Bethalto Christmas Village Offers Free Holiday Experience

Our Daily Show Interview! Bethalto Christmas Village: Bringing Free Christmas Magic!

BETHALTO - Riverbend residents have the opportunity for a unique Christmas experience in Bethalto.

Bethalto Christmas Village features lights strung throughout Central Park, hot chocolate, s’mores, vendors, visits with Santa and more. Food costs a few dollars, but walking through the park to enjoy the lights and Santa is completely free. Bethalto Christmas Village is open from 5–8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 21, 2025.

“Please, encourage your family and friends and tell them what a wonderful place it is at no cost,” said Jane Ahasay, one of the volunteers who organizes Bethalto Christmas Village. “Come out, support Christmas Village, make some great memories, have a great time, and we appreciate it.”

Now in its ninth year, Bethalto Christmas Village invites community members to enjoy “the twinkling lights” and other attractions through December. Ahasay said they have 12 glass cottages, 40 community trees, selfie stations, a photo op with Santa’s sleigh, and “tens of thousands” of lights throughout the park.

On Dec. 13, you can participate in a holiday-themed 5K run or a one-mile walk to raise money for Civic Memorial scholarships in honor of Melissa Cafazza and her family. On Dec. 14, you can enjoy a Victorian Christmas experience complete with carriage rides and carolers in traditional Victorian clothing.

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Hot chocolate, s’mores, pretzels and hot dogs are available every weekend, ranging in cost from $1 to $3. Ahasay emphasized that the volunteers work hard to keep the experience affordable. There are opportunities to donate throughout the walk-through so they can continue to provide Bethalto Christmas Village for free.

Additionally, several “hometown vendors” will be in attendance every Saturday and Sunday, making it the perfect spot to shop for the holidays.

The walk through the park is one mile, and the path is paved, making it accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Ahasay encourages people to dress warmly. She noted that you can also drive down Central for a “really very scenic” view of the park and its lights.

The lights are lit every day, so people can also enjoy the walk-through during the week. But if you want to see Santa, visit with vendors, or enjoy hot chocolate and snacks, you’re encouraged to come from 5–8 p.m. on weekends.

Ahasay thanked the 12 core volunteers who help make Bethalto Christmas Village a reality, as well as the Bethalto Silver Eagles for their contributions. She noted it would not be possible without the community coming together.

She hopes to see many people come out to Bethalto Christmas Village over the next few weeks to enjoy the experience.

“We are a hidden gem,” she added. “Come down in 2025 and make some memories with us.”

For more information about Bethalto Christmas Village, including their special events or weather updates, visit the official Facebook page.

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