‘Tis the season for the Naperville area to light up merry and bright in anticipation of the holidays. Gather the family, bundle up, and make holiday memories with a visit to our favorite area light displays.
Aurora Festival of Lights
Nov. 24-Dec. 24, 2023
- Address: 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora
- Cost: Free (visitors must register for an entry ticket)
The Aurora Festival of Lights is the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light display in the region. Visitors will enjoy a mile of spectacular lighted displays from the comfort of the car while listening to holiday songs on a closed-circuit radio station. Crowd-favorite displays include jumping reindeer, ice skating bears, old man winter, howling wolves, the holiday golfer, Santa’s toy factory, and fields of gigantic snowflakes.
Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights
Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 2023 (Select dates)
- Address: 1356 Gary Avenue, Wheaton
- Cost: Free
More than 20,000 lights on buildings, trees, and on animal figurines will add some sparkle to visitors’ trek through the grounds, where the animals will celebrate the season along with zoo guests. On select dates, the lights turn on at 3 p.m., making this the perfect outing for families with littles in tow.
Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum
Through Jan. 6, 2024
- Address: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
- Cost: $19-$24 adults, $13-$16 kids, free/2 and under; member tickets at discounted rate; early bird specials available, too
Journey along a 1-mile paved walking path amid festive music and lighting effects that highlight the beauty of the majestic trees in winter. One of the nation’s most well-known light displays, Illumination brings the trees to life with sparkling-colored lights that come alive with color and seem to grow and change before your eyes. Exciting new features and immersive installations in this festive experience will delight all ages along a new path that is fully ADA compliant for guests with limited mobility.
Naper Lights
Nov. 23, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024
- Address: Water Street in Downtown Naperville
- Cost: Free (donations are welcome)
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 select evenings.
Winter Lights at Central Park
Nov. 23, 2023-Jan. 7, 2024
- Address: 1510 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
- Cost: Free (donations accepted to benefit the Oak Brook Park District Foundation)
Watch Central Park transform into a magical winter wonderland complete with thousands of twinkling lights that illuminate the 1/2-mile paved accessible path. Discover dancing trees, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, dazzling twirling icicles, vibrantly colored butterflies, and musical hearts throughout this scenic walk. Dogs on a leash are welcome, too!
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