Parades, other holiday events begin Friday in southwest IL. Here are the details

Downtown Belleville is the place to be Friday morning as the community officially begins the holiday season with the Santa Parade and opening of the Christkindlmarkt, an open-air German Christmas market.

Other seasonal events - from parades to fireworks - also are set for this weekend across southwestern Illinois.

Here’s the schedule of holiday events beginning this weekend in our region:

▪ Belleville Santa Parade — 10 a.m. to noon Friday in downtown Belleville. Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Belleville, the parade has been held since 1952 and features floats, marching bands, dance groups and the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

▪ 8th annual Belleville Christkindlmarkt — This German-style outdoor Christmas Market, featuring European and other handcrafted gifts, is a great place to kick off your holiday shopping. You can start at the market on Public Square and shop local at other downtown businesses as well. Here’s the schedule: Friday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 28; Thursday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 5; Thursday, Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 12; and Thursday, Dec. 16, through Thursday, Dec. 23. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23. The Public Square, Downtown Belleville. For more information, here is its website: bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com.

▪ U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo — 5-8:30 p.m. Friday through Thursday, Dec. 30. Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, St. Louis. This event features light displays and themed areas, plus a chance to say hi to creatures at Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Insectarium. Timed-ticket reservations required. For tickets and information: stlzoo.org/wildlights.

▪ Christmas in Carlyle Parade and Fireworks — 6:30 p.m. Friday starting at Carlyle City Park, 1096 Lake Road, Carlyle. Following the parade, join the crowd at the park for Santa, music, refreshments and fireworks. Christmas Lights in the Park on display through Sunday, Jan. 9. facebook.com/events/4092856137484851

▪ Highland Lighted Christmas Parade — 6:30 p.m. Friday. Lindendale Park, 2005 Parkhill Drive, Highland. The parade will start on Lindenthal going west, then north on Washington and cross Broadway and ending at the Downtown Square for the lighting ceremony. highlandillinois.com/2021-christmas-parade.html

▪ Village of Millstadt Lighted Christmas Parade — 7 p.m. Friday, West Washington Avenue, Millstadt. The annual lighted parade will start at Frontier Park and end at the VFW. This year is parade only; there will be no festivities at the VFW after. facebook.com/events/585599902597435

▪ Christmas Wonderland — Friday, Nov. 26, through Monday, Dec. 27. 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 5-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Rock Spring Park, 2100 College Ave., Alton. This event features more than 4 million lights and includes the annual walk-through event set for Monday, Nov. 29. Admission for the walk-through is $1 per person. Admission to Christmas Wonderland is a suggested donation of $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. 800-258-6645 or riversandroutes.com.

▪ Swansea Cozy Winter Wonderland — Saturday, Nov. 27, through Thursday, Dec. 23. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. 1501 Caseyville Ave., Swansea. Visit and take photos with Santa, take photos at one of the indoor settings. Admission: $10 per family, includes free scene pics and one photo with Santa. Treats available for $1 donation.

▪ Christmas Candlelight: Ghosts of Christmas Past — 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27. 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, 409 S. Buchanan St., Edwardsville. “Ghost” guides (dressed in white) lead small groups through six different vignettes showcasing the rich history of the house during the holidays in 1821. For tickets (must be purchased in advance) and information: stephensonhouse.org.

▪ GLOW in the Dark Lighted Holiday Parade — 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Downtown Waterloo. The parade route starts at Gibault High School, travels up Columbia Avenue, turns south on Main Street and then right onto Mill Street, ending at Library Street. waterloo.il.us

▪ O’Fallon Illuminated Holiday Parade — 6 p.m. Saturday. Downtown O’Fallon. This O’Fallon tradition includes many lighted floats, cars and community members. Free and open to the public. For parking, route details and other information: ofallonholidayparade.com.

And of course, the 52nd annual Way of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, which started last weekend, continues through the holidays, from 5-9 p.m. nightly through Friday, Dec. 31 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day — outdoor light display will remain open). The shrine is at 442 De Mazenod Drive, Belleville. Over 1 million white lights are featured along a 1.5-mile route depicting the Journey to Bethlehem. For additional activities and information: snows.org/wayoflights.

This story was originally published November 25, 2021 at 5:00 AM.