Visitors are invited inside to see the Cherry Tree Inn.

Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes — February in Woodstock can be chilly!

Learn More about the walking tour

Did Willie See His Shadow or Not?

How accurate have Woodstock Willie’s predictions been over the years? Discover his prognostication history and see how his predictions compare with the actual weather recorded during the first week of March at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

View Woodstock Willie’s Prediction History

How It All Began

In 1992, something extraordinary happened in historic Woodstock, Illinois. A film crew arrived in our picturesque downtown square, bringing cameras, equipment, and a little Hollywood magic. They were filming Groundhog Day, the movie that would make Woodstock famous to audiences around the world.

Today, Woodstock celebrates that connection with an annual Groundhog Days festival. Visitors come from near and far to experience the filming locations, enjoy special events, and celebrate the community spirit that makes Woodstock such a memorable place.

From movie fans and special guests to longtime residents and first-time visitors, Groundhog Days brings everyone together for a little winter fun.

Explore the History of Groundhog Days

Woodstock, IL

Located approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago, Woodstock, Illinois, is a welcoming community known for its historic downtown square, unique shops, restaurants, arts, and entertainment.

Whether you’re visiting for Groundhog Days or planning a weekend getaway, Woodstock offers plenty to discover. Easily accessible by car or Metra train, it’s a wonderful place to explore in any season.

Discover Why Woodstock Is Special

For more information about Woodstock events and attractions, please visit www.RealWoodstock.com.

Thank You!

Thanks to all who came from near and far to celebrate Groundhog Day in Woodstock, IL.

Follow us all year on
Facebook.

See you in Woodstock, IL February 2nd, 2027.
It’s Groundhog Day….again!

29 Jan

Groundhog Day Dinner Dance

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
30 Jan

Groundhog Day 5K

8:00 am - 9:30 am
30 Jan

Theatre 121 Storybook Players

9:00 am - 11:00 am
30 Jan
30 Jan
30 Jan

Walking Tour of Filming Sites

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
30 Jan

Movie Memorabilia Open House

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
30 Jan

Groundhog Day Pub Crawl

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
31 Jan
31 Jan
31 Jan
31 Jan
31 Jan

Chili Cook-Off

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
31 Jan

Puzzle Palooza

3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
01 Feb

Children’s Groundhog Storytime

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
01 Feb

Welcoming of the Groundhog

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
01 Feb

Groundhog Day Trivia

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
02 Feb

Groundhog Day Prognostication

6:30 am - 7:30 am
02 Feb

Drink to World Peace

7:30 am
02 Feb

Moose Breakfast

7:30 am - 9:00 am
02 Feb
02 Feb

“Groundhog Day” the Movie

8:00 am - 10:30 am
02 Feb

Groundhog Wood Carving Demonstration

9:00 am - 11:00 am
02 Feb

New in 2026

Sculpture by Erik Blome

Pictures courtesy of Maypole Studios

Special Tours for Groundhog Days

Groundhog Day Walking Tour

Gather at the Opera House for a fun and informative tour of the “Groundhog Day” filming sites.  Dress warm and don’t forget your booties ‘cuz it’s cold out there!

The tour will end at the B & B where Bill Murray woke up every morning.  You are invited inside to see the Cherry Tree Inn and warm up with hot cider.

Did Willie See His Shadow or Not?

Ever wonder how Woodstock Willie’s record has been over the years? This table shows the prognostication over the years along with the weather during the first week of March at Chicago’s O’Hare airport. 

How It All Began

In 1992, something astonishing happened in the historic city of Woodstock, Illinois. People came to town and roped off the picturesque city square, moved all sorts of equipment into the park and started playing the Pennsylvania Polka, over and over and over again

They were filming a movie that has become a favorite of young and old for almost 30 years, and the city gathers each year to remember the fun and celebrate the special community that Woodstock has always been. We’ve had visitors from as far away as Australia, celebrities from the Groundhog Day movie and local media and everyone agrees that this festival is a great way to shake off the gloom of Winter, if just for a few days.

Click here to read the history of Groundhog Days.

Woodstock, IL

Woodstock, Illinois is located 51 miles NW of the Chicago loop. The center point of McHenry County, Woodstock is easy to reach by car or train. It has many unique shops, restaurants and arts venues to fill a fun and relaxing weekend.

The Groundhog Days Committee welcomes you to their web site and hopes that you will find the answers to all of your Groundhog Days questions on these pages.

Click here to read “Why Woodstock”.

Please visit www.RealWoodstock.com for more information on this and all other great Woodstock events and attractions!

Our 2026 Schedule

There are events to please everyone during this celebration of winter in Woodstock, IL. Select a link from the list below to learn more about these unique features of Groundhog Days.

29 Jan

Groundhog Day Dinner Dance

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
30 Jan

Groundhog Day 5K

8:00 am - 9:30 am
30 Jan

Theatre 121 Storybook Players

9:00 am - 11:00 am
30 Jan
30 Jan
30 Jan

Walking Tour of Filming Sites

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
30 Jan

Movie Memorabilia Open House

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
30 Jan

Groundhog Day Pub Crawl

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
31 Jan
31 Jan
31 Jan
31 Jan
31 Jan

Chili Cook-Off

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
31 Jan

Puzzle Palooza

3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
01 Feb

Children’s Groundhog Storytime

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
01 Feb

Welcoming of the Groundhog

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
01 Feb

Groundhog Day Trivia

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
02 Feb

Groundhog Day Prognostication

6:30 am - 7:30 am
02 Feb

Drink to World Peace

7:30 am
02 Feb

Moose Breakfast

7:30 am - 9:00 am
02 Feb
02 Feb

“Groundhog Day” the Movie

8:00 am - 10:30 am
02 Feb

Groundhog Wood Carving Demonstration

9:00 am - 11:00 am
02 Feb