Celebrate the Season with Local Illinois Holiday Lights Displays

Nov 27, 2023

Kickstart the holiday joy this season by packing your family and friends into the car for a festive road trip! We’re bringing you a selection of some of the most holly-jolly and very merry lights displays to add a little holiday spirit to the season. Check it out on today’s blog!

The Christmas Wonderland 2023 lights display at Rock Spring Park in Alton opened on Thanksgiving and will run through the 27th of December. Open from 6PM through 9PM every Monday through Friday, and 5PM to 9PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Suggested donations are $10 for cars and small vans, or for larger vehicles of 10+ persons a suggested $1 per person donation. This year, the festivities include an Enchanted Forest where you can vote for your fave festive tree, and even get a visit to Santa Claus himself! There’s a drive through and walkthrough option, so you can experience the magic two different ways. Get more info here at Riversandroutes.com

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is hosting a festive display of seasonal cheer for the 80th year! With humble beginnings of one single tree in 1942, this beloved annual exhibit now houses a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree as the centerpiece of more than 50 different trees and gorgeous volunteer-decorated lights displays! This year’s theme centers on “The Science of Snow” and features an incredible array of snowflake photography by Caltech physicist Ken Libbrecht, alongside thematic holiday and wintry music. Admission to the display is included with regular Museum Entry admission, and you can catch it now through January 7th 2024.

The 11th annual Illumination: Tree of Lights at the Morton Arboretum event opened November 18th and will run through January 6th 2024! Grab your tickets in advance, because they’re selling out fast and you don’t want to miss this seasonal spectacular! With more than 50 acres of trees to explore in festive immersive art and light exhibits, it will delight visitors of all ages. And best of all, this year the event has been made even more inclusive with a new path added that’s fully ADA compliant for patrons with disabilities and mobility devices! The 1-mile paved walking path features festive music, special lighting effects, and a dazzling winter woodland scene. Members receive 20% discount on tickets and ordering in advance

ZooLights of Lincoln Park Zoo is back and better than ever with new and exciting lights displays, seasonal festive photo ops, and plenty of interactive exhibits to enjoy! The seasonal event opened on November 17th and will run through January 7th 2024. Zoolights also includes a special Sensory-Friendly night where most of the lights displays will remain static, music will be played at a reduced volume, and any moving light displays will be slowed down. Guests are welcome to wear noise reduction headphones for a more accommodating experience. Tickets are required but are just $7 per person. Special additional holiday programming such as an Adults Night Out, Live Music, and even seasonal rides are available on select dates and times.

The Festival of Lights in Peoria returns for another festive season and its 39th year of magic! It opened the season on November 18th with a spectacular Parade of Lights event, and will continue to dazzle from Friday November 24th through January 1st. Experience the magic from 5PM to 9PM every Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours from 5PM to 11PM on Friday and Saturday. Hours amend to 5PM to 9PM on December 24th through January 1st 2024. Admission is $10 for regular vehicles, $30 for small busses, and $150 for a motorcoach.

The Shelbyville Festival of Lights opened on November 17th and will run through December 31st. Enjoy the gorgeous lights from 5PM to 9PM Sunday through Thursday, and extended hours on Friday and Saturday from 5PM to 10PM. Donations are suggested at the end of your tour. When you’re done with the Forest Park display of lights, enjoy the Festival of Trees with more than 40 decorated trees each weekend in the Chautauqua, and you can vote for your favorite; happening every Friday and Saturday from 5PM to 10PM and Sundays from 5PM to 9PM.