06/24/2026
Jacksonville Festival of Lights moves to Downtown
The Morgan County Fairgrounds has been home to the Jacksonville Festival of Lights for the past 3 Christmas seasons. We appreciate their partnership and support. After consideration of current conditions and in the interest of making this more affordable we are moving this popular experience to beautiful downtown Jacksonville. The Festival of Lights has been funded in the past through a combination of support of sponsors as well as admission fees. With the relocation, the Jacksonville Festival of Lights will be able to provide this holiday experience at no charge to the public. Viewers will be able to walk thru or drive around the display November 27 - December 31. Through the generous support of our sponsors, the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Main Street, we can provide this amazing experience at no cost to the public.
Sarah Shellhammer, president of the nonprofit Jacksonville Festival of Lights, said "We truly appreciate the Morgan County Fair Board for helping create this amazing event. By rightsizing and relocating the display, we are able to continue spreading the spirit of the holiday season."
Mayor Andy Ezard said “The City is excited to have the Festival of Lights moving downtown. They will certainly enhance to the ambiance, glow and magic of the Christmas season around the square. I believe our businesses will also benefit as well with the extra traffic it will bring and will create a fun destination within our regional area.”
