Chicago transforms into a winter wonderland with spectacular Christmas light displays throughout the city. From ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo featuring 3 million lights to Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo with 3.5 million lights, the city offers dazzling attractions. Don't miss the Millennium Park Tree Lighting, Drive-Thru lights at Guaranteed Rate Field, and free outdoor displays across Chicagoland.
Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights & Tree Sale
Location: Wheaton
Dates: November 28 - December 30
Cost: FREE
The Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights features thousands of twinkling lights transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland. Visitors can purchase Christmas trees, wreaths, and greenery while enjoying free admission during festival hours. Hot chocolate is available on weekdays from 3 PM to 9 PM and weekends from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Highlights:
- A beloved family tradition featuring a dazzling display of holiday lights.
- An extensive selection of Christmas trees, wreaths, and greenery available for purchase.
- Free admission to the zoo during the festival hours.
Illuminate 900: Holiday Tree Lighting
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 20
Cost: $$
Illuminate 900 features the grand lighting of a 50-foot holiday tree by Santa Claus, accompanied by festive entertainment including music, choirs, and a live DJ. Visitors can participate in cookie decorating, take photos with holiday characters, and enjoy a winter wonderland transformation of the 900 North Michigan Shops.
Highlights:
- The grand lighting of a 50-foot holiday tree by Santa Claus
- Festive entertainment including music, choirs, and a live DJ
- Seasonal activations and activities for the entire family
ZooLights
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026: Daily, 4:30–9 p.m. (Closed Tuesdays except Dec 23, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. Special ticketed events on select dates.)
Cost: $$
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo showcases millions of twinkling lights that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy iconic rides such as the Ferris wheel and carousel while indulging in festive food and drink options. The event features a holiday light tunnel adorned with over 3 million lights, alongside hundreds of LED displays.
Address: 2400 N. Cannon Drive, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 312-742-2000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Millions of twinkling lights transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland.
- Iconic rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel offering unique perspectives.
- Festive food and drink options to warm up the winter evening.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 8, 2025 - January 5, 2026
Cost: $$
The Museum of Science and Industry presents 'Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light,' featuring over 50 beautifully decorated trees representing global holiday traditions. This annual tradition, which has been celebrated since 1942, includes a special tree lighting ceremony and interactive events.
Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: (773) 684-1414
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a global celebration of holiday traditions and seasonal cheer.
- Discover over 50 beautifully decorated trees and displays representing diverse cultural heritage.
- Experience a winter wonderland that has been a beloved annual tradition since 1942.
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park
Location: Lombard
Dates: December 7 - January 5
Cost: FREE
Lilacia Park's Holiday Lights display features charming holiday decorations and spectacular light shows synchronized to festive music. The event includes themed nights where visitors can meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and participate in activities like caroling and a magical Elf Hunt.
Highlights:
- Annual holiday lights display featuring magical light shows and festive decorations.
- Special themed nights with visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and holiday characters.
- Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies during Santa visits.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Location: Brookfield
Dates: November 21-23 and 28-30, 2025; December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-31, 2025; January 1-4, 2026
Cost: $$
Brookfield Zoo Chicago hosts the longest-running holiday lights festival in Chicagoland, featuring over 2 million LED lights that create a stunning winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll through illuminated pathways and enjoy festive decorations throughout the zoo.
Highlights:
- Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival, celebrating over 40 years.
- Over 2 million LED lights creating a magical winter wonderland experience.
- Stroll through dazzling pathways illuminated by over 2 million LED lights.
Electric Illumination
Location: Lisle
Dates: Three Fridays in December: December 5, 12, and 19
Cost: $$
Electric Illumination at The Morton Arboretum offers adults-only evenings featuring a live DJ and a one-mile paved path showcasing synchronized light displays. Guests can enjoy warm concessions and cozy bonfires along the illuminated trail.
Highlights:
- Adults-only evenings featuring a live DJ and unique musical themes.
- A one-mile paved, ADA-compliant path showcasing synchronized light displays.
- Warm concessions and bonfires for a cozy holiday experience.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 22, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival marks the official start of America's holiday season with the largest nighttime parade in the United States. The event concludes with a breathtaking fireworks display over the city, illuminating over one million lights along The Magnificent Mile.
Address: 854-840 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® marks the official start of America's holiday season.
- Features the largest nighttime parade in the United States, kicking off the holiday festivities.
- Concludes with a breathtaking fireworks display over the city.
"A Christmas Story" Comes Home Exhibit
Location: Hammond
Dates: November 15 - December 30, 2025
Cost: FREE
The 'A Christmas Story' Comes Home Exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center features six animatronic window displays from Macy's, depicting scenes from the beloved film. Visitors can also meet Santa Claus for photos on select weekends.
Highlights:
- Experience the magic of "A Christmas Story" through six enchanting animatronic window displays.
- Meet Santa Claus and capture holiday memories with photos on select weekends.
- Engage with interactive craft tables for children to write letters to Santa.
Holly Jolly Fest & Tree Lighting
Location: Niles
Dates: Saturday, November 29, 2025, 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: FREE
The Holly Jolly Fest at Golf Mill Park kicks off the holiday season with a festive celebration featuring activities for the whole family. Guests can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy roasting s'mores, and participate in a charming tree lighting ceremony.
Highlights:
- Kick off the holiday season with a festive celebration.
- Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions.
- Experience the magic of meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Homewood Holiday Lights
Location: Homewood
Dates: December 5, 2025
Cost: $
The Homewood Holiday Lights event features an annual tree lighting ceremony where Santa flips the switch to illuminate the holiday tree. Attendees can also witness an ice sculpture demonstration, enjoy a festive antique car parade, and ride the grand holiday carousel. The event supports the Cancer Support Center with pre-ordered holiday wreaths and swag available for purchase.
Highlights:
- Watch Santa flip the switch to officially light the annual holiday tree.
- Pre-order holiday wreaths and swag to support the Cancer Support Center.
- Witness an ice sculpture demonstration for a unique artistic display.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago Tree Trim
Location: Brookfield
Dates: November 8 and November 9, 2025
Cost: $$
At the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Tree Trim event, participants can decorate a real tree to support the zoo while receiving over $600 in value, including 20 free zoo tickets and 5 parking passes. The event is a cherished holiday tradition that brings the community together and enhances the Holiday Magic festival with decorated trees and festive food options.
Highlights:
- Decorate a tree to kick off the holiday season and support Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
- Receive over $600 in value with 20 free zoo tickets and 5 free parking passes with tree purchase.
- Participate in a beloved holiday tradition that lights up Chicagoland.
Kohlights: A Holiday Lightacular
Location: Glenview
Dates: November 28 - December 21, 2025
Cost: $$
Kohlights: A Holiday Lightacular offers families an interactive indoor and outdoor holiday light experience, including access to all indoor museum exhibits with the ticket. Visitors can enjoy themed activities such as the Shadow Play Snowbank and Twinkle Train rides, while exploring immersive installations filled with light and color.
Highlights:
- An indoor/outdoor interactive holiday light experience for families.
- Access to all indoor museum exhibits included with ticket.
- Themed activities like Shadow Play Snowbank and Twinkle Train rides.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting
Location: Hinsdale
Dates: December 5th
Cost: $
The Hinsdale Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting marks its 59th annual celebration with a festive evening featuring a ceremonial tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus. Families can enjoy a holiday train ride and carousel spins, making it a cherished tradition in the community.
Highlights:
- The 59th annual Christmas Walk promises an evening filled with holiday cheer.
- A beloved long-standing holiday tradition for the community.
- Visit with Santa Claus and explore Santa's Village for festive fun.
Media:
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Chicago.