Embark on a wonderful holiday lights trail through the good ol’ Land of Lincoln this year. Some of the best Christmas lights in Illinois can be seen on this incredible trail. What’s even better, though, is that you can drive through many of these shows, which makes them perfect despite an unpredictable winter in Illinois. Stay warm and cozy in the comfort of your car as you enjoy celebrating Christmas on this holiday lights trail in Illinois. Fill up the car with gas, family, and holiday tunes for a road trip that’s like none other. Check it out:

Cover the entire state in a day with this Christmas road trip in Illinois.
Google Maps
The entire journey takes about 6.5 hours to complete, not including stoppage time. Find the entire road trip itinerary on our Google map.

1. East Peoria Festival of Lights

123 Par 3 Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611, USA
Facebook/East Peoria Festival of Lights
Beginning in November and lasting through New Year's Eve, this Christmas light display in Illinois features life-size displays that will charm old and young alike. It is one price per vehicle to enjoy this show that has been going on since 1984.

2. Shelbyville Festival of Lights

East North 9th Street, E North 9th St, Shelbyville, IL 62565, USA
Facebook/Shelbyville Festival of Lights
Taking place from mid-November through December, Shelbyville Festival of Lights is next on the holiday lights trail. Guests love seeing all sorts of traditional and non-traditional sights such as dragons, Ferris Wheels, and elves making toys in a factory.

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3. Wonderland In Lights

East Temple Avenue, E Temple Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, USA
Facebook/Visit Effingham
Opening on the night of Thanksgiving each year and lasting through New Year's, Wonderland in Lights is a wonder for all to see. You may even get an opportunity to visit with Santa.

4. Christmas Wonderland

2116 College Ave, Alton, IL 62002, USA
Facebook/Christmas Wonderland, Inc
Including more than four million LED holiday lights, Christmas Wonderland is a must on this holiday lights trail. It lasts from November through December. Most nights, guests will be allowed to drive through but there will be one special night for guests to walk through.

5. Carlyle City Park Christmas Lights

Carlyle City Park, Carlyle, IL 62231, USA
Facebook/Carlyle's Lights in the Park
Between November and early January, Carlyle City Park Christmas Lights will illuminate the city park in this small town. Guests are invited to drive through and see them all while tuning in to a special radio station that the lights are set to dance to.

6. Coulterville Holiday Light Display

102 W Grant St, Coulterville, IL 62237, USA
Facebook/Coulterville Holiday Light Display
Featuring more than one million lights, 450 wooden figures, and 15 animated scenes, this Coulterville Holiday Light Display usually runs for a few weeks during the month of December. Refreshments, visits with Santa, and many activities for kids make it an all-around unforgettable experience.

What stops would you add to this holiday lights trail? Share the attractions you’re most excited about this year in the comments below.

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Christmas Lights In Illinois

Marisa Roman | October 08, 2021

What are the best Christmas towns in Illinois?

Christmas in Illinois can be made much brighter with a visit to these 10 Christmas towns. Get in the holiday spirit when you explore some of the most quintessential holiday towns throughout the state, starting with:

  • St. Charles. This historically charming town gets all decked out for the holidays.
  • Plus, offering some of the best holiday events in Illinois, head on over to Rochelle. Here, you can enjoy a Downtown Christmas stroll with food, contests, and carriage rides!

How much snowfall does Illinois get each year?

Winter in Illinois is no joke, people.

  • There is a reason why some people stay away from the Midwest during the winter months.
  • The average snowfall in Illinois alone is around 30 inches.
  • But that doesn’t account for those seasons where an Illinois blizzard really mucks the statistics up. 

Can I ride the Polar Express in Illinois?

One of the ultimate holiday events in Illinois the whole family can enjoy together is aboard the Polar Express train ride.

  • This incredible train ride offers guests a chance to enjoy all of the storybook magical and holiday cheer from the comfort of a train car.
  • Running on select dates from November through December, check out the Chicago Union Station Polar Express for the ultimate Christmas afternoon.

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