These 7 Small Towns In Illinois Honor Christmas In The Most Magical Way
‘Tis the season for holiday magic which there is no shortage of in many small towns across the state of Illinois. If you are looking to gaze upon holiday lights, participate in a socially-distanced event, or experience Christmas cheer, you may want to check out how these towns celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Located in the town of Monticello, Allerton Park and Retreat Center is lighting up its annual Winter Wellness Walk this year. The 1-mile walk will feature illuminated sculptures, a Polar Express Train Display, and lights all throughout the grounds and will be held 5 pm - 9 pm, December 13, 2020 through January 31, 2021, so there is plenty of time for all to enjoy! Go to Allerton's website for more information.
Monticello, Allerton Park and Retreat Center website
Monticello, Allerton Park and Retreat Center website
The town of Oregon is hosting a 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 more! Join in on some small-town Christmas cheer this December 19, 2020 from 3 pm until 8 pm.
Oregon Candlelight Walk website
Oregon Candlelight Walk website
In the town of Greenville, the American Farm Heritage Museum is hosting its annual Christmas Lights Wonderland. This year, however, the event will be drive-through only but will still be 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!
Greenville website
Greenville website
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 free to attend (but donations are welcome) and a great way to feel the magic of the holiday season!
LaSalle Facebook page
LaSalle Facebook page
Main Street in Galena is simply magical during the holiday season! 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 (only on December 19). You will love Galena during the holidays!
Galena website
Galena website
Rock Springs Park in Alton transforms into a Christmas Wonderland in celebration of the holiday. This year, however, the massive light display will be drive-through only, but still creates magic in this small town! This event will run through December 27 nightly from 6 pm - 9 pm Monday through Friday and 5 pm - 9 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Alton Christmas Wonderland Facebook page
Alton Christmas Wonderland Facebook page
Murphysboro's downtown Main Street transforms into a winter wonderland this time of year. Shop windows and homes are festively decorated in this historic area, so take a stroll and look around!
Murphysboro Facebook page
Murphysboro Facebook page
Which small Illinois towns do you enjoy visiting during the Christmas season?
Address: Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL 61856, USA
Address: Oregon, IL 61061, USA
Address: Greenville, IL 62246, USA
Address: Lasalle, IL, USA
Address: Galena, IL 61036, USA
Address: Alton, IL, USA
Address: Murphysboro, IL 62966, USA
