Your Guide to Walk-Thru Light Shows & Displays
[Last updated in November 2024]
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.
Impact Field
9850 Balmoral Ave
Rosemont IL 60018
Photo of Sparkle Rosemont via facebook.com
The past couple of years, our ultimate favorite walk through has been the Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont. Unfortunately, this amazing light display will not be returning for 2024, due to construction at the stadium, but I have high hopes that it will return in 2025, so I want to leave all the information here!
The entirety of Impact 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.
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd
Glencoe IL 60022
Photo of Lightscape via chicagobotanic.org
Since 2019, Lightscape has transformed the Chicago Botanic 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.
The Morton Arboretum
4100 IL-53
Lisle IL 60532
Photo of Illumination: Tree Lights via mortonarb.org
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.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St
Chicago IL 60614
Photo of ZooLights via lpzoo.org
In its 30th 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.
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St
Brookfield IL 60513
Photo of Holiday Magic via facebook.com
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
Sonny Acres Farm
29 W 310 North Ave
West Chicago IL 60185
Photo of Big & Bright Trail of Lights Show via sonnyacres.com
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.
Slammers Stadium
1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr
Joliet IL 60432
Photo via facebook.com
This winter, Slammers Stadium in Joliet will be featuring millions of lights in this NEW-to-Chicagoland outdoor walk-thru event, with interactive installations, festive treats, visits with Santa and magical memories.
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd
Glenview IL 60026
Photo of Kohlights via enjoyillinois.com
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.
Cantigny
2100 Patriot Blvd
Glenview IL 60026
Photo of Christmas at Cantigny via facebook.com
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, with the first floor of the house decked out 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!
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave
Chicago IL 60611
Photo of Light up the Lake via navypier.org
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
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S DuSable
Chicago IL 60637
Photo of Christmas Around the World and Holiday Lights via timeout.com
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.
FREE & affordable walk-thru strolls.
Worth the drive to Rockford and Wisconsin.
Which walk-thru light displays have you been to? 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.