Nothing says holidays like the glow of twinkling light displays!
From curated attraction exhibits to drive thru light shows and neighborhoods that go all out for the season, here are some of our favorites around the Skokie area.
Kohlights: A Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular! at Kohl Children’s Museum
Nov. 24-26; Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 2023
- Address: 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
- Cost: $37/non-members, $22/members, free/under 12 months
The only area holiday light experience designed exclusively for young children, this immersive experience allows kids to interact with light and color as they explore hues and patterns. New this year, admission includes access to all indoor exhibits as well.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Nov. 10, 2023-Jan 7, 2024
- Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
- Cost: $30-$34/adults, $17-$19/ages 3-12, free/2 and under
This enchanting, after-dark illuminated trail offers an engaging way to experience nature from a 360-degree perspective. The captivating installations along the trail draw the visitor’s attention to look up and around. This year, guests can bask in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights in favorites like the Winter Cathedral and a reimagined fire garden.
Sauganash Neighborhood Lights
December 2023
- Address: Devon Avenue (just West of the Edens Expressway) in Sauganash, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Crank up the holiday tunes and take a drive through the far northwest corner of the city, where the whole family will “ooohh” and “ahhhh” at dozens of houses decked out in twinkling lights – both for Christmas and Hanukkah! A must-see is the Noonen family Christmas tree (6601 N. LeRoy Ave.) that stands three stories high and goes through the roof of the house. Other houses feature everything from a tree house with Santa’s workshop inside to a large model train set running across all front windows.
The Home Alone House
December 2023
- Address: 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka
- Cost: Free
Fans of the original Home Alone movie will love standing in front of the iconic McCallister home. Knowing this is a top spot for photos, the family that lives there decorates the windows, door and greenery outside of the house with lights reminiscent of the classic movie.
Willow Hill Lights
Nov. 17, 2023-Jan. 6, 2024
- Address: 1350 Willow Road, Northbrook
- Cost: $40/car
This drive through event at Willow Hill Golf Course features a 1.6-mile route with more than one million lights, three drive thru tunnels and a 30-foot Christmas tree. Other highlights include the abominable snowman, Rudolph and his reindeer pals.
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