Light Displays and Repeated Holiday Events
DuQuoin
During the first three weekends of December, the Expo Hall will also be open from 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 5-8 p.m. Sundays. Admission to the Holiday Lights Fair includes access to the Expo Hall on applicable nights.
Mt Vernon
Enjoy over 1 million lights twinkling throughout the 1 mile walking trail with plenty of Christmas tunes along the way.
• Roast s’mores by the fire, grab a warm or cold beverage from the bar, and check out the craft activity.
• Make an evening of it with friends and family and rent a semi-private fire pit that includes a food tray and complimentary drinks!
The Lights are open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (5 to 9pm) through Dec. 29.
Tickets are available on line or at the door cedarhurst.org/the-lights
Paducah
Noble Park
St Louis
December 1st - December 29th, Sensory Friendly - December 9th
See yourself in the magic of Wild Lights!
For more information and ticket prices visit:
https://stlzoo.org/events/wild-lights
If you need assistance with your tickets, please call our Guest Experience team at (314) 646-4797.
Garden Glow is a rain or snow event. In case of inclement weather cancellation by the Garden, simply present your tickets upon entry to any remaining Garden Glow date; no additional action is required.
West Frankfort
Candy Cane Lane
Nightly- FREE, drive through
DuQuoin
- Holiday Lights Fair- Nightly 5pm-9pm
During the first three weekends of December, the Expo Hall will also be open from 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 5-8 p.m. Sundays. Admission to the Holiday Lights Fair includes access to the Expo Hall on applicable nights.
Mt Vernon
- Cedarhurst Festival of Lights
Enjoy over 1 million lights twinkling throughout the 1 mile walking trail with plenty of Christmas tunes along the way.
• Roast s’mores by the fire, grab a warm or cold beverage from the bar, and check out the craft activity.
• Make an evening of it with friends and family and rent a semi-private fire pit that includes a food tray and complimentary drinks!
The Lights are open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (5 to 9pm) through Dec. 29.
Tickets are available on line or at the door cedarhurst.org/the-lights
Paducah
Noble Park
St Louis
- St Louis Zoo - Wild Lights
December 1st - December 29th, Sensory Friendly - December 9th
See yourself in the magic of Wild Lights!
For more information and ticket prices visit:
https://stlzoo.org/events/wild-lights
If you need assistance with your tickets, please call our Guest Experience team at (314) 646-4797.
- Garden Glow- St Louis Botanical Gardens
Garden Glow is a rain or snow event. In case of inclement weather cancellation by the Garden, simply present your tickets upon entry to any remaining Garden Glow date; no additional action is required.
West Frankfort
Candy Cane Lane
Nightly- FREE, drive through
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SanDecember 1st
Very Merry Marion Holiday Parade 5:30 p.m. Parade runs east on Main Street from Marion Junior High School to Washington Elementary Christmas With The Alpacas 10am-3pm 1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL FREE ADMISSION Dress warmly, bring your best holiday spirit, and get ready for a day filled with love, creativity, and festive fun with the alpacas. Inquiries: [email protected] Website: [www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com](https://www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com) The Nutcracker - Saint Louis Ballet 2pm Blanch M Touhill Performing Arts Center, Bellerive, MO St. Louis' favorite holiday tradition! Gen Horiuchi’s The Nutcracker rings in the holidays with its display of talented dancing, magical sets and special effects. Matinee and evening performance times are available. Learn more at stlouisballet.org/thenutcracker. Gnome Roam Giant City State Park Entire month of December and January It's almost wintertime in Giant City State Park and that means it's time for the second annual Gnome Roam. On each of our seven trails (excluding Red Cedar Backpacking Trail) there is one winter hiking gnome just waiting to be discovered. Record all 7 gnomes by taking a photograph of you and the gnome. Gnomes will be located along designated trails. Bring proof into the Giant City Visitors Center for your super cool and free Giant City Gnome Roam patch. The Visitors Center is open 7 days a week 8am-3:30pm (Holiday hours may vary) Contact the Visitors Center for more information (618) 457-4836 December 2nd African American Museum of Southern Illinois 22nd Annual - Santa in the Park Murphysboro Youth and Rec Center 6pm-8pm Come see Santa! Free hats and gloves and sweet treats for the kids! December 3rd African American Museum of Southern Illinois 22nd Annual - Santa in the Park 6pm-8pm Colp Village Hall - 109 Mayor Caliper Road Come see Santa! Free hats and gloves and sweet treats for the kids! December 4th African American Museum of Southern Illinois 22nd Annual - Santa in the Park 6pm-8pm Attucks Park, 800 N. Wall, Carbondale Come see Santa! Free hats and gloves and sweet treats for the kids! December 5th
10am-2pm Join us for a festive day of holiday cheer, support, and community connection! This FREE event will feature nearly 30 community organizations and agencies offering valuable information, services, and resources to help residents thrive through the holiday season and beyond. Attendees will enjoy complimentary treats and beverages while they explore the variety of free and low-cost resources available to them. Attendees will also receive a commemorative Carbondale holiday bag while supplies last and have a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the event. For tickets or more information contact: City of Carbondale 618-457-3282 [email protected] https://explorecarbondale.com/
McLeod Theater - SIU Communications Building 1100 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale Dickens’ often-told tale of a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his life and forecast his future takes on new meaning in this production as it is set in Cairo, Illinois in 1920. For more information and ticket prices contact: [email protected] or call (618) 453-5741 Paducah
The Carson Center - 100 Kentucky Ave, Paducah, KY, Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. Contact the box office for ticket information Box Office Contact: Phone: 270.450.4444 December 6th Carbondale
Come one, come all to our first Breakfast with Santa event! Join us to start your season right before the Lights Fantastic Parade and get in the holiday spirit. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under. Menu: Pancakes sausage, Coffee Milk (Chocolate and Regular) Orange Juice In addition to breakfast, we will have: -Pictures with Santa -Holiday Face Painting so your little one can watch the Lights Fantastic parade in style -Craft Booths for small gifts for your friends and family! -Basket Raffle with baskets created by the CCHS music students -Carols and musical entertainment provided by the CCHS Music Students
McLeod Theater - SIU Communications Building 1100 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale Dickens’ often-told tale of a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his life and forecast his future takes on new meaning in this production as it is set in Cairo, Illinois in 1920. For more information and ticket prices contact: [email protected] or call (618) 453-5741
Student Center Join us for the 46th Annual SIU Holiday Art & Craft Sale at the SIU Student Center. This three-day sale will occur on Thursday, December 5, and Friday, December 6, 10 AM—5 PM, and Saturday, December 7, 10 AM—4PM. Shop locally made goods from 80 artists and craftspeople working in media such as clay, fibers, drawing, glass, painting, woodworking, jewelry, home and holiday decor, and more. The sale also includes various student groups. Shop local and handmade this holiday season! To view a list of vendors visit our website. https://studentcenter.siu.edu/.../craft-shop/craft-sales.php
7:30 pm Get into the Christmas spirit with us for "Miracle on 34th Street"! Adapted by Mountain Community Theater Directed by: Tricia Burns A Stage Company production Doors open one hour before showtime. House is open thirty minutes before showtime. Come early for concessions, available before the show and at intermission. Purchase tickets here: https://cur8.com/18978/project/125050 TICKET PRICING $15 for adults $10 for students $7 for all tickets on Thursday, December 12th Carterville
Line up at 1st United Methodist Church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1st Christian Church Murphysboro
Carl Lee Park, Murphysboro There will be food, music, carriage rides, hot cocoa, popcorn and more! Kids activities will be available at no charge as well. Santa's cottage will be open for pictures with the children! There will be a drop-off for Snowflake Square - The Giving Shop. In the spirit of giving, please consider giving/donating to this great cause! They are asking for new or gently used toys. December 7th Alto Pass
Food, drinks, holiday activities Anna
What to expect⬇️ Bring your little one in for 🕯️🎅🧑🎄 *Candle making approx 30 mins. Your little one will enjoy creating a holiday scented candle. Once the candle is made, it must sit for approx one hour before taking home. Note if you choose to make the candle anytime after 5:00pm, you will have to wait to pick up the candle the following day. A great opportunity for your little one to create a personalized candle for themself or as a gift for someone special. All children must be accompanied by an adult *We will have one of our elves holiday wrapping the candles for you!! *This is a perfect time to get a photo with Santa and Mrs Claus as they will be joining us for the day. They will have a special coin that they will give out to all the little ones. Candles this day will include an 8oz candle, & free gift wrapping for $25/per person. Carbondale
Student Center Join us for the 46th Annual SIU Holiday Art & Craft Sale at the SIU Student Center. This three-day sale will occur on Thursday, December 5, and Friday, December 6, 10 AM—5 PM, and Saturday, December 7, 10 AM—4PM. Shop locally made goods from 80 artists and craftspeople working in media such as clay, fibers, drawing, glass, painting, woodworking, jewelry, home and holiday decor, and more. The sale also includes various student groups. Shop local and handmade this holiday season! To view a list of vendors visit our website. https://studentcenter.siu.edu/.../craft-shop/craft-sales.php
2:00 pm Get into the Christmas spirit with us for "Miracle on 34th Street"! Adapted by Mountain Community Theater Directed by: Tricia Burns A Stage Company production IDoors open one hour before showtime. House is open thirty minutes before showtime. Come early for concessions, available before the show and at intermission. Saturday, December 7th @ 2:00pm
4pm- 6pm Carbondale Civic Center Cookie Decorating 4pm-6pm Carbondale Civic Center Hot Cocoa Bar 4pm- 6pm Carbondale Civic Center Cookie Walk- downtown merchants 4pm- 6pm
Letters to Santa - 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Carbondale Civic Center Cookie Walk - 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Downtown Carbondale Hot Cocoa Bar - 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Carbondale Civic Center
McLeod Theater - SIU Communications Building 1100 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale Dickens’ often-told tale of a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his life and forecast his future takes on new meaning in this production as it is set in Cairo, Illinois in 1920. For more information and ticket prices contact: [email protected] or call (618) 453-5741 Cobden
Downtown Cobden The event will feature a variety of events for the whole family. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at The Old Feed Store along with vendors, refreshments, and balloon animals. At the Cobden Community Park there will be a variety of activities including free hot dogs and s’mores, inflatable games, a petting zoo, and a Christmas display. The downtown park will host food vendors as well as miniature horses available for photos. Stop by the local churches for art and quilt shows.
Eldorado
Downtown Eldorado FREE Kids Christmas Movies & Popcorn FREE Kids Activities FREE Lighting of the Trees @ 5pm Food Vendors FREE Dicken's Musical 7-8:30 hosted at the Methodist Church FREE Horse & Carriage Rides Special Event Tickets Available A Reading of "A Christmas Carol” exclusive event is being held on Saturday Dec. 7 (2pm - 4pm) For more info & ticket purchase contact Karen (314) 753-9944 Mt Vernon
Downtown Mt. Vernon Cookies, crafts and Cocoa at Santa's Cottage after parade. Makanda
Giant City Visitors Center Join us for a free wreath making workshop. Learn tips and tricks for making your own wreath and then create your own wreath to take home. Registration is required. Space is limited. Call (618) 457-4836
1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL FREE ADMISSION Dress warmly, bring your best holiday spirit, and get ready for a day filled with love, creativity, and festive fun with the alpacas. Inquiries: [email protected] Website: [www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com](https://www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com) Marion
This 1.5 mile, untimed fun run will be full of fun games and holiday challenges, with a surprise at the finish line! We will also give an award for “Most Spirited”! Registration is $20 per individual runner, and $60 for a family (up to 4) of runners. A long sleeved t-shirt will be included for each participant. Registration is open NOW! You can register at the front desk of The Hub, or online by visiting thehubmarion.clubautomation.com Day-of registration will be available, but a t-shirt will NOT be included
1pm Each Saturday in December, everyone aged 10 - 18 is invited to create FREE custom gifts like laser-engraved ornaments and 3D-printed jewelry in the MCL Tech Lab! No library card is required! NOTICE: All participants and parents understand and agree that photos taken at library events may be used in social media postings and future promotions. Guardian supervision is not required during PNG at MCL events Murphysboro
Murphysboro Recreation center Suggested donations K-8th grade- $2 High School and Adults- $8.00 Hot breakfast, movie and crafts
Event by Handmade Homestead 1300 Walnut St, Murphysboro
8am- noon 1915 Pine St. Murphysboro, Illinois Gently used Christmas items and bake sale Fundraiser for 4th - 8th grader
10 am 0 1pm Come and have cookies and cocoa with Santa. Pictures 2-4x5 by French's Studio. All proceeds go to Feline Fixers of Herrin. Tickets are $15.00 each child. (max $30 per immediate family) at the door. Mt Vernon
Downtown Mt. Vernon Cookies, crafts and Cocoa at Santa's Cottage after parade. Pinckneyville 12th Annual Christmas Bazaar- Delta Theta Tau Pinckneyville Jr High School 8:30 am- 1pm Sesser
13017 Highway 148, Sesser Price per person is $12. Breakfast includes Scrambled eggs, Cinnamon roll or Donut, and Bacon or Sausage with Juice or Milk. Price Includes photo with Santa. Reservations are not required! We do ask that you RSVP to this event to let us know you’ll be joining us!! |
December 8th Benton Light Parade- 6pm Industrial Park See Santa after the Parade Mt Vernon Christmas Light Fight Parade 5 p.m. Downtown Mt. Vernon Cookies, crafts and Cocoa at Santa's Cottage after parade. December 9th December 10th December 11th Harrisburg Little Princess Ball 5:30pm-7:30 pm Vine Street Venue, 35 S Vine St, Harrisburg IL Join us for a magical evening at the Little Princess Ball, a special Daddy-Daughter Dance celebrating the bond between fathers and their little princesses! This year’s event has a festive Christmas twist, bringing the warmth and joy of the holiday season to this enchanting night. Fathers, uncles, grandfathers, father figures—this is your chance to create lasting memories with the special little girls in your life. Enjoy an evening filled with music, dancing, fun holiday activities, and of course, some Christmas surprises! Live DJ and Dance Floor Photo Booth with Holiday-Themed Props Delicious Snacks and Desserts Whether you’re rocking suits and gowns or fun festive outfits, this night is all about making memories. Let’s make this Christmas season one to remember! Event by Saline County CEO Program Tickets $20.00 For more information call: (618) 294-8696 Marion Santa Meet and Greet Summer School 302 N Granite, Marion December 12th Harrisburg Lights Parade 6 p.m. East Side School Santa Pictures - 7 p.m. 1400 S. Main Street Giant Candyland Family Game Carbondale Public Library - 405 W Main St 5:30pm-7pm Join us for a whimsical journey through Candyland like you’ve never experienced before. Play through a life sized Candyland game with your family and collect treats along the way. December 13th Jen Kramer's Magical Holiday Show Marion Cultural and Civic Center, 800 Tower Square Plz, Marion. IL She turns the impossible into the impossible-to ignore, wowing audiences with her contagious smile and world-class sleight-of-hand. Jen headlines her own show in Las Vegas. Tickets currently on sale. Contact http://marionccc.com or phone (618) 997-4030 Very Merry Market 4pm-8pm 350 Tower Square Plaza, Marion IL The market will be right on the square now! FREE ENTRY! Shop Local Handmade Vendors Delicious Food & Treats Visit the Alpacas from the Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch Book a Carriage Ride Visit Santa Ice Skating Explore Downtown Marion and all that the City of Marion brings to our community! Please contact Rachel or Brenda @ [email protected] for any questions regarding the market. Please contact The City of Marion for any questions regarding the ice skating rink and carriage rides! A Very Merry Swiftmas 4pm Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL We’re in our VERY MERRY ERA here in Downtown Marion, and we’re inviting you to join us on Friday, December 13th, during Marion’s Very Merry Market for a special Swiftmas event in honor of Taylor Swift’s birthday! The party begins at 4 PM in the square's southwest corner (by Lavish Bath Box). While some outdoor activities may wrap up prior to the Magical Holiday Show at MCCC, the fun will continue throughout market hours. Come dressed in your favorite Swiftie-styled merch, era-themed outfits, or sparkly accessories, and expect a sparkling night of celebration with this very merry lineup: Friendship Bracelet Making & Trading “13” Temporary Tattoos Listening/Dance Party Selfie Ops & Props Giveaways Exclusive Taylor-Themed Merch (that’ll make stuffing swiftie stockings a breeze) AND MORE! Sixth Annual Lights Parade - Themed "Fright Lights" 6pm Starts at 20th St and Commercial, Cairo, IL After the parade there will be FREE Hot Chocolate Cookies Bonfire Pits Music Free Candy and MORE December14th Gift Creation Station Marion Carnegie Library - Tech Lab 1pm Each Saturday in December, everyone aged 10 - 18 is invited to create FREE custom gifts like laser-engraved ornaments and 3D-printed jewelry in the MCL Tech Lab! No library card is required! NOTICE: All participants and parents understand and agree that photos taken at library events may be used in social media postings and future promotions. Guardian supervision is not required during PNG at MCL events Christmas With The Alpacas 10am-3pm 1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL FREE ADMISSION Dress warmly, bring your best holiday spirit, and get ready for a day filled with love, creativity, and festive fun with the alpacas. Inquiries: [email protected] Website: [www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com](https://www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com) Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Clause, and the Grinch 8am, 9am, or 10am Emily's Eatery and Events 302 Union Ave., Dowell, IL Join us for Reindeer Pancakes and some Christmas fun ! For more information or to reserve your table call (618) 568-0022. Placing Ceremony for Honor Wreaths for Veterans 9am Carterville Cemetery - 604 Willow St, Carterville, IL We are inviting all Carterville citizens, organizations, churches, and anyone who wants to show and remember our Veterans this day. It’s a great event for families and children. 9:00 AM Ceremony Begins with speakers, Honor Guard, and directions for locating and placing of the wreaths. 9:20 AM Placing of the wreaths by volunteers and community. 10:30 Completed (Depending on the number of volunteers) Home for the Holidays Open House - St Frances Animal Rescue and Education 584 D Blaney Miller Rd, Murphysboro IL 10am-1pm We will have a cozy space set up for you to get your pet/kids picture with Santa. Photos are $10 each. Awesome pet adoption specials! Be sure to get your raffle tickets for a chance to win a Christmas themed basket! Come hungry because Smokin' J's BBQ food truck will be set up in our parking lot from 10 am to 1 pm! Very Merry Market 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM 350 Tower Square Plaza, Marion IL The market will be right on the square now! FREE ENTRY! Shop Local Handmade Vendors Delicious Food & Treats Visit the Alpacas from the Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch Book a Carriage Ride Visit Santa Ice Skating Explore Downtown Marion and all that the City of Marion brings to our community! Please contact Rachel or Brenda @ [email protected] for any questions regarding the market. Please contact The City of Marion for any questions regarding the ice skating rink and carriage rides! December 15th Family Night at the Lights 5pm-9pm Cedarhurst Center for the Arts 2600 Richview Rd., Mount Vernon, IL Grab your family and friends - maybe a scarf and some mittens too. You don’t want to miss your chance to take in the twinkle and make your own magical memories at The Lights! The Lights offers a magical experience for families - and people of all ages - every weekend during the holidays. 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟲𝟭𝟴-𝟮𝟰𝟮-𝟭𝟮𝟯𝟲 Ticketing policy requires a minimum of one adult ticket for every four children’s tickets redeemed. Find full details about The Lights at https://cedarhurst.org/lights-events/. Breakfast with Santa 9am-2pm Legends at Walker's Bluff - 326 Vermont Rd, Carterville Join us for a magical morning of delicious food and holiday cheer. Adults: $20 Kids (4-12): $12 Kids Under 3: Free Reservations Required Call 618-956-9900 (M-F 8:30 AM - 4 PM) to reserve your spot. Christmas With The Alpacas 10am-3pm Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch 1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL FREE ADMISSION Dress warmly, bring your best holiday spirit, and get ready for a day filled with love, creativity, and festive fun with the alpacas. Alpaca Cuddles – Get up close and personal with our adorable alpacas! They’re just as excited as you are for the holiday cheer! Photo Ops – Capture magical holiday memories with family and friends across our beautifully decorated ranch! Feed Cups for Sale – For only $1, treat the alpacas to their favorite snacks. A perfect way to connect with these lovable animals! Craft Stations – Get creative with holiday crafts for all ages! Some free options available, with others starting at just $5. Cookie Decorating– Join Teresa’s Sweet Treats of Southern Illinois in our cozy Alpaca Party Room to decorate festive cookies! Sales & Giveaways – Shop for unique, handmade gifts and enter exciting giveaways! FREE ADMISSION– Our Christmas event is completely free, so bring your friends and family to celebrate with us! Inquiries: [email protected] Website: [www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com](https://www.rollingoakalpacaranch.com) Christmas Hope 7pm-8:30pm West Frankfort First Baptist Church 106 W Oak St, West Frankfort, IL Join with us in celebrating the music and the message of Christmas! You will hear our adult and children's choirs along with numerous musicians. There will also be a drama where you will meet Trash Man Ray, a man searching for a little Hope this Christmas season. Plus, over 20,000 synchronized lights! Plus, a special candle lighting moment at the conclusion. Admission is free! Hope to see you! Merry Christmas!! Very Merry Market 6pm 350 Tower Square Plaza, Marion IL Sunday, December 15th: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM The market will be right on the square now! FREE ENTRY! Shop Local Handmade Vendors Delicious Food & Treats Visit the Alpacas from the Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch Book a Carriage Ride Visit Santa Ice Skating Explore Downtown Marion and all that the City of Marion brings to our community! Please contact Rachel or Brenda @ [email protected] for any questions regarding the market. Please contact The City of Marion for any questions regarding the ice skating rink and carriage rides! Very Merry Ornament Making 12pm-6pm Tower Square Plaza, Marion IL We are so happy to be a part of this magical experience in Down Town Marion!!! We will have a table set up for children to decorate and take home their very own Christmas Ornament!! We will have multiple spinners available and over 300 plain ornaments to decorate!! Come do your Christmas shopping with some of Marion's finest Small Business Crafters and Food Trucks, enjoy the Ice Rink, Music, Carolers, Carriage Rides, and let your littles Make a Merry Ornament!! Friday Night and Sunday St Louis Symphony Orchestra - Muppet Christmas in Concert 2pm Stifel Theater, 1400 Market St, St Louis MO Tickets available at Ticketmaster For more information visit: http://www.stifeltheatre.com/ or call (314) 499-7600. Children's Musical: Candy Cane Lane: A Recipe for Life 10:30am McKinley Ave Baptist Church, 401 W Sloan St, Harrisburg IL Join us for a trip down Candy Cane Lane and meet memorable characters as we learn all about the true meaning of Christmas. |