Last updated: November 11, 2024
You've discovered the ultimate guide to the holidays in Lisle! Let us show you the best festive events and attractions. For Lisle regulars and holiday explorers, this guide is your companion for festive fun.
Popular events include the stunning Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, where dazzling light displays transform the landscape into a magical winter wonderland. Another highlight is Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo, featuring enchanting animal encounters and dazzling holiday lights throughout the zoo. And the Christkindlmarket offers a taste of traditional German holiday markets, complete with authentic crafts and festive treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Lisle Holiday Light Displays
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays and temperature-activated ceramic mugs.
- Description
- Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular light and sound display. The 2024 exhibition features 17 displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Enjoy immersive installations, including a secluded glade strung with fairy lights and kinetic LED tall grasses honoring Midwest native species. Warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, or stop at one of the concession tents for snacks and beverages along the Illumination trail.
- Where
- Lisle | More Info : Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with giant animal sculptures.
- Description
- Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light displays, including a 300-foot light tunnel and a 41-foot-tall tree adorned with colored LED lights.
- Where
- Brookfield | More Info : Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Lights of Lisle
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- Join downtown Lisle for a holiday celebration featuring a Santa Parade, holiday crafts, hot chocolate, and the annual tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy luminaria displays and festive activities throughout the downtown area.
- Where
- Lisle | More Info : Lights of Lisle
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light installations merging nature with creative expression.
- Description
- Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail with dazzling installations, including a 110-foot tunnel of 100,000 lights and interactive displays, set to music and color.
- Where
- Glencoe | More Info : Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Happy Holiday Railway
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday train ride with Santa and animated light displays.
- Description
- Embark on a 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus. Enjoy treats and hot chocolate while seeing holiday lights and an animated light show. Gifts will be given to children on Santa's good list.
- Where
- Union | More Info : Happy Holiday Railway
Lisle Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket
- What to Expect
- Authentic German-style holiday market with international vendors and festive activities.
- Description
- The Christkindlmarket is a traditional German-style holiday market offering a unique shopping experience with international and local vendors, festive live entertainment, and a variety of food and beverages. Visitors can explore vendor products, participate in special events, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere filled with the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, and hot spiced wine.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Christkindlmarket