The holiday season is right around the corner. Get in the spirit by checking out all the dazzling light displays in and around the city.
Nothing signals the holiday season in Chicago like the glittering lights that illuminate the city. It's a little escape from the bustle of the streets to just wander around and experience the magic of light displays and gorgeous animals with a hot chocolate and a loved one (or two).
There are tons of festive displays in and around the city this year! We rounded up some of our favorites for you to check out. Grab your cozy mittens and get going!
Photo via Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St. - Lincoln Park
ZooLights is a can’t-miss Chicago classic. Illuminated with 33,000 strands of lights and over three million bulbs, this event is sure to get you feeling jolly this holiday season. Keep an eye out for the interactive Light Lounge and special experiences like cookie decorating and strolling carollers. Admission is free on select Mondays and only $7-10 for the rest of the week.
Photo Via Facebook/ The Morton Arboretum
4100 IL-53 - Lisle, IL
The annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns with 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound featuring dazzling displays. Plus, enjoy an 18+ Electric Illumination late-night experience featuring trance and progressive house music throughout the night.
Photo via Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road - Glencoe, IL
Lightspace returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden with a new path and new light-filled installations. Explore the whimsy of nature in winter through music, light, fire, and color, including favorites such as the luminous Winter Cathedral and reimagined trail lakes.
Photo via Brookfield Zoo
8400 W. 31st St. - Brookfield, IL
Chicago's longest-running holiday nights festival returns this year at Brookfield Zoo. In addition to enjoying the lights and light sculptures, attendees can play games, warm up with a hot beverage, shop for unique holiday gifts, and enjoy a skating rink.
Photo via Facebook/The Magnificent Mile
N. Michigan Ave. - Near North Side
This annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival starts November 23rd with an marvelous opening ceremony with fabulous floats full of your favorite characters! There is nothing like the holidays in downtown Chicago.
Photo via Rockford Park District
1354 N. 2nd St. - Rockford, IL
Celebrate the holidays at the All Aglow exhibit at the Nicholas Conservatory. There will be holiday lights surrounding the conservatory and in the outdoor gardens, along with breathtaking floral displays inside the conservatory. Admission is free, although donations online or in-person are suggested.
Photo via Facebook/Millenium Park
201 E. Randolph St. - The Loop
The classic, glistening Chicago Christmas tree in Millennium Park will be lit up for all to see. If you find yourself downtown during the holiday season, there's no reason to not stop by for a selfie with this annual Chicago tradition.
PHOTO VIA HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LONG GROVE
308 Old McHenry Rd. - Long Grove
Rediscover the beauty of the holiday season at this classic holiday event. Check out the mesmerizing light displays, along with merchant open houses, carolers, horse-drawn sleigh rides, visits from Santa, and more!
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / ART ON THEMART
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza - Merchandise Mart
Art on theMART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART. Stop by to see the building all lit up this holiday season.
PHOTO VIA KOHL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
2100 Patriot Blvd. - Glenview, IL
At the Kohl Children’s Museum, kids take charge of the area's newest holiday light display. Children can learn about light, color, hues, and patterns as they control and change the lights for a different lightacular experience every time.
PHOTO VIA NAPER LIGHTS
Various locations in Naperville, IL
The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise has a special gift for the community - a free dazzling display of holiday lights and sound throughout Naperville. Stroll through Downtown Naperville to get a taste of what's in store, and visit Naper Lights for 3D viewing glasses to get the full experience! While the experience is free, donations are welcome to support the organization.
Photo via CANTIGNY PARK
1S151 Winfield Road - Wheaton, IL
Walk a half-mile of pure holiday magic at Christmas at Cantigny, with a 28-foot tree, music-synced lights, and a new Northern Lights display that’ll make the whole family stop in awe. Bonus: grab a poinsettia from their greenhouse. Located in Wheaton, this expansive Christmas tradition has a little something for everyone to take in all the holiday feels.
Updated November 2025
Did we miss any great spots? Let us know!
