Christmas at Cantigny returns for 4th season with superhero-inspired light show on Sundays
Christmas at Cantigny returns for its fourth season, bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. From Nov. 20 through Jan. 3, Cantigny transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with lights, music, food, and festive cheer for our Christmas at Cantigny celebration.
New for 2026, “A Marvelous Christmas,” the Sunday evening light show, flips the switch to offer a light and sound experience inspired by everyone’s favorite superhero films.
Guests at Christmas at Cantigny will stroll a half-mile, fully accessible path through brilliantly illuminated gardens and landscapes — no dark gaps, just a seamless journey of light, color, and creativity.
Festival highlights
“A Marvelous Christmas”: For five Sundays starting Nov. 22, Christmas at Cantigny takes a marvelous turn. Gather your favorite heroes and experience an alternate version of the light show featuring music inspired by some of your favorite superhero films. The gardens, lights, and magic of Christmas at Cantigny remain — with a heroic twist created especially for these five Sunday evenings. There will be no show on Dec. 20.
The Colonel’s Christmas Tour: A guided tour with McCormick House director Will Buhlig will blend history, design, and holiday traditions. The evening begins in the Colonel’s hidden Freedom Hall bar with a festive beverage, followed by a guided journey through the house and its holiday decor. Afterward, continue into the gardens and enjoy the Christmas at Cantigny Light Show at your leisure. It will be offered Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 16-18. Cost is $75 (which includes Christmas at Cantigny Light Show admission, early admission, and a drink)
Historic McCormick House: Step inside the fully decorated mansion, including Freedom Hall and its showstopping 20-foot Christmas tree. Upstairs, the Noel Lounge offers chef-crafted small plates, curated wines, and craft cocktails in a cozy, elegant setting. Requires a separate reservation and ticket.
Outdoor ice skating rink: Glide across the 100-by-40-foot rink ($7 admission; $3 rentals), then warm up in the heated hospitality tent or reserve a private Cocoa Cabana with fire tables, heated seating, and full food and beverage service (starting at $125).
Christmas Spirits upgrade: Add on a festive tasting adventure: three winter-friendly craft cocktails at exclusive stations along the light path and includes a cocktail served inside the hidden Freedom Hall Bar at McCormick House, plus a commemorative Cantigny mug ($40).
Fireside S’mores for Two: This new package includes a s’mores kit, two candy canes, two hot cocoa tokens, and two commemorative mugs to bring home ($35).
Shop for holiday gifts and other fun holiday keepsakes, plus exclusive Christmas at Cantigny merchandise at the Noel Shop in the McCormick House. Warm up with a hot beverage and snack in Le Jardin or shop from a selection of homegrown Cantigny poinsettias in the Visitor Center.
Christmas at Cantigny runs Friday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Jan. 3; hours vary, check cantigny.org for information and reservations.
Cantigny, in Wheaton, Illinois, is the 500-acre estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955), longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, and founder of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundation. It is home to gardens, walking trails, a museum dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, a highly ranked 27-hole public golf course, and a golf academy for all ages. More information is online at cantigny.org, including hours, admission fees, and upcoming events.