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:
We may not have those perfectly timed, big fluffy snowflakes falling on cue, but that’s OK. There are still plenty of Christmas movie-worthy adventures right here in Little Egypt. You don’t have to grab a flight to one of those places that never seem to be on actual maps to experience the wonder of the season.
Include your family and friends to create memories to be cherished for years to come. Snap photos to share with future generations. Throw in some of the obligatory Christmas movie elements like decorating cookies, Christmas pageants, caroling, and shopping for or making special gifts for loved ones. Hopefully, you can avoid the conflict or classic misunderstanding that is in pretty much any movie. (DISCLAIMER: If it’s a full blown rom com you want, that’s between you and God…)
You can build an evening, Day trip, or an even longer stay. Check the pages for links to some of the unique, locally-owned lodging, food, shopping, and more for a DIY Christmas movie-worthy experience.
From tree lighting ceremonies and sparkling light displays to small town festivals and ice skating, you can find it downstate. There are many beautiful and meaningful ways to celebrate the birth of Christ. Although some events took place before it was even time to start opening your Advent calendar’s little drawers, many are still to come. While keeping your Christmas traditions, you might just discover some new ones. May you, your family, and friends be richly blessed during this wonderful season.
Please check the links to many Christmas festivities from I-70 (including Effingham) to the southern state line via the Christmas in Southern Illinois page. It is a continual work in progress… Before heading out, you may wish to check the provided link for each for specific info or changes.
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:
So, my Christmas Eve Eve episode waited until Christmas Eve to actually post, but we still wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
This episode has a few frugal Christmas decor DIY’s mingling in with a tour of a few regional Christmas Light display faves and unique shopping experiences. There are a few mouthwatering peeks at food from Drizzle Mini Donuts and Razmo’s too…
Wherever you are in the world, we wish you joy and peace as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
(For those looking for the PDF hot cocoa bar download, it’s in the Cozy Cocoa & More post.)
MakandaMarion Candy Cane Lane, West Frankfort Yost Family Lights, MarionReis Lane, Herrin
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
I have a confession to make. As a child I never understood why so many people hated fruitcake, or even why it was called “cake.” You see, my Mom’s fruitcake was more like candy. She got the recipe from a fancy restaurant somewhere, and it was pretty much pecans and candied fruit.
Every year, growing up in Tonti, our family Christmas tradition was that my parents would make the fruitcake and chocolate fudge. We had to make sure to save grocery bags (they were paper…) as the recipe specified that the fruitcake be baked on brown paper bags. My mom had a golden tray for serving the fruitcake as well as homemade fudge, and eventually, my dad’s snickerdoodles. She kept a supply of these treats in the freezer to pull out for company through the Christmas season. My mom also made wonderful Swedish tea rings.
I recently found my Mom’s golden tray again, and I can’t explain how happy I was to be reunited with it. This tray triggered lots of warm, family memories.
After Thanksgiving, my family would decorate for Christmas. My mom had decorations for the entire two-story house. I tried to hang onto ones with sentimental meaning. Unfortunately, the historical May 8th Derecho of Southern Illinois destroyed some. She used to make a oragami-style poinsettia and a geometric figure ornaments that were amazing. Some house decorations were framed greeting cards–others things people had made. We had a Holiday Closet. The guest bedroom had a big, old-fashioned closet (our home had been a boarding house in the 1800’s) where seasonal decorations and home-canned goods were stored.
Christmas Cards that our family received went into a painted wooden card holder that was the same kind my parents had bought for people as Christmas gifts the first year they were married. Believe it or not, their Anniversary was Christmas Eve. At the time, both were teaching, and that was when they could be off work. My brother and I had Christmas stockings that my Mom’s cousin made for us. Since we did not have a fireplace, and the wood burning stove would not have been a safe spot for them, they always hung on the handles of the pie safe in the dining room.
My dad took care of the outdoor decorations, and I loved to help. We would wrap red plastic ribbon around the white porch posts to resemble peppermint sticks–something I still prefer to do… The old school mutli-color large bulb stands of lights went on the porch and around the living room picture window. A plastic textured Rudolph, purchased from 4-H club fundraiser, was hung on the porch.
Eventually, we added the lighted nativity scene. My mom and I somehow managed to get this home from a trip to Olney. We hadn’t thought about it not fitting in the Granada. So, we had to take everything out of the box to squeeze the plastic figures into the car… I was able to hang onto it and use it several years. Things went downhill when Baby Jesus and Mary wouldn’t light up anymore. I was afraid people would think I was being disrespectful or protesting if only Joseph was illuminated…
Not only did we have a few lights, our family loved to visit light displays. Pretty much every year, we went to Ingraham’s display near Olney and Candy Cane Lane in West Frankfort. We often visited the light display in the Olney Park as well. When I was 7, I had Chicken Pox on Christmas. That was the year I remember visiting Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville.
Candy Cane Lane, West Frankfort
Shopping malls used to be a destination as much to see the Christmas decor as to shop. Every year, there used to be sparkly Christmas trees on the roof of the Centralia strip mall. Carbondale, Effingham, and Fairview Heights all had malls that were nicely decorated. My brother and I sometimes saw Santa Claus at a store, but we also used to go to Xenia when he came to town.
We visited lots of family at Christmastime. I think probably every Christmas Eve I can remember was at my aunt and uncle’s home in Goreville and eventually Marion. We usually visited with my Salem family on Christmas sometime after we had done the Christmas morning thing at home. I have many fond memories of these times. We ate wonderful food and often played board games or just joked around with cousins, aunts, and uncles. It may not have been on Christmas Day, but we also made the rounds to see family in Centralia, Cisne, and Kinmundy.
My kids have been fortunate to spend some Christmases playing with cousins when they were younger. Unfortunately, as people grow older and busier, we tend to lose some of that connection. I pray that you and your family are able to create and hold onto fond Christmas memories too.
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.
Beautiful lights and decorations, horse drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, Christmas shopping, and friendly folks can only mean one thing: It’s time for Christmas in Carterville. Friday, December 2, 2016, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, downtown Carterville becomes a celebration that anyone familiar with “Gilmore Girls” would expect to find in Stars Hollow.
This year, the event has added a Christmas cookie contest. There are even more unique businesses to visit downtown. Botski’s, a café and coffee shop, and Live Simple Shop are among the unique spots that have opened in newly renovated spaces on Division Street. If you are searching for hard to find Christmas gifts, you may find something in one of the antique stores or have something made at Live Simple Shop.
Besides the downtown businesses staying open late, many other vendors will be on site. Some of these are Ginger Snaps, kettlecorn, homemade salad dressing, Lipsense, Scentsy, Toy Copters, and more!
Some of the family-friendly activities include free hot dogs, carriage rides for a suggested donation of three dollars, and selfies with elves. The elves will also be around to assist folks in navigating the celebration. Free entertainment is set to include a performance by Arabesque Sugar Plum dancers as well as a group of line dancing ladies on the main stage. Kids will have an opportunity to write letters to Santa at Malone’s and also visit the Santa House. Local fireman will climb the truck ladder and conduct a “Snowball Drop” for the kids.
For more information, including a video Q&A session on the event, you may visit the Christmas in Carterville Facebook page.
