Christmas is right around the corner and we have gathered a list of family friendly holiday events happening right here in Mt. Vernon!
Festival of Trees Gala and Open House | Nov. 17th – 19th | Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
Be one of the first to view The Lights at Cedarhurst. On November 17th, expect an elegant evening with Christmas trees, dinner, drinks, and horse-drawn carriage rides. The Gala will be held in the Mitchell Museum Performance Hall. Cocktails and carriage rides start at 5:30pm. Dinner and Auctions begin at 7pm. Tickets are $150/person. Black tie is optional. On Saturday and Sunday, come browse the beautifully lit trees from 11am-4pm or during The Lights in the evening from 5-9pm. All are welcome to bid on the chance to take home a festive tree. The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser that benefits both Spero Family Services and Cedarhurst Center for the Arts.
The Lights | Nov. 18th – Dec. 31st, 5-9 pm | Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
The Lights are back for a second season! Walk Cedarhurst’s beautiful campus as you gaze at twinkling Christmas lights and features. Five new additions will join The Lights this year along a one mile walking path. Warm up around the fire pit and purchase festive holiday drinks! Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased at Cedarhurst.org. The Lights can be viewed every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 5-9pm between November 18th and December 31st. This is a cashless event, no ATM on site.
Junk n Disorderly Christmas | Nov. 24 7am-8pm & Nov. 25 9am-4pm | Times Square Mall
Come browse a unique and eclectic mix of artisans, crafters ,and junkers. This event will feature a Christmas vibe with a twist, including live music. Shop for everyone on your Christmas list! Parking and admission are both free. Details can be found on Facebook.
Holiday Craft Fair | Dec. 2nd, 9am-4pm | Rolland Lewis Building at Veterans Park
The Annual Holiday Craft Fair is back! Walk around the Rolland Lewis Building as you view over 40 local craft vendors. Everything at this fair is handmade including soaps, wood crafts, quilts, blankets, Christmas ornaments, decorations, and more! Enjoy food concessions for purchase.
Free Pictures with Santa | Dec. 12th, 4-7pm | C.E. Brehm Memorial Library
Lynne Mulch Photography will be taking free pictures with Santa on the 2nd floor of the Library.
Santa’s Cottage | Dec. 1st-23rd | Jefferson County Courthouse
A yearly tradition, come visit Santa in his cottage on the courthouse lawn. The hours and evenings are dependent on volunteers so please check the Jefferson County Santa’s Cottage Facebook page for updated information. Local retailers donate toys for Santa to give to each child.
Christmas on Bellview | Month of December | 8794 E. Bellview Rd., Mt. Vernon
Christmas on Bellview is an outstanding home light show in Mt. Vernon. The lights are on 5-9pm on weeknights and 5-10pm on the weekend. Like their Facebook page for upcoming information on visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch. This light display is a traditional take on Christmas and includes family photo opportunities throughout. The lights are free but donations are accepted and will go to the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Christmas Open House | Nov. 19th, 11am-5pm | Finders Pickers Treasure Island
Have a fun family shopping day at Finders Pickers Treasure Island for their 9th Annual Christmas Open House! The store will be decked out with Christmas items. Take a picture with Santa, enter the Christmas raffle, and even enjoy a horse wagon ride from 1-3pm.
Christmas Light Fight Parade & Activities | Dec 2nd, 5-7pm | Downtown Mt. Vernon, IL
Stroll downtown for the annual Christmas Parade and activities! Enter a festive float in the parade by calling the Mt. Vernon Tourism Office at 618-242-3151. After the parade, stay and decorate cookies, make a craft with your kiddo, visit Santa in his cottage, and enjoy some hot cocoa. This is a free event open to the public.
