Plan your holiday festivities in Aurora with ease! Our guide has all the best events and activities. From lifelong residents to holiday visitors, our guide is your ticket to Aurora's festive magic.
The Christkindlmarket Aurora brings a distinctive touch of European charm with its festive booths and seasonal delicacies. Experience a dazzling display of holiday lights and animal encounters at Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic. And the Festival of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it paints the city in a joyful glow. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Aurora
See these and even more events listed below!Aurora Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light experience in historic Phillips Park
Description:
Aurora's Festival of Lights illuminates Phillips Park with a dazzling drive-through experience. Visitors cruise through a mile-long path adorned with animated displays and themed areas. The event showcases Aurora's rich history, featuring light sculptures of local landmarks. Children delight in spotting their favorite cartoon characters among the glowing scenes. This annual tradition began in 2007 and has grown to become one of the largest free light shows in Northern Illinois.
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Aurora Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket Aurora
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style Christmas market
Description:
Aurora's Christkindlmarket transports visitors to a traditional German holiday celebration. Wooden stalls line the streets, offering handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and cuckoo clocks. The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air as you explore. Visitors can sip on warm Glühwein from collectible mugs, a centuries-old German tradition. This market pays homage to the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, bringing a piece of European holiday culture to Illinois.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed holiday light displays
Description:
Brookfield Zoo transforms into a luminous winter spectacle during Holiday Magic. Over two million twinkling lights illuminate animal-shaped displays throughout the park. Guests can marvel at the 41-foot talking tree, a beloved attraction since 1983. You'll encounter ice carvers sculpting frozen masterpieces and have the opportunity to visit cold-weather animals in their habitats. The zoo's commitment to conservation shines through its use of energy-efficient LED bulbs in all displays.
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Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Illumination: Tree Lights (Lisle)
What to Expect:
Interactive light experience in an arboretum
Description:
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum elevates holiday lighting to an art form. This innovative display transforms the natural landscape into a canvas of color and light. Visitors stroll along a mile-long path, encountering responsive light installations that change with touch or sound. The event highlights the beauty of trees in winter, a nod to the arboretum's mission of tree conservation. You can warm up with s'mores around fire pits while enjoying the symphony of lights.
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Chicago Christmas Parade (Chicago)
What to Expect:
Parade featuring giant helium balloons
Description:
Chicago's Christmas Parade marches down State Street, bringing holiday cheer to the heart of the city. Towering helium balloons, reminiscent of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, float above the crowds. Marching bands from across the Midwest fill the air with jubilant melodies. The parade honors Chicago's diverse communities with cultural performances and floats. This spectacle has been a Chicago tradition since 1934, originally known as the State Street Christmas Parade.
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ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)
What to Expect:
Free light display at a historic zoo
Description:
ZooLights transforms Lincoln Park Zoo into a luminous winter paradise. Millions of lights adorn the 35-acre grounds, creating a glowing oasis in the heart of Chicago. Visitors can ice skate beneath the city skyline or ride the Endangered Species Carousel. The event supports wildlife conservation efforts, a core mission of the zoo since its founding in 1868. You'll encounter light sculptures of exotic animals, blending holiday cheer with wildlife education.
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Winter WonderFest (Chicago)
What to Expect:
Indoor winter carnival at Navy Pier
Description:
Winter WonderFest brings the joy of outdoor winter activities indoors at Chicago's Navy Pier. The festival boasts a 170,000-square-foot playground filled with rides, attractions, and holiday decor. Visitors can glide across the indoor ice skating rink or zoom down the giant slide. The event celebrates Chicago's diverse holiday traditions with cultural performances and exhibits. This indoor extravaganza began in 2001 and has become a cherished Chicago holiday tradition.
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Reindeer Run (St. Charles)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed 5K run with reindeer
Description:
The Reindeer Run in St. Charles combines fitness with holiday spirit. Participants dash through the historic downtown, many dressed in whimsical holiday attire. Live reindeer greet runners at the finish line, offering a unique photo opportunity. The event supports local charities, embodying the giving spirit of the season. You can warm up post-race with hot cocoa while exploring the charming shops of St. Charles, a town that dates back to 1834.
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Holiday Lights Train (Union)
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride through illuminated countryside
Description:
The Holiday Lights Train in Union whisks passengers away on a nostalgic journey through the illuminated Illinois countryside. Vintage railcars from the early 20th century are adorned with twinkling lights and garlands. Guests can sip hot chocolate while watching the winter landscape roll by. The train departs from the Illinois Railway Museum, home to America's largest collection of historic railway equipment. You'll learn about the golden age of rail travel while enjoying the holiday lights.