Way of Lights--Nov 21-Jan 4

The Lady of our Snows annual light display opens this evening, Nov 21, and will continue until Jan 4, 2009. From the website:

"Drive through 1 1/2 miles of breathtaking displays of over one million lights which focuses on the birth of Christ, the one true light of the world. Through sparkling lights, electro-art sculptures and creative displays, the Shrine celebrates the birth of our Savior.

Petting Zoo
Make a truly unique memory at the petting zoo (free admission).

Heavenly Photos
Visitors of all ages can don angel attire and have a picture taken amidst a shimmery cloud background.

Advent Concert
Our Advent Concert begins with Matthew Baute a "music missionary" and features the choir of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows along with professional instrumentalists from the St. Louis area performing, Haydn's Missa Brevis Sancti Foannis de Deo. Click here for more information.

Community Choir Stage
Nightly, area choirs and musical ensembles take the stage to provide beautiful sounds of the season. Click here for a schedule of choir performances.

Christmas Tree Room
Decorators and designers from the St. Louis/Metro East display their best creations showcasing Christmas around the world.

Interactive Children’s Village And Puppet Show
Children of all ages will delight in learning about the most special Christmas gift, Jesus, in this sparkling Lil’ Angels’ Classroom filled with an interactive puppet show and a variety of free, hands-on activities.

Christmas Wreath Display/Silent Auction
A variety of wreaths created by florists and designers from the St. Louis/Metro East area will be on display throughout the Visitors Center. Silent Auction bids will be taken throughout the season with proceeds assisting in the on-going work of the Missionary Oblates throughout the world.

Trolley Rides
Departing from the Visitors Center, the trolley takes visitors on a journey throughout the lights."

I have included activities that I believe to be free and excluded ones that I know incur a cost. Indoor activities run from 5-9pm and the outdoor lights are open from 5-10pm. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve/Day, the activities will be closed but the lights will still be open.

The Shrine is located in Belleville, IL. Directions to the Shrine can be found here.