My family loves getting in the car together, and going out in search of the biggest, best Christmas light displays. We have compiled this list of the best local drive-through and walk-through Christmas light displays of the season to get you in the holiday spirit.
Turn on the Christmas music and take your family on a car ride through one of these Christmas lights displays or get out and up close with the displays to burn off some of the kids energy while marveling at the beautiful lights. Have a holly jolly Christmas at these walk through and drive-through Christmas lights displays!
Please note that some of these events require tickets to be purchased in advance.
Looking for amazing residential lights with driving routes? Click here to be taken to our famous guide to the best residential lights displays with optimized driving routes.
Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights
Rain, sleet, snow, no problem! No matter what weather Chicago has in store for us this winter, you can still keep the holiday magic alive with these drive-through displays. These drive-through light displays are a mixture of free, reservations required, and ticketed events, so read through the details before planning a trip.
Festival of Lights (Aurora)
November 29 – December 29, 2025 from 5-9pm
Largest free drive-through display in the area with animal themed light displays, Santa’s toy factory along with new displays added annually.
Lights of Christmas Drive Thru (Chicago)
November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Chicago White Sox Rate Field
Back again for 2025, is this massive drive-thru display set to Christmas tunes. Tickets are per car, and start at $29.99 for standard admission, but vary depending on day and time selected. New this year is the Fast Pass 2x ticket; which grants you the ability to ‘skip the line’ and enjoy the show twice. There’s also a drone show on Saturdays at 6pm and 8pm that you won’t want to miss.
Magical Christmas Drive Thru Experience (East Dundee)
Select nights November 28 – December 30, 2025
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 21 – December 31, 2025
Northwestern Medicine Field
Extensive light display at 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 14, 20245 – January 4, 2026
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. Opens at 5pm and tickets are $40 per car.
Holiday Light Shows (Pingree Grove)
Begins November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
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.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield)
November 21-23 and 28-30, 2025; December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-31, 2025; January 1-4, 2026
Sensory Friendly Holiday Magic: December 4, 2025 I 3-9pm
Advance reservations are required for South Gate entry, but not North Gate entry. Holiday Magic now includes more than 3.5 million LED lights, 600-foot-long tunnel synchronized to music and new this year, a light up maze and Holiday dolphin show. 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 2025 – January 2026| 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Similar to last year, Light up the Lake includes a large outdoor ice skating rink, axe throwing, and options to ride the Centennial Wheel, there is also an outdoor ice slide to race down. Tickets prices for 2025-2026 season have not been released.
Jack Frost Christmas Holiday Pop-Up (Chicago)
Opening night November 15, 2025
This attraction lends itself to an evening with adult friends. 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.
Lincoln Park ZooLights (Chicago)
November 21, 2024 – January 4, 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 November 25, 2025 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 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026 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 start at $29 for adults (non-member), $16 for children ages 3-12 years old. Flex tickets and VIP passes are also available.
Kohlights at Kohl Children’s Museum (Glenview)
November 28-29, December 5-6, December 12-13, and December 19-21, 2025I 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 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.
Illumination at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
November 13, 2025 – January 3, 2026 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 $15 for non-members on low demand nights. Ticket pricing will increase based on weather, availability and demand, so purchase tickets in advance if at all possible. Members receive a 20% discount on tickets.
Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival (West Chicago)
Opens November 21, 2025
The Sonny Acres Farm transforms into the walk-through ‘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. There is even a Christmas Story House replica for photo ops. Timed tickets for the Christmas light show start at $12 per person, purchase tickets to visit with Santa separately.
Christmas at Cantigny (Wheaton)
November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
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 availability). Per person Light Show tickets start at $25.99 per adult and $15.99 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. The rental package costs starts at $12, in addition to a $150 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
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)
November 28, 2025| 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)
November 29 – December 20, 2025 | 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 and programs.
Holiday Magic in Motion Celebration (Bolingbrook Promenade)
Holiday in Motion Celebration is November 15, 2025 I The interactive light displays are illuminated through December 31, 2025.
Immersive, interactive holiday decor celebration at the Bolingbrook Promenade.
Winter Wonder Lights at Peck Farm (Geneva)
November 29 – January 1, 2026 I 5-10pm
Walk through the illuminated pathway at Peck Farm. Free to the public, no reservations required.
Winter Wonderland at Usher Park (Itasca)
November 30, 2025, Tree Lighting at 4pm; display is up through January 15, 2026.
Walk through the magic this holiday season as Usher Park is filled with thousands of twinkling lights and large displays.
Holiday in the Park (La Grange Park)
December 1 – January 2, 2026
Memorial Park
Festive wonderland of lights. We can’t wait to check it out this year!
Peppermint Path at Lisle Community Park (Lisle)
November 30-December 31, 2025 I 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Flip the switch to illuminate the new Peppermint Path on November 30 at 5pm.
Back for 2025, take a short 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 (good for little legs) 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 7, 2025 – January 5, 2026 | 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)
Water Street in Downtown Naperville I Thanksgiving – New Year’s Day | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Holiday Parade of Lights kicks off the Holiday Season on November 28, 2025.
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 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 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!
Parkway Bank Park (Rosemont)
Opens November 29, 2025
Light up the Park Tree Lighting November 29 at 5:30 pm
Parkway Bank Park is located next to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, visible off of 294 and is home to 80,000 Christmas lights with holiday themed photo ops, and light displays throughout the park. The park is surrounded by restaurants and the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink is also located within the Parkway Bank Park. The ice rink is free when you bring your own skates. Ice Skate rentals are $8 per pair.
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.
The Arboretum of South Barrington (South Barrington)
November 15, 2025 I 5:00-7:00pm
Holiday display within the mall in South Barrington with a brand new Christmas tree light and music show every half hour every night starting at 5pm.
Nights of Lights in Adams Park (Wheaton)
Opens November 28, 2025
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 28 – December 30, 2025 | 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.
Winter Lights Walk (Willowbrook)
December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4:30pm – 9:00pm
Stroll around Willow Pond with twinkling lights and festive displays. Visit the park on select nights for extra festive fun including character meet-and-greets and holiday crafts.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Chicago)
Kicks off with Holiday Parade on November 22, 2025
Over one million lights light up over 200 trees along The Mag Mile this holiday season.
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!