The Christmas holiday is here. This traditionally Christian holiday marks the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Most families celebrate Christmas by giving gifts, which is commonly associated with the story of the Three Wise Men, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to honor Jesus’s birth.

Christmas is also a time of hope and wishing for a better tomorrow. Several towns in Illinois are finding ways to celebrate the holiday safely during the pandemic:
 • Monticello has a 1-mile Christmas walk and a recreation of the Polar Express train, based on the popular movie.
 • In Greenville there is a contest to see who has the best Christmas lights.
 • Galena has an annual tree festival featuring 50 specially decorated trees.
 • In Alton, Rock Springs Park has been transformed into a magical wonderland featuring special light displays.

For more information on what other towns in Illinois are doing to celebrate Christmas, click here.

Celebrating Christmas may feel different this year, but the spirit of the season remains strong. On behalf of I Like Illinois, we wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday. Merry Christmas!