10 of the Chicago Area’s Most Dazzling Holiday Light Shows

Patty Wetli | November 5, 2026, 10:55 am

The holiday season is merry and bright thanks to the Chicago area’s many spectacular light displays, including Illumination (pictured) at The Morton Arboretum. (Courtesy of The Morton Arboretum)

From simple strands of twinkly white bulbs to elaborately choreographed laser displays, holiday light shows captivate people of all ages for the simplest of reasons: They make the season bright.

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Nov. 13-Jan. 3

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In the eight years since it debuted at the Botanic Garden, Lightscape has become a Chicago classic, part of many families’ holiday traditions. But traditional, in this case, doesn’t translate into “same old, same old.” This year, 20 of the 24 light installations along the 1.3-mile trail are new, including a life-sized snow globe (fear not, the dazzling “Winter Cathedral” isn’t going anywhere).

Special programming includes adults-only, sensory-friendly and family-friendly evenings. On Museums for All nights, people receiving SNAP benefits can get discounted admission.

Illumination at The Morton Arboretum

Nov. 14-Jan. 2

Northern Lights, an immersive, 400-foot-long installation inspired by the aurora borealis, is one of Illumination‘s four new large-scale displays in 2026, along with returning favorites. The mile-long trail, which winds through 22 displays in total, will deliver the “wow” factor. Fairy Forest, another new display, will be aglow with orbs and mushrooms.

Visitors can enjoy a separately ticketed attraction, Pine Whistle Railroad, with model trains winding through a fanciful woodland.

Along with adults-only and sensory-friendly nights, Illumination offers four dog admission evenings.

Northern Lights is a dramatic new addition to Illumination at The Morton Arboretum. (Courtesy of The Morton Arboretum)

Willow Hill Lights

Nov. 13-Jan. 3

Load up the car and head to Northbrook where the Willow Hill Golf Course has been transformed into a festive drive-thru light show. The 2.5-mile route has three tunnels, a 30-foot Christmas tree and holiday characters like Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman.

Christmas at Cantigny

Nov. 20-Jan. 3

Just in case the weather outside is frightful, Cantigny’s holiday experience brings visitors indoors as well. Folks can stroll through the estate’s gardens, sparkling with lights, and then warm up inside the historic McCormick House, where the seasonal decor comes alive with hundreds of Cantigny-grown poinsettias.

Special programming includes “A Marvelous Christmas” on Sundays, with a light show set to music from superhero movies; and new this year, The Colonel’s Candlelit Christmas Tour, an hour-long guided walk through McCormick House by candlelight.

Cantigny's outdoor gardens sparkle during the holidays. (Courtesy of Cantigny)

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Nov. 20-Jan. 3

Three million lights turn Lincoln Park Zoo into a glittering wonderland every holiday season. Climb aboard the Ferris wheel to view the entire spectacle from on high.

Along with adults-only and sensory-friendly nights, special programming includes photos with Santa, ice carvers on Fridays and Saturdays, and strolling carolers on Sundays.

Admission on a handful on Mondays is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance and get snapped up quickly.

Santa’s Rock N Lights

Nov. 20-Jan. 2

The popular drive-thru display in Geneva has doubled its length this year. Carloads now coast through a full two miles of Christmas cheer, all set to a synchronized music soundtrack.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Nov. 21 parade and festival; lights on display through March

The day-long festival kicks off at 11 a.m. Nov. 21 with musical performances from acts including Neon Trees, disco queen Thelma Huston and kid favorite Justin Roberts. The parade, led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, gets underway at 5:30 p.m., heading south on Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive. Dozens of floats — and encore performances from the day’s musicians and singers — are all a setup for the arrival of the man in red, Santa Claus. The whole show ends with a bang in the form of fireworks over the Chicago River.

One million lights will continue to brighten hundreds of trees along the Mag Mile throughout the holiday season, creating a festive mood for tourists, shoppers, office workers and residents alike. And for folks on a budget, it’s worth mentioning this light display is free for the viewing, all day every day.

Santa is the main attraction of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade, but the lights themselves steal the show. (Jeff Ellis)

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Nov. 21-Jan. 3

The illuminated maze is back, bigger and longer than before, stretching for 100 feet. More Holiday Magic dates have been added beyond the usual Thursday through Sunday schedule, including days before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

The retro Christmas dance area, visits with Santa, a holiday market and carousel rides are among the special attractions, along with a sensory-friendly night. Rent a holiday igloo to enjoy your own private party.

Kohlights at the Kohl Children’s Museum

Nov. 27-Dec. 20 (select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)

It’s right there in the venue name — this light display is for the kids. Hop aboard the Twinkle Train; enjoy meet-and-greets with Santa, and Elsa and Anna from “Frozen”; and explore indoor exhibits.

Happy Holiday Railway at Illinois Railway Museum

Nov. 27-Dec. 21 (select dates)

Ride the rails with Santa this Christmas, with an animated light show and holiday music to entertain passengers during the 40-minute trip. The museum’s entire campus will be full of cheerful light displays, and added attractions include rides on historic Chicago streetcars.

Note: Tickets tend to sell out quickly.

Lights truly can turn anything into a magical experience. (Courtesy Illinois Railway Museum)