One of the best parts of Christmas? Lights, lights, and more lights. The magic it creates is undeniable. Especially in a city like Chicago, where the holidays just make it even more beautiful.
From attractions to trains to historic sites to entire neighborhoods, here’s where you’ll find the best holiday light displays in Chicagoland.
Lights in the City
Roscoe Village
Photo Credit: DNAInfo
Roscoe Village holds a yearly competition that lights up the neighborhood. Houses and businesses compete against one another to see who can deck their halls the best. A first, second and third place winner is selected in each category. This makes for one lit neighborhood that’s perfect for walking around in during December.
Logan Square
Photo Credit: Do312
If you’re wandering around Logan Square during the holiday season, you need to stop by 2656 W. Logan Blvd., the most decorated house in the neighborhood. Frank Lopez, the longtime owner of the home, goes all-out for Christmas every year. He even makes the decorations himself. If you’ve been searching for the best-decorated house in the city, this is it.
CTA Holiday Trains
Photo Credit: Youtube
Even the CTA gets into the Christmas spirit. Each year, they decorate the trains and buses according to a specific theme. There are even photos with Santa available at certain stops. While they haven’t announced this year’s theme or schedule, be sure to check the CTA website for updates.
Macy’s Holiday Window Displays
Photo Credit: Youtube
Macy’s windows are always a given when it comes to the holiday season, as it’s a tradition that’s lasted for over a century. Regardless of what city you’re in, Macy’s windows are a must-see.
ZooLights
Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo
When it comes to holiday light displays, Lincoln Park Zoo might just take the cake. Enjoy photos with Santa, winter beer and spiced wine, gift shopping, ice sculptures, crafts, carousels, mazes and musical light shows on November 24-26, December 1-3, 8-23, 26-31, and January 1-7.
Lightscape on State Street
Photo Credit: Chicago Loop Alliance
Be on the lookout for this amazing low-energy LED light display synchronized to holiday music from 10am – 8pm during the season.
Lights in the ‘Burbs
Aurora’s Festival of Lights
Photo Credit: Aurora Festival of Lights
Drive through Phillips Park for one of the best free holiday displays in the ‘burbs, taking place the day after Thanksgiving until the day after Christmas. Hours are Sunday – Thursday 5pm-9pm, and Friday and Saturday 5pm-10pm.
Bolingbrook Symphony in Lights
Photo Credit: Youtube
Stay tuned for an announcement for this annual tree lighting ceremony and light show symphony hosted by the Village of Bolingbrook at The Promenade outdoor mall.
Larsen’s Light Show in Elburn
Photo Credit: Larsen’s Light Show
One of most impressive and well-known private home displays in the state, Brian Larsen turns his massive home on Beith Road into a true winter wonderland with a competition-winning light display.
Morton Arboretum Illumination
Photo Credit: Youtube
Watch as nature illuminates with gorgeous tree displays from November 17 – January 1. Relax in warming tents and fire pits and treat along the path. Tickets on sale now.
Lilacia Park Holiday Lights in Lombard
Photo Credit: Lombard Park District
Explore this garden display hosted by Lombard Park District, where you can meet Santa, ride a Gold Medal Express train, and more on weekends from December 2-17.
NaperLights
Photo Credit: Positively Naperville
Enter historic Naper Settlement in Downtown Naperville for a holiday celebration free of charge taking place November 24 – December 23. Hours are Thursday, 4:30pm – 7pm, Friday and Saturday, 4:30pm – 9pm, and Sunday 4:30pm – 6pm.
Holiday Lights in Rosemont
Photo Credit: Village of Rosemont
Spend a day in Rosemont’s amazing entertainment district, as MB Financial Park illuminates more than 80,000 holiday lights and opens their ice rink with a performance on November 24, running through January 4.
Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic
Photo Credit: Chicago Zoological Society
Christmas cheer takes over the zoo with thousands of lights, a train display, carolers, and ice carvers, taking place December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 26-31 from 10am – 9m.
Cuneo Mansion in Vernon Hills
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Feel transported to a distant era at this historic mansion decorated on the inside and out with Christmas lights and foliage.
What other locations around the city have the best decorations? Let us know what we left out!
