Over 4 million lights, countless snowflakes, hundreds of trees, dozens of illuminated miles – it is a spectacle, it is about traditions, it is lasting memories, and it is what makes our light shows worth traveling to. Across 21 counties, we have dozens of light shows each year that are all different from the next and all are worth seeing with your own eyes. We are highlighting just 12 in this year’s issue, so make your way to our app or website to find more to visit!

One of the longest drive-thru light displays we have is the Wonderlights Christmas at Worldwide Technology Raceway in Madison. These lights are tuned to music and consist of over 1 million lights and take you through both an INDYCAR and NASCAR track!

Another long display is in Belleville for the Way of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Take a drive through the woodlands that surround the Catholic shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Enjoy over 1.5 million lights, illuminated tunnels, and hundreds of trees wrapped in lights. This display is free, but donations are accepted at the end of the drive.

Since 2008, many have flocked to Lebanon to enjoy their Winter Wonderland inside Horner Park. This animated light show includes an 882 sq. ft. waving Santa and a “Seek and Find” game to keep your eyes peeled!

Last year, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt. Vernon began its own display – The Lights. With over 1 million lights, walk through tunnels, s’mores, holiday themed boozy drinks, and countless art displays along the way, The Lights quickly became a favorite among visitors. Admissions for this event go back to Cedarhurst to help with funding. To learn more, visit: https://cedarhurst.org/the-lights/

See the Fantasy of Lights in Centralia at Foundation Park this winter to be amazed by the thousands of lights that illuminate the woods and drive of the park. Be sure to look for Santa golfing around the park!

A local favorite is located near Greenville and is put on by a lovely family each year. The Woburn Christmas Display draws tens of thousands each year from all over. Located on Woburn Road in Greenville, you can expect to see over 200 animated characters, 44 large displays, and over 100,000 lights! All is set up by just a few people and takes months to get ready. Donations are accepted to help fund the walking tour.

Also in Greenville is the American Farm Heritage Museum’s Christmas Lights Wonderland. After driving through the display route, be sure to stop for some hot chocolate, cookies, and a ride on the North Pole Express! Donations are accepted and appreciated.

In need of a 3-mile illuminated drive? Head to Du Quoin for their Holiday Lights experience at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Thousands have been flocking to the fairgrounds for over 20 years to see all the different animated displays and to feel the joy of the holidays.

Over in Olney, be sure to see their Christmas Light Display inside of City Park. Enjoy the dozens of displays and animations throughout the park.  Be on the lookout for some twinkling white squirrels!

Where else can you take a horse-drawn carriage to view a holiday light display other than at Flora’s Christmas in the Park? Not only is Charley Brown Park beautifully decorated, but you can also enjoy the Little Toot Train rides, a petting zoo, and even visit Santa Claus!

In Fairfield, not only is the Leo French Park absolutely filled with lights for the city’s Festival of Lights, but you can also see dozens of trees decorated around the courthouse downtown! So, make sure to take in all the joy Fairfield has to offer during the holidays.

The holidays are a time for giving and what better way to do that than with a magnificent drive through light display! Travel to Carmi this winter to take in its Christmas Lights of Hope at the White County Fairgrounds. All donations for the display go back to the non-profit Kicks 4 Kids. While there, be on the lookout for any live reindeer resting before Santa needs them!

**This article comes from the 2023 Fall/Holiday Tourism Times. To learn more about how to read the publication, click here.