It’s that time when Illinoisans start to get excited for the most enchanting event of the year. This winter walk transports you to a land of festive lights, holiday cheer, and magical surprises. Believe us, merriment is all around. Despite the cold, you may never want to leave. All ages will be delighted by the sight of these Christmas lights in IL. Keep scrolling to learn more about the best winter hike in Illinois.
The most incredible Christmas light hike in Illinois kicks off every year at the end of November.
Facebook/Coulterville Holiday Light Display The Coulterville Holiday Light Display takes place in a small Southern Illinois town of fewer than 1,000 people, and it attracts Illinoisans from far and wide. It is one of the most popular ways to enjoy IL Christmas lights at this festive time of year.
This year, there will be over one million lights on this 1/2 mile winter walk, as well as 450 wooden figurines, 15 animated scenes, and a 300-piece ceramic village.
Facebook/Coulterville Holiday Light Display
Visitors will also get to stroll through Candy Land, a recreation of the classic board game complete with candy canes, gum drops, and other sweet delights.
Facebook/Coulterville Holiday Light Display
Other attractions include a Frozen-themed ice palace, a Ferris wheel in Santa’s Playland, and Frosty’s Theatre, which will show movies every night.
Facebook/Coulterville Holiday Light Display
This traditional event runs from dusk to 9 pm It is free to view any day and Fridays and Saturdays include free refreshments and kids’ activities from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Facebook/Coulterville Holiday Light Display Celebrate Christmas in Coulterville with fun activities for the whole family while enjoying some of the best holiday lights in IL.
This Christmas light hike in Illinois is made possible by volunteers and local community sponsors. It is a true coming together of neighbors at a magical time of year.
Facebook/Coulterville Holiday Light Display It also involves area students, who love to decorate the trees. Some volunteers work throughout the year to design the incredible displays. The association accepts donations of money, labor, and lights.
Prepare yourself for a night of awe and amazement that will astound the whole family. Brave the cold this holiday season for the best winter lights display in Illinois.
Facebook/Coulterville Holiday Light Display
The Coulterville Holiday Light Display takes place at 102 W Grant Street in Coulterville, and you can get more information on its Facebook page.
Facebook/Coulterville Holiday Light Display
The Coulterville Holiday Light Display takes place in a small Southern Illinois town of fewer than 1,000 people, and it attracts Illinoisans from far and wide. It is one of the most popular ways to enjoy IL Christmas lights at this festive time of year.
Celebrate Christmas in Coulterville with fun activities for the whole family while enjoying some of the best holiday lights in IL.
It also involves area students, who love to decorate the trees. Some volunteers work throughout the year to design the incredible displays. The association accepts donations of money, labor, and lights.
For more magical places to walk around, check out 11 Main Streets that transform into holiday worlds at Christmastime.
Have you ever been on this winter walk? What are your go-to holiday events to see Christmas lights in IL? We love to hear about your favorite things to do in winter in Illinois!
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Address: 102 W Grant St, Coulterville, IL 62237, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best winter hike in Illinois October 19, 2019 Elisa Regulski What are the best walk through light displays in Illinois? For another Christmas light hike in Illinois, venture to the Lincoln Park Zoo for ZooLights. This twinkly tradition lets you see the zoo like never before. Stroll through thousands of glistening displays and take photos with Santa. This event also features live ice-sculpting on select nights. Don’t miss out! This spectacle will make you feel like a kid again. For another merry adventure, head to Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum. Here, you can walk through one mile of breathtaking lights. Can I go hiking in the winter in Illinois? There are so many great places to go hiking in Illinois during the winter. The Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods is one of the most spectacular. When snow covers the cliffs, the views are astounding. This 5.5-mile hike is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Be sure to wear good shoes on this hike. In the winter, these paths can get slippery. For another gorgeous winter hike, head to Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien. When the waterfalls are frozen, the area takes on a whole new beauty. To learn more about Illinois’s best winter hikes, read our feature article here. What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Illinois? Matthiessen State Park is a beautiful place to visit during winter in Illinois. The icy streams and frozen canyons look like something from a dream. For another whimsical adventure, head to Starved Rock State Park. Most people probably wouldn’t think about visiting this area during winter, but it’s absolutely worth a trip. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a bald eagle soaring overhead. Red Hills State Park, located in Sumner, is another can’t-miss park you should visit during winter. Illinois is chock full of lovely places, no matter what the season is.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best winter hike in Illinois
October 19, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What are the best walk through light displays in Illinois? For another Christmas light hike in Illinois, venture to the Lincoln Park Zoo for ZooLights. This twinkly tradition lets you see the zoo like never before. Stroll through thousands of glistening displays and take photos with Santa. This event also features live ice-sculpting on select nights. Don’t miss out! This spectacle will make you feel like a kid again. For another merry adventure, head to Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum. Here, you can walk through one mile of breathtaking lights. Can I go hiking in the winter in Illinois? There are so many great places to go hiking in Illinois during the winter. The Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods is one of the most spectacular. When snow covers the cliffs, the views are astounding. This 5.5-mile hike is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Be sure to wear good shoes on this hike. In the winter, these paths can get slippery. For another gorgeous winter hike, head to Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien. When the waterfalls are frozen, the area takes on a whole new beauty. To learn more about Illinois’s best winter hikes, read our feature article here. What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Illinois? Matthiessen State Park is a beautiful place to visit during winter in Illinois. The icy streams and frozen canyons look like something from a dream. For another whimsical adventure, head to Starved Rock State Park. Most people probably wouldn’t think about visiting this area during winter, but it’s absolutely worth a trip. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a bald eagle soaring overhead. Red Hills State Park, located in Sumner, is another can’t-miss park you should visit during winter. Illinois is chock full of lovely places, no matter what the season is.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
For another Christmas light hike in Illinois, venture to the Lincoln Park Zoo for ZooLights. This twinkly tradition lets you see the zoo like never before. Stroll through thousands of glistening displays and take photos with Santa. This event also features live ice-sculpting on select nights. Don’t miss out! This spectacle will make you feel like a kid again. For another merry adventure, head to Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum. Here, you can walk through one mile of breathtaking lights.
Can I go hiking in the winter in Illinois?
There are so many great places to go hiking in Illinois during the winter. The Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods is one of the most spectacular. When snow covers the cliffs, the views are astounding. This 5.5-mile hike is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Be sure to wear good shoes on this hike. In the winter, these paths can get slippery. For another gorgeous winter hike, head to Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien. When the waterfalls are frozen, the area takes on a whole new beauty. To learn more about Illinois’s best winter hikes, read our feature article here.
What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Illinois?
Matthiessen State Park is a beautiful place to visit during winter in Illinois. The icy streams and frozen canyons look like something from a dream. For another whimsical adventure, head to Starved Rock State Park. Most people probably wouldn’t think about visiting this area during winter, but it’s absolutely worth a trip. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a bald eagle soaring overhead. Red Hills State Park, located in Sumner, is another can’t-miss park you should visit during winter. Illinois is chock full of lovely places, no matter what the season is.
