Where to See Holiday Lights in Chicagoland

Light up your holiday spirit with all that's merry and bright.

It’s finally that time of the year again! Set a merry mood with friends and family this holiday season by taking in the dazzling lights illuminated across Chicagoland. Whether seeing lights is a holiday tradition or creation of new memories, here are the best twinkling, multi-color attractions that’ll meet your eye.

Chicago

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at Museum of Science and Industry

Nov. 16, 2022-Jan. 4, 2023

This Chicago tradition began in 1942 with a single tree. Now the museum features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by more than 50 other trees and displays. Each surrounding tree is decorated to represent holiday traditions in other cultures around the world.

City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park

Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023

See Millennium Park’s epic Christmas tree lit up. It will remain on display until the beginning of the new year.

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Nov. 19, 2022

The annual festival happens a week before Thanksgiving. Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World illuminate more than one million lights on more than 200 trees along the route. Plus, enjoy numerous free family-friendly activities.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Nov. 19, 2022-Jan 8, 2023

Enjoy a twinkling winter wonderland complete with festive activities, such as visits with Santa, a holiday pop-up bar, sweet treats of all kinds and more.

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier

Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023

See Chicagoland’s largest indoor lighting experience. It features interactive light displays, birch tree maze, skating rink, visits with Santa and more.

Sensory-Friendly Night ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Nov. 29, 2022

During this sensory-friendly event, all blinking or moving lights will be slowed down, remain static, or turned off. Also, the music will be turned down or off.

North/Northwest Suburbs

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Nov. 11, 2022-Jan 8, 2023

See thousands of twinkling lights while walking through the Winter Cathedral and a reimagined fire garden.

Let it Shine Drive-Thru Light Show

Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023

Let It Shine returns this holiday season with two locations in Illinois. Guests are invited to stay in their cars and immerse themselves in a wonderland of light displays that are synchronized to holiday classics.

Santa’s Rock n Lights – Drive Thru Light Show at Lake County Fairgrounds

Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023

Enjoy more than 1,000 feet of dancing light tunnels, three larger-than-life 3D polar bears, 3D dinosaurs and hundreds of thousands of lights dancing to music for about a mile or more. 

Willow Hill Lights at Willow Hill Golf Course

Nov. 19, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023

This drive thru holiday lights show will feature a 1.6-mile route with more than one million lights, three drive through tunnels and a 30-foot Christmas tree.

Kohlights: A Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular! at Kohl Children’s Museum

Nov. 25- Dec. 17-23, 26-29. 2022

Kids can take control over the light display at different activity stations along the way at this holiday event.

South Suburbs

Amaze Light Festival at Odyssey Fun World

Dec. 24, 26-31, 2022, Jan. 1, 5, 6-7, 2023

Guests of all ages can enjoy an all-immersive storybook experience highlighting its five-themed worlds of displays and activities. There will be 3D lighted decor and photo opportunities around every corner. Make sure to visit the holiday market and then stop in and grab a treat at Sparky’s Sweet Spot.

Sparkle Light Festival in Rosemont

Nov. 23, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023

Visitors can enjoy an immersive display of millions of holiday lights amongst outdoor holiday activities including free train rides, winter tubing and themed mazes. A special menu of festive food and beverage options will also be available. 

Western Suburbs

Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum

Nov. 19, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023

Surround yourselves with color while walking on the one-mile paved pathway. Enjoy seasonal music, captivating light designs and roasting s’mores on a fire at this outdoor event. 

Naper Lights in Downtown Naperville

Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 2022

Put on a pair of 3D glasses and enjoy a magical holiday lights celebration, presented by Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Santa will be available to take pictures. Bach to Rock will be providing music on Dec. 17-18.

Winter Lights at Central Park

Nov. 24, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023

Enjoy a half-mile walk to see the holiday lights through Central Park. See inspirational signs, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes and more. 

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights

Nov. 25-Dec. 30, 2022

See twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees and wreaths and greenery at this holiday lighting event. Lights come on at 3 p.m. Also, hot chocolate and holiday gifts are available to purchase in the Wild Side Gift Shop. 

Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo

Nov. 25-27, Dec. 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 26-31, 2022

Celebrating its 41st year, this annual event features more than two million twinkling LED lights. Advanced tickets required.

Holiday Lights in Lilicia Park

Dec. 4-18, 2022

This annual holiday lights display in Lilacia Park features tree decorations, magical light shows, a gingerbread house and more. 


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