Glow Time! Can’t-Miss Holiday Light Extravaganzas

Chicago is ready to flip the switch—and you can be there when it happens. Here are the most brilliant light displays around town.

By rtlisasnart October 17, 2015

Chicago is ready to flip the switch. You’ll hear oohs and aahs when streets, shopping centers and parks light up for the holidays — and you can be there when it happens. If you can’t make the kick-off ceremonies, don’t worry: these hotspots will stay brilliantly lit through the end of December. Click through our guide to the best and brightest.

Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum

This isn't your typical twinkling and blinking. Morton Arboretum's event — now in its third year with even more lights and sounds — turns its pretty forested landscape into a real winter wonderland. Walk on a mile-long, paved trail and see dazzling projections and tree lights that respond to your touch and voice. You can even hug a tree and it will respond with lights! New this year is a dazzling display of orbs on Arboretum’s Frost Hill that creates a glowing landscape visible throughout the trail.

Nov. 20-Jan. 2 (closed Nov. 23, 26 & 30 and Dec. 7, 14, 24 & 25)
Nightly, 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.)
Admission is $12-20 and requires a dated ticket
4100 IL Rte 53
Lisle
Online: mortonarb.org