Aurora Festival of Lights includes new displays

One of the largest free outdoor holiday light displays in the Chicago area, the Festival of Lights, is open for its 10th season at Aurora's Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive.

This signature winter event is a drive-through of more than a mile of lighted displays, many of which are animated. The display is sponsored by the Aurora Rotary Club, in partnership with the city.

Running through Monday, Dec. 26, the light show is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Returning displays include The Elf Village, Santa's Toy Factory, Old Man Winter, holiday trains, gigantic snowflakes, and lighted holiday trees. New displays include a starfield laser display and the new "Thomas J. Weisner" skating pond exhibit.

Visitors can tune their car radios to the station listed at the festival's entrance and singalong with classic holiday favorites as they travel the mile of lights.

The festival is free. However, volunteers are at the end of the route to accept donations that benefit local charities.

The Aurora Rotary Club distributes the funds collected at the festival to organizations most in need, including those that serve the homeless, youth, seniors, domestic shelters, and the physically and developmentally challenged.

More than 45 local community organizations have benefited from the Festival of Lights since it began in 2007.

For details, visit www.aurorafestivaloflights.com.