Families looking for a relaxed holiday outing this season can head to Cantigny Park in Wheaton, where Christmas at Cantigny returns Friday, Nov. 21, for its third year of light displays, skating and festive dining experiences.
A family-friendly stroll through lights and history
The event’s main focus is the half-mile light walk that winds through Cantigny’s gardens. The path is ADA and stroller accessible and includes music-synced displays, holiday décor and a 28-foot Christmas tree. Visitors can also tour the first floor of the McCormick House, where hundreds of poinsettias and vintage decorations bring a historic touch.
New for 2025, the park has added more interactive elements and a “Northern Lights” display in the Rose Garden. The route changes slightly each year, so even returning families can expect something different, as described on Cantigny’s official event page.
Theme nights and new soundtracks
This year’s themed light shows include A Wickedly Popular Christmas, which runs Sundays through Saturday, Dec. 14, set to songs from “Wicked” and “The Wizard of Oz.” After the holiday, Lights, Camera, Action! takes over with a Hollywood soundtrack of movie scores and sing-along favorites, according to Cantigny Park.
Tickets, timing and parking
Timed-entry tickets help spread out the crowds, and prices vary by day. Booking ahead can include free parking and small savings. Guests visiting only the ice rink will pay $11 for parking, while light show ticket holders and Cocoa Cabana guests receive free parking.
If plans change, guests may exchange tickets for another date by paying a $5 fee plus any difference in price, with no refund for lower-priced tickets, according to Cantigny’s planning guide.
Ice skating and cocoa by the fire
Next to Le Jardin, the outdoor ice rink gives families another reason to linger. Skating costs $7 per person, with skate rental for $3. Spectators are free. The rink is open from 4-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends.
Nearby, rinkside Cocoa Cabanas can be reserved for small groups. Each one has a fire table, heated seating and a server. The $125 Warm Wishes package includes bottomless cocoa and a food minimum, while the $325 Cocoa Party package adds skating for 10 people, pizzas, soft drinks and mugs to take home. Families planning to go should reserve early since seating is limited, as listed on Cantigny’s Cocoa Cabanas and Ice Rink page.
A quiet space for parents
Inside the McCormick House, the Noël Lounge serves small plates, wine and cocktails in a decorated, second-floor dining room. It’s intended for adults or older kids due to the limited space and prix fixe-style menu. Reservations require a $20-per-person deposit, applied to the bill, based on Cantigny’s Noël Lounge page.
Parents say the splurge is worth it. One TripAdvisor reviewer, Kathy C., wrote that “the cocktails were creative and delicious” and “the crab cakes were a perfect blend of crabmeat and seasoning,” adding that the service was “attentive without being intrusive.” Her group visited twice last season, according to TripAdvisor.
Planning tips for parents
The park doesn’t allow outside food or drinks during Christmas at Cantigny. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. If you want to pair dining with the light show, reserve your Noël Lounge or Cocoa Cabana time first, then select show tickets for the same timeframe. Guests visiting only the rink will need to pay for parking, according to Cantigny’s planning information.
Private events and proposals
For families or companies planning a holiday gathering, Cantigny rents private spaces that include the rink, cabanas or mansion access. Proposal packages include a private lighted area, a bottle of sparkling wine and two Cantigny-branded champagne flutes, according to Cantigny’s Private Holiday Events page.
Updated Nov. 2025
