Whether you're a child at heart or an actual youngster, there's no denying a deep attachment to the bright sights of Christmas light displays, triggering heartfelt memories of years past.

It's never officially Christmas until you and your family have made the rounds through the best-decorated subdivisions and other special displays that scream holiday splendor. The following guide is just a touch of what local Illinois and Missouri cities and towns have to offer:

The Missouri Botanical Garden - Skip the walking and get onboard the Missouri Botanical Garden's Gardenland Express to whistle around a replica of a Vermont village winter wonderland. During the early part of December, you can witness Christmas Carols in the Garden, which includes carolers, musicians, brass ensembles, and choirs, complete with hot chocolate and mulled cider. There is also an opportunity to see and visit with jolly old St. Nick.

The Garden also has set aside time to reflect on the importance of the Jewish holiday Chanukah with the Festival of Lights. Don't miss out on being a part of the Kwanzaa celebration of First Fruits, which is a non-religious holiday observing African history and traditions.

Our Lady of the Snows Shrine - Our Lady of the Snows Shrine in Belleville is one that hits close to home, as it is located right at our back doors. Every evening from Nov. 20 through Jan. 3 is a non-stop flurry of activity from 5 to 9 p.m. indoors at the Visitor's Center and 5 to 10 p.m. outdoors.

Through millions of sparkling lights, electro-art sculptures and creative displays, the Shrine depicts the birth of Christ. There is no cost to drive through the winding display, but donations are encouraged.

Admission to the Laser Light Show: "The Birth of Jesus" is $3 per person, and free for children ages 4 and under with a paying adult. Make a special memory and take a camel ride ($5 for adults and $4 for children), or feed animals in the free petting zoo.

Individuals, couples, or groups can take home a photo memory with a traditional Christmas background or don angel attire amidst a shimmery background, and children of all ages will delight in the sparkling Lil' Angels' Classroom filled with a variety of free, hands-on activities.

Lebanon, Illinois - Lebanon's Winter Wonderland Light Display features thousands of colorful lights, and other venues through Dec. 27 in the village's Hoerner Park, 58 acres located at 11109 Widicus Road.

Vehicles enter Horner Park's main gate and travel through 1.2 miles of roadway to view spectacular holiday displays including various depictions of Santa, snowmen, a gingerbread village, Victorian village, Nativity scenes, candy canes, and reindeer. Specific areas will serve as a tribute to U.S. military, public servants and farmers.

The Horner Park Winter Wonderland is an enormous community-wide event complimenting Lebanon's historic downtown, which specializes in antique stores and characterized by a classic Victorian style.

Rock Spring Park, Alton - Get ready to be enchanted and filled with the Christmas spirit as you drive through Alton's Christmas Wonderland 2.5-million light display at Rock Spring Park Nov. 28 through Dec. 27.

Plan to be captivated by a cascading waterfall, lighted tunnels, and lights galore from 6 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 5 to 9 p.m. on weekends. The suggested donation is $7 per car, and $1 per person for 10 or more.

Take your child's photo with Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest, visit the petting zoo nightly, or take a carriage ride by making a reservation at 618-458-6986. For more details or directions, call 1-800-ALTON-IL (800-258-6645).

Tilles Park, St. Louis - Tilles Park, located at 9551 Litzsinger Road, is celebrating the 24th anniversary of its Winter Wonderland, a hugely attended light display people drive hours to take in.

Winter Wonderland will run nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 25 to Jan. 2, excluding Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Saturdays are closed to vehicular traffic and reserved for carriage rides only. Admission fees are $9 per family vehicle, $10 for limousines, $30 per commercial transport van, and $75 per tour bus. No reservations are needed and admission is paid as vehicles exit the park. Horse drawn carriage rides are available every night, excluding Christmas Eve, and can be purchased by calling MetroTix at 314-534-1111.