Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your holiday adventure in Brighton Park with our comprehensive event guide. From those who call Brighton Park home to those just passing through, our guide ensures unforgettable holiday memories.
One highlight of the season is the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where stunning lights illuminate Chicago’s iconic avenue, creating a dazzling holiday atmosphere. Another event to enjoy features beautifully decorated trees and live music at the Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park, bringing the community together in a festive spirit. And the Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it offers breathtaking views of holiday displays along the waterfront. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Brighton Park Holiday Light Displays
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- What to Expect
- Largest nighttime parade in the United States with over one million lights.
- Description
- The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a day-through-night holiday extravaganza featuring a spectacular parade with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and musical performances. The event includes the illumination of one million lights on 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue, culminating with the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
- What to Expect
- Iconic tree lighting ceremony with live performances and fireworks.
- Description
- The City of Chicago's official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park is a towering tree that will be illuminated during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event features live programming, multiple viewing locations, and a main stage on Washington Street with traditional festivities and fireworks.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
- Dazzling outdoor light displays and ice-skating rink.
- Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier features dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, cozy firepits, and the enclosed Centennial Ferris Wheel. Skating is free if you bring your own skates.
- Chicago | More Info : Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays synchronized to music.
- Description
- Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular light and sound display. The event features 17 dazzling light and music displays, including new interactive installations and returning favorites. Warm up by a crackling fire, roast marshmallows for s’mores, and enjoy snacks and beverages along the one-mile ADA-compliant path.
- Where
- Lisle | More Info : Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays and animal encounters.
- Description
- Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light tunnels. Guests can meet Santa, enjoy festive shopping, and explore various animal habitats.
- Where
- Brookfield | More Info : Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
- What to Expect
- Boozy twist on a holiday lights tour with express entry to top attractions.
- Description
- Join Chicago's BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour for a 4.5-hour journey through the city's top holiday attractions. Enjoy express entry into Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights, along with a blend of entertainment, information, and humor. The tour includes a Santa hat, drink deals, and complimentary apps or finger foods. Music playlists are provided by DJ Tecknique as you drive by iconic sites like The Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park Christmas Tree.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
Lightscape at Chicago Botanical Garden
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light and art installations along a 1.3-mile trail.
- Description
- Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail showcasing dazzling installations, light, art, and music, creating a unique holiday experience.
- Where
- Glencoe | More Info : Lightscape at Chicago Botanical Garden
Willow Hill Lights
- What to Expect
- Spectacular LED light display with synchronized music.
- Description
- Willow Hill Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show featuring over one million LED lights, a 2.5-mile journey, and festive displays including dinosaurs, Toy Land, and a 30-foot Christmas tree.
- Where
- Northbrook | More Info : Willow Hill Lights
Sparkle Light Festival
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light display with ice skating and tubing.
- Description
- Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont features a brand new, completely redesigned layout with an ice skating rink. Visitors can stroll through five illuminated villages, visit Santa Claus, enjoy free train rides, and go tubing down the Alpine Slide. Festive food and beverage options are also available.
- Where
- Long Grove | More Info : Sparkle Light Festival
Winter Lights at Aurora
- What to Expect
- Illuminated parade and drone show along the Fox River.
- Description
- Winter Lights in Aurora features a festive parade, tree lighting, and fireworks, with Santa and Mrs. Claus leading the festivities. The event includes food vendors, costumed characters, and musical entertainment in downtown Aurora.
- Where
- Aurora | More Info : Winter Lights at Aurora
Brighton Park Holiday Markets and Shopping
One of a Kind Holiday Show
- What to Expect
- Unique, handmade gifts from over 600 artists and makers.
- Description
- The One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers, and makers, offering thousands of handmade products across 20 categories. This premier holiday shopping destination in Chicago provides unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : One of a Kind Holiday Show
Brighton Park Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with historical backdrop and elaborate sets.
- Description
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet is a holiday performance that takes inspiration from Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. Set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, it features a celebrated creative team including Christopher Wheeldon, Julian Crouch, Brian Selznick, Basil Twist, Natasha Katz, and Ben Pearcy. The story follows Marie and her mother as they experience a whirlwind journey with the Nutcracker Prince.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
Brighton Park Other Holiday Activities
Winterland at Gallagher Way
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with rides, games, and international food.
- Description
- Winterland at Gallagher Way offers a variety of rides, games, and family-friendly activities, including international food and beverage options, ice skating, and festive events. The event features private chalet rentals and beach-themed igloos, providing a unique and enjoyable holiday experience.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Winterland at Gallagher Way
Breakfast with Santa and Supper with St. Nick at Morton Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Elegant holiday dinner with Santa visit.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season with family at The Morton Arboretum, where you can enjoy an elegant supper and visit St. Nick. Savor a decadent buffet dinner, then head to the Founders Room for a special visit with Santa by the fireplace. The event includes Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum.
- Where
- Lisle | More Info : Breakfast with Santa and Supper with St. Nick at Morton Arboretum