Holiday Lights

✨ Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
November 15, 2025 – January 3, 2026
An immersive, timed-ticket walk through thousands of lit trees and larger-than-life illuminated sculptures. More info

✨ Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic
8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513
November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
A multisensory walk-through with themed light areas, seasonal food, and visits with Santa on select nights. More info

✨ Christmas at Cantigny
1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL 60189
November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Timed, ticketed evening light shows across the gardens and a festive McCormick House experience — plan ahead for themed nights. More info

🌟 Winter Lights
Downer Place (from Water Street to River Street), Aurora, IL 60505
November 21, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Aurora’s official holiday kick-off filled with lights, family activities, and cheerful moments for all ages. More Info

🎆 NaperLights
120 Water Street, Naperville, IL 60540
November 27, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Free nightly light & sound shows on the Riverwalk — great for families and photos. More info 

🎆 Nights of Lights in Adams Park
303 W Wesley St, Wheaton, IL 60187
November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Free downtown walk-through featuring 55,000+ bulbs and an animated fountain display — perfect for a post-dinner stroll. More info

🌟 Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights & Tree Sale
1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187
November 28 – December 30, 2025
Thousands of lights, tree sale, hot cocoa and daytime family activities; free admission with timed-entry reservations. More info 

🎄 Lilacia Park Holiday Lights
150 S Park Ave, Lombard, IL 60148
December 7, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Family-friendly displays, tree decorations, gingerbread house, hot cocoa, and Santa visits on select dates. More info  

🎄 Winter Lights at Central Park
1510 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Free, accessible walking path with dancing trees, rainbow arches, and cascading snowflakes — stroller friendly. More info

🎆 Aurora Festival of Lights
Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora, IL 60505
November 28 – December 28, 2025
Popular free drive-thru featuring crowd-favorite displays and dazzling new additions. More Info & 99. More info

Tree Lightings & Holiday Walks

🌟 Naperville Tree Lighting Ceremony
523 S. Weber St, Naperville, IL 60540
November 19, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tree lighting at Naper Settlement with hot chocolate and family activities. Registration required. More Info 

🎄 Schaumburg Tree Lighting Ceremony
201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg, IL 60193
November 28, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
A magical evening featuring Santa, holiday treats, and the lighting of the Town Square Christmas tree. More Info

🌟 Downers Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony
5001 Main St., Downers Grove, IL 60515
November 28, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season with neighbors and friends at the Main Street Train Station. More Info

🎄 Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
South Main St. & West Liberty Dr., Wheaton, IL 60187
November 28, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Downtown parade ending with a community tree lighting. More Info

🎄 Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival
602 Commons Dr, Geneva, IL 60134
November 29, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Photos with Santa and the Grinch plus festive activities. More Info 

🎄 Tree Lighting in Wilder Park
175 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
December 4, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Annual holiday tree lighting event that includes a visit with Santa, holiday music/games, and more. More Info

🎄 Holiday Tree Lighting Extravaganza
960 N Gary Ave, Carol Stream, IL 60188
December 5, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Kick off the holidays with music and Santa at Town Center. More Info

🎆 Lights of Lisle & Tree Lighting
925 Burlington Ave, Lisle, IL 60532
December 6, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Santa parade, crafts, tree lighting ceremony, and Merry on Main businesses’ festivities. More Info 

🎄 Holiday Tree Lighting
47th St. & Waiola Ave, La Grange, IL 60525
December 9, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with live entertainment. More Info

Tree Lightings & Holiday Walks

🎆 Holiday Parade of Lights
Downtown Naperville, IL 60540
November 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
An evening of floats, music, and Santa Claus lighting up downtown. More Info

🎄 Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting
Main Street & Crescent Boulevard Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
November 28, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
An evening of shopping and holiday festivities. See Santa at the fire station, and the sparkling tree lighting event. More Info 

🌟 Nights of Lights Begins
Adams Park, Wheaton, IL 60187
November 28, 2025 | 4:30 PM
See over 55,000 twinkling bulbs and an animated light fountain show. More Info

🎄 Holiday Homecoming
Downtown St. Charles, IL 60174
November 28 - 29, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM & 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Kick off the season with the lighting of the lights, a holiday tree trail, a holiday movie, Santa’s house, and an electric Christmas parade. More Info

🎄 Winter Wonder Lights Celebration Kickoff
4038 Kaneville Rd, Geneva, IL 60134
November 29, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at this festive event with hot cocoa, visits with Santa, and more. More Info

🎄 Hinsdale Christmas Walk
Downtown Hinsdale, IL 60521
December 5, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A tree lighting at the memorial building grounds starts off this evening, followed by live music, a carousel, a trackless train, costumed characters, and giveaways. More Info

🎄 Celebration of Lights Festival
100 N Island Ave, Batavia, IL 60510
November 30, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Stroll Christmas Tree Lane, a tree lighting ceremony, free hayrides, community sing-a-long, story hour, holiday crafts and a family photo op with Santa. More Info 

🎄 Holiday Walk & Market
Prospect St, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
December 6, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Shop the local merchants on a festive evening that includes a tree lighting, wagon rides, refreshments, a visit with Santa, and more. More Info

🎄 Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas
831 Maple Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
December 13, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Learn about Victorian Christmas traditions, visit with Santa, stroll through holiday trees and warm up listening to carolers. More Info 

Holiday Markets, Contests & Family Fun

🎁 Christkindlmarket 
360 N Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
November 21 – December  24, 2025
Traditional German‑style holiday market with vendors, live entertainment, and family‑friendly ambiance. More Info

🎄 Holiday Window Decorating, Scavenger Hunt & Visit with Santa
933A Curtiss St, Downers Grove, IL 60515
November 28 – December 31, 2025
Enjoy downtown decorations, Santa visits, and a fun scavenger hunt. More Info

🎅 Hidden Holiday Bears in Windows
Downtown Naperville Businesses
November 27, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Find bears hidden throughout the stores of Downtown Naperville. Complete a scavenger hunt sheet for a chance to win prizes. More Info

🎄 Window Decorating Contest
Downtown Downers Grove, IL 60515
November 28 – December 7, 2025
The downtown Downers Grove windows are decorated as part of an annual tradition. More Info

🎅 The Santa House & Mailbox
425 Main St, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
November 29 – December 21, 2025
Snap a photo with Santa and drop off your holiday letters. More Info

🎄 Winter Wonderland
914 Hillgrove Ave, Western Springs, IL 60558
December 6, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
See all the beautifully decorated holiday trees, watch Santa arrive, listen to holiday music, take a hayride, and visit the petting zoo. More Info

🎄 Jingle Bell Jubilee
St. Charles Rd & Park Ave, Lombard, IL 60148
December 6, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Downtown celebration featuring music, food, and family fun. More Info 

🎅 Photos with Santa
100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523
November 14 – December 24, 2025
Enjoy festive photos with Santa, and capture a moment you’ll treasure for years to come. More Info

🐾 Pet Photos with Santa
100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523
November 17 – December 16, 2025
Make the season magical with a timeless photo starring your pet. More Info

🎆Hometown Holiday Family Fun Day
109 W. First Street Elmhurst, IL 60126
December 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and your favorite ice princesses. More Info

Did we miss a holiday light display, tree lighting, or festive family event? ✨🎄

We want to make it easy for you to enjoy everything local this season — from magical light shows and charming holiday walks to markets, parades, and family traditions that make this time of year special. ❤️

Every time you explore local events and support nearby businesses, you help strengthen our community and keep the spirit of the season shining bright. ⭐️

This holiday season, shop small, support local, and create meaningful memories with the people you love — right here at home. ❄️🏡

-Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs & Realtor at Keller Williams Premiere Properties