‘Tis the season to be merry and bright! Celebrate this magical time of year with Chicago’s most luminous Christmas light shows.

Save the date: Holiday light displays in Chicago

The city’s top holiday light displays can be found at a historic zoo, a sprawling botanic garden, and even inside local museums. Here are a few of our all-time favorite holiday light events and illuminated displays all around the Chicago area.

Find even more seasonal magic with our holiday guide to Chicago, with tons of things to do throughout the season.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

A couple walks throughout the illuminating ZooLights experience at Lincoln Park Zoo.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Lincoln Park Zoo

Each winter, Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland.

During ZooLights, more than three million twinkling lights illuminate the lakefront grounds, including larger-than-life animal designs and light shows set to holiday music.

Besides the evening light show, ZooLights festivities also include:

  • A towering Ferris wheel
  • A walk-through light tunnel
  • Roaming carolers and professional live ice carvers on select nights
  • A holiday-themed pop-up bar with festive cocktails, hot drinks, and fire pits for roasting s’mores
  • Hot cocoa and snack stations
  • A holiday tree and festive decor
  • Visits from Santa

And don’t forget to visit the zoo’s many animal residents in their indoor and outdoor enclosures.

This year’s special events include a sensory-friendly evening, a jazz trio performing A Charlie Brown Christmas, an Adults Night Out, and a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Make sure to book your ZooLights tickets ahead of time, popular dates and weekends tend to sell out quickly. Choose from fixed date or flexible admission options.

Insider tip: Admission to ZooLights is free every Monday, reserve your free tickets in advance.

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Lightscape
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Nov. 13, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Chicago Botanic Garden

This spectacular holiday display transforms the Chicago Botanic Garden with a mesmerizing array of light, color, and sound.

Located just outside Chicago, this year’s Lightscape will feature both brand new works and crowd favorites. The awe-inspiring nighttime show is set along a mile-long path where visitors can admire interactive light installations by artists from around the world.

Make sure to purchase your timed tickets in advance. And check the calendar for special events like Jingle Jam Family Nights, adults-only evenings, and a sensory-friendly night.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum
Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum

Nov. 14, 2026 – Jan. 2, 2027
Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Tree Lights is a popular, nature-inspired holiday event at the Morton Arboretum in nearby Lisle.

Guests can marvel at dazzling installations, including towering trees illuminated by colorful lights, a tunnel of light, a shimmering canopy inspired by the Northern Lights, and a new model train attraction.

Walk the one-mile path and enjoy the dazzling show, then warm up by the crackling fire pits, make s’mores, and visit the concessions tent for festive treats.

Get your timed tickets in advance and check out special events like the craft-beer-focused IllumiBrew, a sensory-friendly night, and dog-friendly evenings.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Nov. 21, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Chicagoland’s largest and longest-running lights festival, Holiday Magic has been illuminating suburban Brookfield Zoo Chicago for more than 40 years.

The family-friendly event features more than 3.5 million twinkling lights, which include animal-themed displays, interactive experiences, glowing tunnels, and a light maze.

Plus, guests can ride the carousel, shop the holiday market, get their groove on in the Retro Christmas dance area, and meet Santa on select dates.

Enhance your experience by reserving a holiday igloo, complete with a private firepit, hot cocoa and s’mores, and more optional add-ons. Get your tickets today.

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

A large group of people enjoy ice skating during the Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier.
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Navy Pier

Winter WonderFest is back to illuminate Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination this winter.

The enchanting indoor celebration at Navy Pier includes dazzling décor, thrilling rides, seasonal treats, and more festive fun for the whole family. Admission to the ice skating rink is included with every ticket.

Tickets to Winter WonderFest are now on sale. Add on a ticket to the climate-controlled Centennial Wheel for a chance to admire the snow-covered skyline from almost 200 feet in the air.

Christmas Around the World

Nov. 7, 2026 – early January
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Each year, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry celebrates the most magical time of the year with its Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibits.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is the four-story Grand Tree, surrounded by an indoor forest of more than 50 smaller trees. Each is lovingly decorated to represent holiday customs from cultures across the globe.

The exhibit started with a single tree in 1942, meant to represent unity during World War II. The event has grown into a joyful winter tradition. Plus, abundant glittering lights and the occasional faux snow shower add to the festive feel.

Mark your calendar for fun events, including the Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival, the 21+ Naughty or Nice event, and a family-friendly after-hours evening.

City of Chicago Christmas Tree

A huge Christmas tree with Christmas lights strewn across it illuminates the night time sky.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree

Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 10, 2027
Millennium Park

For more than a century, the City of Chicago Christmas Tree has shone brightly throughout the holiday season.

The annual tradition, beloved by generations of Chicagoans, kicks off with an exuberant tree-lighting ceremony in Millennium Park. The evening includes live performances, music, a countdown, and fireworks show.

The tree will shine brightly along Michigan Avenue through early January. While you’re there, don’t miss other holiday traditions like ice skating in Millennium Park and the nearby Christkindlmarket.

Insider tip: Get to the tree-lighting event early for the best view. There will be multiple viewing areas throughout the park with giant screens and seasonal treats. 

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Nov. 21, 2026
North Michigan Avenue

Watch one of Chicago’s most famous streets light up for the holidays during The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

This spectacular nighttime parade includes the jaw-dropping moment when more than one million lights are turned on, illuminating over 200 trees along Michigan Avenue.

The jam-packed day includes:

  • Lights Festival Lane, with free family-friendly activities like photos with Santa, cheesecake decorating, and live performances
  • The free tree-lighting parade, led by Grand Marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse, followed by festive floats and Santa himself
  • An evening fireworks display over the Chicago River at the end of the parade route

Insider tip: The north end of Michigan Avenue is a great spot to watch the parade with fewer crowds. For the fireworks, find a spot along Wacker Drive for prime viewing.

Menorah Lighting in Daley Plaza

Menorah in Daley Plaza
Chabad of the Loop & Gold Coast — Center for Jewish Life

Hanukkah 2026
Daley Plaza 

Celebrate the start of Hanukkah with the Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony in downtown Daley Plaza.

The official lighting event will include live music and traditional holiday snacks for spectators. The display is adjacent to the beloved Christkindlmarket, a festive German holiday market where you can shop for gifts, crafts, and treats.

You can also check out one of many neighborhood menorah lightings hosted by local groups, such as the annual ceremonies in the Lakeview and West Loop neighborhoods.

Explore more: Discover magical holiday markets in Chicago.

CTA Holiday Train

Late November through late December
Citywide

There’s no better way to get around the city during the holidays than on the CTA Holiday Train.

Now in its 35th year, the unique Chicago tradition runs across all eight elevated train lines. The Holiday Train features six passenger cars decorated inside and out, with elves handing out candy canes and Santa himself leading the way on his sleigh.

Whether you get a chance to hop on board or just spot it soaring above the city streets, it’s truly a magical encounter.

Keep an eye out for the CTA Holiday Bus, which traverses the city streets through the early winter. Check the CTA schedule for more details.

Insider tip: Chicago’s regional train system gets in on the holiday fun with the annual Metra holiday trains, with holiday characters, treats, and other fun activities. 

Macy’s on State Street

Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 17, 2027
Macy’s on State Street

Macy’s on State Street is an essential holiday destination in Chicago.

The historic downtown department store is home to the landmark Walnut Room. The elegant space is adorned for the holidays, with the towering Great Tree as its glittering centerpiece.

Make a reservation for a memorable holiday meal. And check the calendar for fun and festive events, including themed drag brunches and breakfast with Santa.

Chicago South Side & Obama Presidential Center Shuttle

Outside, you’ll find even more holiday magic. The Macy’s Holiday Windows have been a tradition for more than 50 years, each year featuring a different theme. The storefront windows are elaborately decorated to tell a whimsical holiday story as you move from one display to the next.

Outdoor holiday light shows

Indoor holiday light shows

Free holiday lights

Holiday light events