May 1, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Willowdale Winter Wonderland to open tonight

The Willowdale subdivision north of St. Joseph has created a winter wonderland.


Resident Lacey Smith organized the multi-night event which features more than 20 homes decorated in Christmas lights.

The event starts Dec. 10.


“I love Christmas,” she said. “And we have a fantastic neighborhood.”


When Smith moved to Willowdale in 2015, she heard the neighborhood used to decorate for Christmas quite a bit.


“The idea just popped in my head that one day I would like to organize this for the community,” she said. “In the fall of 2019 we had some neighbors over for a bonfire and I casually brought the idea up. Everyone was interested and plans began to form for Willowdale Winter Wonderland.”


Smith said the event has brought the neighborhood together.

“It’s been a fun way to connect as a neighborhood-planning out what lights we want to put out and comparing ideas,” she said.


The subdivision includes everything from a lighted kickball field to lots of Santas and Snowmen.


“It looks really cool,” Smith said. “You can feel the excitement in the air among the neighbors. As we’ve been decorating, lots of people have been out walking and checking out one another’s displays, it’s been really fun to do this together as a neighborhood.”


Smith said many in the neighborhood are making plans for how they want to change their displays next year.

“Many of us are making plans for how we want to make this bigger and better next year,” she said. “We plan to hit up the after Christmas sales for more decorations, that’s for sure.”

The decorations will be on through Jan. 1.

Banner
Related Posts

Weekend family fun guide for March 15-17

March 14, 2019

March 14, 2019

This weekend is jam packed with fun things to do with the family. March 15 The Savoy 16, located at...

SJO to host event for seniors

April 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

The administration at St. Joseph-Ogden High School wants to give their seniors some sense of normalcy.   “The decision to have...

Employees help co-worker during time of need

February 8, 2021

February 8, 2021

The staff at the St. Joseph Subway wanted to help April Patton. Manager Adam Porter said his co-worker said she...

Wheelhouse steps up to help community

August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020

Abbie Layden-Rogiers and her husband Ryan Rogiers have always wanted to help the community. The owners of The Wheelhouse in...

Vendor profile: Tupperware with Aubree

August 8, 2024

August 8, 2024

1. Tell me about your business. Tupperware has been around for 79 years and is known for the bowls, kitchen...

Christmas in St. Joseph events kick off this week

November 28, 2022

November 28, 2022

A young girl’s wish for a community Christmas tree started a town-wide holiday extravaganza that will kick off on Dec....

Festival committee cancels many events

June 15, 2020

June 15, 2020

The St. Joseph Community Festival will look a little different this year. Due to COVID-19, the three day festival is...

St. Joseph 2024 fall garage sale listings

September 11, 2024

September 11, 2024

Sales are Sept. 12-14 26.604 SherwoodFriday 8:30-5Saturday 8-noonkid clothes, women’s clothes, men’s tall clothes, home decor, and more!

Rides available to fish fry

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

The mayor and some local residents are hoping more seniors can attend the St. Joseph Community Festival held Thursday, Friday...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Dec. 13, 2022

December 13, 2022

December 13, 2022

I am late because Sawyer had a Christmas Concert. #rudolphtherednosedreindeer #sparkles Discussing donating to the proposed project from last meeting...

Around Town April 30-May 4

April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

April 30-May 23 Spring Used Book Sale St Joseph Township Library, 201 N 3rd St, St Joseph, IL 61873 The...

Weekend family fun guide-May 3-5

May 2, 2019

May 2, 2019

May 3Homer Community Sales and Vendor MarketFriday 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sales located at 204 N. Church,...

Bracelets honoring Booker bring attention to Scott’s Law

April 5, 2022

April 5, 2022

Vickie Reese is hoping a bracelet will help people remember to move over when they see flashing lights. Reese, the...

4 questions with C and C’S Pretties

August 11, 2023

August 11, 2023

What do you sell?What I sell is Hairbows, dish scrubbies, badge reels scrunched, and beaded pens and soon will offer...

Allen reflects on Addams Family performance

April 6, 2022

April 6, 2022

Logan Allen loved performing with his friends. Allen played Lucas in the Addams Family which the St. Joseph-Ogden Drama Department...

Comments
Leave a Reply