Visit 11 Christmas Light Displays In Illinois For A Magical Experience
‘Tis the season to spread a little Christmas merriment! Whether you have little ones that can’t wait to see Santa or you just really love experiencing the twinkling lights, these Illinois attractions are certain to dazzle. Bundle up in a comfy coat and sip on a comforting cup of hot cocoa. These are the best Christmas light displays in Illinois, and they will absolutely brighten up our ever-lengthening winter nights.
Even though this light show is fairly new, don’t let that dissuade you. This is the perfect outing for the family. The town of Hoopeston has banded together to make this free festival of lights in Illinois a possibility. Enjoy the jubilant displays, thousands of lights and drive under beautifully lit arches. Be sure to visit with Santa and maybe even do a little Christmas shopping in Hoopeston before leaving. Enjoy the lights from the Saturday after Thanksgiving until early January.
To learn more, visit the Light Up McFerren Park Facebook page here.
2. Aurora Festival of Lights- 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora
City of Aurora- Phillips Park Zoo, Ray Moses Dr, Aurora, IL 60505, USA
This light festival boasts one of the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light displays in Northern Illinois. And it’s back for another twinkling year starting on the day after Thanksgiving through the day after Christmas. Enjoy dazzling adorable reindeer, cute elves and Santa’s toy factory all from the comfort of your toasty car.
Want to learn more about these drive-thru Christmas lights in Illinois? Visit their website here.
3. Annual Holiday Lights at Mooseheart
James J. Davis Drive, James J. Davis Dr, Mooseheart, IL 60539, USA
With 1.8 miles of over 80 different illuminated holiday displays, Holiday Lights at Mooseheart should make it to your list. In fact, Mooseheart is one of Chicagoland’s largest light displays! Despite Santa’s busy schedule he will also be making an appearance. Enjoy Christmas cookies, festive music, and non-stop cheer at this magical attraction. You can watch the beautiful lights from the end of November through the end of December.
Kicking off another amazing year, ZooLights just keeps getting bigger and better! If you manage to brave the city between the end of November and early January, then checking out ZooLights in Lincoln Park is a must. This light display takes up the entire length of the zoo. Enjoy free crafts, exciting events, and limitless cheer. The live ice sculptures will dazzle and the warm spiced wine will make you feel merry and bright. This event always brings a smile to people's faces.
To learn more about one of the best Christmas light displays in Illinois, visit Lincoln Park Zoo's website here.
5. Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Morton Arboretum Visitor Center, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
It’s really quite hard to beat the pure beauty that Illumination has created over the lush, ethereal landscape of the arboretum. Enjoy the views as LED light fixtures dance along the waters. Enjoy this peaceful illuminated landscape from late November through early January.
To learn more, visit Morton Arboretum's website here.
6. Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic—Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo, West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL, USA
Just like the folks at the Morton Arboretum, Brookfield Zoo is also using some amazing projection to create their annual holiday spectacle. The breathtaking light show is sure to be a hit with the whole family and nothing sounds more entertaining than seeing trees dance to festive holiday classics. With chain saw ice carving, carolers and an appearance from Santa, this is a holiday treat not to be missed.
For more information about ticket prices and hours, visit Brookfield Zoo's website here.
7. Coulterville Holiday Lights Display, 102 W. Grant St. Coulterville
Come and enjoy the magic of over one million lights, over 400 wooden figurines, large 300-piece ceramic villages, a healthy dose of holiday movies, and a real-life Candyland. That’s right! If you were a fan of this old-school board game then you’ll love jumping right into this enchanted and delicious world. All of this magic can be found at the Coulterville Holiday Lights Display. This jolly tradition is one of the best things to do at Christmas in Illinois.
Learn more about this beloved event by visiting the Coulterville Holiday Light Display Facebook page here.
8. Holidays Lights in Lilacia Park- 150 S. Park Avenue, Lombard
When the holiday spirit floats through the air, be sure to head to Lombard and enjoy the festive annual lighting celebration right in Lilacia Park. It’s a great way to kick off the holidays. The light display will be here for your enjoyment from early December through early January. Take the kids to see Santa and Rudolph, enjoy a warm mug of cocoa, and ride the Gold Metal Express. You're going to love every minute of it.
More information about this whimsical event can be found here.
9. Chicago Around the World and Holidays of Lights
Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
A little unique from the traditional Christmas light displays you may be used to, this beloved tradition at the Museum of Science and Industry always dazzles. This year's event kicks off mid-November. Come and stare at their grand four-story Christmas tree. If you really love decorations then you won’t want to miss the magnificent trees decorated for different cultures. Come see all the hard work these thousands of volunteers put into making Christmas come alive while also learning about the holiday traditions of other cultures around the globe.
To learn more about Christmas Around The World, visit The Museum of Science and Industry's website here.
10. Candy Cane Lane- West Frankfort
East Candy Cane Lane, E Candy Cane Ln, West Frankfort, IL 62896, USA
This incredible display was the brainchild of a local art teacher back in the '80s and Candy Cane Lane is still alive and well today. For four weeks in December enjoy up to 30,000 lights and over 500 different holiday characters that sprawl along the five blocks of festive homes. Don’t even think about going near West Frankfort and missing this must-see holiday favorite and one of the best Christmas light displays in Illinois.
To learn more about Candy Cane Lane, visit their Facebook page here.
If it’s good enough for The Ellen Show then it’s certainly good enough for us! Kick off your festivities by watching the glorious tree lighting in early December. Enjoy carolers, roasted chestnuts, and a free carriage ride through the town. Don’t miss the Holiday House Tour on select dates in December and enjoy five of the most beautiful homes that have certainly come alive with the Christmas spirit. It might even inspire some unique decorating ideas for your own home this season.
To learn more about the Geneva Christmas Walk, another one of the best Christmas light displays in Illinois, visit their website here.
This joyful season comes but once a year. What are your favorite things to do this time of year? We might not be able to list all the beautiful light displays happening around the state, so be sure to share which ones lit up your holidays and made the season just a little bit brighter for you and also your thoughts on the best Christmas light displays in Illinois.
Address: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Address: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Address: Brookfield Zoo, West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL, USA
Address: Coulterville, IL 62237, USA
Address: Lombard, IL, USA
Address: West Frankfort, IL 62896, USA
Address: Geneva, IL, USA
Address: Chicago, IL, USA
Address: Brookfield Zoo, West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL, USA
Address: East Candy Cane Lane, E Candy Cane Ln, West Frankfort, IL 62896, USA
Address: Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Address: 102 W Grant St, Coulterville, IL 62237, USA
Address: 150 S Park Ave, Lombard, IL 60148, USA
Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Address: 60942, Hoopeston, IL 60942, USA
Address: James J. Davis Drive, James J. Davis Dr, Mooseheart, IL 60539, USA
Address: Morton Arboretum Visitor Center, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Address: City of Aurora- Phillips Park Zoo, Ray Moses Dr, Aurora, IL 60505, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best Christmas light displays in Illinois
November 05, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What is the largest Christmas lights display in Illinois?
Aurora’s Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas lights display in Illinois. This dazzling attraction boasts of breathtaking sights and festive atmosphere. In past years, more than 21,000 cars passed through these twinkling gates. And the best part? This annual event is free! Donations are happily accepted and appreciated, so don’t be a Scrooge. It’s always great to give back this time of year.
What is there to do at Christmas in Illinois?
There are so many great things to do at Christmas in Illinois. In addition to the magical displays at East Peoria’s Festival of Lights, the Rosemont Holiday Light Display, and the Way of Lights in Belleville, Illinois is home to some incredible theatrical performances. Watch the world-class dancers at the Joffrey Ballet perform the holiday classic The Nutcracker. This renowned ballet company always puts on a spectacular show. The lights, costumes, and music will immediately put you in the holiday spirit. It’s great for the young and the young-at-heart!
What are the best Christmas towns in Illinois?
St. Charles is one of the best Christmas towns in Illinois. This lovely historic place becomes even more beautiful during the holidays. Every year, St. Charles hosts a magical parade full of colorful floats and festive treats. Santa Claus himself also makes an appearance! This is one can’t-miss Christmas event. If you loved this then you should also visit the town of Galena. Their wonderful main street comes alive with lights and merriment every year. You definitely won’t want to miss their annual “Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows.” This will make you dream of sugarplums all night long. Eager for more? Read about the 10 best Christmas towns in Illinois.
Address: Hoopeston, IL 60942, USA
Address: Aurora, IL, USA
Address: Mooseheart, IL, USA
Address: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Address: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Address: Brookfield Zoo, West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL, USA
Address: Coulterville, IL 62237, USA
Address: Lombard, IL, USA
Address: West Frankfort, IL 62896, USA
Address: Geneva, IL, USA
Address: Chicago, IL, USA
Address: Brookfield Zoo, West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL, USA
Address: East Candy Cane Lane, E Candy Cane Ln, West Frankfort, IL 62896, USA
Address: Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Address: 102 W Grant St, Coulterville, IL 62237, USA
Address: 150 S Park Ave, Lombard, IL 60148, USA
Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Address: 60942, Hoopeston, IL 60942, USA
Address: James J. Davis Drive, James J. Davis Dr, Mooseheart, IL 60539, USA
Address: Morton Arboretum Visitor Center, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Address: City of Aurora- Phillips Park Zoo, Ray Moses Dr, Aurora, IL 60505, USA
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Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. A circus performer, stuntwoman, professed travel buff and lover of Tom Waits, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Chicago haunts with both adventurous locals and curious travelers.
