Your 2024 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 the way by grand marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse!  

The Mag Mile’s Lights festival also adores 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. 

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, and more to enjoy. Not only can you enjoy the lights of the season you can 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, Lincoln Park Zoo event there is an admission charge of $7-$10 from November to mid-January. 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. 

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 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. I few “can’t miss” highlights include a ride on the enclosed Centennial Ferris Wheel 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, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees. These small trees are adorned by volunteers to symbolize Christmas customs and cultures globally.

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. 

Aurora Festival of Lights in Aurora, Illinois 

The city of Aurora kicks off the season right with a holiday spectacle. In the heart of Aurora’s downtown, locals can witness fantastic tree lighting and fireworks displays on the Fox River! Best of all, the Aurora Festival of Lights kicks off with Santa and Mrs. Claus on an illuminated parade float! 

After the Aurora tree lighting on November 22nd, Stolp Avenue will be filled with food vendors, characters, and entertainment! 

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. 

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 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. 

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. Featuring 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. 

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.