Celebrate the Holidays in Edwardsville

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Edwardsville as holiday celebrations begin in southwest Illinois- capture a photo with Jolly St. Nick, shop at wintry markets, see a holiday show, and grab some hot cocoa- it’s time to rock around the Christmas tree!

Light Up the Holidays

Edwardsville gets lit Dec. 3- don’t miss the Edwardsville Winter Market and the City of Edwardsville Tree Lighting Ceremony in City Park! Looking for something to do after the lighting ceremony? Take the family to see the Opera Edwardsville Arts and Issues Series holiday concert live at Dunham Hall for an evening of merriment!

Shop 'Til You Drop

Get in some last-minute holiday shopping at the Goshen Winter Market Dec. 17, go to The Ink House to shop small at the Miracle on N. 2nd Street event Nov. 20, peruse local goods Holiday Shopping at Tenderloin Lavender Farms Dec. 18 & 19, or bring the kids to shop by themselves and make crafts for family and friends at The North Pole Christmas Shoppe at The Wildey Dec. 5 & 8.

It's Traditional

The 1820 Benjamin Stephenson House is hosting its annual Christmas Candlelight Tour Nov. 26 from 5 PM – 8 PM. Get your tickets to see the inner workings of a 19th century home bedecked in holiday decorations, taste homemade gingerbread, sing Christmas carols, and see historic vignettes throughout Edwardsville’s oldest brick home.

Seeking out some upbeat music to put you in the spirit? The Wildey Theatre is offering a host of holiday shows for all ages including the Christmas Bingo- It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night Show Dec. 3, Gary Hoey’s Ho Ho Hoey’s Rockin Holiday Tour Dec. 7, the Erin Bode Group Holiday Concert Dec. 15, The Traveling Salvation Neil Diamond Christmas Concert Dec. 17, and several Interactive White Christmas at The Wildey shows Dec. 10 & 11. Tickets sell out fast so get yours before you’re caught in the snow!

Fun for the Kids

Want to bring the kids for some cozy fun? The Edwardsville Children’s Museum is hosting a Jammies & Jingles event with PJ’s, Christmas music, and crafts Dec. 2. Meet Santa Claus at Edwardsville Nickel Plate Station every Wednesday and Saturday from Nov. 26 to Dec. 21, build your own cookie home Gingerbread House Decorating at the Edwardsville Public Library Dec. 10, join in a Christmas Pajama Run & Hot Cocoa Social Dec. 7, or spend Small Business Saturday with Santa & The Grinch at RunWell Nov. 26.

About the Author

Kayla Howland

Kayla Howland is a local writer and artist who lives in Alton, IL with her Cairn Terrier, Ripley. She enjoys fiction and non-fiction writing, graphic design, painting, drawing and photography. Kayla is a graduate of Southwestern High School and Lewis & Clark Community College. She has worked doing freelance graphic design, photography and commissioned paintings since 2012.