It’s time to get into the holiday spirit! During the holiday season, there’s certainly no shortage of festivals to attend around the Prairie State. This year, one, in particular, is set to be so festive you may feel as though you’re walking through the set of a Hallmark Christmas Movie! The Holiday Glow at Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello is one holiday light festival in Illinois you won’t want to miss.
Originally built as a private residence for philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, the 1,500-acre Allerton Park and Retreat Center is a place for visitors to enjoy nature, art, and history.
Allerton Park and Retreat Center/Facebook During the day, you can take a hike along one of the trails, enjoy the natural beauty of the woods and prairie, appreciate the art in the sculpture garden, and marvel at the mansion and reflecting pond. A cafe is also on the property and overnight lodging is available as well.
This holiday season, Allerton Park and Retreat Center is holding its sixth annual holiday walk, an art and light festival that’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
Ron Frazier/Flickr
Christmas magic is in the air as you stroll the historic grounds of this turn-of-the-century estate during the Holiday GLOW light festival.
Allerton Park and Retreat Center/Facebook While all are invited to attend, not all areas of the grounds are accessible. You can view a map of the suggested accessible pathway here.
This much-anticipated event is a wonderful way to explore the grounds and to also get in the spirit of the season. It’s just as enchanting as a Hallmark Christmas movie!
Brie Elliott-Allsopp/Google
The walk is approximately one mile long with plenty of artwork and festive lights along the way.
B Adams/Google
A ticket is required only for the opening night of this event, which is December 3, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. You can purchase your ticket here.
Allerton Park and Retreat Center/Facebook
After opening night, advanced tickets are not required. The dates for the rest of the season are December 4-23, 27-30, 2021, and January 7-8, 14-15, 2022. There is a suggested donation of $10 per car which can be made at the park or online.
B Adams/Google
Have you made plans yet to attend this light festival in Illinois? In the comments, please tell your fellow readers about your favorite holiday light displays throughout the state. For more information on Allerton Park and Retreat Center’s Holiday Glow, visit the website. You can also follow the Facebook page for updates.
Allerton Park and Retreat Center/Facebook
During the day, you can take a hike along one of the trails, enjoy the natural beauty of the woods and prairie, appreciate the art in the sculpture garden, and marvel at the mansion and reflecting pond. A cafe is also on the property and overnight lodging is available as well.
Ron Frazier/Flickr
While all are invited to attend, not all areas of the grounds are accessible. You can view a map of the suggested accessible pathway here.
Brie Elliott-Allsopp/Google
B Adams/Google
‘Tis the season to see light displays around the state. Read our post on the most magical light displays in Illinois for some of the best.
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Address: 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL 61856, USA
