Here’s your 2024 guide to the best holiday light displays in and around the metro-east
As the holiday season arrives and the metro-east has some relief from snow and cold temperatures in the forecast, there are plenty of lights displays to check out to get in a festive mood.
Although southwestern Illinois has seen colder-than-usual temperatures in late November into early December, the metro-east and St. Louis region doesn’t have a particularly high historical probability of a white Christmas, defined as at least 1 inch of snow.
From metro-east family favorites to events at cultural institutions across the river, here’s where to go to get your holiday light fix in this season.
Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
The shrine’s Annual Way of Lights Christmas Display is open nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 31, although it’s closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The Belleville display is free to view, though donations are accepted. The visitor center hosts other displays and performances that may have attendance fees, as well as concessions for purchase.
The shrine has hosted events since the 1940s, and many metro-east residents consider visiting the Christmas lights an annual tradition.
Christmas Wonderland
This holiday light display at Rock Spring Park in Alton runs through Friday, Dec. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Attendees can turn off their headlights to see more than 4 million lights, according to tourism bureau Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois.
Admission is $10 for a car or small van, or $1 per person for vehicles with 10 or more passengers. You can call 800-258-6645 with any questions about the event.
Bethalto Christmas Village
You can explore holiday lights, view Christmas-themed cottages and take a photo with Mrs. and Mr. Claus at the Bethalto Christmas Village at Bethalto Central Park and the arboretum.
The village is open daily until 9 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 22, and admission is free.
Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland
Stop by Horner Park in Lebanon for Winter Wonderland, which runs until Dec. 31. Sunday through Thursday gates open at 5 p.m. and the display closes at 9 p.m., while Friday and Saturday it runs 5 to 10 p.m.
Organizers ask people to arrive in plenty of time to see the entire display, which can take up to 30 minutes. No public restrooms are available on site, and admission is donation-based.
WonderLight’s Christmas
This display at World Wide Technology Raceway in Fairmont City includes more than 1 million lights, synchronized to Christmas music played through your car.
WonderLight’s Christmas runs from 5 to 10 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 5 and costs $30 per car for up to seven passengers. Children ages 3 and younger are free.
Garden Glow
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow runs through Saturday, Jan. 4, but is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The display includes more than 2 million lights, with many exhibits synced to music and some interactive elements. Admission varies depending on the day, attendees’ ages and membership status.
Staff recommend securing tickets well in advance as they tend to sell out.
Wild Lights
The Saint Louis Zoo’s Wild Lights takes place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. select nights through Sunday, Dec. 29, with a sensory-friendly night Monday, Dec. 9.
The event will include more than 1 million lights, as well as zoo attractions and more.
Admission varies by the day, but typically ranges from $15 to $18 for nonmembers, excluding sensory-friendly night, which is $10. Children younger than 2 enter free.
Do you have a question about living in Illinois for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Metro-east Matters form below.
