The Ultimate Guide: Chicagoland Holiday Lights Tours

The Holiday Season is kicking off in Illinois. Here are some standout neighborhoods and drive-through spots for Christmas light displays that go beyond! Some are drive-thru with many featuring synchronized music (tune to the listed FM stations from your radio), and they’re worth the drive. We’ve focused on a mix of free neighborhood cruises, elaborate home setups, and larger displays across the state. Most run from late November through early January 2025, typically dusk to 10 p.m., but check local updates for exact nights.

Chicagoland Suburbs 

Naperville’s Gartner Road Neighborhood: Cruise down E. Gartner Road and surrounding streets for a massive synchronized display at 1118 E. Gartner Rd., with thousands of LEDs dancing to holiday tunes on 88.5 FM. The whole area lights up with wire-frame characters and giant trees, pure magic without leaving your car.

NaperLights (Downtown Naperville) Dates: Thanksgiving through New Year’s, 4 PM–10 PM daily Admission: Free; optional donations support charities. Naperville’s Riverwalk becomes a glowing holiday wonderland each winter. NaperLights features synchronized music displays, themed characters, and plenty of photo ops. It’s walkable, festive, and ideal for a night out enjoying holiday lights in one of Illinois’ most charming downtowns.

Carol Stream’s McDonald Road Area: Enter from Gary Avenue for a coordinated neighborhood glow-up starting December 1, featuring Santa’s Workshop setups, animated reindeer, and a 30-foot tree synced to music. It’s a short, looping drive with over 20 homes participating.

Aurora’s Lehnertz Avenue and Phillips Park Drive-Through: Start on Lehnertz Ave. for twinkling rooftops and yard art, then head to Phillips Park (enter from Smith Boulevard) for a free mile-long drive-through with animated trees, arches, and a 20-foot singing Christmas tree, one of the largest free outdoor shows in northern Illinois.

Northbrook’s Willow Hill Golf Course (Drive-Through): A 2.5-mile loop packed with over a million lights, three glowing tunnels, Rudolph and Frosty animations, and a 30-foot tree. It’s $30–$35 per carload, but the immersive path feels like a holiday movie scene.

Crystal Lake’s Coventry Neighborhood: Off Route 14, enter from Abbington Drive for 25 homes decked out in multicolored LEDs, wire-frame sculptures, and music on 90.3 FM. It’s a spirited, easy loop with a Candyland intersection highlight, perfect for a relaxed evening drive.

Lisle’s Morton Arboretum Illuminated Trail (Drive-Through): A 2-mile wooded path with five new light tunnels, color-shifting trees, and nature-inspired projections synced to music. Tickets are $16–$44 per car (book ahead); it’s more artistic than flashy, running select nights through January 4.

Wheaton’s Cantigny Park: Drive through manicured gardens lit with elegant displays, including lit fountains and holiday vignettes. Entry is $15.99–$30.99 per car, classy and less crowded than urban spots.

Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo (Wheaton) Dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025, 3 PM–9 PM(Closed Christmas Day & New Year’s Day) Admission: Free; proceeds support the zoo. Cosley Zoo transforms into a sparkling winter display featuring thousands of lights across its grounds. Guests can also shop for Christmas trees, wreaths, and greenery, making it a one-stop shop for festive fun.

Winter Lights at Central Park (Oak Brook) Dates: Nightly, November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026, 4:30 PM–9:30 PM Admission: Free; donations appreciated. This 0.5-mile loop in Oak Brook’s Central Park is a family favorite thanks to its dancing trees, rainbow light tunnels, and sparkling snowflakes synced to music. It’s one of the best free holiday light displays in the suburbs, perfect for families with kids or anyone looking for a low-cost seasonal outing

A Weekend Road Trip:
Alton’s Rock Springs Park Christmas Wonderland, Alton, IL (Drive-Through): About 4 4-hour drive south, this 4-million-LED extravaganza winds through the park with cottages, Santa’s village, and photo ops. It’s free or low-cost per vehicle and runs through late December; it feels like stepping into a storybook.

Whether you’re exploring world-class attractions like the Morton Arboretum or discovering local neighborhood gems, DuPage County offers some of the best holiday lights in the Chicago suburbs. With a mix of free events, family-friendly displays, and magical walk-through installations, there’s something for everyone this season.

Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and enjoy the glow!

Happy Holidays, Kristen Jungles