Christmas light display in Naperville, IL

Naperville and the surrounding area are wonderful places to live all year long, but they become magical during the holiday season. Many towns pull out all the stops and create Hallmark movie worthy light displays that make you feel the spirit of the season.

As a family, we particularly love exploring the area and enjoying holiday lights all around Chicagoland. Several of the displays are drive-through, so our kids are able to stay cozy in the backseat in their pjs, while we all take in the beauty around us. We always bring travel mugs of hot chocolate and marshmallows to make it extra special. Here are our favorite Christmas light displays in Chicago – we hope they put you in the holiday spirit and give you some quality time together as a family!

Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape

1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
https://www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape

There’s a reason that Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden tops our list – it is incredible. This is THE don’t miss light display in the area, and it is absolutely worth the drive up to Glencoe (and the price of admission, which is a little steep). The variety of lights and types of displays are wonderful, so you can easily spend an hour or two enjoying them.

New this year are Jingle Jam Family Nights on December 16, 17, and 18, where kids will get to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Snow Queen as they walk through the trail. Make sure to grab your tickets ASAP!

Lilacia Lights

150 S Park Ave, Lombard, IL 60148
https://lombardparks.com/holiday-lights/

Lilacia Park is a gem, located just south of downtown Lombard. Their holiday light display is charming, and even better – it’s free! Each weekend leading up to Christmas, they have visits with Santa (also free) from 6-8 p.m. You will want to arrive early to get in line (don’t forget the hand warmers and hot chocolate!).

Sunday, December 21 will be extra special with their Polar Express night from 5-7 p.m. They will be handing out bells to each participant when they visit Santa!

Festival of Lights at Aurora’s Phillips Park

Festival of Lights at Phillips Park in Aurora

1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL 60505
https://www.aurora.il.us/Recreation-and-Amenities/Events/Special-Events/Festival-of-Lights

Festival of Lights has been an Aurora tradition for 19 years, and we’ve visited many of those years. Drive-through displays are always so nice so we can stay warm in the car and still feel festive. Our favorite part about this display is there is something to see wherever you look. Everyone takes their time driving through, so you don’t feel rushed and can just savor the time with your family. Make sure to bring a little cash to donate at the end, and you’ll be rewarded with a treat for everyone to enjoy on the drive home.

Illumination

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/exhibitions/illumination/

You probably already know we love the Morton Arboretum since we have mentioned it on several other blogs, so it is no surprise that Illumination is on our list. This display is not inexpensive, but you will see why when you visit. Make sure to bundle up – you will be outside for at least an hour exploring all the different light exhibits.

Each year is a little different, but no matter how many times you visit, the show is just as mesmerizing and stunning. This year, they have special exhibits featuring their current outdoor art exhibition, Vivid Creatures, too.

Finish the night with s’mores around the bonfire, making the overall experience one you won’t forget.

The Believe House

630 Vicksburg Ct Naperville, IL, 60540
https://www.facebook.com/kringleknoth

The Believe House is an annual favorite, with a beautiful display and message that keeps us coming back. If you visit their Facebook page, you will see that they spend a great deal of their own time scouting other light shows in Naperville (with a few scattered in other towns). It’s heartwarming to see how dedicated they are to spreading Christmas cheer and calling attention to the displays of friends and neighbors. Their annual list is out (which you can find pinned on their Facebook page), so be sure to take a look to create your own route.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

2400 N. Canon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
https://www.lpzoo.org/pressroom/zoolights-2/

Both Lincoln Park and Brookfield Zoos have a holiday light display, and in full transparency, we have never gone to the one at Brookfield. We absolutely love the display at Lincoln Park Zoo, so why change a good thing? The light shows are just beautiful, and they even have special features like ice carvings and carolers on select nights. We love to make a night of it, with dinner in the city before heading over to the zoo.

Oswego Lights

701 Sparkle Court, Oswego
https://oswegolights.com/

If you’re familiar with South Barrington Lights on Wescott in Barrington, they wrapped up their display in 2024 and shared their lights with two friends – one of whom is nice and close in Oswego. Their lights are synced to music and are really well done. With Oswego just down the road, this is a stop you’ll want to add to your list this year.

The holidays are so full of hustle and bustle that taking the time to step back and enjoy Christmas light displays is a must. Turn up the Christmas music in the car, put on a Santa hat or a pair of reindeer antlers to get in the spirit, and soak in the best part of the season – time together. The happiest of holidays from our family to yours!

Christmas Light Displays in Chicago that Are Worth the Drive!