The holiday season is upon us which means we have some amazing, illuminated events you must see this year. A new event this year is the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts’ The Lights in Mt. Vernon. 

The Lights is a ¾ mile-walking loop that showcases beautiful artwork and over 1 million lights! While walking the loop, you will experience light displays like never before including a larger-than-life dandelion display and candy cane woodlands! Along with the lighted displays, you will get up close to sculptures along the way. 

This event is open Friday through Sunday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. through December 31st. However, The Lights will not be open Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Admissions are $15 for adults, $10 for members, $5 for children ages 2 – 10, and free for children under 2-years-old. 

No matter your age, The Lights has something for everyone including photo ops with gingerbread men! 

“We hope that the holiday experience at Cedarhurst becomes a tradition for generations to come and encourages our visitors to come back throughout the year for other exciting programs at Cedarhurst,” Communications Director Sarah Sledge said. 

Expect to enjoy some tasty beverages including warm mulled wine, spiked or regular hot cocoa, and other drinks at the holiday bar inside the museum. Don’t pass up the s’mores station where you can create fond memories around the fire! While these options do cost a small fee in addition to the ticket price, all proceeds go back to the museum and help fund next year’s event. 

Whether you take the whole crowd or just a few close loved ones, one thing is certain – The Lights will be an event that you wish never ends. 

“We are thrilled to share this winter wonderland with you as we strive to make Cedarhurst the destination for holiday fun in southern Illinois,” Sledge added. 

Once you have completed your illuminated experience, be sure to stay a while longer to take in the beautiful artwork on display in the museum. 

“Our art galleries and interactive family center will remain open each weekend during The Lights, as we want people to experience all that Cedarhurst has to offer,” Sledge said. 

To learn more and to purchase your tickets, visit: https://cedarhurst.org/the-lights/ 

To discover more holiday activities, visit: https://www.downstateil.org/Events