There’s something warm about a community coming together in the cold, hot chocolates in hand, holiday music twinkling, waiting for the “oohs” and “aahs” as the city or village tree is lit. If you’re thinking, “Where is a tree lighting near me,” we’ve got you covered.
Kick off the holiday season with these exciting tree light ceremonies in Chicago and the suburbs.
This article was recently updated Nov. 1, 2024, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding tree lighting events to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best tree lightings in Chicagoland. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Santa Arrival Party and Tree Arrival at Orland Square
Nov. 8, 2024
- Address: 288 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park
See Santa Claus arrive at Orland Square by fire truck to light up the 30-foot tree outside. Also, carolers, live reindeer, a hot chocolate truck and more.
Light The Tree With Santa at North Riverside Park Mall
Nov. 17, 2024
- Address: 7501 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside
Families can join North Riverside Park Mall for the lighting of the tree with Santa to kick off the holiday season. Also, carolers, a dance party and other festivities.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting in Millennium Park
Nov. 22, 2024
- Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
See Millennium Park’s epic Christmas tree lit up for the first time of the season at this holiday event. It will remain on display until the beginning of the new year.
Wild Lights in Downtown Aurora
Nov. 22, 2024
- Address: Downtown Aurora
See the winter lights in downtown Aurora, along with a tree lighting and a drone show. There will also be a Christmas parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food vendors, roaming costumed characters, musical entertainment and more.
Light Up the Park in Rosemont in Parkway Bank Park
Nov. 23, 2024
- Address: 5501 Park Place, Rosemont
This annual tree lighting also features free horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice sculptors, ice skating, carolers and more.
Light Up The Holidays Festival & Parade in Downtown Joliet
Nov. 29, 2024
- Address: Downtown Joliet
Enjoy downtown Joliet’s annual tree lighting and North Pole Christmas Market.
Tree Lighting in Wilder Park
Dec. 5, 2024
- Address: 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
Join the Elmhurst Park District as they kick off the holiday season in Wilder Park and light community trees that surround the park. Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy holiday festivities.
Geneva’s Great Tree Lighting and Christmas Walk in Downtown Geneva
Dec. 6, 2024
- Address: 113 S. Third St., Geneva
The Christmas Walk begins at 6 p.m. Santa will arrive and the tree will be lit between 6-6:30 p.m. There will also be a live nativity, strolling carolers, roasted chestnuts and more.
Holiday Lights in Downtown Homewood
Dec. 6, 2024
- Address: Martin Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood
Throughout downtown Homewood, see costumed characters such as Elsa, Anna, and Elf. Also, Santa will flip the switch for the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
