Christmas Lights in Chicago 2023 (Interactive Map)

This annual display from one of Chicago's must-see museums for kids explores rich holiday traditions from around the globe. There are over 50 trees and displays representing a variety of cultures and traditions, including a floor-to-ceiling Grand Tree with thousands of twinkling lights.

Dean Sortarican:  Our goal is to make people smile. What better way to show that than Christmas lights! We try to add lights every year and this year is the best so far. Who knows maybe Santa will be there on a Saturday night.

Looking for free things to do for Christmas in Chicago? Art on THE MART transforms one of Chicago's notable landmarks, THE MART (formerly known as The Merchandise Mart), into a permanent, larger-than-life canvas. During the holiday season, enjoy their Season of Light display nightly at 7:30pm. Performances are free for all to enjoy, and can be best viewed from The Chicago Riverwalk between Wells and Lake St.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo is definitely one of the most popular things to do for Christmas in Chicago, with luminous displays and holiday activities throughout the zoo grounds. The Pepper Family Wildlife Center will transform into the North Pole, hosting visits with Santa alongside the zoo’s holiday tree and festive décor.

Holiday Magic is one of Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festivals, with over two million twinkling LED lights. Along with the light displays (including a tunnel light show!), families can enjoy photo ops, letters to Santa, roaming carolers, ice carving and more. Advance reservations are required for all, except for members entering through the North Gate. Admission to Holiday Magic is free for all members.

One of Chicago's favorite botanic gardens presents Lightscape, bringing the night alive with color, imagination and sound, from a playful choir of singing trees to a spectacular Winter Cathedral. This is one of the most popular places to see Christmas lights around Chicago, and tickets sell out quickly so buy yours early to guarantee a spot!

Blake Fehlhaber:  Willow Hill Lights is a drive-through holiday lights! This family holiday event features a 2.5 mile route with over one million lights, three drive through tunnels and a 30 foot Christmas tree. Come see the abominable snowman and Rudolph and his reindeer pals as well as many other holiday favorites such as the Twelve Days of Christmas and Frosty and his friends.

Carolina E:  The Village of Rosemont is thrilled to announce the return of Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field, the premier holiday destination for family fun. This year Sparkle Light Festival will feature a brand new, completely redesigned layout and the addition of an ice skating rink. Visitors are invited to make magical memories while enjoying breathtaking displays of millions of holiday lights alongside a variety of activities. Sparkle Light Festival will open on Friday, November 17 and will run through Sunday, December 31.

Sparkle Light Festival guests will stroll through five illuminated villages including the Frozen Forest, Snowflake Circle, Winter Wonderland, the North Pole and Deck the Walls. Guests are invited to visit Santa Claus, ice-skate with friends, enjoy free train rides on the “Holly Trolly” train, and go tubing down the Alpine Slide. Festive food and beverage options will also be available.

This immersive experience at the Kohl Children's Museum allows kids to interact with light and color as they explore hues and patterns in this interactive holiday light installation. The light display is an indoor and outdoor experience, and includes admission to the museum's wonderful indoor exhibits as well.

Discover dancing trees, inspirational signs, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, and musical hearts throughout this scenic, inclusive and accessible walk.

Walk through Lilacia Park which will be lit up with animated light shows, decorated trees, a gingerbread house, and much more. On weekend evenings, kids can visit with Santa Claus, enjoy a spectacular show with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and visit with their favorite holiday characters.

Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound along a 1-mile paved walking path. Ticket prices can go up over time up depending on availability, so get yours early for the best price.

Take a drive over to Wheaton to see this free synchronized Christmas light show any time between Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's Eve. Be sure to tune your car radio to 99.7 FM to enjoy the musical selections.

Downtown Naperville is converted into a holiday lights extravaganza with lighted trees, large holiday-themed figures and a combination of other holiday displays. Visit Naper Lights to get your 3D Viewing glasses to enjoy the full effect of these spectacular Christmas lights in Naperville! Whether permitting, you can also take pictures with Santa by the great tree on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Drive by this Christmas lights residential display and you'll see Santa, the largest Elf on the Shelf, and thousands of twinkling lights. Each year the homeowners try to add to their traditional static display, including pieces they've made by hand over the years!