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Festival of Lights opens Monday, November 27

by Melanie Jongsma
Festival of Lights
The Lansing Historical Society’s 2017 “Festival of Lights” opens November 27.

LANSING, Ill. (November 1, 2017) – The Lansing Historical Museum’s “Festival of Lights” has become a Christmas-season tradition in Lansing, Illinois. Opening November 27 and running through January 6, 2018, the exhibit will include 30 Christmas trees from around the world, along with displays, costumes, nativity scenes, Santas, recipes, and explanations of holiday customs observed by a variety of cultures.

Festival of Lights began in 1981 with nine trees, the idea of Lansing Historical Society member Donna Galanis, who displayed Christmas trees representing the heritage of Lansing’s residents. By 2016 Festival of Lights had grown to 37 displays representing 25 countries. “As Lansing’s diversity grew, so did our display!” said Barb Dust of the Lansing Historical Society.

Dust says that visitors can choose to enjoy the overall ambience created by the thousands of twinkling lights, or focus on the details by examining individual ornaments and reading about the unique ways each country celebrates Christmas.

Festival of Lights
Visitors can examine individual ornaments and read about the unique ways each country celebrates Christmas.

Children are invited to make an ornament and add it to the Children’s Tree at the museum. Families are invited to visit and learn about holiday customs by playing the “Holiday Treasure Hunt Game.”

The Festival of Lights is open during the following hours:

  • Mondays and Tuesdays, 6:00–8:00pm
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:00–5:00pm
  • Saturdays, 10:00am–1:00pm
  • Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Years’ Day

Tours can be arranged at other times by calling 708-474-7497.

The Lansing Historical Museum is located in the lower level of the Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Avenue in Lansing, Illinois. Admission is free.

Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.