These 7 Small Towns In Illinois Honor Christmas In The Most Magical Way
By Melissa Mahoney|Updated on March 31, 2023(Originally published March 27, 2023)
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
There is no shortage of holiday magic in many small towns across the state of Illinois during the holiday season. If you are looking to gaze upon some of the best holiday lights in IL, participate in festive seasonal events, or experience some Christmas cheer, you may want to check out how these following towns celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Curious to know more? Read on to discover what magic awaits you and your family this holiday season in Illinois.
1. Monticello
Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL 61856, USA
Located in the town of Monticello, Allerton Park and Retreat Center puts on its annual GLOW event. When visitors go, they can stroll along the stunning grounds and take in artwork that's all lit up during the festive season.
Oregon is another one of the top Christmas towns in Illinois. For over 35 years, this charming destination has hosted an annual Candlelight Walk. featuring caroling, refreshments, children's crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, a visit from Santa who will be on a firetruck, shopping, a tree lighting ceremony, and much more!
In the town of Greenville, the American Farm Heritage Museum hosts its annual Christmas Lights Wonderland. The annual event in one of the most charming Christmas towns in Illinois that's fun and full of holiday cheer for the whole family! Enjoy twinkling lights, holiday displays, and more. This event is held nightly from 5 pm until 9 pm through December 31. If you choose to come during the day, the Letters to Santa Train Rides will be running and each child will receive a goody bag. There are also plenty of homes that compete in the annual Greenville Holiday Lights Contest, businesses that decorate for the holidays, and an annual Christmas tree decorating contest. You are sure to find plenty of festive sights around town too!
The Rotary Park in LaSalle will hold its annual Celebration of Lights through New Year's Day, from 5 pm - 9 pm on weekdays and Sundays, and 5 pm - 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and every night during Christmas week. This large, festive Christmas light display is a great way to feel the magic of the holiday season! Therefore, head here to experience some of the best holiday lights in Illinois this season.
Main Street in Galena is simply magical during the holiday season! It's also a big reason why Galena is one of the most charming Christmas towns in IL. When you go, you'll get to enjoy Warren's Festival of Trees featuring 50 uniquely decorated Christmas trees at Warren Community Building. Walk around the Toys Through Time: Holiday Antique Toy Show where hundreds of toys from decades past will be on display. Take a stroll and enjoy treats with the Snowflakes and Sweets Stroll. As you see, there's plenty to love about Galena during the holiday season!
Rock Springs Park in Alton transforms into a Christmas Wonderland in celebration of the holiday season. The massive light display allows visitors to drive through the park to enjoy some of the best holiday lights in Illinois! This event starts the day after Thanksgiving and will run through December 27 nightly from 6 pm - 9 pm Monday through Friday and 5 pm - 9 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Murphysboro's downtown Main Street transforms into a winter wonderland this time of year. Hence, making it one of the best Christmas towns in Illinois too. Shop windows and homes are festively decorated in this historic area, so take a stroll and look marvel at some of the best holiday lights in IL when you visit this charming Christmas town.
Have you had a chance to visit these Christmas towns in Illinois? If so, let us know in the following comment section which ones had the best holiday lists in IL. And, if you’d like to check out a bunch of holiday displays at once, feel free to take a look at this Christmas light trail in Illinois.
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Best Holiday Lights in IL
Marla S. |March 31, 2023
Where can I find some holiday lights near me when I'm in Illinois?
In addition to the above Christmas towns in Illinois, here are some more locations where you can find the answer to your question, "where are some holiday lights near me"?
Woodstock: During the Christmas season, this Chicago suburb comes alive with a lighting ceremony in the main square, an annual parade, seasonal treats, and much more.
Naperville: Kids of all ages will have a blast meandering through the holiday light display that goes through the town's riverwalk and downtown areas.
Rockford: Head to The Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens when you visit this town to see some of the most impressive light displays in the state.
Belleville: Aside from seeing some holiday lights, spend time stocking up on goodies when you shop at the town's infamous Christkindlmarkt.
East Peoria Festival of Lights: The Folepi's Winter Wonderland portion of this annual event can be taken in from the comfort of your car.
Shelbyville's Festival of Lights: Enjoy elaborate light displays scattered throughout the town during the holiday season.
Wonderland in Lights: This free event takes place in Effingham. When you go, dial in your radio to the local station so you can listen to music in synch with the light displays.
