When I was young, I participated in an annual music Nativity pageant, the opening lyrics of which summarize my question on approach to WoL. " "Over dusty roads so dreary ... they had wandered and were weary ... would they find a lodging cheery ... some friendly place of warmth and li-i-i-ight"? The answer is "Yes." WoL is a place of cheery holiday warmth and, obviously, light. I wouldn't describe it as the "best ever," and thought that the light seemed a little thin and too monochromatic in places. But I'd do it again just for the tunnel near the beginning. Thanks, WoL, for spreading needed Christmas cheer. read more

My husband and I made our yearly trip to Way of Lights last night. If you've never been or it's been awhile, I highly recommend it. They've added color lights to make things even more amazing with the drive through light display. In the church parking lot, there are camel rides, donkey rides, pony rides, petting zoo, and kettle corn. In the visitor center, they have a wonderful gift shop, Christmas tree displays, wreath auction, quilt raffle, a fabulous Lego Brick Display, and a new must see Interactive Arctic Mission Exhibit. The food stand offers hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, nachos, chili, etc for a very reasonable cost. As left we got our yearly Build a Bear animal-- a donkey this time -- for a minimum $17 donation. Highly recommended for all ages! read more

Great light show at this location. You can drive thru or take a horse drawn carriage ride. The so called ten person carriage ride is $100. The carriage is more suited for six adults comfortably. If you don't mind cozying up to each other then 10 people might work. I don't know the costs of the smaller carriage ride. There is a petting zoo with animals and you can ride a camel. The kids can ride ponies. There was a snack center with a variety of popcorn, candies and drinks. There was no Christmas music in the park. I believe it is free to drive thru the light show. You will need reservations for the carriage rides. It would be a romantic activity for a couple. read more

Way of Lights - Nice horse drawn ride for a group - Festivals Near Me - Belleville, Illinois

See all

My boyfriend and I were trying to get the holiday spirit so on the Saturday night after Thanksgiving we took a little trip to Belleville to see Way of Lights at Our Lady of the Snows. It was just over 30 minutes that it took from start to finish to drive through. It was super nice. Very religious but I should expect that at a shrine. I think this would be an excellent stop for families because you could stop in the middle and participate in some of their activities which included Legos and a S'More Station. Have fun! read more

Way of Lights - Festivals Near Me - Belleville, Illinois

See all

Always a favorite just do to the fact it's a celeb of the birth of Jesus. It's pretty much all white lights so be aware but that just adds to the purity of the celebration. They have camel, donkey and piney rides plus a petting zoo. If you donate 20$ at the end you get a build a bear lamb that is adorable! read more

If you LOVE Christmas lights....then you have to go see this. They do it every year and (if I'm correct) have been doing so for decades. This year it starts on November 20 and goes through January 1. The hours are as follows: Monday - Thursday: 5 - 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 5 - 10 p.m. This was my second time doing it. I went a few years ago (and then somehow neglected to go last year). I will say that I would HIGHLY recommend going during off-peak hours (e.g., NOT the Friday evening after Thanksgiving). We went tonight and it was smooth sailing...no lines and you could set your own pace. If you end up going during a busy time, be prepared to wait 15+ minutes just to start your lights tour. I'm not sure what else to say except there are a TON OF LIGHTS, including a light tunnel, a waterfall, and a replica of what must be Bethlehem. It is well worth the 20-30 minute drive from STL to see it. Plus, all they ask for is a donation at the end (super cheap and well worth it). Only other side note....I would recommend taking the 64/40 and 255 route. Otherwise, you end up going through East St. Louis (which isn't the best place to be after dark). read more

We did the 5k run through the lights at The Shrine. What a way to enjoy the lights. The air was crisp and clear, which made for a perfect night to run and look at the lights. The Shrine is pretty hilly, what a workout. Once again a free place to see the lights... read more

I've heard about this Christmas light show for years and we finally drove over to check it out this weekend. Took about 45 minutes to get into from the road, which we expected. Once inside, it was disappointing to say the least. Aside from the light tunnel at the beginning, it is a relatively sparse set up compared to places like Tilles Park off McKnight (the best I have been to in St. Louis for Christmas light shows). The other disappointing thing was that it took forever to drive through. Probably 45 minutes to an hour. Way too long, especially considering the show was so average. A bonus was that it was donation only, which we were happy to support. Would not go back, however. If you live on the Missouri side, save your gas and go to Tilles Park. read more

My family has been coming here since I was a baby. Some of the special memories that make Christmas feel like Christmas have happened here at the shrine. I do really wish people would stop photographing the grotto... It's not a photo backdrop, it's a shrine. It seems a little disrespectful to me that people are running around with their kids screaming and taking selfies with baby Jesus while others are lighting candles and praying.... Control yourselves, folks! read more

Very disappointed that they took out the arts & crafts room this year. The lights and petting zoo are still a good time but ever since i was young, we'd come & make paper ornaments or buttons but that is no longer an option :( read more

This was the most disappointing visit we've ever done! My family has been coming to this event every year for at least 20+ years. This year was awful! First- the animal area. Doesn't open until 5:30 in the evening. Had beautiful reindeer, that you had to pay $6.00 to have your pic with them. The camel and donkey rides are also $6.00 a piece with 1 time around. $6.00 for pics on the camel or donkey. A little girls family paid to have her pic done, the vendor couldn't find the pic, told her she could have another free ride to get her pic re-done and then at the last minute as she's climbing up onto the camel, they find her pic and the man says" no free ride for you".!!! Tears from girl and they flat out didn't care even when I said that's terrible customer service. Their response? "We're in this for the money lady"!!!! $1.00 for a Dixie cup of carrots that none of the animals would eat. Inside the main bldg, over an hour wait for dinner at the restaurant, that you can't make reservations at, and this was at 5:30 on a Sunday night. $15.99 an adult for awful food. In the past, the pasta station had meat and veggies you could choose for them to mix for you. This year, 4 sauces and 2 noodles. The salad bar had nothing but pre made Caesar salad, a terrible pasta salad, fruit salad and sliced beets and applesauce. The rest of the buffet consisted of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, sliced beef and sausage and sauerkraut. Dessert was cupcakes, bread pudding, 1 inch square brownies and blueberry scones. They use to have a play place for the kids with a puppet show, crafts and Lego and nativity scenes. No, this year they are all private banquet rooms so no place for small kids to play while waiting for dinner. The laser show bldg has been where the Legos and nativity has been moved but no crafts or puppet show. Oh, to get past to the free area, is a person telling you a limit of 30 people in the room at a time so again you wait or pay, yet again $7.00 a person to see a Lego room display. If you just want to drive thru and see the lights, it's ok but don't expect a stuffed animal at the end for your donation because they've replaced it with a book. Definately not going back again. read more