Ways to get into the Holiday Spirit
[Last updated in November 2024]
My Family Favorite Holiday events in the city and suburbs of Chicago.
The holiday season is truly a magical time of year in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Only during the months of November and December, do we really love braving the Chicago cold to see those dazzling lights, ride the most festive of trains, find the perfect tree and enjoy the best celebrations.
Here are just a few of our family favorites to add on to your own traditions… and don’t forget to check out my other seasonal winter blogs going on throughout the city and suburbs.
Brave the cold and enjoy the outdoor light displays.
Photo of Sparkle Rosemont via facebook.com
The holiday season would not be complete, without walking through a beautiful display of holiday lights with a cup of hot cocoa in hand.
Unfortunately, our ultimate favorite walk through light display will not be coming back for 2024, due to construction going on at the location. However, I have high hopes that it will be back in 2025, so I will leave the information here! The light show I am referring to is Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont. The entire field is illuminated with millions of sparkling lights, where guests can walk through the different villages and immerse themselves in the large holiday features, all at your own pace. Kids also love the 2-story ice slide, the free Holly Trolly Train, interactive activities in the Kids Zone and writing letters to Santa.
But our all-time favorite FREE light display is the Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park in Lombard. This annual event has beautiful light shows and tree decorations, visits with Santa, complimentary hot cocoa & cookies and so much more!
Undoubtedly, Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden and Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum are the most popular [1 mile] walk through trails for locals. In its 5th year, Lightscape has transformed its Garden with first-time dazzling landscapes, alongside the beloved classic displays. Guests can immerse themselves in the music, color and light, while enjoying festive food and drink. At Illumination: Tree Lights, festive music and lighting effects highlight 50 acres of beautiful trees. In its 12th year, you can also enjoy a full meal at their restaurant or stop at one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage, warm up by a fire pit and roast s’mores, or do some holiday shopping at the store.
Other popular favorites amongst locals are ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo and Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo. In its 29th year, ZooLights has many returning light attractions, as well as new dazzling displays, such as a garden-themed light show on the Zoo’s South lawn. You can also take photos with Santa, do holiday shopping and enjoy treats and seasonal snacks. Holiday Magic has been going on for even longer. Dazzling guests for over 40 years, it is Chicagoland’s longest running lights festival, with more than 2 million twinkling LED lights and interactive displays. Enjoy the holiday magic photo ops, family-friendly entertainment in the evenings, roaming carolers, shopping, festive food and so much more!
The Big & Bright Trail of Lights Show at Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago is another beautiful walk through trail, featuring a beautiful light show, photos with Santa and a holiday market. There is delicious food for purchase and an open fire to keep warm and roast s’mores.
Want to enjoy more zoo light displays but at smaller venues? The Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton and Winterfest at Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee are perfect options for those littles. The free (donations are greatly appreciated) Festival of Lights event at Cosley Zoo has thousands of twinkling lights on display, along with a large selection of Christmas trees and wreaths for purchase. At Winterfest, for just $6, you can enjoy the holiday lights and community decorated trees, warm up by the bonfire, and plan a visit with Santa.
Another great holiday lights display for younger children is Kohlights at Kohl Children’s Museum. This festive light display is a complete immersive experience, allowing kids to explore the different interactions of light and color. Guests of Kohlights will also have access to the indoor exhibits.
Check out my detailed and comprehensive list of outdoor walk-thru light displays and don’t forget to check your local town for any tree or menorah lighting ceremonies!
Enjoy dazzling lights in the comfort of your car.
Photo via Santa’s Rock n Lights
Don’t worry, for those who can’t bare the cold, there are many drive-thru options you can do to experience the beautiful lights. So roll up those windows and turn up the radio to listen along to holiday songs while driving through these dazzling drive-thru light displays:
Arctic Adventure
Six Flags, Gurnee IL
[will be back in 2025]
Santa’s Rock n Lights
Kane County Cougar Stadium, Geneva IL
November 22-December 31, 2024
$29.99-$39.99 per vehicle
Willow Hill Lights
Willow Hills Golf Course, Northbrook IL
November 22, 2024-January 5, 2024
$40 per standard vehicle
Goebbert’s Drive Thru Light Show
Goebbert’s Farm, PIngree Grove IL
Details coming soon
Larsen’s Light Show (Parking Lot show)
Goebbert’s Farm, PIngree Grove IL
Details coming soon
Magical Christmas Drive Thru
Santa’s Village, East Dundee IL
November 29-December 29, 2024
$35 per vehicle
Festival of Lights
Phillips Park, Aurora IL
Details coming soon
Light of Christmas Drive Thru
Guaranteed Rate Field
November 21, 2024-January 5, 2025
$23.49-$54.99 per vehicle
Christmas Carnival of Lights
Jellystone Park™, Caledonia WI
November 23, 2024-December 31, 2024
Starting at $20 per vehicle / Open-air sleigh ride starting at $14pp / Golf cart ride starting at $60 per golf cart
For more info on all these light shows, read my blog post on the Best Drive-Thru Light Shows in Chicago and the suburbs.
BONUS!
Sometimes the best light shows are the ones that your neighbor does at their own home. There is no hassle of waiting in line and the best part is it’s all FREE! Thanks to @LightsonRevere, there is a wonderful interactive map that shows all the residential light displays in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, Kendall, Grundy and DeKalb counties!
Suburban Chicago Christmas Light Map
Plan your destinations and don’t forget to visit @LightsonRevere’s own light show at 45 Revere Drive, South Barrington.
AND I took it a step further, and mapped out a few driving routes you can take!
Your Guide to the Best Light Shows in the Neighborhood
[These have not yet been updated for 2024]
Find the perfect tree… and cut it down yourself!
Photo of Abbey Farms owned by Kristel at On the Go with 4 Kids in Tow
There is nothing more liberating than walking through a tree farm and finding that oh-so-perfect tree….. and then taking a saw to it! There’s something beautiful about the whole experience and each farm has something special to offer. And don’t worry, if cutting down your own tree doesn’t sound like the best idea, most of these farms also have pre-cut trees for purchase.
You can also read my blog post on 3 specific U-cut farms that we’ve been to:
Oney’s vs Abby Farms vs Richardson
DeKalb County
Camelot Christmas Tree Farm, DeKalb IL
Larson’s Family Farm, Sandwich IL
Kankakee County
Cupola House Tree Farm, Bourbonnais IL
Kendall County
Anderson Tree Farm, Plainfield IL
Lake County
Richardson Adventure Farm, Spring Grove IL
Kane County
Abbey Farms, Aurora IL
Lee’s Trees, Lily Lake IL
McHenry County
Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm, Harvard IL
Conifera Tree Farm, Harvard IL
Grandpa’s Christmas Tree Farm, Woodstock IL
Moehling Christmas Tree Farm, Woodstock IL
Oney’s Farm, Woodstock IL
Pine-Apple Farm, Cary IL
Pioneer Tree Farm, McHenry IL
Immerse yourself on a festive holiday train.
Photo of CTA Holiday Train by Visual Acoustics via flickr.com
The most popular Santa train ride will unfortunately not be back for 2024, but I have high hopes that it will be back in 2025, so I will leave the information about it here!
I of course am talking about the popular family tradition of The Polar Express™ train, a magical one-hour experience, where passengers can enjoy the onboard entertainment and show. Leaving from Chicago Union Station, you can also enjoy the hot chocolate and shortbread cookies during the ride. Santa and his helpers will also board the train to greet each guest and to give out the first gift of Christmas: a silver sleigh bell.
While you’re in the city, keep an eye out for the CTA holiday train. For more than 30 years, the six-car train is decorated with holiday scenes and sparkling lights. Santa waves to the riders from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar, which replaces the head car of the train. But what many may not realize is one of the holiday train’s main purposes is to deliver food baskets to various charitable agencies throughout the city.
For another take on a Polar Express ride, drive out to Union IL to the Illinois Railway Museum for the Happy Holiday Railway. Enjoy a 40 minute train ride with treats and hot chocolate and of course a visit from Santa., along with an animated light show and holiday song presentation for onboard entertainment. Access to some of the museum’s display barns and the model railroad exhibit is included with your ticket.
For a another train museum experience, the East Troy Railroad Museum in Wisconsin is another great option. Their Christmas trains are available during the day and in the evenings, and will take you on a magical ride to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer, where you can take photos with Santa and partake in the fun activities.
The next stop is not exactly a train, but a magical trolly ride at the Volo Auto Museum. The Time Warp Express is an immersive experience with an interactive story and stunning light displays. Santa will be at the station for photo ops, and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies will be available to enjoy. The pizzeria and ice cream parlor will also be open to purchase food and festive drinks.
In its 26th year, the Canada Pacific Kansas City Holiday Trains will once again be riding across North America to raise money, food and awareness for food banks in their communities. The CPKC Holiday train is not a passenger train, but you can follow along as to what stops it will be making, where there will be free concerts by professional musicians from the brightly decorated train’s stage. Check out their schedule to find the most convenient location near you!
For more holiday train rides, don’t forget to check your local park district events!
Visit Santa… with your pet!
Photo via Getty Images
Santa Paws is waiting to meet your furry friend!
DuPage County
Yorktown Center, Lombard
November 19, December 3 & 10, 2024
Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
November 18-December 10, 2024, Mon & Tues
Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville
December 3, 2024
Fox Valley Mall, Aurora
December 2, 9 & 16, 2024
Happy Dog Barkery, Downers Grove
December 7, 2024
Hinsdale Humane Society, Hinsdale
November 23, 2024
The Depot at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park,
Villa Park
December 4, 2024
Two Bostons Pet Boutique
December 7, 2024
Naperville, Wheaton and Burr Ridge locations
December 8, 2024
Naperville, Glen Ellyn and Geneva locations
Cook County
Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
November 24 & December 1, 2024
Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont
November 18, 25 & December 2, 2024
Bark University, Mundelein
November 30 & December 1, 2024
Joy’s Best Friends Best Bites,
Orland Park
December 8 & 15, 2024
Community Park, Westchester
December 6, 2024
Cheney Mansion, Oak Park
December 14, 2024
Community Center, Berwyn
December 14, 2024
Clayson House Museum & Library, Palatine
December 14, 2024
Sedgwick Park, La Grange
December 10, 2023
Lake County
Hawthorn Mall, Vernon Hills
December 2, 9 & 16, 2024
Bark University, Mundelein
November 30 & December 1, 2024
Be sure to also check the following local stores near you for Santa Paws photo opportunities: Kriser’s, Bentley’s, PetSmart, Pet Plus Supplies, Petco, Tractor Supply Company, Bass Pros Shops and Cabela’s.
Take in a live theater show.
Photo of The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker by Cheryl Mann via chicagoreader.com
A Christmas Carol
Goodman Theater, Chicago
November 16-December 30, 2024
A Christmas Carol
Metropolis Performing Arts Center, Arlington Heights
November 24-December 23, 2024
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Rosemont Theater, Rosemont
December 4, 2024
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Mudlark Theater, Evanson
December 12-15, 2024
Holidays A Cappella Family Edition
Szold Hall at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago
December 7, 2024
Holiday Festival
Anthenaeum Theater, Chicago
December 8, 2024
Home for the Holidays
Genesee Theater, Waukgan
December 21, 2024
It’s a Wonderful Life
American Blues Theater, Chicago
November 29-December 22, 2024
It’s a Wonderful Life
Anthenaeum Theater, Chicago
December 13-29, 2024
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Genesee Theater, Waukegan
December 22, 2024
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Rosemont Theater, Rosemont
December 8, 2024
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
CIBC Theatre, Chicago
December 10-15, 2024
The Magic of the Nutcracker
Genesee Theater, Waukegan
December 19 & 20, 2024
The Nutcracker, Grand KYIV ballet
Anthenaeum Theater, Chicago
November 16 & 17, 2024
The Nutcracker, Ballet Chicago
Anthenaeum Theater, Chicago
December 13-15, 2024
Beyond the Nutcracker
Anthenaeum Theater, Chicago
November 30-December 1, 2024
The Art Deco Nutcracker
Anthenaeum Theater, Chicago
December 7, 2024
The Nutcracker
Joffrey Ballet, Civic Opera House, Chicago
December 6-28, 2024
The Nutcracker
Harris Theater, Chicago
November 14, 2024
The Nutcracker- Sensory Performance
Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake
December 20, 2024
The Nutcracker
Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake
December 21-22, 2024
The Nutcracker
North Shore Center, Skokie
December 6, 2024
What Holiday festivities does your family like to do? Let me know in the comments!
‘Tis the season for holiday markets and festive decor! But even better if you pair that with a local farm that sells fresh produce, baked goods or Christmas trees, or has a petting and feeding zoo.