The day after Thanksgiving there are two things on my mind: "Can I get any holiday shopping done without fighting a crowd?" and "Where are the closest Christmas lights near me?". Being from the northern region of the state, I've always admired the Christmas lights in Illinois. Whether it's a single, over-the-top house, a coordinated neighborhood, a lit-up Main Street, or a drive-through light show, there is no shortage of dazzling displays all over the map. Here, I've rounded up some of the best Christmas lights in Illinois — so let's take a look!
1. ZooLights — Lincoln Park, Chicago
One of the most unique and beloved Christmas light displays in Illinois is found at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo. Known as ZooLights, the festival showcases millions of lights across the zoo's grounds, with synchronized music, shimmering string lights, glowing shapes, festive fields, and concession stands with sweets and warming beverages. The event runs from November to January (ending Jan. 7, 2024) with tickets ranging from $7-10. And while the lights are exceptionally beautiful, don't forget to visit the animals, too! Check out Lincoln Park Zoo's website to learn more about one of the best Christmas light displays in Chicago, Illinois.
2. Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum — Lisle
Just outside Chicago, there's a one-of-a-kind display of Christmas lights in Lisle, Illinois. The Illumination: Tree Lights show at The Morton Arboretum splashes light throughout its 50 acres of enchanted woodlands, adding color and sound to create a unique, nature-based experience unlike any other. Visitors walk along a 1-mile path while enjoying the sights and serenading sounds of holiday music. Snacks, drinks, and s'mores await you at the end of your journey — or watch the show's finale on Meadow Lake as you dine at the Visitor Center's Ginkgo Restaurant. The event runs through Jan. 6, 2024, and tickets range from $16-44 for the public, with discounts available for members. Visit The Morton Arboretum's website for tickets.
3. Festival of Lights — Rockford
For those seeking drive-through Christmas lights in Illinois, the Festival of Lights display has been a community favorite since 1989. For over 30 years, these spectacular Christmas lights in Rockford, Illinois have illuminated the grounds of Sinnissippi Park. Over 85 pre-fab and handmade displays wow spectators as they cruise through this favorite free event. Tune your radio station to holiday tunes that sync up with the show, and BYOHot chocolate for an extra-cozy experience. Pro tip: If you go on a weekend, you just may see Santa, himself! Get all the details at the Festival of Lights' website.
4. East Peoria Festival of Lights — East Peoria
The Christmas lights in East Peoria, Illinois are in a league of their own. Folepi's Winter Wonderland, put on by the East Peoria Festival of Lights, is a must-see annual tradition that weaves vehicles through an awe-inspiring display that lasts over a mile. It's one of the best drive-through Christmas light shows in Illinois — and it's got the trophy to prove it. In 2020, it won an episode of ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight for its amazingly massive displays. See it while you can — the show ends on New Year's Day. Regular vehicles pay $10, while small buses and motorcoaches pay $30-150. Start planning your visit by checking out the East Peoria Festival of Lights website.
5. Mattoon Lightworks — Mattoon
Each year, thousands of visitors are drawn to the Christmas lights in Mattoon, Illinois. Its famous drive-through lights display is free to the public and showcases an impressive collection of twinkling arches, trees, and shapes that glisten against the night sky. Bright bulbs form snowflakes, reindeer, and Santas that bring joy to the hearts of all who view them. The show is open from 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday until Dec. 26. Get all the latest info from the City of Mattoon, Illinois — Lightworks' Facebook page.
6. Holiday Lights Fair — Du Quoin
Those adventuring through Christmas lights in Southern Illinois know the Holiday Lights Fair in Du Quoin is a must-see. For over 20 years, the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds have transformed into a winter wonderland filled with fanciful displays in the shapes of gingerbread houses, trees, snowflakes, and more. The first three weekends in December also have food and craft vendors, live music, train rides, door prizes, Santa visits, model train displays, and so much more. The holiday cheer isn't just confined to the outdoors either, the Exhibition Hall also showcases Christmas trees and all the glad tidings one could hope for. Admission is $10 per family vehicle or $1 per person on commercial carriers and tour buses. Check out the Du Quoin Tourism website for more info.
7. Candy Cane Lane — West Frankfort
We also can't mention Christmas lights in Southern Illinois without shining a spotlight on the heartwarming Candy Cane Lane in West Frankfort. The must-see attraction began in 1988 by art teacher Tim Murphy and his father, who put up creative displays at different homes, many handcrafted by him. In fact, the spectacle was so fantastic, it was also featured on ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight. Sadly, Mr. Murphy passed away in 2021 — although his love for Christmas was so infectious that the community and city of West Frankfort came together to carry on the tradition. Today, the display is over five city blocks long. The drive-through (or walking-friendly) light display features over 30,000 lights and nearly 100 displays. Start planning your visit by checking out the City of West Frankfort website and the Candy Cane Lane public Facebook group.
Now the next time you wonder, "Are there any Christmas lights near me?" you can just pull up this handy map and list to begin your adventure. Are there any other amazing Christmas light displays in Illinois that come to mind? Tell us in the comments! And if this still isn't enough, check out this top-rated nostalgic Christmas treasure hunt downtown Chicago!
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