Rain, sleet, snow, no problem! You can enjoy drive-through Christmas lights in the Chicagoland area. No matter what wintry mix of weather Chicago has to coming for us this winter, you can keep the holiday magic alive. Take your family on a car ride through one of these Christmas lights displays and stay warm in your vehicle.
My kids love surprise outings! One year we passed them each a ticket to ride the polar express (our car). Inside the car, at each of their seats they found treats, hot cocoa, and light-up necklaces. We played Christmas music and started our adventure to the drive through lights display. You know what their favorite part about not having to get out of the car was? They got to wear their Christmas pajamas the whole time!
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.
If you are interested in beautiful walk-through lights hosted by organizations and businesses or amazing residential lights with driving routes, click on the buttons below.
Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights
These drive-thru light displays are a mixture of free, reservations required, and ticketed events, so read through the details before planning a trip.
Aurora Festival of Lights
Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park
November 24 – December 25, 2023 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Presented by the Rotary Club of Aurora Illinois in partnership with the City of Aurora, opening the day after Thanksgiving. The display is free to drive through, but they collect donations from those who would like to give.
Light of Christmas (Chicago)
Light of Christmas at Guaranteed Rate Field
November 20, 2023 – January 3, 2024
One million LED lights synchronized to classic holiday music. General admission is $39.99 per vehicle plus tax.
Santa’s Rock n Lights (Grayslake)
Santa’s Rock n Lights in Grayslake
November 17 – December 31, 2023
Located at the Lake County Fairgrounds, this drive thru lights display requires advanced tickets to be purchased. Over 700 feet of tunnels including a techno rainbow tunnel.
Arctic Adventure at Six Flags (Gurnee)
Arctic Adventure at Six Flags
November 17 – December 31, 2023
At Six Flags Great America, the World of Illumination has created a drive-thru lights experience. Your host, Beti the Yeti, will take you through the lights display where you will meet him and his friends while listening to music and feeling like you are jumping right into the storybook. Some nights the Six Flags Christmas market is open as well for you to get out of the car and shop! Each car admission cost $39.99. Advanced ticket purchase is required.
Willow Hill Lights (Northbrook)
Willow Hill Lights
November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024
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. Tickets are required and are $40 per car.
Goebbert’s Holiday Lights Show (Pingree Grove)
Goebbert’s Drive Thru Light Show
November 23, 2023 – January 6, 2024
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. That was my family’s favorite Christmas light show! The second show at Goebbert’s farm is a drive-thru display on the other side that makes the experience worth the drive!
If you are interested in beautiful walk-through lights hosted by organizations and businesses or amazing residential lights with driving routes, click on the buttons below.
