Christmas Wonderland in Alton

Hear the sleigh bells jingle as four million lights illuminate the beautiful backdrop of Rock Spring Park’s Christmas Wonderland.

About Christmas Wonderland
When & Where
Admission
More Event Info
FAQ
Plan Your Visit

About Christmas Wonderland

Alton's Christmas Wonderland is back for another year, warming the hearts and holiday spirits of families and friends.

The "Grandpa Gang" is at it again, hanging more than 4 million lights in Rock Spring Park for the annual Christmas Wonderland display. Year after year, visitors are captivated by cascading waterfalls, lighted trees, and hundreds of light displays.

Visitors can turn off their headlights and let the holiday displays carry them through the magical scene.

For more information about Christmas Wonderland, call (800) 258-6645 or click here.

When & Where

Dates

November 28 - December 27, 2026

Times

Monday-Friday | 6-9pm
Saturday & Sunday | 5-9pm

The annual Christmas Wonderland Walk Through is held the first Monday after Thanksgiving

Location

Rock Spring Park | 2100 College Avenue, Alton, IL

Admission

The suggested donation for small cars and vans is $10, or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people.

Visit Santa Claus

As you make your way through the park, stop by to meet Santa Claus. Capture the magic of your holiday outing with an optional free photo with Santa.

Getting There

Take Route 3 to Illinois Route 140. Head west on Route 140, which becomes College Avenue. Continue through two traffic lights and three stop signs to Washington Avenue. Rock Spring Park is three blocks west of Washington Avenue at 2116 College Avenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Alton's Christmas Wonderland?

Christmas Wonderland is in Rock Spring Park in Alton, IL.

When does Christmas Wonderland open for the season?

Christmas Wonderland opens the day after Thanksgiving, November 28, and stays open through December 27, 2026.

Can I walk through the park to see the lights?

Alton’s Christmas Wonderland is typically a drive-through attraction, but visitors can experience it on foot for one night only: Monday, November 30, 2026.

Who is the "Grandpa Gang?"

The “Grandpa Gang” is a dedicated group of retired, local volunteers who spend months each year assembling and dismantling the massive Christmas Wonderland light display at Rock Spring Park.

Are there other Christmas events in Alton, IL?

Yes. You can find more events, like the community tree lighting, in Alton and the surrounding region on our events calendar.

Plan Your Visit

Plan a festive getaway to Southwest Illinois! Explore Alton’s best restaurants, shops, and seasonal activities, then unwind in a comfortable hotel. While you’re in the area, discover even more dazzling holiday light displays.

Bethalto Christmas Village | Bethalto, IL

Take a trip to Bethalto to enjoy the festivities in Central Park and the Bethalto Arboretum.

Bethalto Christmas Village is back this year, and the public is invited to experience the magic of the holiday season. Walk into a wonderland of natural beauty in the Bethalto Arboretum in Central Park. The park is decked with festive lights and beautifully decorated, Christmas-themed cottages. Take your photo with a likeness of Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the park. Bethalto Christmas Village is open daily, and admission is free.

  • When: November 27-December 19, 2026
  • Where: Bethalto Central Park and Arboretum | Bethalto, IL

You can access the park from Illinois Route 140 and Prairie Street or Illinois Route 140 and Moreland Road.

Downtown Country Christmas/Jerseyville Bright Nights | Jerseyville, IL

Kick off your holiday season in the city's downtown district with a visit from Santa Claus and the lighting of the city's 35-foot Christmas Tree on November 28, 2026. Then enjoy the Bright Nights displays in Dolan Park, at the historic county courthouse, and in storefronts along State Street. Enjoy the bright lights of holiday lights from the comfort of your car, or stroll through the city's downtown district for a closer, more personal view.

  • Where: State Street & Dolan Park | Jerseyville, IL
  • When: November 28-December 31, 2026

WonderLight Christmas at World Wide Technology Raceway

Explore the wonders of the holiday season with a drive through the Christmas WonderLights display at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison. This 2-mile-long light show takes visitors through a beautifully designed light show synchronized to holiday tunes. The experience lasts approximately 45 minutes. Admission is available by reservation only. Tickets are on sale now for the entire season.

  • Where: World Wide Technology Raceway | Madison, IL
  • When: November 13, 2026 - January 3, 2027

Discover More

Alton Community Tree Lighting Learn More
This holiday season, give the gift of travel to southwest Illinois. Learn More
Holiday of Wonder with WonderLights Christmas Learn More
Great Rivers & Routes Made Holiday Gift Guide Learn More
Your Guide to Unique Holiday Gifts in Great Rivers & Routes Learn More
7 Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s Day Learn More

About the Author

Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau is the state-certified regional Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMO)-501C6, which represents Madison, Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Calhoun, and Greene counties, and the City of East St. Louis in St. Clair County in southwest Illinois. Founded in 1985 as the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, the bureau transitioned to Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau in 2018 as the size and scope of the organization grew.