Your 2025 Guide to Viewing Christmas Lights in Chicago & Suburbs

The streets of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are some of the best places in the Midwest to view Christmas lights. From dazzling neighborhood showcases to awe-inspiring illuminated streets, the area transforms into a winter wonderland that delights both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a local visiting for the holiday season or from out of town, we have your guide for viewing holiday lights. 

The Magnificent Mile lights festival

For over 30 years, Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" has been a mile-long delight for all guests and locals. Aside from these lights gleaming all holiday season long, the real charm of this event comes from its opening ceremony. This spectacular parade down Michigan Ave is led by grand marshals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse!  

The Mag Mile's Lights Festival also features floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, Santa Claus, fireworks, and more surprises. The festival reaches its peak with the lighting of one million lights on The Avenue's 200+ trees. Enjoy this event this year on Saturday, November 22, 2025! 

Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo 

Taking place between the middle of November through the beginning of January, this holiday celebration isn't one to miss. The Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo features cozy photo ops, interactive programming, ice carving, and more to enjoy. Not only can you enjoy the lights of the season, but you can also view Lincoln Park's animals, too – of course, depending on the weather.  

Zoo Lights also features costumed characters and even a special visit from Santa! Although admission to Lincoln Park is free, during the Zoo Lights event there is an admission charge of $7-$10. Lights turn on at around 7 pm and shut off at 9 pm. 

Christmas Tree lighting at Millennium Park

While Millennium Park has a lot to enjoy regardless of the season, the park's tree lighting is one for the memory books! This beloved tradition takes place in late November, kicking off the festive season in grand style. Thousands gather around the picturesque park to marvel at the larger-than-life evergreen. Last year's tree towered over the park at 45 feet! 

The ceremony features holiday performances and fireworks. You can view the Christmas tree lighting in Chicago from multiple locations throughout the park. If you're not in town for the one-night event, don't worry, the tree stays lit through the middle of January. Enjoy the tree lighting at this event on November 21, 2025, at 6 pm. 

Macy's State Street holiday windows 

Dating way back to the 1800's the Macy's State Street holiday windows have been a staple to Chicagoan's for generations. Each year, the department store's artists and designers pull out all the stops to craft enchanting scenes that bring beloved Christmas stories and traditions to life. Delicately posed mannequins and intricately detailed vignettes line the street.  

This event typically takes place after the Thanksgiving holiday. Be sure to catch additional holiday events hosted by Macy's like "Macy's Santaland" and the tree lighting at the iconic Walnut Room.  

Light of Christmas Drive-Thru at Rate Field 

Are you a Chicago White Sox fan and a lover of Christmas lights? You won't want to miss this one! Stay warm and cozy in your vehicle as you enjoy over a million synchronized lights at Rate Field. To make the magic even more exciting, guests can tune into a dedicated holiday radio station as they cruise through enchanting archways and dazzling displays, watching as the lights and music sync up. 

A drive thru not your thing? No worries! Elevate your evening with the Holiday Trolley Experience that offers a cozy ride through the lights, followed by a visit to the iconic Christkindlmarket downtown. 

Or, opt for the Drive-Thru & Movie Combo, where the light show is paired with a classic holiday film at the ChiTown Drive-In Theater, which serves as a perfect blend of sparkle and nostalgia. Find out more about all these events, ticket pricing, and more, here! 

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier

Light up the Lake is Chicago's largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience! Right on the shores of Chicago's Navy Pier, you can enjoy holiday light displays on the lakefront or indoors. A few "can't miss" highlights include a ride on the enclosed Centennial Ferris Wheel, slides, rides, axe-throwing, and cozy firepits.

Possibly one of the most memorable experiences is skating on Navy Pier's outdoor ice-skating rink! Skating is free if you bring your own skates through early January, but skate rental is available. Visitors can also enjoy live music every weekend from local performers and explore holiday workshops. 

Christmas Around the World at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry 

Since 1942, "Christmas Around the World" has been a grand tradition thrown by the Museum of Science and Industry for generations. This holiday tradition features a four-story high Grand Tree that is surrounded by a forest of over 50 trees. These small trees are adorned by volunteers to symbolize Christmas customs and cultures globally.  

Allstate CTA Holiday Train & Bus 

All aboard! The holidays in Chicago wouldn't be complete without a ride on this iconic Chicago staple! What began in 1992 as a humble food delivery train has transformed into a dazzling spectacle of lights, music, and community spirit that rolls through neighborhoods on both rail and bus routes. 

Akin to the Polar Express, this Chicago fleet comes with hundreds of twinkly lights, and on select nights, riders can take photos with Santa himself!   

Meanwhile, the Holiday Bus, a 60-foot winter wonderland on wheels, brings joy to city streets with holiday tunes, where you can take photos with Santa on select days. Be sure to plan ahead if you're looking to attend. You can also use the CTA app to track train schedules and plan your visit. 

Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic

If you're looking to view Christmas lights away from the city, the Brookfield Zoo lights are a great choice. Brookfield Zoo's Christmas lights event "Holiday Magic" is Chicagoland's longest-running lights festival, featuring over two million twinkling lights. 

During this time, guests can stroll through two 300-foot light tunnels synchronized to seasonal tunes. Visitors can also bask in the glow of 900 decorated community trees. With so much more to explore at the Brookfield Zoo lights, animal lovers can visit the zoo's wildlife, drink hot chocolate, and delight in nightly entertainment. Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic is available on select nights in November and December! 

Illuminations at the Morton Arboretum 

Illuminations at the Morton Arboretum is a late-light experience for all to enjoy. Guests have the opportunity to explore 19 festive features, lights, and interactive elements across 50 acres. Visitors can trek along a mile-long road where music and trees dance together.  

The Morton Arboretum lights also offer guests concession tents for snacks, beverages, and smores roasted over a fire. Illuminations ends the night with a display finale with special viewing from Ginkgo Restaurant.  

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Gardens 

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Gardens features floral effects and themed lighting. The Botanic Gardens always have new installations within this event to enjoy. Winding paths guide guests through larger-than-life sculptural displays and fully immersive light experiences. One moment you may find yourself strolling beneath dazzling archways dripping with crystalline strands, while the next transports you through a shimmering tunnel. 

For the older kids at heart, the Chicago Botanical Gardens features a "Cocktails Under the Lights" 21+ event where you can enjoy the lights and trudge in the snow with friends or that special someone. 

Aurora Festival of Lights in Aurora, Illinois 

The city of Aurora kicks off the season right with a holiday spectacle. Noted as one of the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light displays in the region, this light display is one to see.  

Opening on November 29, Phillips Park in Aurora will be filled with displays of jumping reindeer, ice skating bears, old man winter, howling wolves, the holiday golfer, Santa's toy factory, and fields of gigantic snowflakes. 

Naper Lights! In Naperville, Illinois

No matter what season you choose to visit, Downtown Naperville is a favorite destination among many locals. But Downtown Naperville never shines brighter than in the holiday season! Visitors can enjoy a free holiday lights display (called Naper Lights!) on the Naperville Riverwalk.  

Perhaps uniquely of all, the Naperville Christmas lights come with free 3D viewing glasses for certain displays from Thanksgiving to New Year's. 

Holiday Parade of Lights by the Naperville Rotary Club 

During this event, the heart of downtown will come alive under a canopy of twinkling lights as families gather for an evening of festive cheer. 

Hosted by the Naperville Rotary Club, this beloved event is designed to delight children of all ages, featuring brightly lit floats, local music performers, and hometown parade entrants that showcase the spirit of the season. And of course, no holiday parade would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus!

Christmas in the Square in Lockport, Illinois 

Lockport is a fantastic place to view Christmas lights during the season! Attending the "Christmas in the Square" is the best way to view Lockport Christmas lights at one of the city's most well-known locations. This event has everything from food vendors, a giant snow globe, and Christmas tree lighting. 

If you're looking for more holiday fun, consider attending Christmas Crossroads in Lockport. With more than 100+ craft vendors selling anything from holiday decor to food, there's something for everyone. 

Lights on McCabe, Lockport, IL 

Looking for something really local? Check out this independent residential lights display! Featuring over 20,000 synchronized lights with a soundtrack of over 40 different songs, you won't want to miss this one. When you arrive, simply turn to 91.3 FM to hear the music through your own speakers and enjoy the lights from the warmth of your car! 

Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade in Joliet, Illinois

If you're looking to view Joliet Christmas lights, Light Up the Holidays Festival is all you need. It features a North Pole Market, fireworks show, and horse-drawn carriages! The fun doesn't stop there; kids can visit Santa at the Joliet History Museum, enjoy a Ferris wheel, and more seasonal activities.  

Joliet really goes all out for the holidays with this festive extravaganza. 

Parade of Lights in Tinley Park 

Get ready to kick off the holidays in dazzling style at the 27th Annual Tinley Park Parade of Lights, happening on Sunday, December 7, 2025! 

This cherished community tradition brings together families and friends for an evening filled with lights, music, and festive cheer in the heart of downtown Tinley Park. 

Expect a joyful procession of illuminated floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and floats from local organizations, all decked out in holiday splendor. Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance, greeting guests in the Holiday Tent after the parade. 

Christmas at Cantigny in Wheaton 

Enjoy a ½ mile path of dazzling music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations, larger-than-life flower sculptures, and an ice rink at Cantigny. 

New this season, explore a wonderful Northern Lights display lighting up the Rose Garden and two new holiday themes: A Wickedly Popular Christmas, and Lights, Camera, Action! which will feature different light shows and soundtracks on select nights. 

If you're looking to get out of the cold, explore the inside of the McCormick House, which is decked out in holiday cheer, and its library, which features a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. On your way out, be sure to pick up a holiday Poinsettia at the visitors center! 

Santa's Rock n' Christmas Lights in Geneva 

This immersive event transforms over one mile of roadway into a glowing spectacle of synchronized lights and music, making it one of Chicago's longest-running and most beloved drive-thru light shows. 

Visitors will cruise through 1,000 feet of dancing light tunnels, marvel at larger-than-life 3D sculptures of dinosaurs, polar bears, and reindeer, and even spot guitar-playing Santas! 

From the twinkling trees lining the Magnificent Mile to the dazzling light displays at the city's beloved parks and museums, the Chicago area truly shines during the holiday season. With so many brilliant attractions to explore, this guide merely scratches the surface of the countless ways to immerse yourself in the region's holiday radiance.