ZooLights
Strands of lights evoke something purely wonderful — and add the much-needed ‘bright’ to ‘merry and bright.’ Here are some of Chicagoland’s favorite ways to indulge in joy while making lasting memories as a family.
City
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
When: Through Jan. 5
Where: Museum of Science & Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Cost: Free with admission
The Museum of Science & Industry’s fantastic holiday exhibits feature more than 50 trees, representing countries, cultures and Christmas and non-Christmas traditions around the globe. Other draws to this must-see exhibit include “snow” falling every half an hour on the Museum’s Main Floor, Santa visits and performances from local cultural groups.
ZooLights
When: Nov. 29-Jan. 5 (Select days: Check website for exact dates)
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
Cost: Free
This should be a staple on your family’s holiday to-do list every year. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo is the best free outing you could ask for with more than two million lights illuminating the zoo sky and holiday cheer everywhere you turn.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
North/Northwest Suburbs
Lightscape
When: Through Jan. 5
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Cost: $20-25 adults, $10-13 kids, children under 3 are free
New this year, Chicago Botanic Garden marvels visitors with its very own holiday light display. Stroll through the mile-long path with your family to see colorful lights and a choir of singing trees. Enter our giveaway for a chance to win tickets (giveaway ends on 12/1)!
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
When: Through. Dec. 31
Where: Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
Cost: Free with admission
Six Flags is still open! Stop by for Holiday in the Park to get a taste of the season while riding some coasters. The park decks out for the holidays with lights, sounds and more. Families can try festive treats, send letters to Santa and see some incredible new holiday shows.
Rikard Osterlund
Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape for the Holiday Season
Lightscape
South Suburbs
Festival of Lights at Promenade Bolingbrook
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook
Cost: Free
See more than 250,000 lights twinkle to different holiday songs at Promenade Bolingbrook. The lights show will play nightly on the hour from 5-9 p.m. Take a photo near the 60-foot Christmas tree while you're there!
PeteyVille
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 31
Where: 3033 Crane Place, Hammond, Ind.
Cost: Free
If you're spending the holidays in Indiana, make a quick stop at PeteyVille in Hammond. One house goes all out with a winter wonderland. You'll want to get out of the car to see this display because there are so many lights and inflatables showing off the holiday spirit.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Western Suburbs
Illumination: Tree Lights
When: Through Jan. 5
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Cost: $13-$23 adults, $7-$15 children
Quickly becoming a must-do family tradition, Illumination: Tree Lights, that beautiful brilliance of colored lights in the trees, is back at Morton Arboretum. Walk the one-mile path to see the trees light up with colors and cool effects to impress the entire family. Afterwards, warm up with a cozy drink next to a bonfire and roast some marshmallows for s'mores.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
When: Nov. 30-Dec. 31
Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield
Cost: Free with admission
Brookfield Zoo has been running its lights festival for 38 years now! See more than a million twinkling lights, skate along the ice rink and experience other fun holiday activities. Through Dec. 22, stop by and take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Seven Seas Underwater Viewing.
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