Last updated: November 11, 2024
It’s holiday season in Morton Grove! Explore our guide for the top festive events and activities. From Morton Grove regulars to holiday explorers, our guide brings the festive season to life.
Popular Events: One of the highlights includes the stunning Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, where thousands of twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere amidst the natural beauty of the arboretum. In addition, Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo offers a unique chance to see animals and festive decorations during enchanting evening hours. And the Christkindlmarket, featuring traditional German crafts and festive treats, is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Morton Grove Holiday Light Displays
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Immersive light and music displays highlighting tree beauty in winter.
- Description
- Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular light and sound display. The one-mile path is fully ADA compliant, featuring 17 dazzling light and music displays, including new interactive installations like Celebration Circle. Enjoy warm beverages and snacks at concession tents or a meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant while viewing the laser light finale at Meadow Lake.
- Where
- Lisle | More Info : Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with synchronized light and animal exhibits.
- Description
- Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive displays like Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast. The event includes Santa visits, festive holiday markets, and seasonal attractions like the Elf Power Virtual Reality Experiences and the Carousel.
- Where
- Brookfield | More Info : Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light installations and immersive artistic experiences.
- Description
- Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail with dazzling installations, including a 110-foot tunnel of 100,000 lights and radiant new works by international artists. Guests can stroll through the Winter Cathedral and a reimagined fire garden while enjoying handcrafted drinks and music.
- Where
- Glencoe | More Info : Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Sparkle Light Festival
- What to Expect
- Completely redesigned layout with an added ice skating rink.
- Description
- Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont features a brand new, completely redesigned layout with an added ice skating rink. Visitors can stroll through five illuminated villages, including the Frozen Forest, Snowflake Circle, Winter Wonderland, the North Pole, and Deck the Walls. Activities include visiting Santa Claus, ice-skating, free train rides on the Holly Trolly, and tubing down the Alpine Slide. Festive food and beverage options are also available.
- Where
- Rosemont | More Info : Sparkle Light Festival
Willow Hill Lights
- What to Expect
- 2.5-mile drive-through light display with over one million LED lights.
- Description
- Willow Hill Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show at Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook, featuring over one million LED lights, a 2.5-mile journey, and various themed displays.
- Where
- Northbrook | More Info : Willow Hill Lights
Happy Holiday Railway
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light tour and traditional decorations.
- Description
- Embark on a 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus. Enjoy treats and hot chocolate while visiting historic trains and holiday light displays. Gifts will be given to children on Santa’s “good list.”
- Where
- Union | More Info : Happy Holiday Railway
Morton Grove Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket
- What to Expect
- Authentic German holiday market with over 55 vendors and family-friendly activities.
- Description
- The Christkindlmarket is a traditional German-style holiday market offering a unique shopping experience with international and local vendors, festive events, and a diverse range of food and beverages.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Christkindlmarket
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
- What to Expect
- Horse-drawn carriage rides through historic downtown Long Grove.
- Description
- Vintage Holidays in Long Grove is a classic holiday celebration featuring quaint shops, old-world charm, and family memories. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, festive holiday carolers, and special appearances by Santa Claus. Merchants offer decorations, specials on merchandise, seasonal food, and drinks throughout the holiday season.
- Where
- Long Grove | More Info : Vintage Holidays in Long Grove