The Best Holiday Light Shows in the Chicagoland Area
The Chicagoland area comes alive with twinkling lights, festive displays, and joyful festivities this December. Whether you're wandering through the suburbs or heading to downtown Chicago, the best way to embrace the season's spirit is to experience the stunning holiday light shows that have become beloved traditions. So, get ready to bundle up and explore our list of the best holiday light displays that are a must-visit in Chicagoland!
Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park
Nov 29 - Dec 29
The Aurora Festival of Lights – going on its 18th year now – is the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light display in the region! Every day from 5-9pm, explore the free event featuring enchanting displays and festive music at Philips Park, located at 1000 Ray Moses Drive (Enter via Smith Blvd. at Fifth Ave.)
Guests can experience a mile of breathtaking illuminated displays from the comfort of their vehicles while enjoying holiday music on a dedicated radio station. This event showcases popular attractions like leaping reindeer, ice-skating bears, Old Man Winter, howling wolves, the holiday golfer, Santa’s toy factory, expansive fields of giant snowflakes, and some brand-new displays!
Admission is free, but visitors should register for an entry ticket HERE.
Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park
The Aurora Festival of Lights –the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light display in the region - returns for its 18th year with dazzling displays and merry music that....
Christmas at Cantigny
Nov 29 – Jan 5
Experience the magic of the holidays at Cantigny Park! This historic destination, showcasing its famous military tanks, the iconic McCormick Mansion, and the First Division Museum, transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring bright twinkling lights and new holiday displays.
Visitors can now add a touch of seasonal cheer to their home with Cantigny's exclusive Poinsettia Sale, featuring an impressive selection of 17 unique varieties. Whether you're a history buff, garden enthusiast, or simply looking to brighten your holiday decor, Cantigny offers something special for everyone this winter season! Buy your tickets HERE.
Christmas at Cantigny
Explore a dazzling array of festive fun at Cantigny as you stroll through enchanting light displays, marvel at the towering 28-foot tree, discover the new holiday decor in the McCormick House, and...
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Nov 23 – Jan 4
The Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights returns for its 12th year – which features one of the most luminous and magical light displays in the area. The tree-filled landscape turns into a winter wonderland with twinkly Christmas lights as far as the eye can see. Open Wednesdays through Sundays until January 4th, visitors can enjoy 17 synchronized light displays, complete with a festive music playlist. Warm up with hot chocolate and s'mores by the bonfires or purchase a unique temperature-sensitive ceramic mug. Grab a meal at The Ginkgo Restaurant with an amazing view of the laser light finale on Meadow Lake. Tickets are available to purchase HERE.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Explore the multitude of fairy lights and trees that light up with a hug. New this year, Celebration Circle is an interactive light display in The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden featuring...
Downtown Naperville’s NaperLights
Dec 2 – Jan 1
Naperville's NaperLights holiday display turns Water Street and the Riverwalk into a dazzling holiday landscape! Hosted by the Naperville Sunrise Rotary, this spectacular light display offers visitors a festive experience with numerous photo opportunities, including a Giant Teddy Bear, a vibrant red Santa Throne, and a stunning rainbow arch over Foyo Plaza.
You can start your journey at the Webster Street covered bridge, Main Street, and Webster Street. A unique feature this year is the synchronized light and music experience, with trees and Foyo Plaza illuminations dancing to tunes projected across the DuPage River — creating an immersive drive-through spectacle for those preferring to enjoy the show from their vehicles. You’ll enjoy skating polar bears, sliding penguins, charming carolers, playful snowmen, and even singing trees. The Plaza Fountain comes alive with dancing skaters, and Santa and his reindeer appear to soar through downtown. New this season, an illuminated penguin photo display adds extra charm.
A special event on Sunday, December 8, will feature Santa holding court from 4-7 pm, accompanied by an elf distributing holographic glasses. Guests can enjoy a Glitter Tattoo Artist, Balloon Twister, and complimentary cookies and cocoa while supplies last, making it a magical evening for all. For more information, click HERE.
Downtown Naperville’s NaperLights
The light display, a gift to the community from the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, features 250,000 lights and a growing collection of giant lighted holiday figures including skating polar bears, penguins sliding on an igloo, carolers...
Winter Lights at Central Park in Oak Brook
Nov 24 – Jan 5
Central Park in Oak Brook has a wonderful holiday light experience for you and your family to experience! A captivating half-mile journey awaits visitors, where thousands of sparkling lights transform the landscape into a luminous winter dreamscape. From 4:30-9:30 PM each evening, guests can wander through a magical illuminated path featuring whimsical displays that bring the park to life. Imagine dancing trees swaying in radiant light, rainbow arches painting the darkness, delicate snowflake cascades, mesmerizing twirling icicles, vibrant butterflies, and musical hearts scattered throughout the walkway.
This free community event welcomes everyone to explore the stunning light exhibition, offering a magical winter evening experience for all ages. For more information, click HERE.
Winter Lights at Central Park in Oak Brook
Join friends, family and neighbors at the Main Street Train Station to kick-off the holiday...
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Nov 15 – Jan 5
This stunning holiday lights display transforms Chicago's historic Lincoln Park Zoo into a magnificent winter wonderland. During ZooLights, over three million shimmering lights illuminate the expansive grounds, featuring oversized animal designs and light shows set to holiday music. The celebrations include carolers, live ice carving, or roasting s’mores on an open fire. Be sure to check the calendar for special events such as a sensory-friendly evening, live music, and an Adults Night Out. Tickets are needed, so be sure to plan ahead. Buy your tickets HERE.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Join us in a milestone year for Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition, back with new artistic, interactive displays and programming! ZooLights will feature more than 3 million lights, including hundreds of luminous LED displays...
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Nov. 15 – Jan. 5
Located just outside Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting its popular Lightscape experience for the sixth consecutive year, showcasing both new installations and beloved favorites. This stunning exhibition unfolds along a one-mile path, allowing guests to enjoy captivating light installations crafted by artists from across the globe. Experience a beautiful blend of light, color, sound, and nature as you stroll through the expansive garden grounds. Remember to buy your timed tickets ahead of time HERE.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Embrace the spirit and beauty of the season at Lightscape, setting the Garden aglow with light, music and art. This year’s reimagined trail takes our holiday celebration to new heights...
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Nov. 29 – Jan. 5
Navy Pier's Light Up the Lake winter festival returns with a dazzling array of entertainment. The event transforms Chicago's waterfront into a festive wonderland, offering visitors an immersive experience with outdoor light displays, a thrilling ice slide, and cozy fire pits. Guests can explore holiday artisan markets, enjoy weekend drone and fireworks shows, try axe throwing, and even meet Santa Claus. This vibrant celebration promises excitement and winter fun for all ages. Buy your tickets HERE.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Experience the winter season’s magic as Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier! Stroll through the free dazzling outdoor lights and race down the new exhilarating ice slide...
Whether you're exploring your local suburbs or venturing into the bustling heart of Chicago, these holiday light shows are sure to impress! So, gather your loved ones, bring your coziest attire, and let the spirit of the season shine brightly as you create cherished memories this December!
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