Light Up the Season with Chicagoland’s Top Tree Lightings

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year by heading to these 2024 tree lightings with your family in Chicagoland.

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

Tree lighting ceremony with fireworks at Millennium Park in Chicago
Photo courtesy of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

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

Tree Lighting at Wilder Park
Photo credit: Elmhurst Park District

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.


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Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one and Chicago Parent's Content Writer. She tracks down the best events every week and shares the inside scoop with families online. She enjoys reading, traveling and exploring new places with her son.
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