Our Favorite Holiday Festivities
There are tons of ways to celebrate the holidays across the Chicago suburbs from holiday festivals and markets to visits with Santa and festive train rides. This guide highlights our favorite holiday festivities and places to see lights that run throughout the holiday season. For additional holiday events and activities, check out our events calendar.
NORTH SHORE
The Kohlights Holiday Lightacular!
An indoor/outdoor immersive experience that allows kids to interact with light and color as they explore hues and patterns in this safe and interactive holiday light installation, right-sized for young kids.
Event Dates: 11/29/24 - 12/22/24
Event Cost: $16-$28 (children one and under free)
Willow Hill Lights
NORTHWEST SUBURBS
Goebbert’s Holiday Lights Show
Happy Holiday Railway
Take a 40-minute train ride trip through the winter countryside on one of the museum’s trains. Sip on hot chocolate and enjoy treats while you await your visit from Santa on the train. Also, an animated light show and holiday song presentation.
Event Dates: 11/22/24 - 1/5/25
Event Cost: $25 (children two and under free)
The Arboretum’s Holiday Lights
Enjoy a daily festive light and music show by their Holiday Tree, and capture photos by their giant lighted castle and Santa Clause, along with tons of holiday decorations, dining, and shopping.
Event Dates: 11/16/24 - 1/5/25
Event Cost: FREE
100 W Higgins Road
South Barrington, IL 60010
WESTERN SUBURBS
Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic
The annual event at Brookfield Zoo features over two million twinkling LED lights and is Chicagoland's longest-running holiday light experience! There will be a holiday market this year along with two new themed lighting areas.
Event Dates: 11/22/24 - 12/31/24
Event Cost: $20-$35 (children two and under free)
Christmas at Cantigny
Explore a dazzling array of experiences as you stroll through a half mile path featuring music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations, larger-than-life flower sculptures, and a towering 28-foot Christmas tree. After taking in the sights, enjoy ice skating, cozy cabanas, fire pits and s’mores, sip on specialty drinks and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
Event Dates: 11/21/24 - 1/5/25
Event Cost: $8-$38
1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park
Charming holiday displays illuminate the park with magical light shows, tree decorations, a gingerbread house and so much more! Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December from 6:00-8:00 pm, youngsters can visit with Santa Claus, enjoy a spectacular show with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and visit with their favorite Holiday Characters.
Event Dates: 12/8/24 - 1/1/25
Event Cost: FREE
Illumination at Morton Arboretum
Enjoy walking the one-mile paved pathway while listening to seasonal music, seeing captivating light designs and roasting s'mores over a fire. You can also grab snacks or beverages at their concession tent or sit down for a delicious meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant.
Event Dates: 11/16/24 - 1/4/25
Event Cost: $20-$40
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532
Santa’s Rock N Lights
Experience one of Chicagoland’s longest running drive thru light shows with over one mile of lights synchronized to music, a huge variety of displays, color changing light technology, and larger than life sculptures.
Event Dates: 11/22/24 - 12/31/24
Event Cost: $30-$40 per vehicle
34W002 Cherry Lane
Geneva, IL 60134
Sonny Acres Farm’s Christmas Festival
Winter Lights at Central Park
Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the 1/2 mile walk through the beautifully lit Central Park, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Discover dancing trees, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, dazzling twirling icicles, vibrantly colored butterflies, and musical hearts throughout this scenic walk.
Event Dates: 11/22/24 -1/5/25
Event Cost: FREE
