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Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago 2025

Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
11/24/24 - By Siobhan Adcock

Christmas light shows in Chicago blaze from the lakeshore to the far suburbs, with holiday lights drive-thrus and events in every corner. Try Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago for an animal-themed holiday lights walk-through, or Lightscapes at Chicago Botanic Garden for a mile of twinkling lights. Light of Christmas is one of the best holiday lights drive-thrus, and if bundling up isn't your style, you can appreciate indoor Christmas lights at Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.

Tips for Enjoying Holiday Light Shows for Families

  • Check the weather before you go! Most of these are walking shows outdoors, so if you are not willing to go below a certain temperature, make sure you buy an anytime ticket or wait until you know what the forecast will be.
  • Bring a wagon if you have small children. This is easier than strollers and can be used to carry snacks, blankets, or extra coats.
  • Tune in to the radio station at drive-through events.
  • Take your kids to the most appropriate show for their age and willingness or ability to walk. Little kids might be better off with a drive-through or indoor event. If they can't or won't walk more than a mile, consider not going to a longer walking trail.

Lights are just the tip of the iceberg of our holiday events! Check out our list of top Christmas and Hanukkah events in Chicago and the suburbs. Also, be sure to book your Polar Express adventure now before they sell out. 

Here's our list of top holiday light shows in Chicago and the suburbs!

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights is one of several popular zoo events. Photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the Zoo.
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights is one of several popular zoo events. Photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the Zoo.

Holiday and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago 2025

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Hyde Park
Saturday, November 8- Monday, January 5
The Museum of Science and Industry hosts its dazzling annual Christmas tree exhibit, where guests can enjoy decorated trees inspired by customs and cultures from countries all around the world. Among the trees are other displays celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and more  READ MORE

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park
Friday, November 21- Sunday, January 4
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 30 years, with light displays and seasonal activities throughout the zoo. The event is free on Monday evenings, and $7 most other weekdays, and $12 on weekends and premium dates. READ MORE

Art on the Mart

Downtown
Winter programming November 20- December 28
Families can watch as works of art are projected on The Merchandise Mart, while listening to a variety of unique music. The show is about 30 minutes long at 9 pm each night. READ MORE

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Magnificent Mile
Saturday, November 22
Chicago's Magnificent Mile hosts the annual Lights Festival with a parade of lights with Grand Marshalls Minnie and Mickey Mouse. The event includes booths full of family-friendly activities, including pictures with Santa. READ MORE

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

Downtown
Friday, December 5- Sunday, January 4
Relive cherished memories and make magical new ones at Chicago’s favorite holiday experience. Step inside and kick off the season with rides, slides, and festive fun. From thrilling attractions like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to family favorites like the kiddie train, bumper cars, and skating on The Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink-there’s something for everyone! READ MORE

Light Of Christmas Drive Thru at Rate Field

Armour Square
Daily though January 3
Chicago's Drive Thru Light Show is back at Chicago White Sox Park, Rate Field for the winter of 2025.   Experience the magic of the holidays like never before! Stay cozy in your car, tune into our festive radio station, and embark on a journey through over a million synchronized lights that dance to the sounds of the season. READ MORE

Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Celebration at Mary Bartelme Park

West Loop
Saturday, December 6
Mary Bartelme Park hosts a Menorah Lighting Celebration, including live music, face painting, delicious snacks, and a children's story time! Santa will be on hand for pictures! READ MORE
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of the event.
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of the event.

Christmas Light Displays and Drive-Thrus Near Chicago

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Glencoe
Friday, November 14- Sunday, January 4
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanic Garden. READ MORE

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

Lisle
Saturday, November 15 - Saturday, January 3
Visitors walk a one-mile path with thousands of lights in displays illuminating the trees, accompanied by music. An awe-inspiring display illuminates the new Grand Garden. Visitors can enjoy some old favorites and new displays. New this year—Illumination features four colorful animal sculptures from The Morton Arboretum’s newest exhibition Vivid Creatures, by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz. See these colorful sculptures lit up for the holidays and transformed for the Illumination experience. Stop along the way to roast s'mores around a campfire or drink a hot beverage from... READ MORE

Naper Lights

Naperville
Thursday, November 27- Thursday, January 1
Downtown Naperville's annual holiday light extravaganza features light displays and music throughout the downtown Naperville and Riverwalk areas. Admission is free. Get a photo with Santa beside the Great Tree on select dates. READ MORE

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sales

Wheaton
Friday, November 28- Tuesday, December 30
Families can visit the animals, buy a Christmas tree or wreath, and view a fantastic light display at Cosley Zoo this holiday season. Admission is free during holiday lights season, but donations are appreciated. READ MORE

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield
Thursdays through Sundays, November 21- January 4
Featuring more than a million LED lights, a 41-foot talking Christmas tree, and a 600-foot tunnel of lights with coordinating music, Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic highlights the holidays and loads of animals. READ MORE

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

Lombard
Saturday, December 6- Sunday, January 5
An array of light shows adorn Lilacia Park for the holiday season. Animated light shows, a gingerbread house, and decorated trees provide enjoyment for families throughout the west suburban park. READ MORE

Willow Hill’s Winter Lights

Northbrook
Friday, November 14- Sunday, January 4
Come one, come all, to Willow Hill’s Winter Magic—the drive-thru holiday event in Chicago. Peek inside the North Pole’s toy land, road trip through a 250-foot animated video tunnel, watch Santa instruct his Reindeer Flight School, get breezy in the beautiful snowflake valley, join Frosty on his winter adventure, and be mesmerized by the towering 30-foot lighted tree. READ MORE

Promenade Bolingbrook Holiday Magic in Motion

Bolingbrook
Daily through December 31
A new augmented reality experience comes to the Bolingbrook Promenade for the holidays. Stroll through a world of twinkling lights, magical candy canes, and an unexpected encounter with Santa. Each illuminated display has a QR code that customers can scan for an augmented reality experience on their phone. READ MORE

Kohlights

Glenview
Fridays and Saturdays, November 28- December 21
Kids can walk through a unique light display with a learning glow stick that controls and changes the lights, providing a different experience every time. Visit the pixel play meadow, rainbow arbor, color play tree, rainbow caterpillar, color walk, and rainbow art installation. READ MORE

Winter Lights at Central Park

Oak Brook
Friday, November 21- Sunday, January 4
As the sun sets and darkness descends, Central Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the 1/2 mile walk through the beautifully lit Central Park, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Discover dancing trees, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, dazzling twirling icicles, vibrantly colored butterflies, and musical hearts throughout this scenic walk. This walk is FREE to the community and accessible to all. READ MORE

Nights of Lights

Wheaton
Friday, November 28- Sunday, January 4
The new holiday light experience at Adams Park is hosted by the Downtown Wheaton Association and the City of Wheaton and has plenty of holiday spirit and community. Don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in the Nights of Lights mailbox to be delivered directly to the North Pole. READ MORE

West Chicago Christmas Lights Show at Sonny Acres Farm

West Chicago
Thursdays through Sundays, November 28- December 21
Immerse yourself in holiday joy at Sonny Acres Farm's Christmas Lights Show in West Chicago. Stroll through a dazzling Christmas lights display at the Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival. Experience the festive ambiance with a million twinkling lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes. Enjoy delicious food and delightful treats along the way. READ MORE

Santa's Rock n Lights

Geneva
November 22-December 31
Drive through more than a mile of magnificent lights dancing to music. Displays include larger than life 3D light sculptures of dinosaurs, reindeer, polar bears. Experience GIANT emojis and one-of-kind Christmas trees from the future. This is the largest show yet at the Kane County Cougars parking lot. READ MORE

New Lenox Christmas in the Commons

New Lenox
Saturdays and Sundays, December 6-21
New Lenox celebrates Christmas in the Commons with a fantastic light display. See a 40-foot Santa lit up with more than 18,500 lights, walk through a giant ornament, and take selfies with a life size gingerbread house. Mail a letter to Santa through his mailbox by December 18! READ MORE

Aurora Festival of Lights

Aurora - FREE
Friday, November 28- Sunday, December 28
A one-mile trail of lighted displays decorates Aurora's Philips Park. Families can drive through the arcs, skate on an expanded skating rink, and visit Santa's toy factory. READ MORE

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