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The wonder of Christmas always needs to be seen thru the eyes of a child. There's Santa, snow, lighted trees (with presents ), snow people, Christmas mice, the Grinch, Santa's Elves and lots and lots of lights everywhere. There's ornaments to make, cookies have been baked, photos to take (with Santa). Trains to ride in, paint your face; Mom & Dad, Grandparents too, all gather together for the beautiful view. 
Where does all this happen? Well, right here in Du Quoin, of course, on the grounds of our beautiful Du Quoin State Fairground acreage.
Over 1 million lights in a 2.5 mile drive-thru, with 30 major exhibits of over $300,000 in displays. Every year it takes 20 miles of extension cords, 500 rolls of electrical tape, 15 tourism members, 4 contract workers, 85 volunteers
and 255 hours of time to create the best " Holiday Lights Fair " you'll ever enjoy.
You'll drive thru ( on any night between Thanksgiving and New Years ) a wonderland of lights and on the weekends EXPO HALL opens, Santa arrives, and the fun, excitement, and wonder of lights shine brightly. All of this holiday excitement begins in November the day after Thanksgiving and continues until December 30th. On the first full three weekends in December EXPO HALL becomes a lighted wonderland of its own, featuring musical entertainment from all over Southern Illinois, 39 vendors who can provide a variety of bake goods, crafts for that last minute purchase, that one of kind something or stocking stuffer, free train rides for the children, face painting, food, food, food and oh yes, Santa!  Children can visit with Santa and give him those last minute updates on their lists and Mom & Dad can get that special photo with Santa for their holiday cards. The children say that our Santa is the real one. You'll need to see for yourself. EXPO HALL is also where the children from schools, clubs, and churches decorate their own Christmas trees with their feelings of the season. In 2011 there were 23 trees decorated by children. There is also a clubs and organizations competition for the best themed Christmas tree. So much atmosphere and excitement that you can't help getting in the mood for the season.
Carriage rides are also available from John's Pass Carriage Service. Please call 1-618-410-6996 for reservations.
 Admission:
Pay at the gate
Family vehicles $8.00 per car
Commercial carriers, tour buses - $1.00 per person
No reservations are needed for vehicles, vans or buses
Times:
Drive Thru: 5:30pm - 9:30pm each weekday
Expo Hall: 6:00pm - 9:00pm (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday )
2012 Expo Hall Dates: Dec. 7, 8, & 9th
Dec. 14,15, & 16th
Dec. 21, 22, & 23rd
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