Last updated: November 11, 2024
See the best holiday highlights in Granite City! Our guide features all the must-see events and activities. For those who call Granite City home and those who wish they did, our guide is your festive compass.
One of the standout attractions this season is WonderLight's Christmas in St. Louis, where dazzling light displays create a magical holiday atmosphere. The Santa Parade brings the spirit of the season to life with festive floats and cheerful music, making it a delightful experience for families. And the FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides are something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering a charming way to explore the twinkling sights of Granite City. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Granite City Holiday Light Displays
WonderLight's Christmas in St. Louis
- What to Expect
- Synchronized LED lights and music drive-through experience.
- Description
- Over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music create a dazzling display at World Wide Technology Raceway, perfect for families to enjoy together.
- Where
- St. Louis | More Info : WonderLight's Christmas in St. Louis
Granite City Holiday Markets and Shopping
FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
- What to Expect
- Horse-drawn trolley tour through historic downtown area.
- Description
- Take a leisurely ride through downtown Belleville's historic and beautifully decorated Public Square, exploring unique shops and the Christkindlmarkt.
- Where
- Belleville | More Info : FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
Belleville Christkindlmarkt
- What to Expect
- Authentic German market atmosphere with local crafts and traditional holiday food offerings.
- Description
- This traditional German-style market offers a rich selection of crafts, food, and beverages that reflect the holiday spirit. Visitors can stroll through stalls filled with unique items, enjoy delicious treats, and partake in festive activities that accentuate the local culture. It's a gathering point for artisans and community members celebrating the season together.
- Where
- Belleville | More Info : Belleville Christkindlmarkt
Granite City Other Holiday Activities
Santa Parade
- What to Expect
- Largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois with festive floats and live performances.
- Description
- Join the family-friendly Santa Parade in downtown Belleville, featuring floats, marching bands, and dance groups. Welcome Santa to town and enjoy the official Lighting of the Fountain and Holiday Sing-a-Long.
- Where
- Belleville | More Info : Santa Parade
Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday event with a kids' dash.
- Description
- The Belleville Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash is a festive event in downtown Belleville, featuring a 5K run/walk and a kids' dash where participants can outrun Sam the Gingerbread Man. All participants receive a long sleeve tee shirt, finish line photos, and sweet treats along the course.
- Where
- Belleville | More Info : Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
Downtown Cookie Stroll
- Collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies while exploring Downtown Belleville.
- Stroll through Downtown Belleville to visit quaint shops and local restaurants while collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies. Enjoy the German Christkindlmarkt, gingerbread displays, a horse-drawn trolley, and the Santa house.
- Belleville | More Info : Downtown Cookie Stroll
Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
- What to Expect
- Candlelit walk through historic neighborhood.
- Description
- The Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk is a candlelit stroll through the historic Abend and Garfield Streets neighborhood, featuring a beautiful display of luminaries and historic homes.
- Where
- Belleville | More Info : Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk