There are plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit in Southern Illinois. As noted on the page by this same title, it is not a complete list. However, this Year’s page has been started….
You will see some of the categories listing “TBD,” but hopefully not for long. Please feel free to send me Christmas events from I-70 to the Southern state line either by commenting on Facebook, Messenger, or asliceofsouthernillinois@gmail.com Updates are happening as I get the information and my neuropathy cooperates…
(The bright pink Christmas truck image is available as a digital download for purchase on my Ko-fi site.)
Click on the truck image below to go to the Page of Christmas events:
Note: There may be additions amd updates to this post throughout the season.
If you follow the A Slice of Southern Illinois page on Facebook, you’ve probably noticed the hashtag #FallinSouthernIllinois on some posts. This is to hopefully make it easier to locate posts about events in our region.
The unofficial beginning of fall in Southern illinois is signified by the last day of the DuQuoin State Fair and multiple Labor Day parades.
It might not be sweater weather just yet, but the rustle of colorful leaves paired with football games and marching band shows is just around the corner.
Music & Motion at Saluki Stadium
The first weekend in September welcomes back regional favorites such as the Carterville Lions Club Fair and the Marion County Antique Power Days in Salem. Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair on the grounds of Mitchell Museum in Mt. Vernon draws many talented artisans and visitors.
Popular autumn activities are visiting mum and sunflower fields, picking apples, and visiting farmer’s markets. Among the tastes that represent the season, like apple cider and pumpkin spice just about anything, are drinks and dishes featuring local products. Pumpkin patches and corn mazes entertain people of all ages.
Fall in Southern Illinois is a wonderful time to venture out with those you love and make some memories. Enjoy!
Once upon a time, there was a free app that correlated with info on A Slice of Southern Illinois. Eventually, with the original app development company, it became too difficult too keep up with changing requirements for common app stores. So, I disabled the app–for now. I would eventually like to create a new one, but I am taking my time to jump into that process.
Meanwhile, I still have pages accessible through the menu on this website for annual events, local food things to see, and more. I try to update these from time to time, but they are not likely going to be as current as the Facebook page.
As many of you know by now, my health is somewhat of a rollercoaster ride since covid did a number on me. (Yes, Long Haul Covid is a real thing, and I don’t wish it on anyone!) I am also doing some jewelry-making and crafting now that are actually therapeutic for me. When possible, I participate in farmer’s markets and other venues. However, I have to do a lot of prioritizing and “energy budgeting” for my health. With that being said, knocking myself out to keep the events page current as well as other changes can’t be my priority at this time. There is only so much energy, and after the whole near death/ventilator experience, I have a new perspective. Living life is a priority.
SO, I am attempting to make it easier to search on the A Slice of Southern Illinois Facebook Page. Hopefully, a series of hashtag terms (below) will help you to find info by town or type within Southern Illinois. It won’t be perfect (brain fog is real too,) and I may forget obvious hashtags and miss some things, but it’s a start. Even if no one else uses them, it will help me…
This is the link to the A Slice of Southern Illinois Facebook Page:
This is how you use hashtags in the search bar to seek info or types of posts:
If you are seeking info on a Southern Illinois town, try searching the A Slice of Southern Illinois Facebook Page with a hashtag. (Example: #Carbondale )
The hashtags below are to seek out posts with the types of info listed:
SIbreweries breweries
SIclosures closings
SIcares good deeds, service and volunteer opportunities, good news
SIcoffee coffee
SIentertainment entertainment
SIevents regional events
SIeventvenue event venues
SIfurbabies pet related
#SIhistory regional history
SIkids for children
SIlodging local cabins, B&B’s, etc.
SImarket Farmer’s Markets & locally made products
SIshopslocal locally owned shops & businesses
SItastes restaurants, food trucks, food-related
SItea tea
SIthingstosee things to see in our region
SIweather weather-related post
SIwineries wineries
WatermelonFalls (by A Slice of Southern Illinois) handmade jewelry, upcycles, & giftables
These search terms are currently pinned in a post on the A Slice of Southern Illinois Facebook Page. It is always a work in progress…
National News has been dropping hints that merchandise may run out before Christmas. Only time will tell if that comes to pass. If commercial items become scarce, perhaps shopping local can help a bit.
Regardless, you can still put together your own Advent calendar with local treats and experiences. It doesn’t even have to be fancy, but if you are creatively-inclined, go for it! It can be as simple as 24 envelopes or small wrapped boxes labeled 1-24, each containing a treat, trinket, or experiences.
Although Advent this year technically started on November 27 and goes through December 24, many people use their Advent Calendars by opening the first box or window on December 1.
The Square in Marion
Southern Illinois is filled with many beautiful Christmas displays, experiences, and unique gifts. Although this post is about Advent calendars, there are many local items that would also make wonderful Hanukkah and Christmas presents.
You and your family or friends will open a box/envelope for each day of December leading up to Christmas Day, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Of course, one person will need to assume the role of “Advent Calendar Admin” and fill the Little boxes or envelopes the daily surprises. If it is a small trinket, such as a Christmas ornament or bit of candy, it may fit in the box. If it is something larger, such as the experience of visiting a local Christmas Light Display or tree farm, it goes on a little note. Many also include a Bible verse each day leading up to the birth of Christ.
There are many Christmas events throughout our region. Some of these are listed in the “Events” section of this website and the ASOSI app. I’m sure there are many more wonderful ones, such as church and school Christmas programs and dance recitals.
Christmas in Carterville
If you are stumped for gift ideas, L.E.A.F. Food Hub, the online Farmer’s Market, as well as the Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market have more than just wonderful food. You can find great gifts like items like lotions, soaps, and even natural loofah sponges and dish scrubbers are great. Gift certificates for locally owned restaurants are also an option. Be creative. Have fun. More importantly, make some wonderful memories with those you love as you celebrate Christ’s birth.
A FewResources to Aid in Creating Your Unique Advent Calendar:
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some of our beloved Christmas traditions to be postponed until next year, others will continue, go virtual, or have been modified. Fortunately, it is possible to see many Christmas lights throughout Southern Illinois from the safety and comfort of our own cars. Other events have been social distanced.
Route 13/West Maine Street, Carbondale, 2020
Carbondale’s annual Lights Fantastic Parade (I won’t say what year it started, but I did string battery operated lights onto my flag pole and freeze through the parade route with the Marching Salukis that year. People have fortunately found the secret to constructing floats that don’t catch fire as they go down the street now…) will be a drive by event this weekend.
Normally, there are many live Nativity Scenes. I guess the angel is normally socially distanced, and the Wiseman technically are distanced from the birth by a few years, but COVID-19 has also affected these events. So far, I have seen one scheduled for Carrier Mills.
Stores continue to be at reduced capacity as we have been on Tier Three of the COVID-19 mitigation, but some are able to modify and continue their Christmas Open Houses and sales. If you are near Salem, you may wish to follow the links below (or from the app or Events page) to see the happenings this evening at both Country Creek Treasures and The Rusty Nail. It is very important that we continue supporting our local shops, restaurants, lodging, and other small businesses when we have opportunity to do so. In the long run, supporting them supports our communities as a whole.
If you head to Salem this evening, you could also see the Lewis Family Light Display and possibly make the half hour drive on to Centralia’s Foundation Park to see Fantasy of Lights 2020. Have yourself a merry little family Christmas adventure or one of those Hallmark Movie script- worthy dates.
Division Street, Downtown Carterville, 2015
A mix of family, community,, and municipal displays light up this December Southern Illinois sky this year. We will add them to the list at the top of the Events section in the app and website as we become aware of them. You may want to pack up your hot cocoa for the road, grab a comfy car blanket, and set out to see some lights. Our recommendation is to see what is also close to your destination, such as lights or events in neighboring towns, places to get food, local shops, or possibly experience a stay in one of the cozy cabins or inns at Christmastime. Many are listed in the Lodging section of the app and this website.
Candy Cane Lane, West Frankfort, within past decade…
Some events this year may have food or beverage trucks on site. Spread S’more Love will be on site some at the Reis Christmas light display in Herrin. We will try to share info on the Facebook page and update the ASOSI app and the Events section of this website as we hear of more opportunities to taste a bit of Southern Illinois.
This pandemic has been a mean one, but it cannot stop Christmas, and it cannot stop Southern Illinois from celebrating the birth of Jesus–safely, of course!
Please see currently listed Christmas and seasonal events from the app/website below. We recommend checking back regularly for additions or updates as well as checking links before making a special trip to see something for any admission fees or last minute changes.
11/27/20 Farm Fresh Christmas Trees Opening Day Black Friday at The Patchhttps://fb.me/e/AJ5dEcg3
12/5/20 Frosty the Snowman and Home Alone at Oasis Drive-In Theater,fundraiser to benefit Marion Unit 2 Foundation, $30 per vehiclehttps://fb.me/e/3ELz5GiLG
Although it would be impossible to list everything happening south of I-70, an effort is made to try to list some highlights. If you have an event or know of one to submit, please email it to: asliceofsouthernillinois@gmail.com
Im not sure if it is technically called a mini episode, introductory vlog post, or channel trailer, but it is now up on the A Slice of Southern Illinois YouTube channel!
The first vlog post features the crunching sound of fall leaves and a bit of the beautiful autumn scenery in Southern Illinois. Crafting with pine cones and leaves is discussed. There is a glance at the Events, Lodging, Shopping, Sites, and Tastes sections of the ASOSI app. An easy Pizza bread recipe starts the episode.
There are people, including friends and family, who read the blog from all over the world. I really wanted to share with people in climates that do not experience our four seasons a glimpse at what we sometimes take for granted.
I hope you enjoy the video. Please feel free to subscribe to the YouTube channel and share the link.
The ASOSI app has been modified a bit to include a “Help Others” icon that corresponds with the “Eat & More to Help” section of the blog/website. This area includes local verifiable charity events, benefit dinners, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, and more.
The section can be accessed by clicking the “Help Others” icon on the ASOSI app (free download in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. )
You can also get there by clicking on the Menu of this blog/website and choosing “Eat & More to Help.”
If you are aware of an upcoming charitable event or verifiable need within Southern Illinois (roughly, I-70 to the southern state line or the 618 area code…,) please either message through the A Slice of Southern Illinois Facebook page or send an email to: asliceofsouthernillinois@gmail.com
Although app listings are normally limited to locally owned businesses, if a national chain or corporation is having an event or program that benefits a local charity, we may choose list it as well. For example, some stores have loyalty cards that give an option to donate a percentage of purchases to local schools or organizations. If we know those organizations, we may be able to list them.
Thank you! Together, we can keep Southern Illinois Strong.
Have you ever wanted to step into one of those made for tv Christmas movies? You know, the ones with perfect snow, charming little towns, and cheerful Christmas decor? Perhaps the hero or heroine has a scene or two driving through a small blizzard with the perfect, handpicked Christmas tree, tied to the top of a vintage truck.
While there is no guarantee that any of the cafés will have a snowglobe with a track record of granting Christmas wishes, many of the things in those tv movies can be found right here in Southern Illinois. Hometown Christmas celebrations, parades, lighted Christmas displays and more are celebrated by many from I-70 by Effingham down to the Kentucky state line. Whether it snows or not (our weather can range from below zero to near 70 degrees in December–sometimes all in one week,) it’s a beautiful season.
One of the earliest kick offs to the season happened this year when “The Great Christmas Light Fight” visited Candy Cane Lane in West Frankfort to tape for airing in 2019. People have visited Candy Cane Lane for decades to see the brightly decorated neighborhood in West Frankfort. I can remember driving through with my family as a child when we were en route home to Salem from Christmas Eve dinner with family in Marion.
Many communities still have Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies. Murphysboro will have theirs on November 30. Others also have community Christmas celebrations, such as Christmas in Carterville on December 7.
Besides Christmas Light displays, Southern Illinois also hosts beautiful Christmas parades. I was actually fortunate to be in the first Lights Fantastic Parade in Carbondale as part of the SIU Marching Salukis Color Guard. It was very cold, but a lot of fun. There turned out to be a learning curve to lighted parades. Some of the floats caught on fire that year. Meanwhile, we had adorned our flag poles with battery-operated light sets. They looked awesome. However, when we did slams, the lights did not fair so well… I love that the parade is now a community tradition. This year, the parade will be on December 1. There is also a Cookie Walk and Java Fest earlier the same day.
Some of the Christmas celebrations are listed by town with links to additional information under Events on the website and ASOSI app. You can also check out locally-owned food, lodging, and shopping opportunities to make it a Christmas vacation.
It’s still a work in progress, but the ASOSI (A Slice of Southern Illinois) app is now available for free download (link in this post.) Links to local restaurants, sites, shops, and events are being added daily. It may take a while to load even a fraction of the wonderful things to see and taste in Southern Illinois..
You can also access this blog and the feed from the Facebook page on the app. It is for Android, Apple, and desktop fomats. If you have suggestions of locally owned Southern Illinois restaurants, shops, or family fun centers, please submit them via message on the Facebook page or in the comments section of this post.
Check out my new App I just created with Apper builder!
