2021 Holiday Tourism Times

2021 Holiday • FREE

TOURISM

TIMES CARLYLE LIGHTS IN CARLYE c MIDWEST NOMAD FAMILY

‘Tis The Season For Traditions!

Many communities in ILLINOISouth are rooted within their traditions, especially around the Holidays.

There are light shows, parades, markets, and many other unique events that have become staples in the area over the last several decades! Countless families have fully embraced some of these ‘Holiday Happenings’ and mark them on their calendars to experience year after year. Hopefully some of these events pique your interest, and become Holiday traditions for you and yours!

4387 N. Illinois St., Suite 200 Swansea, Illinois 62226

10/21, 50M

RACE TICKETS MAKE GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS!

AUGUST 19 & 20

SEP. 30 - OCT. 2

2021 Holiday

TOURISM

TIMES

Holiday Happenings Celebrate the Season with Lights, Shopping, and More in ILLINOISouth!

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nce November hits, the Holidays really start to spring to life in our region of the state.

One of the first tell-tale signs of the magical season can be found in Vandalia. Once they display the giant tree right in the middle of West Gallatin Street, it’s VERY apparent that the Holidays are upon us. From that point on, the next eight weeks are all Holiday celebrations all the time throughout our 21county territory.

Shopping at different markets and boutiques is yet another opportunity to find that Holiday cheer. Learn more about these places to buy gifts for friends and family on pages 8-9.

Of course, the Holiday season would be incomplete without certain events that have become time-honored traditions throughout several different communities

in ILLINOISouth. We’re talking about parades, and Christmas strolls, as well as several different gatherings where you get to meet the man himself – Santa Claus.

For more on events like this, read ahead to pages 4-7.

One thing is for sure, the next eight weeks are going to be an amazing, magical, and cheerful time to visit ILLINOISouth!

The Christmas spirit is spread in SO MANY different ways in ILLINOISouth. If you are all about beautiful light displays, there are at least ten different communities that you should make plans to visit. Some offer drivethru only displays, others are walking displays; and some of them are so big – they feature over a million lights! The Way of Lights in Belleville and the Holiday Lights Fair in Du Quoin are two long-running displays that attract folks from over an hour away for the last several decades. For more information on other light displays, make sure to check out pages 6-7.

There are those who really get into the spirit by picking out a Christmas tree for their homes, and there are several places to do that in our territory as well. One such place is Dahnke’s Pine Patch near Martinsville, but they do MUCH more than just trees. They have a snowball arena, an awesome activity called barn ball, and a fan-favorite is their reindeer!

HORSE DRAWN TROLLEY IN BELLEVILLE ILLINOISouth.org

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Olney Holidays FOR THE

Holiday Bazaar

November 6 • 9am-1pm Olney City Park, 618-869-2471

Christmas Light Display November 25 through December 31 • 5-9pm Olney City Park

Olney Christmas Parade November 27 • 6:30pm Downtown Olney, 618-302-7989

RCRC Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk November 25 • 8am Musgrove Park, 618-616-5757

Annual Polar Bear Plunge January 1 • Noon East Fork Lake, 618-392-7977

Call Olney City Hall for more information: 618-395-7302 | Find us on M 4

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VANDALIA STATEHOUSE IN FAYETTE COUNTY

4387 N. Illinois St., Suite 200 Swansea, Illinois 62226 618−257−1488 www.ILLINOISouth.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOND COUNTY Jes Adam • Dennis Potthast, Treasurer

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CLARK COUNTY Norma Calvert • Bailey Maulding CLAY COUNTY Amy Allen • Doug Spitzner CLINTON COUNTY Jim Sullivan • Sandy Timmermann CRAWFORD COUNTY Lisa Schaefer • Penny Shaw

HOLIDAY 2021

CUMBERLAND COUNTY Billie Chambers • Tania Craig

CONTENTS

EDWARDS COUNTY Debbie Fearn • Dennis Turpin

1 Holiday Happenings

FAYETTE COUNTY Mayor Ricky Gottman

3 Greetings from ILLINOISouth

HAMILTON COUNTY Jerry Prince • Monica Tucker JASPER COUNTY Jane Casey • Mindy Hartke LAWRENCE COUNTY Paige Harvey • Tom Robinson

RICHLAND COUNTY Karen Bell • Belinda Henton, Secretary ST. CLAIR COUNTY Cathleen Lindauer • John West WABASH COUNTY Jim Pfeister • Brenda Bobbitt WASHINGTON COUNTY Dee DeMoss Marvin Steinkamp, Chairman WAYNE COUNTY Gary Sloan WHITE COUNTY Cindy Conley • Kelly Northcott CITY OF HIGHLAND Mallord Hubbard

STAFF MEMBERS ELAINE BYRD Office Manager/Executive Assistant ebyrd@illinoisouth.org DARLENE CHAPMAN President/Finance Director dchapman@illinoisouth.org KATERINA ENGLE Graphic Designer & Social Media Specialist kengle@illinoisouth.org JORDAN JACKOVICH Sales & Marketing Specialist jjackovich@illinoisouth.org CHRISTINE ORR Sales & Marketing Director corr@illinoisouth.org ELIZABETH VATOLE Marketing & Communications Intern ANDY WATERMAN Communications Director awaterman@illinoisouth.org DENA WOODS Web Designer & Content Specialist dwoods@illinoisouth.org

CREDITS ANDY WATERMAN Author KATERINA ENGLE Publication Designer BREESE PRINTING & PUBLISHING Printing To submit an event for Tourism Times, visit ILLINOISouth.org/events ILLINOISouth.org

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Christmas Lights

10 Holiday Listings 14 MADE in ILLINOISouth

MONROE COUNTY Clyde Heller • Jim Hill

RANDOLPH COUNTY Emily Lyons • Ronnie White

Parades and Events

8 Holiday Shopping

MARION COUNTY Sonya Germann, Vice Chairman Ben Stratemeyer

PERRY COUNTY Carrie Gilliam • Judy Smid

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Greetings From The Crew At ILLINOISouth!

It’s good to be back! For the first time since 2019, we have released our Holiday edition of the Tourism Times. Whether you’re reading a hard copy or viewing this publication online, we hope you find it to be a handy Holiday tool. Enjoy parades, breakfasts with Santa, Holiday markets and everything in between from the first of November through the end of the year! As a note, events are subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic. If there is something in this publication that you are interested in attending – we highly recommend you do a quick Internet or social media search to make sure that plans are still solid. Likewise, if there is an event you know did not make this publication – that does not mean it is not active. There’s a strong possibility that plans were not finalized by the time the Tourism Times went to print. We recommend you do a quick check or call ahead just to be sure! You can also check our event calendar at illinoisouth.org, where events are updated as we receive information on them.

As you read ahead, you will notice that we broke the publication up into different niche categories around the Holidays. If you’re only interested in light displays, there is a whole section about that, complete with a calendar of when each light display is active. If shopping is more your speed, we have a section just for that as well! Hopefully you take this information and plan a trip

or five to ILLINOISouth this Holiday season. If so, we’d LOVE for you to take a ton of pictures of your visit and tag us in ALL of them. We love to see and hear about everyone’s experience while you’re visiting! From all of us here at ILLINOISouth, we hope you have a safe and happy Holiday season.

Left to Right: Katerina Engle, Elaine Byrd, Christine Orr, Andy Waterman, Darlene Chapman, Jordan Jackovich, Elizabeth Vatole, & Dena Woods

Welcome To The Team!

We are happy to announce that the ILLINOISouth crew has grown this Holiday season. We’d like to give a warm welcome to three ladies who are playing a significant role in helping ILLINOISouth market our region of the state to the fullest of our capabilities! The first is a familiar face, as Jordan Jackovich returns to the team in a new role. Jordan was an intern at ILLINOISouth, and that role eventually turned into a parttime position as an office assistant. Jordan left ILLINOISouth upon graduating from McKendree University in the spring of 2019, but now she has returned as our new Sales & Marketing Specialist! ILLINOISouth is also happy to announce the addition of Dena Woods, our new Web Designer & Content Specialist.

Dena will be playing a key role in making sure that our website it up-to-date and is as engaging as possible for visitors. Another happy and helpful face in our office recently is that of Elizabeth Vatole, a Public Relations Major at SIU Edwardsville. Liz is playing a key role in creating fresh new content for our website and social media pages! Please help us in welcoming these wonderful additions to our team!

Jordan Jackovich

Dena Woods Elizabeth Vatole

Download the ILLINOISouth Tourism App on Apple or Android to help plan your trip!

We make every effort to verify the information contained in the Tourism Times; however, we suggest that you call to confirm the hours of operation, rates and reservation requirements before visiting. © Copyright 2021 ILLINOISouth Tourism Tourism Times

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Parades & Events you can buy for gifts for friends and family, or a little something for yourself,” Pautler adds.

Other communities have really rallied around parades as their main Holiday tradition. Highland hosts a lighted Christmas Parade, and along with Santa on the Square as long as the pandemic allows. O’Fallon’s Illuminated Holiday Parade draws thousands of spectators each year, and now features a Winter Market downtown at Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station – which is slated for December 11th from 3:30-7:30pm this year. The Annual Lighted Christmas Parade is another strong tradition, and many businesses and restaurants have extended hours for folks who are

visiting! Once the suspended Christmas Tree is in place above Market Street in Mt. Carmel, you know it is almost time for the ever-popular Mt. Carmel Christmas Parade and Christmas Uptown Festival.

The theme changes each year for the parade, so the floats are always something different and unique! On the first Saturday in December, Santa Claus makes his grand appearance at Columbia’s Bright Night Christmas Parade down Historic Main Street. Visit with Santa and enjoy food, beverages and activities for the kids at Turner Hall following the parade.

There are of course plenty of other events that have become staples of the Holiday season in communities

CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE IN WATERLOO

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he streets of SO MANY communities in our region of ILLINOISouth come to life each and every Holiday season. Lights and garland line streetlights, there is an abundance of decorated trees, and several town squares host events that often feature Santa Claus himself! One such community that really goes all out this time of year is Red Bud in Randolph County. This year, Red Bud will be hosting a Christmas Walk on November 21st, a Lighted Parade on November 26th, and Small Business Weekend is the November 26th and 27th as well. Arguably the most popular part of Red Bud’s Holiday festivities is Santa’s Village, where kiddos can chat with Santa.

That event starts when Santa rides into town during the parade on the 26th. Many of the events had to be cancelled last year, so Red Bud Chamber President Tami Pautler is over the moon to be able to hopefully host everything this year. “We are so excited,” Pautler explains. “Last year all but the Christmas Walk and Small Business Saturday was cancelled. Kids could go by and wave at Santa, but not sit on his lap. This may be the last year for the Santa we have had for at least 30 years.” Pautler adds that as of early fall, they were moving full speed ahead with plans – but they are prepared to add any precautions if necessary. “Please come and see our beautiful town,” says Pautler. “Come ready to be enveloped by the hometown hospitality that Red Bud has to offer. People that come from out of town just can’t believe that we do this every year.

But we do. Be prepared to social distance and wear a mask if necessary. We want everyone to have a good time, and we want everyone to be safe. We have great food, 3 wineries in the area, a brewery, and other bars.

We have several cute little boutiques with everything

BRIGHT NIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE IN COLUMBIA

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LITTLE ROOT TRAIN RIDE IN FLORA

SANTA HOUSE IN MT. CARMEL

across ILLINOISouth. In Waterloo, Christmas on the Square is a Tradition that you do not want to miss. It’s always held the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving in historic downtown Waterloo. Stop by participating merchants downtown and pick up a shopping stamp card. Several winners are drawn and will receive $1,000 worth of gift certificates! The weekend also includes free carriage rides and visits with Santa, the GLOW Holiday Lighted Parade on Saturday evening and more! Another VERY unique event can be found in Lebanon on November 19th and 20th this year. Lebanon Victorian Holiday is an annual event to usher in the Holiday season with the Lamplighter, caroling, horse & carriage rides, live entertainment, food, desserts, and photos with Father Christmas. It all takes place on the historic Brick Street (also known as West St. Louis Street) in downtown Lebanon. Another event that hearkens back

to Holiday celebrations from centuries ago is Olde Tyme Christmas in Vandalia! This year’s event is slated for November 12th and 13th on Gallatin Street, and always kicks off with the lighting of the Christmas tree – followed by a parade of carolers, and appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There are usually horse and carriage rides, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities during Olde Tyme Christmas – so be sure to visit Vandalia this Holiday season! An event now 33 years in the making is back this year, as Christmas on the River in Chester is slated for December 3rd through the 5th. Recent celebrations have featured a craft and vendor fair, a lighted parade, and many other family friendly events. A tree lighting ceremony usually kicks off the Christmas season in Pinckneyville.

The event known as Cracklin’ Christmas, also features a great opportunity to do some shopping at local stores and boutiques that stay open a little later than normal

and offer special deals! Just north in Washington County, folks are excited for this year’s Nashville Hometown Christmas event. The festivities will get started on Friday, December 3rd with the event's first ever lighted parade, and will continue on Saturday with a Holiday Market, a Candy Cane Lane kid’s only booth and much more.

Elsewhere in Washington County, Okawville has become known for its Christmas Stroll – which features a craft fair, a festival of trees, horse-drawn surrey rides, and museum tours among other activities on the first weekend of December. Flora is definitely a great place to visit during this time of year, as they host Christmas in the Park! Children can go for a ride on the Little Toot Railroad and then have a visit with Santa in his house in Charley Brown Park! A celebration that has been a staple for over 16 years now is Jasper County Christmas.

Folks can experience the lighting of the Old River Bridge in Newton, the lights in Peterson Park which is also in Newton, as well as lights in Sainte Marie. There is usually an event in downtown Newton as well, which features vendors, food, and more. We hope these events spark your interest, and give you a couple of ideas to mark on your calendars this Holiday season!

8th Annual Belleville Christkindlmarkt An Open-Air German Christmas Market

Nov. 26-28, Dec. 2-5, Dec. 9-12, and Dec. 16-23

BELLEVILLE, IL

SANTA'S VILLAGE IN RED BUD

FREE Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays Nov. 26 – Dec. 19

Giant Snow Globe Sunday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 18 (Open only for photo opportunities)

Santa on the Square Nov. 26 – Dec. 24 For additional information, visit our website at bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com Find us on Facebook!

M Belleville Illinois Christkindlmarkt Belleville Tourism 618-233-6769 | 800-677-9255 All events are at the Downtown Public Square, located at IL 159 & Main Street. Please check our website for inclement weather changes and delays!

LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE IN NASHVILLE ILLINOISouth.org

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Christmas Lights

ccording to Buddy the Elf, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by ‘singing loud for all to hear.’ Arguably the next best way to get in the Holiday spirit, is to take in the beauty of vibrant light displays. Luckily, there are almost a dozen Christmas light displays scattered throughout our 21-county territory of ILLINOISouth! We will start in our western region, and work our way east highlighting some of the best features of each light display. For nearly 20 years, the small community of Coulterville in Randolph County has played host to one of the most impressive light displays you’ll ever see.

The Coulterville Holiday Light Display has a drivethru portion, and a walking portion. The drive-thru display spans FIFTEEN city blocks, featuring 2 million lights and over 600 figurines. In the park, there is the walk-thru display which has over a MILLION lights, as well as hundreds of decorated trees and animated scenes. The Coulterville Holiday Light Display is totally free, and opens for the season on December 3rd!

The American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville plays host to their Christmas Lights Wonderland every year, and it is a sight to behold. This marks the 13th year for the event, which isn’t your typical light display, as it’s more of a Christmas scene display.

There are dozens of different display cases each with different figurines and decorations inside. You can visit Christmas Lights Wonderland nightly from 5-9pm, through December 31st. It is free to the public, but donations are accepted.

Stiefs have 44 display cases with over 200 characters inside that act out different Holiday scenes. The Woburn Christmas Display is literally set up in the Stief's driveway, and it attracts about TEN THOUSAND people each year. The display is a walk-through experience, and while there is no charge – donations are accepted.

This is one VERY unique Christmas tradition you won’t want to miss.

For the past two decades the Holiday Lights Fair at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds has become a Christmas tradition for many folks in southern Illinois.

Organizers are hoping to have some of the festivities back in the Expo Hall this year; including live music, meeting Santa, and vendor booths. In terms of the

Not far north of Greenville sits the very small town of Woburn where Dave Stief and his wife decorate their home each and every year. When we say decorate, we don’t mean your traditional tree and lights. The WAY OF LIGHTS IN BELLEVILLE

HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY IN COULTERVILLE

The community of Lebanon is very proud of their Winter Wonderland display, put on every year in Horner Park. The drive-thru experience is free of charge, but donations are accepted. Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland is open Sunday-Thursday from 5-9pm, and from 5-10pm on Friday and Saturday evenings, beginning November 19th.

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For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, Wonderlights Christmas at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison is WELL WORTH the visit. Not only are you driving on a professional racetrack for portions of the display, but the sights and sounds are amazing.

There are over a MILLION LED lights set to new and traditional Christmas music that you can listen to on your radio while driving through!

c JULIE STALEY | @princessjhs

One of the more well-known drive-thru light displays in ILLINOISouth is the Way of Lights, located at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville. This is the 52nd year for the Way of Lights, which has become a fan-favorite tradition for families in St. Clair County and beyond. The best time to visit the Way of Lights to avoid large crowds is on Family Night Tuesdays - which also features discounts on camel and pony rides. There are also special deals on treats to feed the animals in the petting zoo!

CHRISTMAS DISPLAY IN WOBURN

If you’re near Clinton County this Holiday season, we highly recommend a drive through Carlyle City Park to view over a million lights they have on display. This drive-thru display is free to the public! They also have a contest for children 13 and under, to find Piper the Penguin – which moves frequently throughout the park. You definitely will NOT want to miss Christmas in Carlyle!

Foundation Park in Centralia is home to the Fantasy of Lights, which is a popular drive-thru display that draws thousands of people each year. Fantasy of Lights is usually open through January 1st, and is free to the public – but donations are accepted.

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CHRISTMAS IN CARLYLE IN CLINTON COUNTY

lights - it is an amazing drive-thru display with over three miles of lights to admire. Admission to the Holiday Lights Fair is $10 a carload and is usually open through December 30th from 5:30-9:30pm.

Another long-running fan-favorite that attracts folks for miles is the Christmas Light Display in Olney’s City Park. It features the sounds of Christmas along with colorful lights and displays to celebrate the season.

“We are excited to offer the Christmas Light Display each and every year,” explains Olney’s City Clerk, Kelsie Sterchi. “It truly spreads the magic of the holiday season and is something that several people look forward to each year.” Because it is a drive-thru display, it is totally safe in terms of social distancing. Because of that, this event was able to go on last year. “We are fortunate that we were still able to offer the display in 2020. Donations were also record-breaking which

have allowed us to purchase some new additions for this year,” Sterchi adds. The displays will be aglow Sunday - Thursday from 5-9pm, and from 5-10pm on Friday and Saturday. Make a visit to Olney now through the end of December to experience this AWESOME display. It is free to the public, but donations are accepted at the exit.

To experience a great display and also help a fantastic cause at the same time, a trip to Carmi is a must.

Carmi’s Christmas Lights of Hope can be found at the White County Fairgrounds, and is open each Friday through Sunday from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. The display can be seen from 6 to 9pm each of those nights, and proceeds from the display go towards Carmi Christmas Elves Inc. The non-profit’s mission is to provide support, both financial and otherwise to local youth and poverty-stricken residents in the community.

Enjoy the Magic of Crawford County this Holiday Season!

City of Robinson Tourism 300 South Lincoln | PO Box 188 | Robinson, IL 62454 618-544-7616 | tourism@cityofrobinson.com www.cityofrobinson.com/tourism

Festivals • Unique Shops • Fine Dining Historical Sites ILLINOISouth.org

LOURDES GROTTO - NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS IN BELLEVILLE

A new light display that just took off in 2020 can be found at Fairview Park in Casey! It opens up the weekend after Thanksgiving, and is open through the end of the year. “During the summer of 2020 we decided that we needed some brightness and this was the year to make it happen,” explains Casey’s Economic Development Director, Bailey Maulding. “When we started we weren’t sure how it was going to happen but everything started to come together. We could not have done this without the help of our sponsors, businesses, The City of Casey Electric Department, the crews of Maulding Excavating, our nightly volunteers, and most of all each and every one of you that supported Christmas in Fairview Park by driving through night after night,” Maulding adds. “The response in 2020 was incredible! We hope you and your families enjoyed the display as much as we did. We have so many ideas to make 2021 even better! We can’t wait to see you!”

Have yourself a merry little

Christmas in Carlyle Christmas in Carlyle Light Display November 26 • City Park Official lighting of the Park, with Parade and Fireworks

Make it a whole day in Carlyle by checking out our shops and restaurants. Support local businesses this holiday season!

Visit us online at carlylelake.com and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/cityofcarlyle Tourism Times

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Traveling to our region?

WATCH

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When it comes to planning a trip, it is second nature to do a quick internet search and watch a few videos of the place you plan to visit. Travelers love to have an idea of what to expect when arriving to their destination and at ILLINOISouth we couldn’t agree more.

We take videos of all of our travels and have posted over 160 videos to our YouTube channel! So if you’re curious about what food to eat, where to shop, and things to see while in our neck of the woods – just search ILLINOISouth Tourism on YouTube or check out our video library at: ILLINOISouth.org/Video-Library

Celebrate the Holidays in Albion VFW Veterans Day Flag Display

nother aspect of the Holiday season that can certainly be considered a tradition is shopping. While Black Friday is popular, Small Business Saturday has picked up A LOT of steam in ILLINOISouth. Whether it is in Mt. Carmel, Red Bud, Salem or anywhere in between - several local chambers of commerce put together ‘Shop Small’ events that give folks plenty of opportunities to buy unique gifts for loved ones, all while supporting people in their communities.

One place that supplies a one-stop-shop for several different gifts is Warehouse 300 in Trenton. They are hosting their Mistletoe Market Days from Wednesday, November 17th through Sunday, November 21st. This five-day event is full of shopping, twinkling lights, and lots of giveaways. There will be extended evening hours again this year until 6pm, and vendors will restock their areas throughout those five days, so there is always a great selection of Holiday décor and gift ideas. “Warehouse 300 loves hosting this Christmas event,” exclaims owner Brenda Kohlbrecher. “Our vendors go the extra mile in creating a festive shopping atmosphere!

Extra vintage lights, holiday lights, Christmas trees, mantles, and light up merchandise can be found throughout the entire market.” In terms of social distancing, there will be a limit of 40 shoppers in the Warehouse at any given time.

“The market never superseded two dozen at any one time last year, and it's a big place,” Kohlbrecher explains. “All that said, shopping at the warehouse is by far your safest experience as you prepare for the holidays! Make plans to attend Mistletoe Market Days! Or come shop Warehouse 300 during regular hours, and let us help you capture the holiday spirit!”

Yet another aspect of shopping during the Holiday season is picking out the perfect tree for your home! There are over a half-dozen tree farms and nurseries throughout ILLINOISouth that specialize in the pick-your-own tree experience. Two of those tree farms can be found in Bond

Another place to do some shopping around this time is the POP-UP SHOP in Columbia! This historic venue gives entrepreneurs a retail space to sell their products to folks that they otherwise may not have the chance to sell to.

Entrepreneurs cycle in and out of the space, so there is always something new and exciting to check out!

CHRISTKINDLMARKT IN BELLEVILLE

Thursday, November 11 Program starts at 11am

Likely the most popular shopping event during the Holiday season is the Belleville Christkindlmarkt. This year marks the 8th year of the market, which usually opens up the day after Thanksgiving, and is open each weekend afterwards all the way through December, ending on the 23rd. It is modeled after one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets – and features chalets where vendors can sell their goods.

There is such a good mix of shopping to be had, and that’s not all! There are also opportunities to meet Santa, and there are also live reindeer on display. People travel from hours around to experience one of the only German Christmas markets in the region, so be sure to mark this one on your calendars for sure!

CHRISTKINDLMARKT IN BELLEVILLE

Albion Turkey Trot Thursday, November 25 8:00AM Edwards County High School

Hot Cocoa Run Saturday, November 27 8:00AM

Albion Done Bright Lights Nov. 25, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022

Breakfast With Santa Saturday, December 11 8:00AM to 10:00AM Albion Fire Station

“A Classic Christmas” Annual Lighted Parade Saturday, December 11 5:30PM Edwards County Fairgrounds

Find us on X Albion, Illinois Chamber of Commerce

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Shopping County; Randy’s Country Barn sits north of Greenville, while Daniken Tree Farm is near Pocahontas. If you’re looking for a shopping opportunity while you’re picking out a tree, Randy’s Country Barn is the place to go. They have a great selection of gift items, including t-shirts and Holiday themed knick-knacks. Daniken Tree Farm has become a popular place for folks to meet Santa Claus before or after they head out to the field for their trees. Santa visits the first three weekends after Thanksgiving from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Another staple in the southern Illinois Christmas tree scene is Alfeldt’s Tree Farm & Nursery in Washington County. Alfeldt’s has been growing trees since 1964, and has about 40 acres worth of trees to choose and cut from, ranging in height from 10 feet tall on and smaller.

A very popular place to walk among rows and rows of lush white pines is Eckert’s in Belleville. Eckert’s also has a great Country Store to shop at, and a fantastic restaurant to order carry out from. In our eastern region, Dahnke’s Pine Patch near Martinsville brings in people from several counties around. This place is an absolute blast, not only do they

offer patch pick trees, but they also have a picture patch, reindeer tours and a flight school, barn ball, a snowball arena and more! Dahnke’s has been a go-to place for Holiday tradition in Clark County for 37 years! Some of these establishments have implemented safety procedures to help protect visitors from the current pandemic, so we encourage you to call ahead or look each place up on Facebook before traveling - so you know exactly what those procedures are.

Happy tree hunting!

MASCOUTAH I L L I N O I S

Located just off Interstate 64 (exit 23), adjacent to Scott AFB, home to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis.

Parks • Dining • Lodging Heritage Museum Historic Downtown WAREHOUSE 300 IN TRENTON

SHOP SMALL IN MT. CARMEL

Antique & Specialty Shopping

EVENTS

Lighted Christmas Parade December 3 • Main Street

Winter Wonderland Dec. 3 – Jan. 2 • Scheve Park Walk-through Christmas light display

City of Mascoutah

www.mascoutah.org • 618-566-2964

M City of Mascoutah, Illinois

Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce

www.mascoutahchamber.com • 618-566-7355 RANDY'S COUNTRY BARN IN GREENVILLE ILLINOISouth.org

M Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce

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Holiday Listings PARADES November 5 Belleville Shriner’s Parade Downtown Public Square, Belleville 618.409.5675

In order to submit an event, you must complete and submit an event form for each event on our website: ILLINOISouth.org/ Membership/Submit-Event. Event submission deadlines for our printed publications are: Spring/Summer: January 15th, Fall: May 1st, Holiday: August 1st. Event information received after these dates may be listed on the website, but it is subject to exclusion from the printed publications. Please keep in mind events should be “Visitor Friendly” and bring in people from outside your area.

Priority is given to events that produce overnight stays.

November 25–December 30 22nd Annual Holiday Lights Fair

December 10–12 Christmas Lights in the Park - Newton

Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, Du Quoin 618.542.2895

Peterson Park, Newton • 217.246.3878

November 25–December 31 Olney Christmas Light Display

Belleville Main Street, Belleville • 618.233.6769

Annual Highland Lighted Christmas Parade Highland • 618.654.3721

Red Bud Lighted Parade Downtown Red Bud • 618.282.3505

November 26 Holiday Lighting Contest Downtown Red Bud • 618.282.3505

Lighting Festival in Downtown Palestine Leaverton Park, Palestine • 618.586.2222

Lighting of the Fountain November 27 Waterloo Christmas Parade Downtown Waterloo • 618.939.8600

Downtown Belleville • 618.233.6769

Red Bud Community Tree Lighting Downtown Red Bud • 618.282.3505

Olney Christmas Parade Downtown Olney • 618.302.7989

November 26–28 Christmas Lights in the Park - Newton

December 3 Lighted Christmas Parade

Peterson Park, Newton • 618.783.3399

Main Street in Mascoutah • 618.566.7355

November 26–December 25 Lights in the Park

Nashville Hometown Christmas (Lighted Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting) Downtown Nashville • 618.314.0499

December 4 Lighted Christmas Parade - Fairfield Downtown Fairfield • 618.842.6116

Bright Night Christmas Parade Historic Main Street, Columbia • 618.281.7144

Northside Park, Breese • 618.526.4495

November 26–December 26 Christmas in the Park - Flora Weekends Only Charley Brown Park, Flora • 618.662.5646

Christmas Lights Wonderland American Farm Heritage Museum, Greenville 618.664.9733

Mt. Carmel Christmas Parade Market Street in Mount Carmel • 618.262.5116

Festival of Lights Parade Downtown Marshall • 217.251.2441

December 4–5 Candy Canes On Main Downtown Casey • 217.932.2700

December 11 Albion Chamber of Commerce “A Classic Christmas” Lighted Parade Edwards County Fairgrounds, Albion

December 14–23 Santa Float Downtown Waterloo • 618.939.5300

LIGHTS November 12–January 2, 2022 WonderLight’s Christmas World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison 618.215.8888

November 19–December 31 Way of Lights National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Belleville • 618.397.6700

December 17–19 Christmas Lights in the Park - Newton Peterson Park, Newton • 217.246.3878

December 24–26 Christmas Lights in the Park - Newton Peterson Park, Newton • 618.783.3399

SHOPPING November 5 Moonlight Madness Sale Downtown Nashville • 618.327.3700

November 5–6 Junktique Market Days Charley Brown Park, Flora • 618.508.2103

November 6 Old Town Farmer’s Market Downtown Belleville • 618.233.2015

Holiday Craft & Flea Market Wayne County Fairground, Fairfield

Holiday Bazaar Olney City Park, Olney • 618.869.2471

Holiday Pop-Up Market Cross Street Station, Robinson • 618.544.1557

November 26–January 2, 2022 Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland of Lights Horner Park, Lebanon • 618.537.8420

November 26–January 9, 2022 Christmas in Carlyle City Park

November 6–7 Flea Market St. Clair County Event Center, Belleville 618.830.7552

Carlyle City Park, Carlyle • 618.594.2468

O’Fallon Panther Band Boosters Art & Craft Fair

November 27–December 31 Fantasy of Lights

O’Fallon Township High School, O’Fallon 618.632.3507

Foundation Park, Centralia • 618.533.7623

December 1–26 Christmas in the Park

November 7 John Crouch Giant Flea Market

Fairview Park, Casey • 217.330.5507

Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, Du Quoin 618.542.1515

December 1–30 Coulterville Holiday Light Display

November 10 Gifts from the Heart

Coulterville • 618.525.9182

December 1–31 Festival of Trees Merchants Park, Mt. Carmel • 618.262.5116

December 2 7th Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Downtown Waterloo • 618.939.5300

Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville 618.235.0666

November 12 Frauenabend/Ladies Night Out Downtown Maeystown 618.520.5875

November 13 WNOI Holiday Bazaar - Online Flora • 618.622.8331

November 24 Christmas Tree Lighting

December 3–5 Christmas Lights in the Park - Newton

Bower Park, Olney • 618.392.2241

Peterson Park, Newton • 217.246.3878

November 25–January 1, 2022 Albion Bright Lights Around the Square

December 3–January 2, 2022 Winter Wonderland

Downtown Albion • 618.445.2303

Scheve Park, Mascoutah • 618.566.7355

Holiday 2021

Jasper County • 618.783.3399

Olney City Park, Olney • 618.395.7302

November 26 Santa Parade

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December 11 Self Guided Christmas Evening

D12 Fall Craft and Vendor Fair Breese Elementary School, Breese 618.526.7128

Brewery, Bottle & Jar Show Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville 618.346.2634 (618) 257-1488

HOLIDAY LISTINGS

November 14 Auto Swap Meet

November 26–28 40th Annual Art and Craft Fall Fair

Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville 618.235.0666

Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville 618.235.0666

November 17–21 Mistletoe Market Days

November 26–December 23 Belleville Christkindlmarkt (Market)

Warehouse 300, Trenton • 618.806.7118

November 18 Cracklin’ Christmas Divas’ Night Out

Downtown Columbia • 618.281.4672

Downtown Flora • 618.662.5646

November 20 Girls Day Out The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Belleville • 618.397.6700

Holiday Pop-Up Market Cross Street Station, Robinson • 618.544.1557

Holiday Hunt Historic Main Street, Columbia • 618.281.7144

November 20–21 Belleville Flea Market Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville 618.235.0666

November 21 Red Bud Christmas Walk Downtown Red Bud • 618.282.3505

November 26–27 Red Bud Shop Small Weekend Downtown, Red Bud • 618.282.3505

Harlan Hall, Marshall • 217.826.9023

December 4–5 Flea Market St. Clair County Event Center, Belleville 618.830.7552

Downtown Pinckneyville • 618.357.3243

November 19 Moonlight Madness

Cumberland County • 217.849.2000

Holly Days

Open Weekends Only Belleville Public Square, Belleville • 618.233.6769

November 27 Small Business Saturday

Downtown Belleville • 618.233.2015

December 4 Cumberland County Hometown Christmas Around the Square

December 5 John Crouch Giant Flea Market

Belleville Shop Small Saturday

Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, Du Quoin 618.542.1515

Belleville Main Street, Belleville 618.233.2015

La Fete de Noel

Shop Local Small Business Saturday Nashville • 618.327.3700

American Legion, Prairie du Rocher 618.317.4487

Holiday Sip & Shop

Wabash County RMC Shop Small Business Saturday

The Weingarten, Belleville • 618.257.9463

Market Street in Mount Carmel 618.262.5116

December 9 Waterloo “Warm & Fizzies”

November 29 Girls Night Out/Festival of Trees 8th Day Venue, Vandalia • 618.283.1196

December 4 Delta Theta Tau’s Christmas Bazaar Pinckneyville Jr High School Gymnasium Pinckneyville

Downtown Waterloo • 618.939.8600

December 10–12 Forever Vintage Market Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville 618.235.0666

December 11 Cookie Day Walk Downtown Belleville • 618.233.2015

Christmas Bazaar Pinckneyville Jr High School Gymnasium Pinckneyville • 618.357.8775

Mouse House in Toledo

Holiday Pop-Up Market

December 16 Divas’ Night Out

Cross Street Station, Robinson 618.544.1557

Downtown Toledo • 217.849.2000

Downtown Belleville • 618.233.2015

Season’s Greetings

Vandalia from

Olde Tyme Christmas Friday Nov. 12, 5pm-9pm Saturday Nov. 13, 10am-2pm

Santa’s Corner Friday, November 12 5pm-9pm Saturday, November 13 10am-12pm Across from City Hall

Statehouse Gala Friday, December 3 6pm-8:30pm Vandalia Statehouse

Statehouse Christmas Open House Saturday, December 11 5pm-7pm

Girls Night Out/ Festival of Trees

Monday, November 29 8th Day Venue, Vandalia, IL Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20.00

Ladies Night Out/ Paint Night Thursday, December 9 8th Day Venue Doors open at 6 pm

Free Christmas Movie Day Saturday, December 11 Starmax Theater • 10am Polar Express - Wear your PJs!

Sponsored by McKellar, Robertson, McCarty and Click

Vandalia Statehouse

Soroptimist Club Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 4 8am-10am Unity Baptist Church

618-283-1196 • VandaliaIllinois.com ILLINOISouth.org

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HOLIDAY LISTINGS

December 18 Men on a Mission

November 20 Victorian Holiday

December 3 Vandalia Statehouse Gala

Fairfield Retail Merchants, Fairfield 618.842.6116

Downtown Lebanon • 618.537.8420

Vandalia Statehouse • 618.283.1196

“Clothing Worn at Fort de Chartres in the 1700’s” by Les Ames de Chartres

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

December 18–19 Belleville Flea Market Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville 618.235.0666

EVENTS November 1–30 The Apollo Experience Bryan Bennett Library, Salem 618.548.3006

November 6 “The National Archives Past, Present and Future” by Wesley Braswell Monroe County History Museum, Waterloo 618.939.5008

Art & Wine Walk Downtown Belleville • 618.233.2015

November 6–7 Fort de Chartres Winter Rendezvous & Woodswalk Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher 618.284.7230

Woodcarvers Show Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville 618.235.0666

November 10–12 Albion - Veterans Day Display Albion Square, Albion 618.445.2303

November 11 Veterans Day Flags and Program Newton Courthouse, Newton 618.783.8451

Belleville Veterans Day Memorial Downtown Belleville • 618.233.6769

Lend Me a Tenor Looking Glass Playhouse, Lebanon 618.537.4962

November 12–13 Olde Tyme Christmas Downtown Vandalia • 618.283.1196

Santa’s Corner Across from City Hall, Vandalia 618.283.1196

November 13 Youth Pheasant Hunt Eldon Hazlet State Park, Carlyle 618.594.2484

Soroptimist Club - Build A Snowman Across from City Hall, Vandalia 618.283.1196

Santa Run Bent Oak Golf Course, Breese 618.526.4495

November 14 Drift STL World Wide Technology Raceway Madison • 618.215.8888

November 17–January 1, 2022 Gingerbread Walk Display Downtown Belleville • 618.233.1416

November 19 Victorian Holiday Downtown Lebanon • 618.537.8420

Monroe County History Museum, Waterloo 618.939.5008

Avon Theater, Breese • 630.334.4011

Moonlight Madness Downtown Olney • 618.392.2241

November 20–21 Breakfast with Santa at Eckert’s Eckert's in Belleville • 618.233.0513

November 24 Thanksgiving Eve Dueling Pianos The Weingarten, Belleville • 618.257.9463

November 25 Gobble Hobble Fun Run Glik Park, Highland • 618.651.1386

Albion’s Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk

December 3–4 Mt. Carmel Santa House Merchants Park, Mt. Carmel 618.262.5116

December 3–5 Christmas on the River Chester • 618.826.1430

December 3–24 Christmas Trees on Parade

Edwards County High School, Albion 618.445.2303

Heritage Woods of Flora Flora • 618.662.4599

RCRC Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk

December 4 Soroptimist Club - Breakfast with Santa

Musgrove Park, Olney • 618.616.5757

Unity Baptist Church, Vandalia 618.283.1196

Thanksgiving 5K & Turkey Chase Downtown Belleville thanksgiving5krun@gmail.com

Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk

November 26–December 24 Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at Eckert's

Nashville Hometown Christmas

Eckert's in Belleville & Millstadt 618.233.0513

Santa on the Square - Belleville Downtown Belleville • 618.233.6769

November 27 Fun Hot Cocoa 5K Colyer Coffee House, Albion • 618.445.2800

Santa Comes to Town Nashville • 618.327.3700

Welcome to Whoville Downtown Sainte Marie • 618.783.3399

Come Home for Christmas

Downtown Belleville • 618.233.6769

(Holiday Market & Candy Cane Lane) Downtown Nashville • 618.314.0499

Okawville’s Annual Christmas Stroll Downtown Okawville • 618.243.5694

Santa Comes to Town - Toledo Downtown Toledo • 217.849.2000

Visit with Santa Columbia Library, Columbia • 618.281.4237

Jasper County Christmas Downtown Newton • 618.783.3399

Turner Hall Christmas Social Turner Hall, Columbia • 618.281.5393

Downtown Greenville • 618.664.9272

The Traveling Salvation Show

November 27–28 Gingerbread Workshop

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

Breakfast with Santa at Eckert’s

Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, Lebanon 618.537.6863

Avon Theater, Breese • 630.334.4011

Eckert's in Belleville • 618.233.0513

December 4–5 Breakfast with Santa at Eckert’s

November 27–December 23 Highland’s Santa on the Square

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

Downtown Highland • 618.654.3721

November 30–December 3 Photos with Santa

Dog Show Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Belleville 618.235.0666

Gingerbread Workshop

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

December 1–5 Nashville Christmas Porch Decorating Contest

Christmas in the Barn Rainbow Ranch, Nashville • 618.424.7979

Nashville • 618.314.0499

Okawville Christmas Porch Decorating Contest Okawville • 618.243.5694

December 1–31 Sights and Sounds of Mt. Carmel All Around Mt. Carmel • 618.262.5116

December 3 Downtown Centralia Christmas Stroll

December 5 Santa Comes to Town - Greenup Downtown Greenup • 217.923.3401

An Old Fashioned German Christmas in Maeystown Downtown Maeystown • 618.580.5875

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus Avon Theater, Breese • 630.334.4011

Centralia • 618.533.7623

December 7–8 Red Bud Dinner with Santa

Christmas Uptown

Downtown Red Bud • 618.282.3505

Market Street in Mt. Carmel • 618.262.5116

November 19–21 Christmas Magic Weekend Downtown Robinson • 618.544.7616

November 20 Palestine Preservation Projects Society Cookie Walk Fife Opera House, Palestine • 618.544.7616

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Holiday 2021

Okawville’s Annual Christmas Stroll Okawville • 618.243.5694

Designer Bag Bingo Turner Hall, Columbia • 618.281.4672

The U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America Holiday Concert Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, Lebanon 618.537.6863

Red Bud Santa’s Village

December 7–10 Photos with Santa

Downtown Red Bud • 618.282.3505

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513 (618) 257-1488

HOLIDAY LISTINGS

December 9 Ladies Night Out/Paint Night

December 11 Visit with Santa

December 18–19 Gingerbread Workshop

8th Day Venue, Vandalia • 618.283.1196

Columbia Library, Columbia • 618.281.4237

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

History Museum of Monroe County Present “The Waterloo Singers Company”

Christmas in the Barn

December 9–12 A Christmas Carol by A Looking Glass Playhouse

Monroe County History Museum, Waterloo 618.939.5008

Looking Glass Playhouse, Lebanon 618.537.4962

December 21–23 Photos with Santa

Statehouse Christmas Open House

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

Vandalia Statehouse • 618.283.1196

December 10 Red Bud Santa’s Village

The Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk Old Belleville Historic District • 618.531.7753

Downtown Red Bud • 618.282.3505

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus Avon Theater, Breese • 630.334.4011

December 24–25 Mt. Carmel Santa House Merchants Park, Mt. Carmel • 618.262.5116

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus December 26–28 Annual Centralia High School Holiday Tournament

Avon Theater, Breese • 630.334.4011

December 11–12 Breakfast with Santa at Eckert’s

December 10–11 Ice Skating Rink - Flora

Rainbow Ranch, Nashville • 618.424.7979

Centralia High School, Centralia • 618.533.7623

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

Downtown Flora • 618.662.5646

December 26–30 Mater Dei Holiday Tournament

Gingerbread Workshop

Mt. Carmel Santa House

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

Mater Dei High School, Breese • 618.526.7216

Merchants Park, Mt. Carmel • 618.262.5116

Christmas in the Barn December 10–12 The Hett and State Street Dance Company co-present: The Nutcracker Hettenhausen Center for the Arts Lebanon • 618.537.6863

Rainbow Ranch, Nashville • 618.424.7979

December 12 Santa’s Sunday Funday in Red Bud Downtown Red Bud • 618.282.3505

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

December 11 Martinsville Hometown Christmas Downtown Martinsville • 713.865.0022

30 Annual Newton Junior Woman’s Club Breakfast with Santa th

St. Thomas Parish Center, Newton 618.783.2706

December 27–29 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Pinckneyville High School, Pinckneyville 618.357.5013

December 31 La Guiannee at Fort de Chartres

Avon Theater, Breese • 630.334.4011

Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher 618.284.7230

December 14–17 Photos with Santa

New Year’s Eve Musical Showcase Lincoln Theatre, Belleville • 618.233.0018

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

January 1, 2022 Annual Polar Bear Plunge

December 17–18 Mt. Carmel Santa House

East Fork Lake, Olney • 618.392.7977

Merchants Park, Mt. Carmel • 618.262.5116

Albion’s “Breakfast with Santa” Albion Fire Station, Albion

Free Christmas Movie Vandalia

December 18–19 Breakfast with Santa at Eckert’s

Starmax Theater, Vandalia • 618.283.1196

Eckert’s in Belleville • 618.233.0513

January 2, 2022 Way of Lights Run/Walk National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Belleville • 618.394.6292

SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER IN Du Quoin Tourism’s

22 Annual nd

Holiday Lights Fair November 25-December 30 5:30 - 9:30pm Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Highway 51 South

Drive-thru only $10 per vehicle, cash only Due to COVID-19, there will be NO activities in the Exhibition Hall.

Follow us on Facebook for information: Du Quoin Tourism

ILLINOISouth.org

THIS YEAR! Christmas Walk

Santa’s Village

November 21, 11am-4pm

December 3, 10, & 17 6pm to 8pm

Lighted Parade November 26, 6pm Bloom St

Dinner with Santa

Community Tree Lighting

Santa’s Sunday Funday!

November 26

December 12, 12-4pm

December 7 & 8

Starts after the Lighted Parade & Santa’s Village Opens

Holiday Lighting Contest Begins November 26 Vote on Facebook at

M Red Bud Chamber Shop Small Weekend November 26 & 27 Follow us on Facebook!

M Red Bud Chamber

For event information, visit redbudsantavillage.com and our M Santa’s Village, Red Bud, Illinois.

Tourism Times

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Witness Distillery, Vandalia

P

ositioned perfectly across from the iconic Old State Capitol in Vandalia, there sits a building full of stories and spirits. Witness Distillery offers up some amazing whiskey, rum, and vodka – but the story of how they got their start and why they bought this particular building is just as equally amazing. “What many people don’t know is that when this building was built in the 1860’s, the state of Illinois was the largest producer of whiskey in the country – and Vandalia had two distilleries at the time,” explains Rick Radliff, who owns Witness Distillery with his wife Cindy. While this building was not originally a distillery, it still has a lot of history that attracted the Radliffs. It has the oldest working elevator in the state, along with another very cool feature. “Downstairs there is what used to be an entrance where merchants could walk underground to the bank and make a deposit at night and be safe. We wanted to make sure that people could see that,” Radliff says.

Rick started out making rum in his garage with a ten gallon still, and his interests grew from there. Now his production is on a much larger scale, and they are happy to give tours to all who are interested. “When folks come, we can walk them through how we process,” says Radliff. “All the way from milling our own grain, which we do out back. We bring that in, we cook that in our mash tun, to convert that starch to sugar – then we move that into our fermenters. We pitch our yeast, and about four days later we have whiskey that is ready to run through the still. Out of that 450 gallons of mash, we’ve got about 45 gallons of alcohol – that’s what we utilize to make our products,” he explains. One of the biggest parts of that process is that practically everything they do at Witness Distillery is with a ‘local first’ mentality.

16

Holiday 2021

“We locally source our water from a spring just north of Vandalia. We also locally source our grains, our grains come from right here in Fayette County – especially the corn,” Radliff adds.

For those who visit Witness, there is plenty to do. Aside from the aforementioned tours, they are connected to Blind Society - a great restaurant with an expansive menu. On top of that there is the Whiskey Underground, which is fittingly located in the basement of the building, and is an awesome place to go simply for drinks. There is also a merchandise area with clothing, spirits and more to purchase. The Radliffs say the last five years of building Witness from the ground up has been a ton of work, but there are many moments where the reward is evident. “People have told us that we have been successful in producing a quality spirit, which we felt that it was – but it’s nice to have that affirmation,” explains Cindy Radliff. “When we first started down this journey I thought Rick was just talking, but I’m really glad we’re taking this journey because I believe this business will help us to revitalize this area a little bit more, bring some people in from other places to see Vandalia.”

To watch our ‘Made in ILLINOISouth’ feature video on Witness Distillery, make sure to check out ILLINOISouth’s YouTube channel!

THANK YOU for supporting and enjoying all of the wonderful communities, attractions and more in ILLINOISouth this year!

From all of us here at ILLINOISouth Tourism, we hope you have an amazing Holiday season.

(618) 257-1488

See Centralia

for the Holidays Fantasy of Lights

Daily, Nov. 27–Dec. 31 Dusk-11pm

Join us for a

Jasper County Christmas!

November 11th Veterans' Day

Courthouse Lawn Newton, IL

Downtown Shopping & Activities on Friday Nights:

Welcome to Whoville

Call June at 217-246-3878

Centralia Foundation Park

Downtown Centralia Christmas Stroll Dec. 3

Downtown Centralia

Annual Centralia High School Holiday Tournament Dec. 26– 26 – 28

Centralia High School centraliaholidaytournament.com

Scan Me!

Visit Our Website SeeCentralia.com 618.533.7623 Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/SeeCentralia

&

Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/SeeCentralia

December 3rd, 9th, & 17th

November 27th Village of Sainte Maire

for details and updates.

Find us on M Sainte Marie Community Club

Jasper County Christmas

Christmas Lights in the Park

December 4th Fun, Music, & Food!

Friday, Saturday, Sunday Only

Self Guided Christmas Evening in Jasper County

Nov. 26th - Dec. 25th 5pm to 9pm • Netwon, IL

Find us on M Christmas Lights in Peterson Park Newton, IL

December 11th

Jasper County Chamber of Commerce • 618-783-3399

Washington County

Christmas Okawville Starting on Wednesday, December 1, view decorated porches around town.

Friday, Dec. 3 • 4‒7pm: Food trucks with live music and short kids’ movies throughout the evening • 6pm: Live Nativity • After Dark – Caroling in the park and decorated porches, vote online for your favorite by Sunday, December 5

Saturday, Dec. 4 • 9am: Santa Breakfast at the Original Springs • 9am‒5pm: Holiday Vendor/Craft Fair at Community Club • After Dark: Decorated porches, vote online for your favorite by Sunday, December 5 Okawville Chamber of Commerce facebook.com/OkawvilleChamber myokawville.com ꞏ 618-243-5694

ILLINOISouth.org

Nashville Starting on Wednesday, December 1, view decorated porches and shrubs around town, vote for both online by December 5

Friday, Dec. 3 • 7pm: Lighted parade downtown • 8pm: Community Tree lighting & The Night Before Christmas Reading with Santa and special helpers at City Hall

Saturday, Dec. 4 • 9am: Holiday 5K – Polar Dash • 10am‒6pm: Holiday Vendor Market & Food Fest, Live Reindeer Photos, Carriage Rides, Photos with Santa, and more • 3‒6pm: Candy Cane Lane Free Kids Activities • After Dark: Drive-In Movie – Polar Express • Plus, music & entertainment throughout the day Nashville Hometown Christmas facebook.com/NashvilleHometownChristmas 618-314-0499

Stay with us!

Original Springs Hotel & Bath Super 8

618-243-5458

618-243-6525

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