Every winter and holiday season, Illinois hosts numerous festive light shows in your favorite local spots! Whether you enjoy a relaxing stroll through a forested park with towering illuminated pine trees or a downtown experience driving through magical displays, Illinois has a light show for you to keep holiday traditions going.
Here are several notable displays to see:
Northern Illinois
Nicholas Conservatory All Aglow
Celebrate the holidays with Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens’ outdoor garden light display. The light show features illuminated trees, shrubs and new displays to add an extra sparkle to your experience. The event is free and open through Jan. 6.
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
In historic downtown Long Grove, visitors and locals can find the beauty and magic of the vintage shops and charming streets as they are lit up for the holiday season. There will be horse-drawn carriages, Santa visits, caroling, holiday merchants, restaurant specials and more. Dates of activities vary; visit the link for more information.
Brookfield ZooLights
Join Brookfield Zoo for their 43rd year of hosting Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival. With over two million LED lights, themed lighting areas, Santa visits, 900 decorated trees, a holiday market and gift shop, and seasonal animal experience, this light show is not one to miss every holiday season. Click the link to see admission options and dates.
Central Illinois
Mattoon Lightworks
Take a scenic cruise through Mattoon’s Peterson Park with animated and standard festive lights. This event is free and open through Dec. 25 at 5 p.m.
Chatham Light Up the Park
Come with your family, friends and loved ones to a local light up the park event in Chatham! Chatham Community Park will feature breathtaking light displays and perfect photo opportunities. The event is free and begins Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 6-8 p.m.
Western Illinois
Christmas Wonderland
Experience the Christmas Wonderland at Rock Spring Park in Alton. With over four million lights brightening the park’s scenery, free Santa visits and a tree voting contest, this magical holiday experience is one everyone can find exciting. The event is free but donations are accepted. The show runs through Dec. 27 from 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday or 5-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Quincy Festival of Lights
Moorman-Wavering Park in Quincy joins the holiday festivities with their 2024 Festival of Lights. The event is open nightly until Dec. 31 from 5-9 p.m. Admission varies based on vehicle: $20 for up to 8 passengers, $30 for a van or limousine, and $40 for up to 15 passengers.
Southern Illinois
WonderLight’s Christmas
Begin a new holiday tradition by visiting the World Wide Technology Raceway for their 2024 WonderLight’s Christmas! The display features over one million LED lights choreographed to classic and modern seasonal music played directly through your car stereo. Stay cozy and warm while you listen to music and watch the extravagant light display in this drive-through light show. The event is open until Jan. 5 from 5-10 p.m. and admission is $30 per car.
Christmas Village Walking Path
Take a stroll through Bethalto’s mile-long holiday display in the Village’s Central Park and Arboretum. The lighted displays are open each night with fun vendors, barrel train rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event is open until Dec. 22 on Saturdays and Sundays, and there is no cost for admission.
For more information, click on the event websites.
Enjoy the holiday season!
