Celebration of Lights
Visitors drive through Fort Zumwalt Park to experience a holiday light display featuring light tunnels and illuminated trees. Each festive scene along the roadway is designed and funded by local organizations, churches, and businesses. Guests enjoy the entire visual tour from the warmth and comfort of their own vehicles.
What to Expect
Holiday light display with scenes created by local community organizations.
Event Details
Duration
On the busiest nights—Fridays and Saturdays—the time spent in line and driving through the display can take 60-90 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
City of O'Fallon
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families who enjoy holiday lights from the car
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Drive-through: Car $18, Van $40, Bus $65. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
- Hours: Monday – Sunday, 6–9 p.m.; the display opens at 6 p.m. each evening.
- Parking: Trolley riders park at Alligator's Creek Aquatic Center. For hayrides and train rides, enter from Plackemeier Drive, where parking is limited.
- Accessibility: Tell the city about any ADA needs for a trolley ride, and arrangements will be made.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your drive-through ticket online before you leave home, since there are no sales at the gate and each ticket covers only one visit.
- Visit on a weeknight if you can, because on Fridays and Saturdays waiting in line and driving through can take 60 to 90 minutes.
- Use a restroom before you arrive, since there are no restrooms available at the park on drive-through nights.
- Book trolley, hayride or train rides at least two weeks ahead, because reservations are required and the city recommends booking early.
- For trolley rides, park at Alligator's Creek Aquatic Center and arrive 15 minutes early, and bring drinks in sealable containers, with no popcorn or alcohol.
Special Events & Promotions
- Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on December 6, 7 and 8: pedestrians only, with fireworks over Lake Whetsel, Santa, sweet treats and hot drinks.
- Enclosed, heated trolley rides with holiday music, Thursday through Sunday (except December 6) plus December 21, 22 and 23. Reservations required, separate ticket.
- Hayrides on a decorated, tractor-pulled wagon Monday through Thursday, except December 7, 8 and 24. Reservations required, separate ticket.
- City Train rides on November 30 and December 14 only. Reservations required, separate ticket.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a ticket at the entrance?
No. Drive-through tickets have to be bought online in advance, and nothing is sold at the gate. Each ticket is good for one visit.
How long does the drive-through take?
It depends on the night. On Fridays and Saturdays, the busiest nights, waiting in line and driving through can take 60 to 90 minutes.
Can I get out of the car to take photos?
No. You can't leave your vehicle while driving through, for photos or anything else. Riding in a truck bed isn't allowed either, because the park loop is a City street.
Are there restrooms?
No, there are no restrooms on drive-through nights.
Are there other ways to see the lights besides driving?
Yes. You can reserve heated trolley rides, hay-filled wagon rides, or City Train rides. On three nights, the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll opens the display to people on foot.
More Christmas Events Near O'Fallon
More Christmas Events near O'Fallon
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.