12 Must-See Light Displays in Illinois
- 1. Christmas Wonderland in Alton
- 2. Festival of Lights Winter Wonderland in East Peoria
- 3. Shelbyville Festival of Lights
- 4. Holiday Festival of Lights in Aurora
- 5. Christmas Around the World & Holiday of Lights at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago
- 6. Illumination at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle
- 7. Lincoln Park ZooLights
- 8. Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic
Full Answer
What are the best Christmas laser lights?
- BEST OVERALL: LedMAll Motion Outdoor Laser Christmas Lights
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: SunBox Live Christmas Holiday Lights Projector
- BEST CHRISTMAS DESIGNS: LedMAll Motion Pattern Christmas Lights
- BEST FOR KIDS: Yocuby Santa Claus Christmas Light
- BEST FOR BIG HOMES: XVDZS Christmas Laser Lights
- BEST FOR SMALL HOMES: COOWOO Christmas Laser Lights
What is the most popular Christmas lights?
Best Musical Lights: Bright Tunes Warm White LED String Lights. Best Traditional Colors: Sylvania Mini Christmas Lights, Multicolor. Most Vibrant LED Colors: Epesl Fairy Twinkle Christmas Lights ...
How to store your Christmas lights?
The Best (and Totally Free) Ways to Store Christmas Lights
- The best ways to store Christmas lights. If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that you should refrain from yanking the lights down and stuffing them in ...
- Hanger method. Use the hanger method to store Christmas lights. ...
- Wrapping paper tube method. Don’t have any extra plastic hangers on hand? ...
- Cardboard method. ...
Do Christmas lights start fires?
You can leave your Christmas lights on all night and they will not get hot enough to start a fire. It is important to note, however, that an electrical fire may start due to plugging in too many light strings to a single extension cord. Also, what is the difference between c7 and c9 Christmas lights?
What to do in Illinois for Christmas?
What are the best Christmas towns in Illinois?
How many lights are there at Mooseheart?
When is Aurora Festival of Lights 2016?
When is the illumination at the Arboretum?
Is Aurora's Festival of Lights free?
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About this website
What town has the best Christmas lights Illinois?
Charles is one of the best Christmas towns in Illinois. This lovely historic place becomes even more beautiful during the holidays. Every year, St. Charles hosts a magical parade full of colorful floats and festive treats.
Where can I see Christmas lights in southern Illinois?
Light Displays Galore in ILLINOISouthCoulterville Holiday Display. ... Way of Lights - Belleville. ... Wonderlight's Christmas - Madison. ... Lebanon's Winter Wonderland. ... Christmas in Carlyle. ... Fantasy of Lights - Centralia. ... Woburn Christmas Display - Greenville. ... Holiday Lights Fair - Du Quoin.More items...•
Where are the prettiest Christmas lights?
Best Holiday Light Displays in the USNight of Lights, St. ... Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia.Trail of Lights, Austin, Texas.The River of Lights, Albuquerque, New Mexico.Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NYC.An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri.More items...
Where are the Christmas lights in Chicago suburbs?
Celebrate the holidays at these gorgeous light displays throughout Chicago and the suburbs....Christmas lights in Chicago and the suburbsZooLights. ... Lightscape. ... Amaze Light Festival. ... Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum. ... City of Chicago Christmas Tree. ... Magnificent Mile.More items...•
Is there a Christmas town in Illinois?
Galena, Illinois With its many 19th-century buildings, bed and breakfasts, and antique shops, Galena is a cozy spot for an old-fashioned, small-town Christmas. Set among the snow-covered farmland of northern Illinois, the town's charming Main Street gets all decked out for the season.
Where is the best light show?
The Best Christmas Light Displays:Fantasy In Lights.Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights.Nights of a Thousand Candles.Lightscape.Nights of Lights.Blossoms of Light and Trail of Lights.Magic Christmas in Lights.Gardens Aglow.More items...
Where is the most magical Christmas town?
For more than 60 years, residents of McAdenville, North Carolina, have come together to deck the tiny town and 375 trees in more than 500,000 red, white, and green twinkling lights—which is exactly why its known as Christmas Town, USA.
What city is the most Christmassy?
Leavenworth, Washington is the most Christmassy town in America, and it's not surprising why.
Where is the most magical Christmas?
Rovaniemi - Lapland, Finland Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, may be the best place on earth to celebrate Christmas. Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Finns argue that it makes a much likelier home for Santa than even the North Pole.
Where is Chicago's red light district?
The district, like many frontier town red-light districts, got its name from its proximity to wharves in the city. The Levee district encompassed four blocks in Chicago's South Loop area, between 18th and 22nd streets. It was home to many brothels, saloons, dance halls, and the famed Everleigh Club.
Where is the Festival of lights in Chicago?
401 N. Michigan Ave.Lights Festival Lane is located in Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan Ave. The parade travels south on North Michigan Avenue, starting at Oak Street and ending at Wacker Drive.
Is the aurora borealis visible in Chicago?
We can indeed see the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, in Chicago, but not very often. Aurorae are visible in Chicago about once every two years, but the sightings are limited by the nighttime glow of city lights.
Where are the Magnificent Mile lights?
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has been a beloved holiday celebration for more than 30 years. Shining bright for 31 magnificent years, The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® returns to downtown Chicago on Saturday, November 19, 2022 to kick off the holiday season the weekend before Thanksgiving.
How long are the Alum Creek Christmas lights?
3 milesLoad the family into the car and enjoy Butch Bando's Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds from November 19, 2021 through January 2, 2022. The Drive-Thru Light Show features 3 miles of magical twinkling light displays that will amaze all ages from the comfort of your vehicle.
Where is Upper Hastings Ranch Christmas lights?
1015 N. Michillinda Ave.
Where are the Christmas lights in River Oaks?
River Oaks Christmas Lights River Oaks Country Club, Inwood Drive, Willowick and Del Monte are some prime streets. Check out the corner house at Mockingbird and Del Monte for an amazing display!
Christmas Lights in Illinois 2022-2023 - Dates
Most people would seek the best Christmas lights in Illinois close to Chicago, as the city and its suburbs indeed boast the most impressive holiday displays.The sheer ZooLights, Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue), and Lightscape in Botanic Garden are worth planning your festive getaway in Chicago.Yet, we have a separate article dedicated to those light displays.
When is the Christmas music festival in 2020?
This free event lasts through January 2, 2020, and lets guests tune in to a special radio station that plays Christmas music that goes along with the lights. Santa is present on Saturdays to give out gifts to children.
Do you have to get out of the car to see Christmas lights?
You won’t have to get out of the car or drive all around town to enjoy these magical lights. Scroll on to find out where the best Christmas lights are.
1. Brookfield
The village of Brookfield is home to the Brookfield Zoo and Holiday Magic, a northern Illinois tradition for more than 35 years. Treat your family to this million-light festival featuring ice carving demonstrations, a 41-foot-tall talking tree, a model train display, and magic shows.
2. Chicago
Chicago has numerous Christmas lights extravaganzas, and for more than 20 years, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been one of the most popular. This free exhibit features 2.5 million dazzling lights, 3D displays, illuminated animal designs, and Light Maze, a 30,000-light labyrinth open on Family Nights.
3. Mooseheart
About 40 miles west of Chicago, the Holiday Lights at Mooseheart event twinkles brightly during the Christmas season. Hosted by Mooseheart Child City and School, this evening extravaganza offers almost 100 lighted displays and scenes along a two-mile campus road leading to the school’s farm area and a live Nativity scene.
4. Alton
Each year in Alton, an enchanted Christmas Wonderland springs forth in Rock Springs Park, thanks to a local volunteer group, the Grandpa Gang. As you drive through the park, experience the thrills of cascading waterfalls of lights, illuminated trees and tunnels, laser lights, and millions of sparkling orbs.
5. Belleville
In the southern Illinois town of Belleville, The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows displays the Way of Lights, a tradition since 1970. Called Journey to Bethlehem, this Christmas celebration stimulates all of your senses as it focuses on the birth of Christ. Entry is free, and donations are welcomed.
East Peoria Festival of Lights - Peoria
There are plenty of amazing light displays outside of Chicago too, including the East Peoria Festival of Lights, which has been an annual tradition for 37 years. Things kick off with the Parade of Lights and continue throughout December with a drive-through display to enjoy magical holiday lights from the comfort of your car.
BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival - Chicago
The Magnificent Mile is the place to be for holiday shopping in Chicago, and there’s a beloved lights festival that travels right down this famous street to kick off the season. Mickey and Minnie Mouse usher in a million lights on Michigan Avenue at this event that’s the largest holiday parade in Chicago.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum - Lisle
Meanwhile, the Morton Arboretum is only about an hour from Chicago and features Illumination, an attraction that runs along a mile-long paved path with interactive lighting effects. You’ll be stunned at how beautiful the trees here are in winter when they’re decorated. Highlights include seasonal music, s’mores by the fire, and cozy drinks.
ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ - Chicago
One of Chicago’s best free holiday events each year is ZooLights, which is held at the Lincoln Park Zoo that is always free to enjoy. As you walk through the zoo between November 19th and January 2nd, you can see the colorful lights on the trees and memorable musical light shows.
Stroll on State - Rockford
Rockford is also a fun place to be during the holiday season, especially on November 27th. Rockford about a two-hour drive from Chicago and hosting a Stroll on State on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a free community event in the downtown area.
Holiday Fire in the Sky - Galena
On December 4th between 6:30 and 7pm, make a point to be in Galena, Illinois for the Holiday Fire in the Sky event. The evening sky comes alive with fireworks to welcome the holiday season in the downtown area. There will be live carolers singing, hot cocoa to sip, and the beauty of the river to enjoy while you’re here.
The Allstate CTA Holiday Train - Chicago
Commuters take the CTA every day without giving it a second thought. But during the winter holiday season, this train gets extra festive. Each year, the Chicago Transit Authority decorates one of its trains with lights and decorations – both inside and out.
How many lights are there in the Chicago Botanic Garden?
Set along a 1.25-mile path, the after-dark experience features a series of installations to explore, including a 110-foot tunnel made up of 100,000 lights and a group of trees festooned in bulbs that "sing" holiday songs.
Where is the Christmas tree in Michigan?
Spectators can check out this year's tree near Washington Street and Michigan Avenue through Sunday, January 9—for an extra-festive time, bring a pair of skates and take a spin around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink while soaking in the view.
What is the Morton Arboretum's holiday light show?
Ready to get into the holiday spirit? After switching to a drive-through format for 2020, the Morton Arboretum's annual holiday light show is returning this year as a mile-long, walk-through spectacle of LED lights and music, featuring a blend of new and returning light displays set amid 50 acres of trees. New for 2021 is a special light-up display of "Hallow," one of artist Daniel Popper's large-scale statues featured in the Arboretum's popular "Human+Nature" exhibition, plus a collection of 150 colorful lanterns, an "enchanted gateway" of glowing lights leading to Meadow Lake and a lit-up pasture near the top of the conifer trail.
How many lights are there at Brookfield Zoo?
More than one million lights cover the trees, fences and structures in the Brookfield Zoo at this annual holiday event, which is open for its 40th year this season. Guests can walk through a 600-foot-long tunnel featuring colored lights synchronized to music, spot larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures and warm up with concessions such as funnel cakes, pizza, spiced wine and hot cocoa. Plus, catch new features this year like an illuminated gingerbread house and "Sea of Lights," a mile-long display of colored lights along the zoo's West Mall.
What is the Grand Tree in Chicago?
During the holiday season, the Museum of Science and Industry puts up its 45-foot-tall Grand Tree and surrounds the towering pine with more than 50 trees that represent Chicago's various communities and their respective holiday celebrations. This year's exhibit celebrates the golden age of travel, with themed décor and a spotlight on the Pioneer Zephyr train and the 727 in the "Take Flight" exhibit. Plus, visitors will be able to take in even more seasonal cheer at the accompanying "Holidays of Light" exhibit, which recognizes the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day and St. Lucia Day.
Where is Amaze Light Festival?
Situated in Impact Field (the home of the Chicago Dogs), this seasonal attraction features light shows and seven illuminated worlds to explore, plus a variety of separately-ticketed experiences, including visits to Santa's Workshop and Polar Peak tubing rides. Guests can also fill up on food and hot beverages before visiting a candy shop stocked with festive treats.
Is Six Flags open for the holidays?
As usual, Six Flags Great America is open for the holidays, though you won't be able to ride any of its biggest roller coasters during your visit. Instead, the amusement park strings up more than three million lights for visitors to enjoy as they walk along the midways, accompanired by seasonal entertainment, photo ops, carousel rides and s'mores roasting pits. Six Flags will also host a drive-through light show on select dates from December 3 through January 9, which showcases the same lights and seasonal music as you'd see and hear during the walkable experience. Tickets are available per person (not per car) and start at $17.99 a head.
What to do in Illinois for Christmas?
There are so many great things to do at Christmas in Illinois. In addition to the magical displays at East Peoria’s Festival of Lights, the Rosemont Holiday Light Display, and the Way of Lights in Belleville, Illinois is home to some incredible theatrical performances.
What are the best Christmas towns in Illinois?
St. Charles is one of the best Christmas towns in Illinois. This lovely historic place becomes even more beautiful during the holidays. Every year, St. Charles hosts a magical parade full of colorful floats and festive treats. Santa Claus himself also makes an appearance! This is one can’t-miss Christmas event. If you loved this then you should also visit the town of Galena. Their wonderful main street comes alive with lights and merriment every year. You definitely won’t want to miss their annual “Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows.” This will make you dream of sugarplums all night long. Eager for more? Read about the 10 best Christmas towns in Illinois.
How many lights are there at Mooseheart?
With 1.8 miles of over 80 different illuminated holiday displays, Holiday Lights at Mooseheart should make it to your list. In fact, Mooseheart is one of Chicagoland’s largest light displays! Despite Santa’s busy schedule he will also be making an appearance. Enjoy Christmas cookies, festive music, and non-stop cheer at this magical attraction. You can watch the beautiful lights from the end of November through the end of December.
When is Aurora Festival of Lights 2016?
Facebook: Aurora Festival of Lights 2016: November 25-December 26. This light festival boasts one of the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light displays in Northern Illinois. And it’s back for another twinkling year starting on November 25th and running until December 29th.
When is the illumination at the Arboretum?
Enjoy the views as LED light fixtures dance along the waters. Enjoy this peaceful illuminated landscape from late November through early January.
Is Aurora's Festival of Lights free?
In past years, more than 21,000 cars passed through these twinkling gates. And the best part? This annual event is free! Donations are happily accepted and appreciated, so don’t be a Scrooge. It’s always great to give back this time of year.
