'Tis the season to spread a little Christmas merriment by checking out some Christmas lights in Illinois! Whether you have little ones who can’t wait to see Santa or you just really love experiencing the twinkling lights, these are some of the best Christmas lights in Illinois that are certain to dazzle. Bundle up in a comfy coat and sip on a comforting cup of hot cocoa. If you've been curious about Christmas lights near me, here are some fantastic Illinois Christmas lights, and they will absolutely brighten up our ever-lengthening winter nights. You might even be inspired enough to set up your own Christmas light displays.

1. McFerren Park Christmas Light Show, Hoopeston

Even though this light show is fairly new, don’t let that dissuade you. This is the perfect outing for the family. The town of Hoopeston has banded together to make this free festival of lights in Illinois a possibility. Enjoy the jubilant displays, and thousands of lights and drive under beautifully lit arches. Be sure to visit with Santa and maybe even do a little Christmas shopping in Hoopeston before leaving. Enjoy the lights from the Saturday after Thanksgiving until early January.

To learn more, visit the Light Up McFerren Park Facebook page.

2. Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights

Kicking off another amazing year, ZooLights just keeps getting bigger and better! If you manage to brave the city between the end of November and early January, then checking out ZooLights in Lincoln Park is a must. This light display takes up the entire length of the zoo. Enjoy free crafts, exciting events, and limitless cheer. The live ice sculptures will dazzle and the warm spiced wine will make you feel merry and bright. This event always brings a smile to people's faces. ZooLights in Lincoln Park takes place from November 15, 2024, until January 5, 2025. Tickets to ZooLights range from $7-10.

To learn more about one of the best Christmas light displays in Illinois, visit Lincoln Park Zoo's website.

3. Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle

It’s really quite hard to beat the pure beauty that Illumination has created over the lush, ethereal landscape of the arboretum. Enjoy the views as LED light fixtures dance along the waters. Enjoy this peaceful illuminated landscape from November 16, 2024, until January 4, 2025. The 2024 season boasts 17 displays that highlight the beauty of trees in winter.

To learn more, visit Morton Arboretum's website. This is one of the most popular holiday light shows in Illinois, so we recommend getting your tickets early! Visit the Morton Arboretum early in the season to escape the crowds.

4. Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic—Brookfield

Just like the folks at the Morton Arboretum, the Brookfield Zoo is also using some amazing projection to create their own annual holiday spectacle. The breathtaking light show is sure to be a hit with the whole family and nothing sounds more entertaining than seeing trees dance to festive holiday classics. With chainsaw ice carving, carolers, and an appearance from Santa, this is a holiday treat not to be missed. The festivities kick off at the end of November and run until December 31, 2024.

For more information about ticket prices and hours, visit Brookfield Zoo's website.

5. Coulterville Holiday Lights Display, 102 W. Grant St. Coulterville

Come and enjoy the magic of over one million lights, over 400 wooden figurines, large 300-piece ceramic villages, a healthy dose of holiday movies, and a real-life Candyland. That’s right! If you were a fan of this old-school board game then you’ll love jumping right into this enchanted and delicious world. All of this magic can be found at the Coulterville Holiday Lights Display. This jolly tradition is one of the best things to do at Christmas in Illinois. Catch this awesome Illinois light show from December 7, 2024 until December 27, 2024.

Learn more about this beloved event by visiting the Coulterville Holiday Light Display on Facebook.

6. Holidays Lights in Lilacia Park

When the holiday spirit floats through the air, be sure to head to Lombard and enjoy the festive annual lighting celebration right in Lilacia Park. It’s a great way to kick off the holidays. The light display will be here for your enjoyment from early December through early January. Take the kids to see Santa and Rudolph, enjoy a warm mug of cocoa, and ride the Gold Metal Express. You're going to love every minute of it.

Learn more about this whimsical holiday light display.

7. Chicago Around the World and Holidays of Lights

A little unique from the traditional Christmas light displays you may be used to, this beloved tradition at the Museum of Science and Industry always dazzles. This year's event kicks off in mid-November. Come and stare at their grand four-story Christmas tree. If you really love decorations, then you won’t want to miss the magnificent trees decorated for different cultures. Come see all the hard work these thousands of volunteers put into making Christmas come alive while also learning about the holiday traditions of other cultures around the globe.

To learn more about Christmas Around The World, visit The Museum of Science and Industry website.

8. Candy Cane Lane- West Frankfort

This incredible display was the brainchild of a local art teacher back in the '80s and Candy Cane Lane is still alive and well today. For four weeks in December enjoy up to 30,000 lights and over 500 different holiday characters that sprawl along the five blocks of festive homes. Don’t even think about going near West Frankfort and missing this must-see holiday favorite and one of the best Christmas light displays in Illinois.

To learn more about Candy Cane Lane visit their Facebook page.

9. Geneva Christmas Walk

If it’s good enough for The Ellen Show then it’s certainly good enough for us! Kick off your festivities by watching the glorious tree lighting in early December. Enjoy carolers, roasted chestnuts, and a free carriage ride through the town. Don’t miss the Holiday House Tour on select dates in December and enjoy five of the most beautiful homes that have certainly come alive with the Christmas spirit. It might even inspire some unique decorating ideas for your own home this season.

To learn more about the Geneva Christmas Walk, another one of the best Christmas light displays in Illinois visit their website.

This joyful season comes but once a year. What are your favorite things to do this time of year? We might not be able to list all the beautiful light displays happening around the state, so be sure to share which ones lit up your holidays, and made the season just a little bit brighter for you. Still wondering about Christmas lights near me in IL? If you’ve discovered other Christmas lights in Illinois worth checking out let us know with a comment.

If you're looking for more festive fun, stop by this one-of-a-kind German Christmas market in Illinois.

Don't let seasonal depression keep you indoors all winter. Even with the minimal hours of daylight, there are still plenty of winter activities in Illinois to keep you entertained all winter long. Check out our upcoming winter predictions for Illinois so you can start planning your epic adventures.