From tree lightings to festive illuminations, here are the best holiday displays in Chicago to celebrate the season.
ZooLights
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Dates: Nov. 15-Jan. 5
2400 N. Cannon Drive / Website
Marking 30 years of holiday celebrations, ZooLights features over 3 million lights across the zoo grounds. This year’s event includes LED displays, interactive elements, and festive attractions. Guests can take in views from the Ferris Wheel, walk through a light tunnel, and enjoy photo ops, ice carving demos, and Victorian carolers on select nights. The Pepper Family Wildlife Center will be transformed into the North Pole, with Santa and a holiday tree.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
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Dates: Nov. 22
Millennium Park, near near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. / Website
The 111th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will mark the lighting of a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, accompanied by a festive ceremony, holiday activities and a fireworks show.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
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Dates: Dec. 6-22
3635 N. Clark St. / Website
Winterland returns to Gallagher Way, offering a range of seasonal activities from ice skating and wreath-making workshops to holiday movie screenings and a tree lighting ceremony. Visitors can also check out Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, Santa’s Workshop for family photo ops, carnival rides, live music and more.
Navy Pier's Light Up The Lake
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Dates: Nov. 29-Jan. 5
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. / Website
Light Up The Lake offers visitors a chance to enjoy free outdoor light displays, a new ice slide and activities like axe throwing and rides on the Centennial Wheel. Guests can explore craft workshops, shop at holiday artisan markets and watch fireworks on Saturdays. The event also features holiday-themed drone shows and a special meet-and-greet with Santa.
Light of Christmas
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Dates: Nov. 21-Jan. 5
Guaranteed Rate Field, 3326 S. Wentworth Ave. / Website
As Chicago's only drive-thru Christmas light show, this event offers a unique experience where guests can stay in their vehicles and enjoy over a million synchronized lights. Held at Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, the show features a scenic drive through sparkling archways and light displays. With just one ticket per vehicle, visitors can tune into a designated radio station to fully immerse themselves in the holiday atmosphere.
Lightscape
Dates: Nov. 15-Jan. 5
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe / Website
Featuring light, music and art installations, Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden offers an after-dark trail illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights in every size, shape and color.
Sparkle Light Festival
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Dates: Nov. 17-Dec. 31
9850 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont / Website
Returning to Impact Field with a redesigned layout and the addition of an ice skating rink, the Sparkle Light Festival invites visitors to explore five illuminated villages, including the Frozen Forest and North Pole. Activities include ice skating, free train rides on the "Holly Trolly," tubing down the Alpine Slide and visits with Santa Claus, along with festive food and drinks available throughout.
Photography by: Alex Hewitt
