HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS FREE

The procession is led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, followed by festive floats and Santa himself. The weekend kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony at the Wrigley Building. See one of Chicago’s most famous streets light up for the holidays during the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS FREE

There are also several free days that require advanced reservations. There will be optional ticketed experiences, like the Enchanted Forest, the Light Maze, festive pop-up bar Snowy’s Spirits & S’more, and more.Īdmission is $5 and tickets must be purchased in advance.

The festivities include photos with Santa, gift shopping, warm spiced wine and craft beer, seasonal snacks, and animals in their outdoor exhibits. During ZooLights, more than two million twinkling lights illuminate the sprawling grounds, including larger-than-life animal designs and light shows set to holiday music. This spectacular holiday lights display transforms Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park Zoo into a breathtaking winter wonderland. And check out our holiday guide to Chicago for even more things to do.

Here are a few of our all-time holiday favorites around Chicagoland, from an immersive lights experience at a botanic garden to a towering Christmas tree to a museum exhibit that celebrates holidays from around the world.

‘Tis the season to be merry and bright! Celebrate this magical time of year with Chicago’s most luminous Christmas light displays and traditions.

Holiday light displays