The start of the holiday season isn’t marked by Halloween candy on sale, parking dibs, or even snow—it’s the lights that bring the magic! From simple twinkling string lights to dazzling LED displays, the holidays just aren’t complete without a light show. While you’re out enjoying all the fun winter activities. Chicago has to offer, don’t miss out on these spectacular holiday lights in Chicago and the nearby areas!
Lightscape
1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
WHEN: Nov. 12-Jan. 2
Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape is back for its third season to dazzle visitors with its after-dark, illuminated trail. The 1.25-mile immersive trail is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, especially on a walk. Chicago Botanic Garden teamed up with local and international artists to create magical displays along the entire path to bring you into another world.
Complete with “singing” trees, a twinkling Winter Cathedral, glowing red poppies, and more new features, Lightscape has many enchanting delights. Get tickets early—the popular event sells out quickly!
ZooLights
2200 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
WHEN: Nov. 19-Jan. 2
ZooLights is a must-see Chicago tradition for visitors of all ages. It’s the biggest light show right here in the city, featuring hundreds of dynamic LED displays and strung-up lights shaped like animals, trees, and more, transforming Lincoln Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland.
Visitors can also enjoy concerts, an enchanted forest, a light maze, visits with Santa, and a holiday pop-up bar. There will also be Sensory Friendly ZooLights experiences on Nov. 30 and Dec. 16 from 4-6 p.m. Blinking or moving lights will be static or turned off and there will be no music.
Reserve your tickets now—Mondays and Tuesdays are free!
Light Up the Lake
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Did you say ice skating and holiday lights? Yes, we sure did! This year, Navy Pier is bringing holiday lights to its amazing icerink and lighting the entire lake up! If you’re not there to skate, simply walk around and you’ll be transformed into a Christmas wonderland. You can also ride the Ferris wheel and get a stunning bird’s eye’s view over the endless lights around the lake!
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532
The ninth annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is back as a walking experience this year. Visitors will walk through 50 acres of the Arboretum, exploring new and returning lighting displays along the 1-mile trail.
Festive music from around the world will also add to the experience. As a magical spectacle of color, light, and sound, Illumination highlights the beauty of trees in the winter.
New sights include a special lighting display featuring artist Daniel Popper’s Human+Nature Hallow sculpture and an experience featuring 150 colorful lanterns. Illumination will also have festive treats and drinks to enjoy along the route while you cozy up by crackling fires. Some dates have already sold out—plan early and get your tickets!
Aurora Festival of Lights
5th Ave & Smith Blvd, Aurora, IL 60505
Hop in the car and take a drive through more than one mile of dazzling holiday light displays at Phillips Park in Aurora. The Aurora Festival of Lights is one of the largest free outdoor light shows you can enjoy in the warmth and comfort of your car. This year, the festival enters its 15th season of bringing holiday cheer to all ages.
This local tradition is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Aurora and the City of Aurora. The festival welcomes a new Helicopter Display and also seasonal favorites like Santa’s Toy Factory, elves and reindeer, holiday trains, gigantic snowflakes, and more.
Admission is free, but this year, the event requires advanced reservations. Donations are accepted, benefiting local charities.
Featured Image Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo
The post Where To See Stunning Holiday Lights in Chicago This Year appeared first on UrbanMatter.
