Wilmette Christmas Lights 2026

Kick off the holiday season with an evening of festive entertainment and holiday photo opportunities. The celebration features a tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus and friends. The gathering concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.

Millions of twinkling lights transform the zoo grounds, featuring a walk-through light tunnel and a narrated light show on the South Lawn. Visitors can ride the Ferris wheel for Chicago skyline views, take a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel,...

Visitors walk an illuminated 1.3-mile path around the Garden's main island featuring light and music displays. Guests can step inside a larger-than-life sparkling snow globe and watch an illuminated ballerina dance across the landscape. Stations along the route offer hot...

Guests gather for the lighting of a four-story Grand Tree alongside the opening of the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit. The museum showcases more than 50 trees decorated to represent various countries, alongside displays honoring international...

Visitors can experience holiday attractions including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, Santa's Workshop, and the Gallagher Ice Rink. Guests can also hop aboard the Holiday Train to ride through the Wrigley Field Concourse or watch holiday films displayed on the video board. Food,...

Visitors embark on a 2.5-mile drive-thru journey featuring over one million LED lights, three drive-through tunnels, and a 30-foot Christmas tree. The displays include holiday favorites such as Rudolph and his reindeer pals, the abominable snowman, Frosty and his friends,...

Visitors can enjoy an afternoon of holiday festivities featuring live music, s'mores fire pits, and twinkling light displays. Family activities include photos with Santa, horse-drawn trolley rides, face painting, holiday crafts, and a petting zoo. The celebration culminates with an...

This interactive holiday-themed light experience allows children to explore, experiment, and interact with light and color. Guests can ride the Twinkle Train through glowing displays in Habitat Park, dance under colored lights, and meet characters. Visitors can also warm up...

Visitors can browse an indoor holiday market featuring local artisan vendors and gift basket raffles. Outdoor festivities include a live ice sculpting demonstration, live music by a brass band, a performance by The Chicago Chorus Girl Project, and community caroling...

Presented by the Wheeling Historical Society, this community tradition invites both adults and children to celebrate the holiday season. Children can meet Santa and have their picture taken with him. Visitors can also browse and purchase homemade cookies along with...

Visitors gather to celebrate the festival of lights and learn the Hannukah story. Families can explore activity stations designed especially for young children. Guests also make and eat their own kosher latkes during the celebration.

Guests walk along an outdoor paved path through creative light, color, and sound displays set among towering trees. Highlights include an aurora borealis-inspired canopy stretching over 400 feet, an immersive tunnel of moving chrome spheres and light, and illuminated woodland...

Experience Chicagoland's largest drive-thru Christmas light show, 'Shine Light Show,' returning to Northbrook Court. Immerse yourself in a dazzling wonderland of over one million LED lights, featuring unique displays like archways, candy canes, and glowing snowmen, all synchronized to beloved...

Embark on a magical journey through Chicago's dazzling holiday lights aboard the original BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley. This unique experience begins with a festive welcome at Matilda, featuring a complimentary snack and a chance to meet your guide. Then, hop...