Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays in Chicago (2026)
Drive-through shows, garden light trails, free downtown displays and neighborhood traditions across Chicago and the suburbs, with 2026 dates and prices.
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Chicago does Christmas lights at every scale. You can get the quick photo at the city tree, the Macy's windows and a hot chocolate at Christkindlmarket, or a full night on a lit trail at the zoo or the Morton Arboretum. The biggest show isn't always the right one. Start with the people you're bringing, the weather and how far you want to drive.
Here are our favorites in the city and the suburbs, sorted by where they are: the city, the suburbs and the best drive-throughs. Pick one main event, add dinner, and leave room to enjoy it.
Chicago Christmas Lights at a Glance
| Place | Area | 2026 dates | Cost | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZooLights | Lincoln Park | Nov 20–Jan 3 | $7–$12 advance, $20 same day; free on four Mondays | The best light show inside the city |
| Chicago Christmas Tree | The Loop | Nov 20–Jan 10 | Free | The classic downtown photo |
| Magnificent Mile lights | Michigan Avenue | Festival Nov 21, lights after | Free | A walk under a million lights |
| Macy's on State Street | The Loop | From Nov 7 | Windows free; dining extra | Holiday windows and the Great Tree |
| Christkindlmarket | The Loop | Nov 20–Dec 24 | Free entry | Mulled wine and stalls between the lights |
| Art Institute lions | The Loop | From Nov 27 | Free | A 10-minute Chicago photo stop |
| Christmas Around the World | Hyde Park | Nov 7–Jan 3 | With museum admission | More than 50 decorated trees indoors |
| Winter WonderFest | Navy Pier | Nov 27–Jan 3 | $27 advance, $32 at the door | Indoor rides and skating |
| "Oh Deer!" flower show | Garfield Park | Nov 25–Jan 3 | Free for Chicago residents, $10 nonresident adults | A warm, quiet daytime stop |
| Sauganash, Edgebrook and Lincolnwood Towers | Far Northwest Side | December | Free | Homes that go all in |
| Beverly and Roscoe Village | South and North Sides | December | Free | Two more neighborhoods worth a loop |
| Lightscape | Glencoe | Nov 13–Jan 3 | Varies by date, many nights under $30; parking extra | Big art installations in a garden |
| Illumination | Lisle | Nov 14–Jan 2 | From $22 | Woodland trail and a 400-foot aurora canopy |
| Holiday Magic | Brookfield | Nov 21–Jan 3 | From $29.95 | The big family night, with a maze and tunnels |
| Christmas at Cantigny | Wheaton | Nov 20–Jan 3 | Varies by date | Lit gardens and a decorated historic house |
| NaperLights | Naperville | From Thanksgiving weekend | Free | Riverwalk lights with dinner on Water Street |
| Lilacia Park lights | Lombard | From Dec 5 | Free | A compact walk for younger kids |
| Winter Lights at Central Park | Oak Brook | Nov 20–Jan 3 | Free | A half-mile trail with daily sensory time |
| Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights | Wheaton | Nov 27–Dec 30 | Free | A short night out with small kids |
| North School Park | Arlington Heights | From Nov 27 | Free | A quick park walk before dinner |
| Light Up the Park | Rosemont | From Nov 21 | Free; skate rental $8 | Lights, skating and dinner in one place |
| Aurora Festival of Lights | Aurora | Nov 27–Dec 27 | Free | A mile-long drive-through at no cost |
| Willow Hill Lights | Northbrook | Nov 13–Jan 3 | $40 per car advance, $50 on site | A 2.5-mile drive on the North Shore |
| Cosmic Sleighride | Orland Park | Nov 13–Jan 3 | From $39.99 per car | A music-synced drive-through in the southwest suburbs |
Best Christmas Lights in Chicago
Start with ZooLights, the best light show inside the city. For a free night, the downtown stops connect on foot: begin at Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, walk east to the Macy's windows, then finish at the Millennium Park tree after dark. Allow two to three hours with food. The full walk works through December 24, when the market closes. After November 27, add the Art Institute lions just south of the park. For bars along the way, see our Chicago Christmas bars and pop-ups guide.
When it's 10 degrees out, go inside: Christmas Around the World, Winter WonderFest and the Garfield Park flower show are each good enough to be the plan, but they're spread across the city, so pick one. The neighborhoods at the end are a looser kind of night: no tickets and no schedule, just a slow loop past homes that go big. The market itself gets a full write-up in our Chicago Christmas markets guide, and ZooLights is also one of the stops in our where to see Santa in Chicago guide.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
West Gate, N Stockton Dr at W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Our first pick in the city. More than 3 million lights cover the zoo, with a long light tunnel on the Main Mall, a narrated show on the South Lawn and a Ferris wheel with views over the whole thing. It works for visitors, an easy date or a family that doesn't want to leave town. Buy early, because a same-day ticket can cost nearly three times as much. Rides and treats are extra. Details: Nov 20–Jan 3, 4:30–9 p.m., last entry 8 p.m. Fixed-date tickets are $7–$12, and same-day or flexible tickets are $20. Free on Mondays Nov 23, Nov 30, Dec 7 and Dec 14, with tickets released a week ahead at 11 a.m. Central. Every guest needs a ticket, infants included. Closed most Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Dec 24–25. Sensory-friendly night Nov 24 ($7). Adults Night Out, 21+, Dec 10. Parking is paid and limited.
Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park
Michigan Ave at E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
The simplest way to put the city in your holiday photos. The official tree stands near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street with the downtown skyline behind it, and it works as the end of a long walk or a quick stop before dinner. The November 20 lighting ceremony is a big crowd, so pick another night if you just want the tree. Details: Lighting ceremony Nov 20 at 6 p.m., on view through Jan 10. Free. Allow 20–30 minutes.
The Magnificent Mile Lights
401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
More than a million lights fill the 200-plus trees on North Michigan Avenue, and the best way to see them is to walk. The stretch toward the river is the top photo stop, with the Wrigley Building behind you. The Lights Festival on November 21 is the country's largest nighttime parade, with Mickey and Minnie as grand marshals, Santa and fireworks over the river. Go that night for the spectacle, or any later night for an easy stroll and dinner. Details: Lights Festival Nov 21: Lights Festival Lane 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at Pioneer Court, parade at 5:30 p.m. from Oak Street to Wacker Drive, fireworks around 7:15–7:30 p.m. Street closures start as early as 3 p.m. Free. Allow 45–75 minutes for a walk.
Macy's on State Street
111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
A classic department-store Christmas in the old Marshall Field's building. Start on the sidewalk with the holiday windows, then head to the seventh floor for the Great Tree in the Walnut Room. A meal under the tree is one of Chicago's great Christmas traditions, and tables go fast, so reserve well ahead. Details: Great Tree up from Nov 7. Windows are free from the sidewalk. Allow 20–30 minutes for the windows and longer for a meal. Walnut Room reservations recommended.
Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
This one's a market, but it earns its place for the glowing wooden stalls, ornaments, mulled wine and the feeling of a small Christmas village in the middle of the Loop. It's the best break on a downtown walk. Weekday afternoons are the easiest time to browse. The 2026 market is the 30th season, and the Wrigleyville market runs a week longer, through December 31. Details: Nov 20–Dec 24, Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Closes at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Free entry. Allow 45–90 minutes.
The Art Institute Lions
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
The two lions on Michigan Avenue put on giant holiday wreaths every year, and it's a small stop with a lot of Chicago in it. Take the photo and keep walking to the tree or dinner. Details: Wreaths go on Nov 27. Free from the sidewalk. Allow 10–15 minutes.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
The best indoor display in Chicago. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry surrounds its four-story Grand Tree with more than 50 trees and displays decorated by the city's communities, and the details reward a slow look. It's a great day out with grandparents or visiting family, and the rest of the museum fills the afternoon. Hyde Park is well south of the Loop, so give it its own day. Details: Nov 7–Jan 3, included with museum admission. Allow an hour for the trees. Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival Nov 7, with the lighting at 11 a.m. Naughty or Nice after-hours night, 21+, Dec 10, and an all-ages edition Dec 19, both 6–10 p.m. and ticketed separately.
Wintrust Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Festival Hall, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Come for a holiday play day. Festival Hall fills with decorated trees, rides and an indoor skating rink, which makes it a strong pick for kids who want to do something besides look. Skating is included, and a Centennial Wheel ride is a $10 add-on. If you only want a Christmas photo, the free downtown stops are better value. Details: Nov 27–Jan 3, opens daily at 10 a.m. Closing time varies: 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Sundays and 5 p.m. on many weekdays, so check before planning an evening. Closes at 5 p.m. Dec 24 and Dec 31, closed Dec 25. $27 online at least 24 hours ahead, $32 after that. Ages 2 and under are free. Allow two to three hours.
"Oh Deer!" Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
A warm, quiet break from everything else on this list. The winter show fills the conservatory with poinsettias and light-trimmed firs under glass, and it's a lovely daytime date or an easy outing with a stroller. Stay for the other rooms. Details: Nov 25–Jan 3, usually Wednesday through Sunday, with later hours Wednesdays. Reserve in advance, even with a free ticket. Free for Chicago residents with proof of residency; nonresident adults are $10. Allow about an hour. Most of the conservatory is wheelchair accessible, except the Fern Room.
Sauganash, Edgebrook and Lincolnwood Towers
Around Sauganash Park, 5861 N Kostner Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
The appeal here is turning a corner and finding a house whose owners have gone all in. These neighboring areas on the far Northwest Side are our favorite stretch for a homemade Christmas lights drive. Start around Sauganash Park, wander north into Lincolnwood Towers, and go on foot if you can. Some blocks will be brighter than others, which is part of the fun. Details: December evenings. Free. Allow 30–60 minutes. Stay on public streets, keep noise down and don't block driveways.
Beverly and Roscoe Village
Beverly, Chicago, IL 60643, USA
Two more neighborhoods worth a loop if you live nearby. Beverly brings the tradition to the South Side, and Roscoe Village is the easy North Side option, close to dinner and a drink. Details: December evenings. Free. Allow 30–60 minutes.
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Official pages: ZooLights, Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Christmas Around the World, Winter WonderFest, Garfield Park flower show.
One more to catch: the CTA Holiday Train and Bus return this year, and the schedule comes out November 16. Normal fares apply, and it's a fun bonus if it pulls in on your route.
Best Christmas Lights in the Suburbs
The first four are the big ticketed shows. Book one as the main event, since two far-apart shows in one evening mostly means sitting in traffic. They all sell by date, and the cheapest tickets go first.
The rest are free community displays, and you don't need a ticket for a good holiday night. They're at their best paired with dinner or a short stroll through downtown. Rosemont and Cantigny both add a rink to the lights, and Navy Pier's WonderFest includes skating; our Chicago holiday ice rinks guide has the details.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA
The one to pick for a date or a night out with adults. The 1.3-mile trail through the garden is built around large art installations, and 20 of this year's 24 are new, including a walk-in snow globe and a ballerina of light. It's in Glencoe, so make it the whole evening and eat nearby. Budget for parking: the ticket is only part of the bill. Details: Nov 13–Jan 3, select nights, usually 4:30–10:30 p.m. with last entry at 8:45 (9:30 and 7:45 on some dates). Prices vary by date and time, with many nights under $30, plus a $3 fee per nonmember ticket. Nonmember parking is $18 in advance or $25 on arrival. Sensory-friendly night Dec 2. Jingle Jam family nights with Santa Dec 9 and 16. 21+ nights Dec 10 and Jan 1.
Illumination at The Morton Arboretum
4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Here the trees are the show. The one-mile trail runs through the woods past 22 displays, and this year's headliner is a 400-foot canopy inspired by the northern lights that's only here for this season. It's a great choice for couples or mixed-age groups who'd rather walk through a landscape than past a line of holiday characters. There's also a new indoor model train display as an add-on. Details: Nov 14–Jan 2, trail opens at 4:30 p.m. Tickets start at $22 and rise as dates fill. Pine Whistle Railroad is $9. Premium parking is $18; regular parking is first come, first served. Sensory Night Nov 17. Dogs are welcome Dec 2, 9, 16 and Jan 1 with a $10 dog ticket. The trail is ADA accessible, but the Lot P-21 shuttle has no wheelchair lift, so placard holders should park near the entrance.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
The big family night. The zoo puts up 3.5 million lights across themed areas, with light tunnels, an expanded maze, a holiday market, s'mores, a carousel and a Retro Christmas dance area. Santa visits on select nights, and several animal buildings stay open, including Tropic World until 7 p.m. Zoo members get in free, which makes this the easy call if you already have a membership. Details: Nov 21–25 and 27–29, Dec 3–6, 10–13, 17–23 and 26–31, Jan 1–3, 3–9 p.m. Tickets start at $29.95. Members get free admission and free parking at the Main-North Gate. South Gate entry needs advance tickets and parking reservations. Sensory-friendly night Dec 3.
Christmas at Cantigny
1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189
The pick for an old-fashioned Christmas. A half-mile path of lit gardens leads to McCormick House, where the first floor is dressed with hundreds of Cantigny-grown poinsettias and a hidden bar serves cocoa and cocktails. Add the outdoor rink and you've got a full night without moving the car. Watch your date: five Sundays swap the Christmas soundtrack for superhero music. Details: Nov 20–Jan 3, generally Wednesday through Sunday, plus Dec 21, 22, 28 and 29. Prices vary by date, and advance tickets include free parking ($11 otherwise). "A Marvelous Christmas" superhero nights are Nov 22, Nov 29, Dec 6, Dec 13 and Dec 27. Groups over 20 get 10% off entry after 6:30 p.m.
NaperLights on Water Street
Water St at S Webster St, Naperville, IL 60540
The suburban pick that most easily turns into a full evening. Giant lit figures and a rainbow arch run along Water Street and the south side of the Riverwalk, with restaurants right there. It's fun for kids and works just as well for a couple. Park once and walk it. Details: From Thanksgiving weekend through the holiday season, lights on 4–10 p.m. Free, donations welcome. Go to Water Street, not Naper Settlement. Allow 45–60 minutes.
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park
150 S Park Ave, Lombard, IL 60148, USA
Lit trees, playful scenes and a gingerbread house turn this Lombard park into a compact Christmas walk. It's a sweet one for younger kids or a casual date, and downtown Lombard is close for a warm drink or dinner. Details: Lighting ceremony Dec 5 at 5:30 p.m., then lights 4:30–10 p.m. Free. Allow 30–60 minutes.
Winter Lights at Central Park
1500 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA
Oak Brook's half-mile loop is the best free alternative to a big garden show. You still get the feeling of setting off through the lights, with rainbow arches and bright seasonal shapes, but it's short enough to fit around dinner, bedtime or a cold forecast. The paved one-way path works for strollers and wheelchairs, and leashed dogs are welcome. Details: Nov 20–Jan 3, nightly until 9:30 p.m. Free, donations welcome. Sensory-friendly time 4–4:30 p.m. daily, with static lights and no music. The path closes in bad weather. Allow 30–45 minutes.
Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Tree Sale
1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA
For young kids, this can be exactly enough. The small Wheaton zoo turns into a twinkling holiday walk with trees for sale and hot chocolate along the way, and it has the feel of a real local tradition. It's a smart choice when you aren't sure how long everyone will last outside. Details: Nov 27–Dec 30, 3–9 p.m. Free admission. Closes at noon Dec 24, closed Dec 25. Allow 30–60 minutes.
North School Park Holiday Lights
307 N Evergreen Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
The easy answer for a northwest-suburban night. The park lights up downtown Arlington Heights, and it's a good short walk before dinner. The November 27 celebration is the busy night. Details: Opening celebration Nov 27, 4:30–6:30 p.m., with lights on at 5:15 p.m. Free. Allow 20–40 minutes.
Light Up the Park at Parkway Bank Park
5501 Park Pl, Rosemont, IL 60018, USA
Rosemont stacks several easy pleasures in one spot: a decorated park, a rink and plenty of places to eat. It's a good casual group night, and it's built around dinner more than a long walk. Details: Kickoff Nov 21, 2–6 p.m., with the lighting at 5:30 p.m. Free to see, free rink admission, $8 skate rental. Allow 30–45 minutes for the lights.
Official pages: Lightscape, Illumination, Holiday Magic, Christmas at Cantigny, Winter Lights at Central Park.
Drive-Through Christmas Lights
Drive-throughs are the answer on the coldest nights and with the youngest kids. Pick the one on your side of the region, stop for dinner and a restroom first, and plan on a line at peak times.
Light of Christmas, the drive-through at Rate Field, is the one to watch in the city. We'll add it here once its 2026 dates and tickets are posted.
Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park
Smith Blvd at Fifth Ave, Aurora, IL 60505
The budget pick, and a great one for a big family that would otherwise pay per person. The mile-long route pairs familiar holiday scenes with music, and everyone stays warm. From Chicago it's a real drive, so make it the night's plan. Details: Nov 27–Dec 27, nightly 5–9 p.m. Free, with optional donations. Enter on Smith Boulevard at Fifth Avenue.
Willow Hill Lights
1350 Willow Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062, USA
The north-suburban pick. The 2.5-mile drive in Northbrook takes you past large lit scenes and through light tunnels, with the soundtrack on your car radio. One ticket covers the whole car, so the cost is easy to figure out. Let a passenger handle the photos. Details: Nov 13–Jan 3, opens at 5 p.m. $40 per standard vehicle in advance, $50 on site. Enter from Willow Road. No RVs or trailers.
World of Illumination: Cosmic Sleighride
Lower JCPenney lot, Orland Square, 288 Orland Square Dr, Orland Park, IL 60462
The southwest-suburban pick, for people who like their lights bright, loud and synced to the music. The car becomes your viewing room, and the show takes about 20–30 minutes plus any wait, so it's an easy add to a night out in Orland Park. Details: Nov 13–Jan 3, select nights, 6–10 p.m. From $39.99 per vehicle. At Orland Square, in the lower JCPenney lot.
Official pages: Aurora Festival of Lights.
Tips Before You Go
Book the right night. Sensory, 21+ and member nights share the same calendar as regular admission, so read the date before you pay.
Dress for the walk. Most trails take 60 to 90 minutes outside. Wear warm layers and boots, and check the venue's page if snow or ice is in the forecast.
Add up the whole night. Parking, rides, skating and snacks can double the bill, so decide what matters and skip the rest.
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