Lights Week – Day 1

St. Louis is full of holiday light displays, so each day we will highlight a different light display. We will begin the Metro East, in Belleville, IL, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows’ display – Way of Lights. Our Lady of the Snows is a religious site, and during the month of December the grounds are transformed into an expansive light display that tells the story of Jesus birth. Visitors begin by entering a tunnel, and as a child Margaret and her family always called this the time travel tunnel to help imagine being transported back to biblical times.  Mid-way through the drive is the visitors center, which hosts a gift shop, a restaurant, a hotel, and a variety of attractions. Inside there is a wreath display, a tree display, a petting zoo, a children’s activity space, live performances, carriage rides, camel rides, and an elaborate Lego display.  Some of the attractions do have costs, but the actual drive through the lights is free. Although the drive is free, donations are much appreciated. This year marks the 50th anniversary for the light display, and it continues to be fun tradition.