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!
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.
Illinois Trekkers Way of Lights Walk
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL
Monday, November 21, 2022 @ 3:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Take a relaxing walk through the Way of Lights featuring over one million lights telling the Christmas story. Please bring a flashlight! Must finish by 8:30 p.m.
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.
Thanksgiving Eve Dueling Pianos
The Weingarten, Belleville, IL
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Listen to great music with family and friends while enjoying delicious food and refreshments in a relaxing setting.
RCRC Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Musgrove Park, Olney, IL
Thursday, November 24, 2022 @ 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Earn that Thanksgiving Dinner! Join friends for this fun 5K at Musgrove Park.
Thanksgiving 5K and Turkey Chase
Downtown Public Square, Belleville, IL
Thursday, November 24, 2022 @ 8 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Gear up to run prior to your big feast in downtown Belleville, starting at the Public Square.
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.
Santa Parade on Belleville's Main Street
Belleville Main Street, Belleville, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - Noon
Welcome Santa to Belleville for the largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois with 100 parade units of floats, marching bands and dance groups.
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Sunday, November 27, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
View nearly 400 crafters, artists and a variety of booths for your holiday shopping pleasure.
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!
Red Bud Community Tree Lighting
Santa's Village, Red Bud, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 @ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The elves of Santa's Village are excited to invite kids from 1 to 100 to the Red Bud Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, following the Chamber of Commerce Lighted Parade, which begins at 6 p.m.
Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Highland, IL
Friday, November 25, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The Highland Chamber of Commerce is pleased to bring the Annual Lighted Parade to the streets of Highland. When the parade reaches its final destination on the square, join us as we celebrate by turning the lights on for the Christmas Season!
Downtown Greenville, Greenville, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 @ 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Come Home for Christmas is our downtown event that includes: A Christmas parade, live music, shopping, and more!
Downtown Waterloo, Waterloo, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 - Sunday, November 27, 2022 @ 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
It’s a Waterloo Tradition that you don’t want to miss! Christmas on the Square is always held the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving in historic Downtown Waterloo.
Shop Small Saturday - Belleville
Belleville Main Street, Belleville, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 @ 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Visit Belleville small shops to find unique and interesting holiday gifts plus friendly service with a smile!
Small Business Saturday Gift Card Giveaway - Columbia
Columbia Historic Main Street, Columbia, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 @ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sainte Marie Christmas Farmers Market
Foundation House & Museum, Sainte Marie, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Shop and view the Sainte Marie Foundation House and Museum's Vintage Christmas farmers market.
Sainte Marie, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 @ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Ice Skating Rink, Christmas Tree Sales, Hot Chocolate, Appearances by the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and Mrs. Clause, and more!
Small Business Saturday - Mount Carmel
Market Street, Mount Carmel, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 @ Noon
Come out and support our local businesses as they have open houses for all to enjoy. It's a great chance to get unique Christmas gifts.
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.
Skyview Drive-In, Belleville, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 @ 6:15 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Come snuggle up with your family and join the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce for a Christmas tradition with a movie at Skyview Drive-in and see Santa in person!
Downtown Olney, Olney, IL
Saturday, November 26, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Plans are underway for the annual Olney Christmas Parade. The parade is sponsored by the Olney Rotary Club & the RCHS Interact Club.
The Weingarten, Belleville, IL
Sunday, November 27, 2022 @ Noon - 4 p.m.
The Weingarten's doors will open at 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The market runs from Noon to 4 p.m. in the Party Barn with live music & wine tasting.
To submit an event to be published on the Downstate Illinois website, click here!
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