Your Guide to Walk-Thru Light Shows & Displays

From large scale productions to affordable and free light displays, you’ll be sure to find that picturesque holiday stroll in Chicago or the suburbs. So strap on those winter boots and brave the cold, and get yourself out there for these stunning light experiences!

Set aside a few hours and immerse yourself through these large scale dazzling lights.

Sparkle in Rosemont — *Photo via Sparkle*

Sparkle Light Festival, Rosemont

The past couple of years, our ultimate favorite walk through has been the 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.

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

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

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle

At Illumination: Tree Lights, festive music and lighting effects highlight 50 acres of beautiful trees. In its 11th 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.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago

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 at Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield

Dazzling guests for over 40 years, Holiday Magic 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!

Big & Bright Trail of Lights Show at Sonny Acres Farm, West Chicago

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.

Kohlights at Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview

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. New this year, guests of Kohlights will also have access to the indoor exhibits.

McCormick House & Gardens: Lights & Music at Cantigny, Wheaton

Christmas at Cantigny is bringing lights, music and family fun to the grounds. The holiday walk-thru light show will take you through the gardens, immersed in captivating lighting that enhances the holiday decorations all around you. And don’t forget to stop by the newly renovated McCormick House, that will be open to the public for the first time since 2020! The first floor of the house will be decorated for the holidays.

BONUS: Walk-thru light spectaculars that are indoors.

Don’t worry, for those that can’t bare the cold, there are a couple indoor options to see lights as well!

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier, Chicago

Navy Pier will once again be presenting Light Up the Lake, the largest indoor & outdoor holiday experience in Chicago. Stay warm indoors by shopping the local artisan markets, stopping at the free holiday workshops and enjoying the dazzling lights; or you can venture outdoors and cozy up and roast s’mores by the fire pits, ice skate on the outdoor rink and ride the Centennial Ferris Wheel.

Christmas Around the World & Holiday of Lights at MSI, Chicago

Another beloved favorite is the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights event at the Museum of Science and Industry. Each of their 50+ elaborately decorated trees, represents holiday traditions from across the world. The Holidays of Lights exhibit also honors the traditions of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Ramadan, Lunar New Year and many more.