ENJOY THESE HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS THROUGHOUT THE WESTERN SUBURBS & BEYOND
'Tis the season for festive unique light displays that will sparkle and twinkle all season long. From illuminated walking paths to mesmerizing rows and rows of trees, there are many lighting events happening throughout the Chicagoland area–including award-winning displays that are close to home. Get your twinkle on this holiday season and plan a night to take in the lights!
Naper Lights Downtown Naperville
Naperville, Illinois
Enjoy this free dazzling display of holiday lights and sound as you stroll down Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and the Riverwalk in Downtown Naperville! This our gift to the community from the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. Visit Naper Lights to get your 3D Viewing glasses! Donations Are Welcome! Live Santa by the big tree November 24, 25, 26 and Dec 23rd. 5:30-8:30 pm
The Believe House
Naperville, Illinois
This beautiful display is a local favorite. This home's unique display is static, meaning you will not find many moving parts nor "dancing lights" to music. It is unique and beautiful and traditional....and that is why some many love it! When you visit, you will find a bit of magic, along with a twist of nostalgia for kids of all ages. While a static display is very traditional and reminiscent of Christmas past... this family mixes in many modern elements and bright LED lights! You'll find your favorite characters here from 1960-70's television holiday special programing classics alongside the world's biggest Elf on the Shelf. On display Thanksgiving thru New Year's Eve, Nightly, 4:30-10:30pm, Over-night on Christmas Eve, 630 Vicksburg Court, Naperville. You will also find a complete map at this website that include many more beautiful lighting displays in Naperville.
Festival of Lights at Cosley Zoo
Wheaton, Illinois
November 24th through December 31st marks the time Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate, and a unique assortment of holiday gifts in the Wild Side Gift Shop. All proceeds from this event benefit Cosley Zoo.
Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival at Sonny Acres
West Chicago, Illinois
Get ready for the most dazzling spectacle of the season at Sonny Acres Farm – the Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival! Immerse yourself in a million sparkling lights and get out for an experience that's bound to light up your holiday season! This all-new suburban light show is beyond compare and a must-see event for the entire family. Stop in, stroll the sparkly farm trail, experience the radiant lights synchronized to everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. Please check the winter hours before heading to the farm.
Festival of Lights at Phillips Park Zoo
Aurora, Illinois
One of the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light displays in Northern Illinois, the Aurora Festival of Lights, returns for its twelfth year in 2018 with even more dazzling displays that will delight both adults and children. Presented in partnership between the Rotary Club of Aurora and the City of Aurora, this signature winter event is a drive through of more than a mile of 400 festive holiday light displays. Enjoy Santa’s Toy Factory, Old Man Winter, elves and reindeer, holiday trains, gigantic snowflakes, beautiful lighted swags on the fence line surrounding the zoo and other seasonal favorites. Staged at Aurora's gem, Phillips Park, the festival will be open from 5-9pm Sun-Thurs & 5-10pm Fri-Sat, from the day after Thanksgiving to the day after Christmas. Santa will be at the Visitors Center on selected dates and times. Free: donations encouraged. The festival will be open from November 24th through December 26th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, Illinois
LISLE–See trees in a different light this holiday season during the 11th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, running through Saturday, Jan. 6, in Lisle, Illinois. Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic tree collections while immersed in a spectacle of color, light, and sound. Visit with family and friends to stroll a new 1-mile ADA-accessible paved path while listening to curated seasonal music and enjoying four new light displays and returning favorites. Warm up beside a crackling fire while roasting marshmallows for s’mores or enjoy a hot seasonal beverage or libation from the concession tents along the trail. The exhibition is closed select Mondays and on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Illumination is generously sponsored by Invesco QQQ, ComEd, and Duly Health and Care.
Taylor "Swiftmas" House
Naperville, Illinois
It's no lie that Taylor Swift is everywhere, including, in the local news ever since a Naperville family put its own spin on the holiday season by decking their home with all things Taylor Swift for the holiday season. If so, head over to the Scott household located near Atlas and Tupelo, to see the unique suburban light display for yourself. It's true magic! Are you ready for it?
Lightscape at Chicago Botannical Garden
Glencoe, Illinois
This acclaimed holiday event returns, with a new path and new light-filled installations created just for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Explore the whimsy of nature in winter through music, light, fire, and color. Featured artistic works will include favorites such as the luminous Winter Cathedral and a reimagined fire garden. Celebrate outside with friends and family at Lightscape, the brightest spot for holiday cheer.
Christmas at Cantigny
Wheaton, Illinois
WHEATON-Visitors to the inaugural “Christmas at Cantigny” celebration will experience dazzling light installations throughout the gardens and grounds of the 500-acre Wheaton estate, the former home of Robert R. McCormick. In addition, the newly renovated McCormick House, lavishly decorated for the holidays, will be open to the public for the first time since 2019. Watch for exciting “pop up” attractions and activities during the festival, including photos with Santa and caroling groups. A temporary ice-skating rink outside the Visitors Center will stay open all winter. Christmas at Cantigny opens on Friday, December 1. For hours, ticketing and other information, visit online.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Chicago, Illinois
Navy Pier is excited to present a reimagined Light Up The Lake, the largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago! Join us for a winter celebration that promises to illuminate Chicago’s top lakefront destination from November 24th to December 31st. Explore the Pier’s dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays. Experience the joy of outdoor ice skating with a breathtaking backdrop of Lake Michigan. Cozy up with loved ones and roast smores by the toasty firepits. Ignite your creativity at our holiday workshops. Discover one-of-kind finds with our local artisan markets. Experience the thrills of axe throwing. Enjoy live music every weekend from local performers. Take a ride on the heated Centennial Ferris Wheel. Create cherished memories with family and friends at our award-winning fireworks on Saturdays. It’s the perfect balance of free and ticketed activities for guests of all ages to embrace the holiday season!
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Chicago, Illinois
This year’s ZooLights features a dazzling array of new and modern LED light displays that offer an exciting update to this classic event. Guests will be immersed in ethereal and interactive elements across the zoo. Also on view is a never-before-seen garden-themed light show on the zoo’s South Lawn. Visitors will encounter festive photo ops as they wander through the zoo, plus costumed characters and traditional Victorian carolers will be travelling around on select nights. The Pepper Family Wildlife Center will transform into the North Pole, hosting visits with Santa alongside the zoo’s holiday tree and festive décor. Returning this year is the twinkling Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ, the towering Ferris Wheel providing stunning views of ZooLights from above, live ice carvers masterfully crafting showstopping carvings and the expansive light tunnel on the Main Mall. ZooLights runs from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 4:30 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 22), and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31). ZooLights opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 and closes after Jan.7, 2024. ZooLights will not be open Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field
Rosemont, Illinois
Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont is the premier holiday destination for families this winter. Guests can immerse themselves in millions of sparkling lights as they stroll through illuminated villages with custom holiday features. While visiting Sparkle Light Festival, guests can take a ride on the 2-story ice slide, enjoy free train rides, and celebrate the holidays with a menu of festive food and beverages. Sparkle Light Festival also offers interactive children’s activities, letters to Santa and more.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield, Illinois
Now in their 42nd year, Brookfield Zoo is Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights throughout the Zoo. Enjoy two million twinkling lights, immersive displays, live entertainment, and Santa Claus! Interactive Displays and Lights:
•Holiday Magic Photo Ops: Giant Animals, Tunnel Light Show, Walkthrough Displays & so much more!
•Dance Party at Polar Plaza
•Letters to Santa and AnimalsEntertainment from 5-8 p.m.
•North Pole at The Pavilions featuring:
-Those Funny Little People
-Juggling Elves
•Pictures with Santa (through December 23)
•Roaming Carolers
•Ice Carving at the Nature StagePlus Our Attractions
•Elf Power Virtual Reality Experiences* (open weather permitting)
•Carousel* (open weather permitting)
Send Your Holiday Light Display Press Release to
