It's the most wonderful time of the year! The days are getting shorter, the air is filled with snow and holiday cheer, and shopping takes on a whole new meaning. Of course, it's important to take a break from the crowded stores and holiday shopping wish lists and spend a little time taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of Christmas in Illinois right outside of your back door. Well, it won’t actually be right outside your door, but it could be! Christmas road trip, anyone?
This adventure to see the best Christmas lights in Illinois will take you on quite an adventure, so load up the car, pack the hot chocolate in some travel mugs, bundle up the kiddos, stock up on Christmas cookies, and put those holiday tunes on because this Christmas road trip is exactly what you need to get in the festive spirit. Ready to get started? Let's go!
This holiday road trip to see the best Christmas lights in Illinois will take just over six hours (not factoring in the time to get out and enjoy each attraction). Therefore, you may want to plan on stopping for the night or breaking the drive into different segments. Either way, enjoy all that this dazzling itinerary has to offer!
Our list of the best Christmas lights in Illinois begins in Chicago. Lightscape is a highly-anticipated holiday event that is sure to dazzle all ages. Singing trees, illuminated walkways, enchanting gardens, and just a touch of magic await you at this famous Illinois landmark. The after-dark illuminated trail has to be experienced to be believed. Just be sure you bundle up!
Take in the sights of the Lincoln Park Zoo as it comes alive with over two million Christmas lights. Enjoy sweet treats, visit Santa at the Helen Brach Primate House or go ice skating past adorable farm animals at Farm-in-the-Zoo. All these sites and sounds are completely free! Come see why these are among the best Christmas lights in Illinois you can ever admire.
Illinois at Christmas truly is a delight. Join East Peoria for its exciting annual Festival of Lights show. See what the town has been hard at work creating all year long. From a twinkling and animated train that is over 160 feet long and contains over 65,000 lights to spectacular lighted floats, this park comes alive with the holiday spirit. And don’t miss a peek at Folepi’s Enchanted Forest. Located in the Levee District, the Enchanted Forest houses a 35-foot tall tree along with more creatively decorated trees and parade floats.
Do you want to see what happens when a little sibling rivalry mixes with a little friendly competition? Well, you get the McIntosh Christmas Lights Show, of course! What started as a fun little decoration battle has now turned into a full-on light show decked out with Light O Rama Technology and decorations that twinkle and dance in time to music. Half of this decorative duo believes that he’s used up to four miles of extension cords just to run the attraction. Move over, Clark Griswold! This might literally be the single greatest Christmas lights show in IL at someone's house.
Did you know you can visit Santa’s shop, a Victorian village, Bethlehem, and the North Pole right here in Illinois? Well, now you can when you head to Shelbyville. You’ll be in for a real treat when you drive through Forest Park where you’ll be blanketed in the glow of beautiful holiday light displays. New themes and lights are added each year, so this light show never gets old. If you make it on the weekend, hop out of the car and enjoy a carriage ride. This amazing Christmas village feels like something out of a movie.
Sometimes you need a little break from all the gift wrapping and holiday planning to sit back and get a breath of fresh air. What better way to do that than by riding a heated Christmas trolley ride while taking in the illuminated displays of LaSalle, Oglesby, and Utica? Bring the kids, in-laws, and the whole family to what could end up being a time-honored tradition. Bring an extra blanket, cozy up, and leave the driving to someone else while you sing carols and enjoy the joyous decorations.
We believe the more Christmas lights in Illinois the better when it comes to celebrating the holidays. If you think so too, be sure to check out other magical Christmas towns in Illinois to feed your passion for the holidays. What did you think of this holiday lights road trip? Did any of your favorite seasonal attractions miss the list? If so, be sure to tell us all about them - we'd love to hear from you! You can also fill out a nomination form to share your favorite places around Illinois with us. Who knows: you may even see them featured in upcoming stories!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
advertisement
Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
advertisement
If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
With so many cities, small towns, and wide open spaces, the Land of Lincoln is a great state for a road trip. Whether you have a few hours, a day, a few days, or longer, check out these Illinois road trip ideas for your next adventure. These are some of the best road trips in Illinois you can take!
Route: Burden Falls > Jackson Falls > Cache River Basin Vineyard & Winery > Ferne Clyffe State Park > Feather Hills Vineyard and Winery
Distance: 64 miles
Trip Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Go chasing waterfalls throughout Illinois with this epic road trip. Pack your camera and jump in the car to see some of Illinois' finest! And then treat yourself to some wine at a couple of vineyards. This wine and waterfalls day trip in Illinois is a unique adventure!
Route: Gold Pyramid House > Leaning Tower of Niles > Gemini Giant > Hippie Memorial > Two Story Outhouse > World's Largest Wind Chime > World's Largest Catsup Bottle > America's Largest Cross > Piasa Bird > Superman Statue
Distance: 823 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours 43 minutes
If quirky roadside attractions in Illinois are your thing, this road trip is for you! Take some time on a long weekend and have fun discovering the weird side of Illinois. From the Gold Pyramid House in Wadsworth to some of the world's largest attractions in Casey, this trip will put a smile on your face!
There are certainly plenty of hidden gems to discover, and you can use this Illinois road trip itinerary to find some of the most extraordinary ones! You'll start your adventure at an awe-inspiring natural bridge, head to a winery, dine on some mouthwatering BBQ, shop at a market, and explore some wetlands. This hidden gems road trip through Illinois has a little bit of everything!
Route: RavenStone Castle > Aurora Sunken Gardens > Allerton Park and Retreat Center > Castle Of Palmyra > Villa Kathrine > Boo Castle Park
Distance: 649 miles
Trip Time: 11 hours 42 minutes
Most children and even some adults dream of being in a fairy tale. And we have a wonderful road trip of a lifetime to some of the most fairytale-like places in the state. On this Illinois road trip itinerary, you'll see several castles, a garden, and even a playground the kids will absolutely love.
Route: Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail > Kinkaid Lake Spillway > Cedar Falls > Little Pakentuck Waterfall Trail > Jackson Falls > Burden Falls
Distance: 119 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours
One of our favorite road trips you can take during the spring is to see some of its most beautiful waterfalls. Not only will you view several beautiful cascades, but this waterfall road trip gets you outdoors and breathing in the fresh air. Weekend road trips in Illinois are a ton of fun, so pick out a fun place to stay nearby and start exploring those waterfalls.
Route: Sunrise Park > Three Oaks Recreation Area > Anderson Japanese Gardens > Fox Hollow Tubing Adventure > I & M Canal Boat > Starved Rock State Park > Grand View Drive
Distance: 250 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Looking for an epic summer adventure? How about a road trip to some of the best summer spots in Illinois? Start your day at one of Lake Michigan's finest beaches. Stroll through Anderson Japanese Gardens then go tubing on the Fox River. These are just a few of the highlights!
Route: Long Hollow Scenic Overlook > Mississippi Palisades State Park > Black Hawk Statue > Lowden - Miller Forest >
Distance: 77 miles
Trip Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Nothing is more beautiful than the changing colors of the leaves in the fall. Take it all in during this autumn road trip, one of the best road trips in Illinois. And it just goes to show that quick road trips in Illinois can be just as stunning as long ones.
Route: Chicago Botanic Garden > Lincoln Park Zoo > Starved Rock Lodge > Folepi's Winter Wonderland > McIntosh Christmas Road > Shelbyville Festival of Lights
Distance: 331 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Turn up the Christmas music and cruise through Illinois to see the most beautiful lights. It's sure to get you in the holiday spirit! You'll have to wait until the holiday season for this one, but it's worth it.
Route: Junction Diner > Lincoln Park Zoo > Leaning Tower of Niles > Great Wolf Lodge > Jurassic Gardens > Illinois Railway Museum > Pilot Pete's
Distance: 137 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 27 minutes
Need an Illinois road trip itinerary the whole family can enjoy? With roadside attractions, train-themed stops, and even a waterpark hotel along the way, kids and adults alike will have a blast!
Route: Illinois Beach State Park > Mississippi Palisades State Park > Starved Rock State Park > Matthiessen State Park > Pomona Natural Bridge > Giant City State Park > Ferne Clyffe State Park > Cache River Natural Area > Garden of the Gods > Cave-in-Rock State Park
Distance: 733 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 23 minutes
advertisement
So much beauty in Illinois, so little time. That's why we created one big road trip to let you see some of the most gorgeous places in the state! From the shores of Lake Michigan to views of the Mississippi River, and exploring some of the state's most magnificent parks as well as a cave, this is one of the best road trips to take in Illinois if you love state parks and natural wonders.
Route: Clarendon Hills > Harvard > Woodstock > Cherry Valley > Galena > Mount Carroll > Fulton > Morrison > Franklin Grove > Sycamore
Distance: 365 miles
Trip Time: 8 hours
We've got a lot of charm going on here in Illinois. Take this road trip to enjoy the small towns that make our state great. This Illinois small-town road trip focuses on the northern part of the state and really showcases small-town charm.
Which of these Illinois road trip ideas do you like the best? There's so much to see in this state that it's a good idea to go with an itinerary. Tell us, what are some of the best road trips in Illinois you have taken?
Make sure you check out some of the best places to stay in Illinois so you can break up your road trip with a nice relaxing vacation rental. Before you go, stock up on some of our favorite road trip snacks too! Well, you have to get your own, of course.
