Take a Journey Through Christmas Wonderland in Alton

Grandpa Gang again creates holiday magic

     It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Alton’s Rock Spring Park as the annual Christmas Wonderland light display prepares to open for the season on Friday, Nov. 29.

hristmas Wonderland will be open nightly Nov. 29 through Dec. 27. The park is located at 2100 College Ave, in Alton. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Over the last three months, the Grandpa Gang, a group of retired volunteers, has been busy hanging lights and counting down to the opening day of Christmas Wonderland. More than 4 million lights will twinkle against the beautiful backdrop of Rock Spring Park, lighting the way toward another illuminating holiday season.

Returning this year to Christmas Wonderland will be the annual walk-through event set for Monday, Dec. 2. People are allowed to walk through the park during the evening to enjoy the lights. Admission for the walk through is $1 per person. The popular Enchanted Forest will also be open this year for visitors. Holiday trees are decorated by community organizations, schools and scout groups. Visitors to the park vote on their favorite and the organization’s tree with the most votes receives a cash prize. Santa’s Village will also be open and visitors are encouraged to take photos with Jolly Ol’ St. Nick himself, Santa Claus.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people to Christmas Wonderland again this year,” said head Grandpa Dick Alford. “The Grandpa Gang has worked hard to prepare the park and I think people are going to enjoy the experience.”

TThe Grandpa Gang, organizes and designs the Christmas spectacular of cascading lights, tunnels and displays known as Christmas Wonderland. Each evening, the park sparkles against the night sky with millions of glistening lights, all hung by volunteers and the “gang.” Christmas Wonderland warms the hearts and helps families and friends capture the holiday spirit. Each year, the Grandpa Gang takes time to give back to the community with a portion of the attraction’s seasonal revenue donated to local charities. In 2024, the Grandpa Gang awarded over 53 grants to local organizations, totaling nearly $65,000.

Every night visitors can turn off their car headlights and let the holiday displays carry them through the magical scene of Christmas Wonderland. Returning light displays include Disney’s Frozen, an updated Snoopy display and the 12 Days of Christmas. Even a few of Alton’s historical figures visit, including displays of Robert Wadlow, the World’s Tallest Man, placing the star on the Christmas tree and the legendary Piasa Bird carrying a bag of gifts for the kids are featured.

Admission to Christmas Wonderland is a suggested donation of $10 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people

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