6 Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Displays in Illinois the Whole Family Can Enjoy

There is something truly magical about witnessing vibrant and beautiful Christmas drive-through lights from the warmth of your car as your favorite holiday music plays on the stereo. So buckle up, hit the road, and prepare to witness some of the best Christmas lights in Illinois. Below are six of the best holiday light displays throughout the Prairie State that your whole family will love - all from the comfort of your vehicle!

1. Christmas Wonderland - Alton

We must start off this list with one of the best Christmas lights displays in Illinois, Christmas Wonderland at Rock Spring Park in Alton. This incredible display typically runs until just about the end of the year and features more than four million LED lights. You can walk or drive through parts of this display that has a length of one and a half miles, and it truly is a must-visit.

2. East Peoria Festival of Lights Parade - East Peoria

This incredible annual light display in Peoria is truly a treasure to behold, and FOLEPI's Winter Wonderland is the drive-thru portion of the Christmas lights displays available at this event. In addition to the holiday light show, the parade, and other events, this attraction is a must-see for locals from far and wide. For more information, including admission costs and a more detailed list of holiday events, be sure visit the festival on Facebook.

3. Festival Of Lights - Rockford

This incredible 60-foot drive-thru light display in Rockford is made up of over 33,000 lights! Since 1989, guests have been visiting the Festival of Lights to enjoy this visually stunning and impressive Christmas lights display, as well as drop off their letters to Santa, all free of charge. Find all the latest updates and details by visiting Festival of Lights on the web.

4. Way of Lights - Bellville

Taking place at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in the town of Belleville, this festive event features both outdoor and indoor light displays, but the most spectacular is the drive-thru display. A myriad of brilliant lights illuminates the night to tell Christmas tales. The Shrine offers many more details on its website.

5. Festival Of Lights - Shelbyville

Shelbyville's Festival of Lights is a local tradition that is a delight for visitors of all ages. Enjoy lighted arches, depictions of Santa, reindeer, elves, snowmen, and even more unique sightings like dragons and Ferris wheels. You can find this display along yet another delightful Christmas lights road trip we highly recommend.

6. Wonderland In Lights - Effingham

Effingham's Wonderland in Lights is a free that event allows guests to tune in to a special radio station that plays Christmas music that is perfectly synced with the amazing Christmas light display. Santa is present on Saturdays to give out gifts to children.

For more ideas about great places to go in the Land of Lincoln, subscribe to our Only In Illinois newsletter! Or, if you're looking for some amazing neighborhood Christmas light displays in Illinois, we've got a great list of them!

What other Christmas lights displays do you love to visit this time of year? What are your favorite light holiday lights in Illinois? Tell us on our Nominations page. Still doing your holiday shopping? Be sure to check out our gift guide for the traveler(s) in your life.