An Alton family is celebrating 70 years of their open house Christmas breakfast tradition. The event emphasizes the spirit of Christ and its lasting presence in their hearts.
Alton News & Updates
Stay informed about the latest events and activities in Alton
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
A historical winter scene from 1950 Alton shows the downtown S.S. Kresge store. A lone, spindly Christmas tree stands on a slush-covered street.
Saturday, December 27, 2025
A Christmas pop-up bar event is scheduled for Saturday evening. The event will feature live music from the Climate Band at Rustic Roots Event Space.
Friday, December 26, 2025
St. John Missionary Baptist Church continued its annual tradition of serving hot meals to those entering their doors on Christmas Day. This event provided a warm meal for community members.
Christmas Wonderland is open at Rock Spring Park in Alton. Additionally, Ethan Carl will perform live music at Fast Eddie's Bon Air.
Thursday, December 25, 2025
This article provides information on how to track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve as he travels around the world. It mentions the Alton's Christmas Wonderland opening soon at Rock Springs Park.
In 1950, businessmen from Upper Alton organized a special Christmas outing for orphaned children. The treats included ice cream cones from Kerr Drug Store.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
The Grafton City Council recognized the Chamber of Commerce for organizing key holiday events. These included the Christmas Parade and Santa Con, contributing to the city's festive atmosphere.
An Alton church is offering free Christmas dinners to the community this holiday season. This initiative aims to support those in need during Christmas.
A historical photo showcases 18 children celebrating at Upper Alton's Jensen's Music School in 1950. The image captures the Riverbend area's holiday spirit from decades past.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Roxana Park is currently decorated with Christmas lights, offering a festive display for the community. The park's illumination is a highlight for local residents during the holiday season.
Santa Claus and his reindeer are scheduled to make an appearance at Duke Bakery in Alton. This event offers a chance for families to meet Santa before Christmas.
Monday, December 22, 2025
Alton will host a Charcuterie Board Class at Black Crow Designs on State Street. The city is also preparing for Christmas Wonderland, a festive holiday event.
Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton, IL is hosting an 'Angels and Cookies' event. Visitors are invited to attend anytime between 2–5 PM on Sunday, December 28.
Sunday, December 21, 2025
A historical photo from Alton shows the postmaster dealing with the intense Christmas rush in 1938. The article also briefly mentions Illinois weather predictions for the holiday season.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Illinois is projected to experience near record-high temperatures for Christmas, with highs potentially reaching 70-72 degrees in areas like Alton. This warm weather could set new records across the state for the holiday.
Dream Home Charities in Alton has successfully concluded its 17th annual Christmas drive for foster children. The organization is now seeking continued community support to aid their efforts.
Friday, December 19, 2025
Alton's Christy Tyler Schaper was selected to decorate the White House for Christmas. She was chosen from 15,000 applicants and embraced the American spirit.
A family on Brentwood Boulevard in Alton hung icicle Christmas lights. This festive activity took place with unusually warm afternoon temperatures in the 50s.
During the early 1950s holiday season, three well-known East End merchants in Alton, Illinois, reviewed plans to brighten their district. They planned to install Christmas streetlight stars.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Peter Mayer will be performing his two-part Christmas show at Edwardsville's Wildey Theatre. The event is part of upcoming holiday festivities in the area.
Large Christmas lights were displayed on a front yard in the 2200 block of Brown Street in Alton. A school bus was seen passing by the festive display.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The Jacoby Arts Center in Alton is hosting a Holiday Ornament Workshop at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, Christmas Wonderland 2025 will be held at Rock Spring Park starting at 6 p.m.
A Maryville woman continues her search for her missing mother by organizing a Christmas Eve distribution event. This event aims to provide supplies to the unhoused community in Alton, IL.
The "Something Bigger Than Yourself" Christmas Party is scheduled to take place this Saturday. This event is being organized in the Alton, IL area.
Shurtleff College presented a performance of Handel's 'Messiah' in Alton in December 1941. This performance was a highlight of the Christmas season for the community.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The Alton Christmas Workshop provided a festive experience for children, featuring crafts and games. Attendees enjoyed activities like peeking into a giant gingerbread house.
Santa Claus made a special appearance at the Alton Christmas Parade, arriving atop a fire truck. The event brought holiday cheer to the Alton community.
Monday, December 15, 2025
The Marquette boy's basketball team won against Althoff on Friday. The Redskins Christmas shootout game between Alton High and Decatur Eisenhower was also mentioned.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
The New Horizons concert will feature holiday season favorites like "Sleigh Ride" and "The Christmas Song." The event is scheduled to take place this Sunday in Alton, IL.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
The Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a white Christmas for most of Illinois. However, the western and far southern parts of the state are expected to remain green.
Franklin Lodge is hosting a Christmas Party at 6 p.m. on December 12th at 1513 Washington Ave. in Alton. This event is part of local holiday festivities.
Police in Bethalto have identified suspects in connection with an attempted break-in at donation boxes. The incident occurred at the Christmas Village display in Central Park.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton will host a Christmas Cantata service. This event offers a musical celebration of the Christmas season.
The Village of South Roxana is holding its annual Christmas Celebration with free pictures with Santa. This event is a festive opportunity for families to enjoy the holiday spirit.
A Santa Claus decoration is displayed on an Alton porch, serving as a festive reminder of the approaching Christmas holiday. This local decoration adds to the seasonal cheer in the community.
A historical photo captures a 1950s Christmas party held at Alton's Wedge Bank. The image offers a nostalgic glimpse into past holiday celebrations in the area.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
East Alton held its 'Night of Christmas' contest, recognizing various local entities for their festive tree decorations. The event celebrated community spirit through holiday displays.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Something Bigger Than Yourself is hosting its 19th annual Christmas party in Alton. The event invites the community to give back and have fun while supporting local children's homes and clubs.
Monday, December 8, 2025
Christmas Wonderland 2025 is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in Rock Spring Park. The event is located at 2100 College Ave. in Alton.
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The Alton Municipal Band is set to perform a holiday concert at the First Presbyterian Church. This event is part of the Christmas Wonderland 2025 festivities.
Visit Alton's Tangled Tinsel Christmas Tree Farm to meet mini Highland cows Marcella and Flanigan. Ten-minute cuddles are available on weekends for $10, with online booking recommended.
Friday, December 5, 2025
DK Dance Productions is set to host their 'Cozy Christmas' holiday dance recital. The event will feature dancers showcasing their skills.
The Great Rivers Choral Society invites the community to a free Christmas concert titled 'Silver Glow: A Christmas Celebration.' The performance will feature a mix of traditional and modern Christmas songs.
Jerseyville is preparing a day filled with holiday events, including a Christmas booksale and a children's play area at the Public Library. These festivities will begin at 9 a.m.
DK Dance is presenting 'A Cozy Christmas Holiday Show 2025' at Lewis & Clark Community College. Dancers from Alton, Florissant, and Jerseyville will perform.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Christmas Wonderland 2025 will be held at Rock Spring Park starting at 6 p.m. A Cornhole Tournament is also scheduled for 9-11 p.m. at Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill.
A Lymphedema education meeting will include a Christmas party with trivia for attendees. The event is located at the Rehab office in Alton Square Mall.
Discussions are underway regarding the Bethalto Christmas Village and Victorian Christmas Walk. These events are part of the seasonal holiday offerings in the area.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Christmas Wonderland in Alton features over 4 million lights at Rock Spring Park. This popular holiday light display is a must-see attraction for the season.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
The annual walk-through night at Christmas Wonderland in Alton's Rock Spring Park is scheduled for tonight. This event is a popular local tradition for the holiday season.
Monday, December 1, 2025
Christmas Wonderland 2025 will be held at Rock Spring Park in Alton. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.