Chicago Christmas Lights 2024-2025

Chicago and its suburbs are dazzling during late November throughout December and often until early January. Christmas is really the most wonderful time of the year here, with dozens of opportunities to dive into the sea of twinkling bulbs.

Chicago's Christmas Tree (November 22, 2024–January 8, 2025)

The Christmas season in Chicago kicks off with an epic tree-lighting ceremony on November 22, 2024, featuring live music and fireworks. The full slate of holiday programs includes performances, sing-alongs, ice skating, and more. Typically, the Christmas tree remains illuminated along Michigan Avenue until January.

Christmas Lights Chicago Suburbs

Some of the best Christmas lights in Chicago are displayed in the suburbs of the city. The top choice must be the iconic Lightscape event in the Chicago Botanic Garden. Many also like to explore stunning drive-thru shows, such as Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum.

Chicago Botanic Garden Christmas Lights (November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025)

The Lightscape turns the Chicago Botanic Garden into a magic glowing wonderland for the whole family to enjoy. Come along to bask in the lights of the illuminated trail and take in the glow of the famous Winter Cathedral. The gardens are open after dark until 11 pm.

An adult ticket costs $34 in advance and $39 at the gate. A child ticket (ages 3-12) is $19 in advance and $22 at the gate, while children 2 and under receive free admission. Visitors can also purchase Flex Tickets for $75 (adult) and $50 (child, ages 3-12), which include parking for one car.

Christmas Light Show Chicago

If you'd rather behold the twinkling lights from the comfort of your car, opt for drive-thru Christmas light shows. The Morton Arboretum in suburban Lisle hosts the Tree Lights Illumination. Also, Phillips Park in Aurora City becomes home to the Aurora Festival of Lights, which is free of charge. Lastly, Northbrook Court, next to Botanic Garden, boasts Let It Shine Lightshow, noted as the largest Christmas drive-thru in North Shore.

Downtown Chicago Christmas Lights

The heart of Chicago is likewise lavishly adorned for Christmas. You can hop on a holiday lights tour, visit Lincoln Park Zoo, or witness holiday lights along Michigan Avenue, hosting the legendary Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

Holiday Lights Tour Chicago

Treat yourself to the BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley tour in Chicago for the most memorable gawker ride through the city's yuletide lights. The festive excursion sets off from Matilda (3101 N Sheffield) and takes you to the best Christmas spots across the downtown. You'll witness Christkindlmarket, Magnificent Mile, and ZooLights, not to mention music, prizes, and loads of fun that await you on the trolley. The experience is available at about $79.

Chicago Zoo Christmas Lights (November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025)

Not into touring? Then head straight ahead to the Lincoln Park ZooLights. Chicago's beloved family-friendly tradition embraces more than two million LED lights set to cheerful Christmas tunes. Apart from larger-than-life animal illuminations, you'll discover the Enchanted Forest and the Light Maze, feast on seasonal snacks, and possibly do some holiday shopping. Ticket prices range from $7 to $10, depending on the day. Most weekdays are $7, and weekends and premium nights are $10.

Michigan Avenue Chicago Christmas Lights (November 23, 2024–early January 2025)

Alternatively, reserve more time to enjoy holiday lights on Michigan Avenue. In late November, it traditionally opens the season at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, featuring the Chicago Christmas lights parade. But the trees lining The Mag Mile will shine with millions of lights throughout the whole Christmas season.

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier (November 29, 2024–January 5, 2025)

The largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago invites locals and visitors to enjoy the lakefront light displays, ice-skating rink, and cozy firepits. If you bring your own skates, skating is free. Light Up the Lake typically operates at Navy Pier from 12 pm to 8 pm.

CTA Holiday Train and Bus (November 22–December 15, 2024)

The CTA Holiday Train has been delivering joy and holiday spirit to thousands of riders since 1992. What began as a modest and humble initiative has evolved into a spectacular and joyous sight. Each car of the train is decorated with festive images and thousands of twinkling lights. At each station, Santa waves to riders from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar, accompanied by his reindeer and holiday trees. You can also board a festive bus adorned with lights and holiday colors as it travels through the city streets.