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!
Sights and Sounds of Christmas
Mt. Carmel, IL
Monday, December 5, 2022 - Friday, December 9, 2022
This is an event for residents or businesses in Mt. Carmel IL to have their decorated buildings judged. This is an event that not everyone who has their building decorated has to sign up for. This is an event to recognize and get people in town to decorate their buildings for the holidays.
Christmas Cookie Decorating Class
Highland Emporium, Highland, IL
Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Create and take 1 dozen assorted Christmas cookies! Judy of Judy's Cakes Cookies & More will show you how to decorate these beautiful cookies like a pro. She'll bring everything you need EXCEPT your own cookie sheet to carry home your artwork.
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.
Free Horse Drawn Trolley Rides
Belleville Public Square, Belleville, IL
Friday, December 9, 2022 - Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ Noon - 6 p.m.
Take a free ride through downtown aboard a 26-passenger horse-drawn trolley. Enjoy viewing Belleville's historic Public Square, the Christkindlmarkt, and the beautifully decorated Veterans Memorial Fountain. Fridays 5 p.m - 9 p.m.; Saturdays Noon - 6 p.m.; Sundays Noon - 5 p.m.
Forever Vintage Christmas Market
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville, IL
Friday, December 9, 2022 - Sunday, December 11, 2022
A buying weekend to find the most perfect CHRISTMAS gifts! Hours: December 10th 3 p.m.- 8 p.m.; December 11th 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., December 12th 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Turner Hall Parking Lot, Columbia, IL
Friday, December 9, 2022 - Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
A fun, family event, for all ages and groups. Reserve your fire pit to watch one or more of your favorite holiday movies outside in the crisp winter air!
Albion's "Breakfast with Santa"
Albion Fire Station, Albion, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Come out and enjoy Breakfast with Santa at the Albion Fire Station!
West End Reception & Events, Newton, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Annual Holiday Market in Newton will be taking place at West End Reception & Events. 40+ vendors, food, Santa, and more!
Downtown Belleville Cookie Stroll
Downtown Belleville, Belleville, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Experience the charm of Downtown Belleville during the holidays! Stroll Main Street and visit quaint shops, local restaurants and more while collecting over a dozen tasty Christmas cookies!
Holiday Market Craft and Vendor Show
Waterloo, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Annual SPPCS PTO Holiday Market Vendor and Craft Fair is a great event to wrap up all of your holiday shopping. Hosted on the same day as the Mary & Martha Cookie Walk in downtown Waterloo IL.
Eckert's, Belleville, IL
Satuday, December 10, 2022 - Sunday, December 11, 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. We provide all of the supplies and guidance. You provide the creativity!
Columbia Visit with Santa at the Library
Columbia Library, Columbia, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Santa visits with children & poses for pictures.
The Country Lamb, Flora, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 - Saturday, December 24, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Open Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy all the sights and sounds of Christmas while you shop. Refreshments served daily.
Lebanon Christmas on Brick Street
Downtown Lebanon, Lebanon, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
We never know what tomorrow will bring get a jump start on your Christmas shopping with Christmas in July on the Brick Street.
"Music of the Mississippi Valley" played and sung by Shane Wagner
History Museum of Monroe County, Waterloo, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 1:30 p.m.
The Mississippi River has always played a major role in the culture and history of the United States. This presentation will include historical background information and piano/guitar/vocal performances of unique American music inspired by (and often composed near) the Mississippi River.
O'Fallon Station, O'Fallon, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Winter Market is back with 50+ artisan and food vendors, live music, food trucks and carriage rides! Expect a mix of farmers market vendors with meats, cheeses, coffee, bread and prepared foods as well as a much larger selection of artisans.
8th Annual Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
Old Belleville Historic District, Belleville, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Take a free stroll down Abend & Garfield Streets lined with candle-lit luminaries while touring historic homes.
Vandalia Statehouse, Vandalia, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Join in on a Christmas tradition at the Vandalia Statehouse.
Ditney Ridge Baptist Church, Norris City, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 - Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join us one of these nights for O'Holy Night - Live Nativity. O'Holy Night is a drive-thru nativity experience. Come and discover all the wonder and celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Martinsville Fire Protection District, Martinsville, IL
Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
This annual event is brought to you each year in Martinsville by the Martinsville Fire Ladies Auxiliary. We invite you bring your family and enjoy magical holiday tradition.
Starmax Cinemas, Vandalia, IL
Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - Noon
Come watch White Christmas for free at 10 a.m.
Santa's Sunday Funday in Red Bud
Red Bud, IL
Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ Noon - 4 p.m.
Our talented Red Bud business owners will be showcasing their culinary and mixology skills by offering incredible food and drinks for you to sample and purchase.
Belleville, IL
Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Tour beautiful historic Belleville homes decked out in their holiday best.
Christmas Pops Holiday Spectacular
Lincoln Theatre, Belleville, IL
Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Ring in the season with this holiday pops concert featuring the Philharmonic Chorale and Orchestra held at the historic Lincoln Theatre.
St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL
Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
The musical drama includes 200 people encompassing choir, orchestra, drama troupe, horse drawn sleigh and parade of the wooden soliders.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
St. Rose Fire Protection District, Breese, IL
Sunday, December 11, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join Santa on the wagon as he travels thru town ending at the firehouse!!
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
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Scheve Park, Mascoutah, IL
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - Monday, January 2, 2023
Brighten your night with Mascoutah's Walk-through Christmas Light Display!
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.
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.
To submit an event to be published on the Downstate Illinois website, click here!
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