Chicago Christmas Lights 2025

Discover 13 verified christmas lights in Chicago and nearby areas.

Welcome to your guide for Chicago Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city and its surroundings come alive with festive illumination. Whether you're a local or visiting, this is your starting point to explore the season’s sparkling scenes.

From the iconic Magnificent Mile Lights Festival to the enchanting ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago offers beloved neighborhood favorites and standout displays near Chicago that capture the holiday spirit.

This guide covers everything from free neighborhood displays to ticketed events, including drive-through lights and walking trails. Discover these light displays and make the most of your holiday visit.

All Christmas Lights Around Chicago

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Free

America's holiday season kickoff with the nation's largest nighttime parade.

America's holiday season officially begins at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® in Chicago. This iconic event features the nation's largest nighttime parade, dazzling floats, marching bands, and beloved characters from Walt Disney World®. The celebration culminates with a spectacular...

Holiday Light DisplaysParadesFireworks

Illuminate 900: Holiday Tree Lighting

$$

Santa lights a 50-foot tree with a Make-A-Wish child

Experience the magical kickoff to the holiday season at Illuminate 900. Hosts Giuliana & Bill Rancic will guide you through an evening of spectacular performances, delightful family activities like cookie decorating, and festive music. The highlight is Santa's arrival to...

Holiday Light DisplaysTree LightingSanta Visits

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

$$

Chicago's largest indoor winter festival

Navy Pier transforms into a winter wonderland with the return of Winter WonderFest. This beloved indoor holiday event features dazzling décor, thrilling rides, an ice rink, and festive fun for all ages. Explore the 42-foot Holiday Tree, enjoy classic attractions,...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd

$$

Millions of lights illuminating a beloved zoo setting.

Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland for ZooLights, a beloved holiday tradition. Millions of lights illuminate the park, creating a magical atmosphere with dazzling displays and a festive light tunnel. Enjoy seasonal treats, rides on the Ferris wheel...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Food

ZooLights

$$

Millions of lights in a beloved urban zoo setting

Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a magical holiday spectacle with ZooLights, featuring over 3 million dazzling lights and hundreds of festive displays. Enjoy iconic rides, warm up with seasonal treats, and experience live ice carving and caroling. It's Chicago's favorite...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Food

Chicago BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley

$$

BYOB holiday lights trolley tour with included ZooLights admission.

Embark on a magical journey through Chicago's dazzling holiday lights aboard the original BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley. This unique experience begins with a festive welcome at Matilda, featuring a complimentary snack and a chance to meet your guide. Then, hop...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Winterland at Gallagher Way

Free

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way

Winterland at Gallagher Way transforms into a magical holiday destination, bringing the festive spirit of the season to life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the charming Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, a beloved European-style market featuring unique vendors and seasonal delights. It's the...

Christmas MarketHoliday MarketFree Event

Allstate CTA Holiday Train & Bus

$

A decorated CTA train and bus featuring Santa Claus

Experience Chicago's cherished holiday tradition with the Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus. This festive fleet brings joy to neighborhoods with dazzling lights, holiday music, and appearances by Santa Claus. Ride the elaborately decorated train or bus, enjoy photo opportunities...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Miracle on 63rd Street

Free

Meet Black Santa Claus and enjoy free ice skating.

Experience the 'Miracle on 63rd Street,' a heartwarming holiday event in Englewood. This festive gathering offers a day filled with joy, featuring free ice skating, complimentary food, and exciting toys. Attendees can meet the unique Black Santa Claus and enjoy...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFree Event

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield, IL 11 mi from Chicago
$$

Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival.

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Holiday Magic, Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival. For over 40 years, they've transformed the zoo with over 2 million LED lights, creating a dazzling spectacle. Stroll through glowing pathways and...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsHoliday Tradition

Illuminate the Orchard

Skokie, IL 14 mi from Chicago
Free

Free holiday celebration with ice skating and fireworks

Join Westfield Old Orchard for a magical evening to 'Illuminate the Orchard,' transforming the center into a sparkling winter wonderland. This free, family-friendly event features live music, ice skating, exciting giveaways, and special appearances by Santa Claus and beloved characters....

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationFamily Friendly

Holly Jolly Fest & Tree Lighting

Niles, IL 16 mi from Chicago
Free

Kick off the holiday season with Santa and festive activities.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Holly Jolly Fest & Tree Lighting! This festive event invites you to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy delicious roasted s'mores, and take enchanting horse-drawn trolley rides. Kids will love the petting zoo...

Family FriendlySanta VisitsTree Lighting

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Christmas light displays in and around Chicago?

Some of the top displays include the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival downtown, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, and Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo. Nearby suburbs like Aurora also host large drive-through light shows such as the Aurora Festival of Lights.

What is the difference between drive-through and walkable Christmas light options in Chicago?

Drive-through light displays, like Light of Christmas at Rate Field, allow you to enjoy festive lights from the comfort of your car, often with themed music and entertainment. Walkable options, such as ZooLights and the Magnificent Mile, offer immersive experiences with interactive displays and holiday activities.

When do Chicago Christmas lights typically start each year?

Most major Chicago Christmas light displays begin in mid to late November, with events like the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicking off around Thanksgiving and others running through early January.

Are there free Christmas light displays available in Chicago?

Yes, several neighborhood displays and events like the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and some suburban light shows offer free viewing. Additionally, many public parks and walking trails feature holiday lights at no cost.

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