Rain, sleet, snow, no problem! No matter what weather Chicago has coming for us this winter, you can keep the holiday magic alive. You can enjoy walk-through and drive-through Christmas lights in the Chicagoland area. Take your family on a car ride through one of these Christmas lights displays or get out and burn off some of the kids energy while marveling at the lights.
Please note that some of these events require tickets to be purchased in advance. Have a holly jolly Christmas at these drive-through Christmas lights displays!
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Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights
These drive-through light displays are a mixture of free, reservations required, and ticketed events, so read through the details before planning a trip.
Light of Christmas (Chicago)
November 21, 2024 – January 5, 2024
Guaranteed Rate Field
Over one million LED lights synchronized to classic holiday music at the home of the Chicago White Sox. General admission is $39.99 per vehicle plus tax.
Magical Christmas Drive Thru Experience (East Dundee)
Select nights November 29-December 29, 2024
Santa’s Village Amusement Park
Drive-through Santa’s Village, which has been transformed with over 3 million Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music. After you drive through the light show, get out and stretch your legs at the Photo and Food Festival Area at the end of the route. Visit Santa, grab a bite to eat and take family photos. Tickets are $35 per car, advanced purchase required.
Santa’s Rock n Lights (Geneva)
November 22 – December 31, 2024
Northwestern Medicine Field
Newly relocated to the Kane County Cougars Stadium, this drive through light display features over one mile of Christmas lights dancing to music. Ticket prices range from $29-$40 per car and must be purchased in advance.
Willow Hill Lights (Northbrook)
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Drive through 2.5 miles of winding roads at Willow Hill Golf Course with lights on both sides, including Christmas trees, lights tunnel, and more. Advanced ticket purchase encouraged, as some nights sell out. Tickets are $40 per car.
Holiday Light Shows (Pingree Grove)
Begins November 28, 2024
Goebbert’s Farm
Two shows at one location! Reminder that each show requires a separate ticket for drive-thru admission. The Larsen Family has re-created their famous house light show at Goebbert’s Farm. The second show at Goebbert’s farm is a drive-thru display on the other side that makes the experience worth the drive!
Walk-Through Christmas Light Show Attractions in Chicago + Suburbs
The following Chicagoland walk through lights displays require tickets to be admitted. Remember to purchase tickets in advance to secure your date and time preferences.
Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival (West Chicago)
November 22- December 30-2024
Sonny Acres Farm
The Sonny Acres Farm transforms into the ‘Big and Bright Trail of Lights’ this winter. Stop along the trail for winter photo ops, hot cocoa or a s’more kit to use at one of the many fire pits. Timed tickets for the Christmas light show start at $12 per person, purchase tickets to visit with Santa separately.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
November 22-24, 29-30 and December 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31, 2024 I 3-9pm
Advance reservations are required for South Gate entry, but not North Gate entry. Holiday Magic includes a 41-foot lit tree, more than two million LED lights, 600-foot-long tunnel synchronized to music. Katie and Annie have all the tips and tricks for Holiday Magic here. Admission for non-members starts at $29.95 for adults, $20.95 for children 3-11 years old, $24.95 for seniors 65+, and $15.18 for parking.
Light up the Lake at Navy Pier (Chicago)
November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025 | 12:00pm – 8:00pm
This year for Light Up the Lake, Navy Pier has created a re-imagined experience both indoor and outdoor. In addition to a large outdoor ice skating rink, axe throwing, and options to ride the centennial wheel, there is a new outdoor ice slide to race down. Tickets start at $15 to ride the Centennial wheel, $10 for axe throwing, $20 for ice skating, and $12 for the ice slide. To bundle all four together, the cost is $47.
Lincoln Park ZooLights (Chicago)
November 15, 2024–January 5, 2025 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
This year’s ZooLights will again feature hundreds of luminous LED displays, thousands of lights, and seasonal experiences. Tickets are $7-$10 per person and Free Admission Mondays. Tickets are already available! There is also a Sensory Friendly Night on December 4, 2024 in which all lights are static and music is turned down. Timed entry tickets begin at 4:30pm, available online.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe)
November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025 I 4:30pm-11pm, last entry at 9:15pm
Walk down a 1.3 mile path through thousands of twinkling lights, such as the iconic Cathedral of Light that Lightscape is known for. Tickets are $34 for adults (non-member), $19 for children ages 3-12 years old. Flex tickets and VIP passes are also available.
Kohlights at Kohl Children’s Museum (Glenview)
November 29-20, December 6-7; December 13-14, and December 20-22 I 4:30-7:00pm
This reimagined immersive experience allows kids to interact with light and color as they explore hues and patterns in this safe and interactive holiday light installation. Ticket prices include access to all indoor exhibits as well as outdoor light activities, Twinkle Train rides, and character meet & greet (with Anna & Elsa).Ticket cost has decreased, and begins at $28 for non-members for early admission (4:30pm-7:00pm entry) and $22 for regular admission (5-7pm) Museum members receive a $6 discount per ticket.
GLOW Holiday Festival (Joliet)
November 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Walk-through lights display at the Slammers Stadium. Tickets are $19.75 for adults and $12.75 for kids 3-12. Children under 3 years old are free.
Illumination at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
November 16, 2024 – January 4, 2025 I 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Walk along a one-mile path with festive music and lighting effects. New this year in the Grand Garden, ‘Celebration Circle’ is a vibrant display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments. The Arboretum will hold a sensory-friendly night on December 3 with static lights, quieter music, and limited guests. Tickets start at $23 for non-members on low demand nights. Ticket pricing will increase based on availability and demand, so purchase tickets in advance if at all possible. Members receive a 20% discount on tickets.
Christmas at Cantigny (Wheaton)
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Walk the 1/2 mile ADA accessible (and stroller friendly) path through Cantigny’s grounds and gardens. The fully decorated historic McCormick House is also open to stop at along your route. Tickets range from $10 per car plus per person admission tickets (prices vary by demand and availablility). Per person tickets start at $12 per adult and $8 per child over 3. Cantigny also offers an ice skating rink with admission of $7 with a $3 skate rental fee, if applicable. There are also Cocoa Cabana’s available for rent. Directly off the skating rink, the Cabanas keep you out of the cold in your own heated hut. There is a $100 food and drink minimum. Admission to the McCormick House and Light Show varies by day. Advanced booking is recommended, as pricing will increase for day-of purchases
Jack Frost Christmas Holiday Pop-Up (Chicago)
Details for 2024 coming soon
Besides lights and photo opportunities, there is also ice skating, axe throwing, boozy hot cocoa and seasonal Christmas cocktails, and winter bumper cars. Tickets range from $15-36 per person depending on which activities you would like to do.
Free Walk-Through Christmas Lights in Parks and Downtown Areas in the Chicago Suburbs
The following Chicago suburban towns have special lights displays to walk through that are free to the public.
Holiday Display (Arlington Heights)
December 1, 2023 – January 7, 2024 | opens at dusk daily
With over 90,000 lights, North School Park in Arlington Heights is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. This display’s theme is children’s toys and it has some interactive displays you can climb on for photo ops!
Festival of Lights at Old Town Park (Bloomingdale)
Noovember 30 – December 21, 2024 | after dusk
Pedestrians and motorists are treated to a sparkling display of holiday lights and sights in Old Town Park. Walk or drive through the lights and enjoy the festivities. Visit the Museum throughout the Festival of Lights for its annual holiday show.
Holiday Magic in Motion (Bolingbrook Promenade)
November 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025 I 6-9pm nightly
Immersive, interactive holiday decor celebration at the Bolingbrook Promenade.
Winter Wonderland at Usher Park (Itasca)
December 1 – January 15, 2025 | starting at dusk
Walk through the magic this holiday season as Usher Park is filled with thousands of twinkling lights and large displays.
Peppermint Path at Lisle Community Park
December 1-31, 2024 I 5:00pm-9:00pm
Flip the switch to illuminate the new Peppermint Path on December 1 at 5pm.
New in 2024, take a walk down the lighted path in Lisle Community Park. This display is free to the public to walk the ‘Peppermint Path’ at their own leisure/convenience. The path is a small loop next to Lisle Senior High School and includes lit cut outs, light-wrapped bushes, and a light tunnel.
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park (Lombard)
December 8, 2024 – Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Walk through the park with light shows, tree decorations, a gingerbread house, and more every day of the week. Check their website for opportunities to visit Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even have a magical Polar Express night.
Naper Lights (Naperville)
Thanksgiving – New Year’s Day | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Walk down Water Street to see the whole street dancing to the music, ending in the display at Jaycees Park, then cross a lit-up covered bridge to take in a synchronized light show with singing Christmas trees from your vantage point across the river. Music will be projected on an enhanced sound system through the streets of Downtown, making this a drive through experience for those who prefer. New this year, 3D holographic viewing glasses will be available for kids from Rotary volunteers on weekends. There are displays set to music, singing faces made from lights, and a gigantic lit up teddy bear with presents surrounding it, made possible by Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise.
Winter Lights at Central Park (Oak Brook)
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025 | 4:30pm – 9:30pm
This paved path loop at Central Park is accessible to all and filled with light displays and photo opportunities. Leashed dogs are welcome. Free for the community to attend and no reservations required. It keeps getting better every year!
The Arboretum of South Barrington (South Barrington)
Holiday display will open November 16, 2024 at 5pm at the Holiday Tree Lighting
More 2024 information coming soon!
Holiday display with brand new Christmas tree with light and music show every half hour every night starting at 5pm. Tree lighting and opening of holiday display on November 16 at 5pm.
Nights of Lights in Adams Park (Wheaton)
November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025 | 4:30pm – 11:00pm
The City of Wheaton provides this display of over 55,000 bulbs lighting the trees and an animated light display at the fountain. Free to the public, no tickets required. Located right next to the library, which has a great play area for kids on the lower level.
Festival of Lights at Cosley Zoo (Wheaton)
November 29 – December 30, 2024 | 9:00am – 9:00pm
Cosley Zoo is lit by more than 20,000 lights during the zoo’s Festival of Lights and Tree Sales, an annual celebration of the holidays. While zoo admission is free during the Festival of Lights and Tree Sales, donations are appreciated. Hot chocolate will be sold at the Coyote Cafe concession stand. Reduced hours on Christmas day, closed on New Years Day.
Scott Street Subdivision (Rosemont)
Please note that if you would like to walk around, parking is available at Lange Park District (6140 Scott Street) or the Rosemont Health and Fitness (10225 Higgins Road). However, no public bathrooms are available.
Winter Wonder Lights at Peck Farm in Geneva
December 14, 2024 – January 4, 2025 I 5-10pm
New in 2024, walk through the illuminated pathway at Peck Farm. Free to the public, no reservations required.
If you are interested in amazing residential lights with driving routes, click on the button below. Resident submissions are currently being accepted and this list will be updated soon!
1 Comment. Leave new
I never knew there were as many of these locations before seeing this article. It’s nice to see such a comprehensive compilation in one spot. Thank you!