Whether you’re looking for live music, a festival, marathon, or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone! Each week we highlight a few fun events within southwest, south central and southeast Illinois. Our region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing. For even more events, be sure to visit the Downstate Illinois Calendar of Events page here!
Christmas Presence, featuring Terry Barber
Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, Lebanon, IL
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
A classically-trained countertenor with an extremely broad range and versatile voice, Terry Barber breathes new life into beloved Christmas songs and world-favorites.
Opening Day at Oh So Sweet Bakery & Cafe
Oh So Sweet Bakery & Cafe, Carlyle, IL
Thursday, December 15, 2022 @ 5:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Join Oh So Sweet Bakery and Cafe for their opening day on December 15th, drive-thru or dine-in!
Downtown Belleville, Belleville, IL
Thursday, December 15, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Grab your girlfriends and do your holiday shopping in style iwtwh discounts and prizes!
USAF Band of Mid-America presents "Spirit of the Season"
Mascoutah High School, Mascoutah, IL
Friday, December 16, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The USAF Band of Mid-America will present a holiday concert at theMascoutah High School Auditorium on Friday, December 16th at 7:00 p.m. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event.
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Olney Central College Theater, Olney, IL
Friday, December 16, 2022 - Sunday, December 18, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center
Saturday, December 17, 2022 - Sunday, December 18, 2022 @ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Visit more than 300 booths to find those unique holiday gifts.
Eckert's, Belleville, IL
Saturday, December 17, 2022 - Sunday, December 18, 2022 @ 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
For those who have always longed to build a gingerbread house but were intimidated by the thought, here is your chance to create a beautiful display for the holidays.
Lebanon Christmas on Brick Street
Downtown Lebanon, Lebanon, IL
Saturday, December 17, 2022 @ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
We never know what tomorrow will bring get a jump start on your Christmas shopping.
Columbia Visit with Santa on Main Street
Historic Main Street, Columbia, IL
Saturday, December 17, 2022 @ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Santa visits with children & poses for pictures.
St. Luke's Catholic Church, Belleville, IL
Sunday, December 18, 2022 @ 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Ring in the season with annual holiday Chorale concert with chamber orchestra music by the Philharmonic Chorale & Orchestra held at St. Luke's Church.
Market Street, Mt. Carmel, IL
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 - Friday, December 23, 2022 @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
This event is for people to come and see Santa Claus in person.
Downtown Belleville Live Music Row
Downtown Belleville, Belleville, IL
Every Wednesday - Sunday, 2022 @ 6 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Welcome to Live Music Row! Beautiful Downtown Belleville has many venues that provide local & national Live Music acts. Live Music Row will be a place to see Live Music Events all in one place on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For more information about performances, venues, becoming a sponsor or playing a show, visit the offical Facebook page!
World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, IL
Friday, November 11, 2022 - Sunday, January 1, 2023 @ 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
WonderLight's Christmas is returning to the greater St. Louis area for the 2022 season! Come see over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your own car stereo.
Lebanon's Winter Wonderland of Lights
Horner Park, Lebanon, IL
Friday, November 18, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.\
Lighted holiday drive through display in Horner Park with animation and music display, organizational displays and much more!
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL
Friday, November 18, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Visit the largest spiritual, spectacular 1.5 mile light display telling the Christmas story.
The Lights - An Exhibition of Holiday Magic!
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mount Vernon, IL
Saturday, November 19, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cedarhurst is creating the happiest holidays in southern Illinois! Immerse yourself in winter wonder with more than 1 million Christmas lights twinkling along a 3/4 mile walking trail through the heart of the museum’s 80-acre campus. Roast s’mores, view the art galleries, enjoy special holiday programs, and capture the moments at unique photo opportunities along the way.
Centralia Foundation Park, Centralia, IL
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
This colorful all-light display is located in the Joy Fields portion of the park. The lighted characters, many animated, makes the Fantasy of Lights display a favorite destination for many during the Christmas Season. It is open from dusk until 11 p.m. nightly.
HeartLands Conservancy, Belleville, IL
Thursday, November 24, 2022 - Sunday, January 1, 2023 @ Noon
The Jingle Hike Challenge is back for another year! Our staff have come up with 12 very special places in southwestern Illinois to explore this winter.
Clark County Fairgrounds, Marshall, IL
Thursday, November 24, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The Clark County Fairgrounds are decorated to the max for another year of the Festival of Lights, put on by the Marshall Christmas Committee. Much like many of the other displays, it is drive-thru only – and is open nightly from now through December 31st.
Olney City Park, Olney, IL
Thursday, November 24, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022
Don’t forget to visit the Olney Christmas Light Display in the Olney City Park this season to hear the sounds of Christmas and enjoy the colorful lights of the Holiday season.
Du Quoin State Fairgounds, Du Quoin, IL
Thursday, November 24, 2022 - Friday, December 30, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Join us for our 23rd Annual Holiday Lights Fair featuring over three miles of lighted displays - bigger and better than ever! Craft vendors, free entertainment, food, train rides for kids, and more!
Public Square, Belleville, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Saturday, December 24, 2022
Visit Santa at his house on Belleville's Public Square. Photos optional. Optimist Club of Belleville. See bellevillesantahouse.com for scheduled hours.
Belleville Public Square, Belleville, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Sunday, November 27, 2022 @ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Shop this open-air, German Christmas Market featuring unique handmade & European items, entertainment, food and beverages. Free admission. In case of extreme weather, check website at BellevilleChristkindlmarkt.com
Newton Christmas Lights in the Park
Peterson Park, Newton, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Sunday, December 25, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Join us at Peterson Park to see our Christmas Lights! There are dozens of displays set up throughout the park for folks to drive through and admire! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday ONLY
Willow Hill, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
From our Family to Yours, We share our Joy of Christmas... Our decorations are small town and nothing fancy, just family made and painted for all to enjoy.
Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Christmas Display
American Farm Heritage Museum, Greenville, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Looking for some family fun this Holiday season? Come visit our Christmas display.
Christmas Lights in Carlyle City Park
Carlyle City Park, Carlyle, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Sunday, January 8, 2023 @ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Come and enjoy all the spendor of Christmas as you drive through this amazing display!
Santa on the Square - Highland
Downtown Highland, Highland, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 - Friday, December 23, 2022 @ 6 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Come see Santa on the Square!
Carmi's Christmas Lights of Hope
White County Fairgrounds, Carmi, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022 @ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Carmi Christmas Elves present the 4th Annual Christmas Lights Hope! Christmas Lights of Hope is a drive through display with over 125 light up displays located at the White County Fairgrounds in Carmi, IL.
Merchants Park, Mt. Carmel, IL
Thursday, December 1, 2022 - Saturday, December 31, 2022
Festival of Trees is located at Merchants Park in Mt. Carmel IL. It is an area that is decorated with Christmas Trees from local business and groups. It is a nice area to enjoy the sight of Christmas Trees decorated for the holidays.
Coulterville Holiday Light Display
Friday, December 2, 2022 - Sunday, December 18, 2022 @ 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
102 W Grant St. Coulterville, IL
1/2 mile walk thru display features a million lights and 700 Christmas figurines! Don't miss the walk through version of the Candyland" game with favorites such as Lolli Pop Lane. Fridays and Saturdays evenings, there's food, crafts and a visit with Santa and Friends!
Rogier Park, Vandalia, IL
Friday, December, 2022 - Friday, December 30, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Every weekend in December starting December 2nd - 30th.
Avon Theater, Breese, IL
Friday, December 2, 2022 - Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ 8 p.m. - 2 p.m.
A Christmas Carol meets The Government Inspector meets Noises Off in this hilarious hit. A man who asks to audition at a small theater is mistaken for an informer for the National Endowment for the Arts. Everyone caters to the bewildered wannabe actor, and he is given a role in the current production, A Christmas Carol. Everything goes wrong and hilarity is piled upon hilarity.
Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo, Nashville, IL
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - Sunday, December 18, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Come see the camels, miniature donkeys and other critters in our 150+ year old barn, all decorated for the holidays!
Scheve Park, Mascoutah, IL
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - Monday, January 2, 2023
Brighten your night with Mascoutah's Walk-through Christmas Light Display!
To submit an event to be published on the Downstate Illinois website, click here!
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