Where to see holiday lights around Chicago. Most of these can be done from the safety of your car. Due to Covid I’ve listed everything I could find including the expensive shows since I know people are looking for things to do. If a display requires a ticket you must purchase in advance. .Enjoy!
Free
Art on the Mart – November 12-Dec 30, 2020. Not all holiday themed but bright and shiny.
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights – November 21–January 3, 2021 $5 this year except five free nights (info in link)
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – Everything is virtual this year but of course you can walk or drive down Michigan Avenue after Nov 22 to see them.
Saugansah Holiday Lights – Lincolnwood No links. When I was growing up in the northern burbs we used to drive through this every year. No we weren’t in covered wagons! Not sure when it starts. Probably after Thanksgiving. Should be around 6600 N. Leroy near Albion in Lincolnwood. I believe they ask for a non-perishable food donation. It’s been a long time. YMMV
Logan Square Christmas House 2656 W. Logan Boulevard The gentleman who used to put this on has passed away but his daughter said she may continue to do it.
Lights on Magnolia – Rolling Meadows – Not sure when it starts. Check the link. Bring a non-perishable food donation
Holiday Festival of Lights in Aurora – November 27-December 27, 2020. Donations accepted in-person or online.
Where to see holiday lights around Chicago – Expensive
Christmas Around the World & Holiday of Lights at the Museum of Science & Industry – November 13-January 3, 2021. Included in Museum admission $21.95 (ages 12 and up) and $12.95 (ages 3 to 11), with discounts for Chicago residents.
Santa’s Rock N Lights – Grayslake – Nov 20-Dec 31, 2020 Reserve in advance. $24.99 per car up to 6 people; extra people $5
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo – Friday-Sunday, November 27-29; Wednesdays-Sundays, December 2-6, 9-13, and 16-20; and Saturday-Thursday, December 26-31, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. All admission and parking tickets must be secured by both zoo members and guests prior to arriving. Admission is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $19.95 for senior 65 and over. Parking is $15. All tickets are nonrefundable.
Lightscape Chicago Botanic Garden November 13-January 3, 2021. $24-$28 adults, $12-$15 kids, free children under 3; timed reservations required
Let It Shine Drive-Thru Lightshow Northbrook Court Mall, Northbrook $29.99-$49.99 per vehicle
Six Flags Holiday in the Park Lights Select Days November 27-December 27, 2020 $19.99
Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum November 20, 2020–January 3, 2021 $29-$64 per vehicle
Lightscape Chicago Botanic Garden
