20 Places to See the Best Christmas Holiday Lights in and around Chicago
It’s the season to be merry and bright, experience the brightest Christmas lights and customs in Chicago, and celebrate this magical time of year. Here are 20 places to enjoy Christmas lights in the Chicago region.
The Christmas Tree
There is always a magnificent Christmas tree in Millennium Park from Christmas to New Year. The gigantic attraction is crowned with an illuminated star and covered with twinkling lights.
Menorah Lighting in Daley Plaza
There will be live entertainment, holiday donuts, and the official lighting ceremony.
Macy’s On State Street
The imposing space is decorated with numerous elegant holiday decorations and antique chandeliers, with the towering Great Tree as the focal point.
CTA Holiday Train
Santa and his elves are handing out candy to passengers in the “L” train elaborately decorated with lights, bows, and candy-cane stripes.
Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile ushers in the holiday season with a parade and other festive events along Michigan Avenue, arguably the most beautifully decorated street in the city during the holidays.
Aurora Festival of Lights
This holiday wonderland in Phillips Park, through which guests can ride and admire a variety of sparkling scenes, is hosted by the Rotary Club of Aurora.
Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum
A mile-long walk-through LED light show with music, combining new and recurring light shows, is set amid 50 acres of trees.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Indoor holiday lighting displays are available at Navy Pier’s Light Up the Lake. Experience the wonder of interactive light shows, a whimsical skating rink, treks through the birch tree maze, encounters with Santa, and more.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
The ZooLights exhibit at Lincoln Park Zoo includes hundreds of brilliant LED displays and Christmas-themed activities.
Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic
The largest and longest-running light festival in Chicagoland, Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic features over two million LED sparklers.
Sparkle Light Festival
Visitors will be greeted by five illuminated villages with millions of shimmering lights, customized 3D festivities, an ice tube slide, a Christmas train adventure, and delicious food and drinks.
A Mesmerizing Holiday Light Show, Kohlights
Younger children in particular will enjoy the newest outdoor interactive holiday lights display in the Chicago area, located at the Kohl Children’s Museum.
Winter Lights at Central Park – Oak Brook Park District
A free half-mile walk through beautifully lit Central Park is offered as part of Winter Lights at Central Park.
Amaze Light Festival
The Amaze Light Festival is moving from Rosemont to Tinley Park. The ultimate holiday destination will take visitors on a magical journey of festive foods, themed excursions, and an extraordinary light show.
Naper Lights
The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise presents Naper Lights, a free light show with 150,000 lights and a growing collection of enormous illuminated holiday figures.
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park
This is the annual Christmas lighting in Lilacia Park. The park is beautifully lit at night and features a gingerbread house, light shows, and tree decorations, among other things.
Let It Shine Drive Thru Holiday Light Show
The drive-through Christmas light show called Let It Shine is back. Visitors are encouraged to stay in their vehicles and safely explore the dazzling light shows; all timed to upbeat holiday favorites.
Santa’s Rock N Lights
At the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, this animated drive-thru light show, now in its fourth year, features themed light worlds, including giant 3-D polar bears and dinosaurs and more than 700 feet of tunnels.
Willow Hill Lights
A huge Christmas tree, three drive-through tunnels, and a 1.6-mile route with over a million lights are all featured in this family-friendly holiday event.
Goebbert’s Christmas Light Show
With its Goebbert’s Drive Thru Light Show, Goebbert’s Farm is back for the fifth year.
Hopefully, you will enjoy these fascinating light shows and other fun activities in the Chicago area with your family, friends, and loved ones.
