Friday, November 18, 2022 – Saturday, December 31, 2022
Wintertime sparkles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows as the Annual Way of Lights Christmas display illuminates the grounds. Since 1970, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have invited one and all to make the Way of Lights a part of their family tradition. This breathtaking display focuses on the birth of Christ, the one true light of the world.
Donations are accepted to help us continue bringing this family tradition to our community each year.
Check back periodically for updates.
Way of Lights Hours:
Outdoor Light Display 5-9 pm nightly
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas & New Year’s Day. (Outdoor light display will remain open.)
Military Mondays
Show your military ID to get: $1 off a camel ride
Discount is for the immediate family members of military personnel.
Family Night Tuesdays
Tuesday is a fabulous night to visit the Way of Lights to avoid large crowds and enjoy discounts on activities such as camel rides!
Family Night Discounts:
- Kettle Corn – $.50 off any size
- Camel and Pony Rides – $1.00 off
- Buy one, get one free on carrots to feed the animals
Build-A-Bear™ Plush Animal
Bring Me Home… For a donation of $17 of more
Continue adding to your collection of Build-A-Bear Plush Animals
Special Events & Activities
Christmas Eve Mass
Saturday, December 24
5 pm – Livestreamed available at snows.org
8 pm
Christmas Day Mass
Sunday, December 25
9 am – Livestreamed available at snows.org
Way of Lights Run
More Information
Sunday, January 1, 2023
ACTIVITIES
Visitor Center – Remember Face Masks are Required Indoors
Shrine Gift Shop – Open 10 am – 9 pm during Way of Lights
Quilt Raffle
Homemade Queen Size Quilt, created by Patricia Brandmeyer, Albers, IL
Raffle Tickets available at Shrine Gift Shop during Way of Lights
$5 a Chance
Call 618.394.6230 or come in person to purchase your raffle ticket
Drawing on Monday, January 2, 2023
Christmas Trees
12 professionally decorated trees with the Twelve Days of Christmas Theme
Open 12 Noon – 9 pm Daily
Wreath Auction
Bidding in person or by telephone
LEGO® Brick Display
Gateway Lego Users Group is a group of adults who enjoy building with LEGO® brand building blocks.
This group has a huge display planned including their largest city ever. There is something for everyone to look, see and marvel at their creativity.
PLEASE NOTE – The Lego Brick Display will be set up in the Visitor’s Center
Community Performances
Come enjoy the live performances by area bands, choirs, vocalists, dancers, and puppeteers!
Click below to see the performance schedule or to register your group’s appearance.
More information
Shrine Gift Shop
Visit the Shrine Gift Shop for the dated Way of Lights commemorative ornament. Available only in the store.
Wreath Auction
Wreath Designers
November 18 – December 18
Wreaths line the hall in the visitor center
Check out the wreaths online or in person
Bid in person, online or call 618.397.6700
Wreath Auction winners may pick up their wreath beginning Monday, December 19
Wreaths make great gifts
Photos of wreaths will go up November 18
Wreaths may be picked up at the Shrine Gift Shop from 10 am – 9 pm
Shrine Gift Shop is closed Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 and New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2023.
If you want your wreath shipped, please include the shipping charge. Your wreath will be mailed out to you.
Thank you for participating in the Wreath Auction.
All proceeds help to bring the Way of Lights free to the community.
Prior to COVID, there were more than 368,000 people living in the Foodbank’s 26-county service territory (14 in Missouri and 12 in Illinois) in need of food assistance. Mounting job losses, furloughs, and kids being out of school for extended periods of time have caused the number of people going hungry in our community to rise. Many are seeking food assistance for the first time. The Foodbank has distributed 43% more food this year compared to the same time period last year. Since the middle of March, the organization has helped provide more than 26 million meals.
Join us in helping serve those in need this holiday season.
Drop off your canned goods in the collection barrels at the Shrine Visitors Center.
Church Parking Lot
Live Animals
Camel, Donkey & Pony rides, Petting Zoo
$8 for Camel Rides
Refreshments
Kettle Corn – Hot Chocolate
Carriage Rides
Sunday – Friday – (No Saturdays) 6 person carriage ride – $65
10 person carriage ride – $100
by St. Louis Carriage Company, call 314-621-3334 for reservations
Directions
Directions to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
442 S. DeMazenod Dr., Belleville, IL 62223
(Located on IL State Highway 15 east)
Get Directions
