From light shows to Santa sightings, this holiday season is filled with so many fun and exciting experiences that are perfect for the whole family. Below are just some of the holiday events and activities taking place this winter around the western suburbs.

The Naper Lights | Naperville

The Naper Lights are located in downtown Naperville throughout the Water Street District and along the Riverwalk. You will see a combination of holiday displays and music that will bring everyone holiday cheer during the holiday season. The Naper Lights will take place every day starting at dusk, Thanksgiving through the New Year.

Admission is free. Donations are accepted.

Nights of Lights | Wheaton

Merry and bright, let’s light up the night! The Downtown Wheaton Association and City of Wheaton present Nights of Lights. This spectacular holiday lighting event will take place from November 20th through January 10th in Adams Park in downtown Wheaton. The lights will be on from dusk until 10:00PM.

Admission is free.

Holiday Magic – Brookfield Zoo | Brookfield

Chicagoland’s largest and longest-running lights festival features over a million twinkling LED lights! Some of the dazzling light displays include a 600-foot-long tunnel featuring thousands of colored lights synchronized to music, and larger-than-life LED animal sculptures of a bison, bear, and a giraffe. You can also enjoy playing the Game of Gnomes! There are 24 whimsical and enchanting themed gnomes located throughout the park that are waiting for you to find them. Don’t forget to indulge in the festive food and beverages. They have funnel cakes, cinnamon sugar pretzels, hot chocolate, and more!

Holiday Magic dates include: Wednesday through Sunday, December 2-6, 9-13, & 16-20; Saturday through Thursday, December 26-31. Hours are from 3:00PM to 9:00PM. Advance admission and parking tickets are required.

Christmas Walk | Geneva

Baby, it’s cold outside, but Christmas is in the air at the Christmas Walk in Geneva! Each weekend features something joyful related to the holidays. The first weekend focuses on traditions old and new with a festive light show, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, an appearance by Santa, and complimentary carriage rides. The second weekend will focus on music with carolers, musicians, and holiday dancers strolling through Geneva. The third and final weekend brings a cocoa crawl. The carriage rides, light show, and Santa appearances will be available all 3 weekends!

Christmas Walk weekends will be December 4-6, December 12-13, and December 19-20. Due to COVID-19 and changing regulations, some of these events may be canceled.

Holiday Lights Show – The Promenade | Bolingbrook

Holiday lights shine bright at The Promenade in Bolingbrook! Watch in awe as the music plays and the 250,000 LED lights dance around the 60-foot holiday tree. Experience the joy of the season with three songs playing each hour.

The Holiday Light Shows take place from November 8th through December 31st at the hours of 5PM, 6PM, 7PM, 8PM, and 9PM.

Mistletoe Market | Burr Ridge

Find the perfect holiday gift at the Mistletoe Market! This one-day, indoor holiday market has everything including delicious food items, beauty products, clothing, and jewelry. The market is held inside two former store locations at the Burr Ridge Village Center and each location will offer a variety of vendors.

The event takes place on December 12th from 9AM to 7PM. No admission fee, but only a limited number of people will be allowed in.

Holiday Lights Make Spirits Bright | Aurora

Tis the season of holiday lights galore! Enjoy miles of sparkling light displays in the comfort of your own car. The various light displays include Aurora’s Festival of Lights at Phillips Park, Holiday Lights at Mooseheart, Lehnertz Ave. Christmas Display, and Holiday Lights at Rich Harvest Farms. Grab the family and enjoy a nice drive this holiday season!

• Aurora Festival of Lights takes place Friday, November 27th through Sunday, December 27th. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 5PM to 9PM, and Friday/Saturday 5PM to 10PM.
• Mooseheart Holiday Lights take place Friday, November 27th through Thursday, December 31st. Suggested donation is $20 per car.
• Lehnertz Ave. Christmas Display will open with a blessing on Sunday, December 13th and be lit from 5PM to 10PM every evening until Saturday, January 2nd.
• Holiday Lights at Rich Harvest Farms takes place from November 25th to December 31st.

Abbey Farms: Winter Cheer and Christmas Joy – Precut & U-Cut Christmas Trees | Aurora

Celebrate winter cheer at the farm! Abbey Farms Winter Cheer and Christmas Joy offers u-cut Christmas trees and precut Christmas trees. It’s always fun to pick out the perfect tree with your family. Enjoy a bite to eat from the Pine Tree Café & Bar. Some of their delicious items include Grandma’s Homemade Beef Chili, German Bratwurst, and Homemade Extra Cheese Mac N Cheese. They also have wreaths and garland available for purchase! Don’t forget to make one final stop at Nagel Farmstead Emporium & Bakery and look for some last-minute, one-of-a-kind goodies and gifts that cannot be found anywhere else.

Abbey Farms Winter Cheer & Christmas Joy takes place from November 21st through December 23rd. Due to unprecedented early demands, they are limiting U-Cut tree cutting to trees sized from 5’ to 7’ only. You MUST have a reservation to purchase any tree with them this year.

Sonny Acres Farm: Holiday Fun at the Farm | West Chicago

Jingle all the way to Sonny Acres Farm this holiday season! Enjoy the outdoor holiday music and lights with the family or take an unforgettable, horse-drawn carriage ride. They also have fresh, fragrant trees and wreaths available for purchase. Find the perfect gift at their amazing holiday store that offers ornaments, sweets, gifts and so much more. Don’t forget to have a safe, socially-distant visit with Santa before you leave!

Farm hours: Monday through Thursday from 11AM to 7PM; Friday from 11AM to 9PM; Saturday from 9AM to 9PM; and Sunday from 9AM to 7PM.

Even though this holiday season is going to be a bit different this year, all the peace, joy, and love is still as strong as ever! We hope each and every one of you has an amazing and safe holiday!