The holidays are a magical time for kids and a busy time for parents. There are so many things for parents to think about! Presents, meals, traditions, and so much more! I created this list hoping that it would help local parents’ Christmas season be less stressful.
If you are looking for Christmas Events going on during the weekends, look here.
Local Christmas Light Displays
Last Updated: 12/30/2023
Christmas on the Compound at 9 Barbarotto Lane in Maryville: The 50,000 light show is synced to music and usually displays nightly from 5-10:30pm through January 1st. It is located close to Bobby’s Frozen Custard so you could get a treat and watch the show! Free to drive by.
Troy Toyland and Christmas Display at 119 Pebblebrook Lane in Troy: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Troy Toyland along with their neighbors’ Christmas display will be greatly reduced in size this year. Information found on the Troy ToyLand Christmas Display facebook page. Free to drive by.
Bethalto Christmas Village: It is a walk through display in the Arboretum (E. Central St. Bethalto, IL). There are cottages, displays, and lit trees though out the path. Free Admission. The Lights are on every evening, but the activities (barrel train rides, Santa visit, Hot Chocolate, Smores, etc) are only on Saturday and Sunday 5-8pm thru December 18th.
Roxana Park: Christmas lights and decorations on display from 6-10pm any night from Thanksgiving until New Years. Free to walk thru.
Alton’s Christmas Wonderland (2116 College Avenue): Drive Thru Light Display set to music open Monday-Friday 6-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 5-9pm. A donation of $7 per car is encouraged or $1 per person for vehicles with 10 visitors or more. Ends December 27th.
WonderLight’s Christmas in St. Louis 2021 at Worldwide Technology Raceway (1905 Collinsville Road Fairmont City, IL): Drive -Thru Open November 17th, 2023 to December 31st. Times are Monday thru Sunday 5-10pm. The light show has shooting stars, floating snowflakes, dancing candy canes and lollipops, giant Christmas trees, and five enchanting tunnels of lights. Tune in to more than 45 minutes of Christmas music. Kids 3 and under are free. Price: A carload pass is $30 (up to 7 passengers). You can pay in person or pre-purchase tickets on their website. See Ticket Info Here: https://www.wonderlightschristmas.com/st-louis.
“Light up Collinsville” Holiday Lights Contest Homes (12 total): See link of homes here.
2023 Maryville Holiday Lighting Contest Winners: 1st place 608 Andra Drive, 2nd place 2309 Preswych Court, 3rd place 1201 Jacquelyn Court, and 4th place 2912 Bluff Meadow Drive. Best Holiday Lighting Street is Barbarotto Lane.
Deck the House Winners (Wood River Christmas Lights): 61 E. Lorena Ave, 418 E. Jennings Ave, and 182 Grand Ave.
Where to Visit Santa
Santa at Nickel Plate Station (Edwardsville): Located opposite Market Basket on Troy Road. Wednesdays 5:30 to 8pm and Saturdays 1 to 4pm. While waiting for Santa, children can experience the Into the Arctic Exhibit free of charge. Information found on the Edwardsville Children’s Museum facebook page. According to the City of Edwardsville website, Santa will be there through December 23rd.
Santa on the Square (Highland): November 24th – December 23rd. Monday-Friday 6-8pm, Saturday 10am-12pm & 1-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm. Free.
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Bethalto Christmas Village: Saturday and Sundays 5-8pm until December 17th. (Bethalto Arboretum, East Central and Moreland Road). Wonderful Santa that spends time with each child. There is a great outdoor set up for pictures. Free.
Ice Skating and Hiking
East Alton Ice Arena: Public Open Skate Ice Skating Sessions. Non East Alton Residents ($6.00), EA Residents/Senior Citizen ($5.00). $3 for Skate Rentals. Schedule: https://www.eastaltonicearena.org/calendar
R. P. Lumber Center Public Ice Skating: Price: $7 for D7 families or $9 for Non D7 families for ages 4 to 64. Skate Rental fee is $3. Best time to go is on 5 Dollar Fridays (10:30am-Noon, Noon-1:30pm, and 4:10-5:10pm). It only costs $5/person for admission and skate rental.
December Schedule: https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/DocumentCenter/View/4509/December-2023-public-sessions?bidId=
Ice Skating at The Loading Dock Bar & Grill (Grafton): Open November 18th -February 25th. Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 12-10pm, and Sunday 12-8pm. Special Holiday Hours: December 22nd – January 2nd open daily at noon. Closed Christmas Day. Open Christmas Eve 11am-4pm. Rates: All Day Skate Pass:$10.50, Skate Rental $5. Season Pass: $75 and Season Skate Rental: $25. All credit/debit card transactions are subject to a 3.5% processing fee. http://www.graftonloadingdock.com/
2023 Jingle Hike Challenge with HeartLands Conservancy: Jingle bells are tied to trees in 12 parks throughout southwestern Illinois from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day. Participants are asked to visit as many parks as they can, take a selfie with the bell, and submit the photo evidence using the QR code or link on the tag or map. #JingleHike. You can register for a fee to receive a shirt and a chance to win certain prizes. Anyone is welcome to find the jingle bells, but you will only be entered to win prizes if you are registered. See link to find the list of hike locations you can find the bells. https://heartlandsconservancy.org/jingle-hike-challenge/
Don’t mind being outside in the cold? Check out the Outdoor Fun Sections of the website. Walking Trails Not Close to Playgrounds & Parks with Playgrounds. Free ways to spend your time!