Where to experience dazzling holiday displays this season

By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff

From glowing gardens to festive zoo trails, Chicagoland comes alive with holiday lights each winter. Bundle up for magical walks, drive-thru wonderlands, and indoor attractions that sparkle with the season’s spirit. Dates and times are subject to change—please confirm details with each venue before making plans.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, IL
mortonarb.org
Nov 15 – Jan 4 (select evenings)
A mile-long, after-dark walking trail through 50 acres with immersive light/music installations among the Arboretum’s trees.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield, IL
brookfieldzoo.org
Nov 28 – Dec 31
Chicagoland’s longest-running zoo lights with towering displays, lit trees, and festive photo ops.

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, IL
chicagobotanic.org
Nov 14 – Jan 4
1.3-mile trail with artistic light installations around lagoons and gardens. (2025 preview gala is Nov 13; public dates forthcoming.)

Winter WonderFest
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
navypier.org
Dec 5  – Jan 4
Indoor holiday experience in Festival Hall with skating, rides, and extensive seasonal décor and light displays.

Light of Christmas Drive-Thru
Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL
lightofchristmas.com
Nov 20 – Jan 7
Drive-through synchronized light show in the stadium’s Lot A; Chicago’s only in-city, stadium drive-thru lights.

Willow Hill Lights
Willow Hill Golf Course, Northbrook, IL
willowhilllights.com
Nov 14 – Jan 4
2.5-mile drive-thru with 1M+ LEDs, tunnels, and a giant tree at Willow Hill Golf Course.

Festival of Lights at Phillips Park
Aurora, IL
enjoyaurora.com
Nov 29 – Dec 29
Long-running, free drive-thru displays throughout Phillips Park.

Big & Bright Trail of Lights
Sonny Acres Farm, West Chicago, IL
sonnyacres.com
Dates TBA (2025)
Walking trail with synchronized lights, cocoa, fire pits, and a Christmas market.

Winter Lights at Central Park
Oak Brook Park District, Oak Brook, IL
obparks.org
Nov 21 – Jan 4
Free half-mile light walk through Central Park with themed scenes and daily “sensory-friendly” window.

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park
Lombard, IL
lombardparks.com
Dec 7 – Jan 5
Classic park-wide displays, gingerbread house, Santa visits, and themed nights.

Winter Lights in Wilder Park
Elmhurst Park District, Elmhurst, IL
epd.org
Dec 4
Community tree lighting on Dec 4 with decorated trees lit through the season.

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights & Tree Sale
Wheaton, IL
cosleyzoo.org
Nov 29 – Dec 30
Free walk-through zoo grounds with thousands of lights; tree sale fundraiser on site.