Merry and bright: 11 holiday light displays in Chicago and the suburbs
Twinkling light shows are a big part of the holiday season, and there are several impressive local displays to check out between next weekend and the end of the year.
Here's a look at 11 in the suburbs and Chicago.
Lightscape
When: 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 5
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe
What to expect: An illuminated trail stretches along a milelong path, with color and sound displays that range from singing trees to a waterfall of light. The display features new installations and others from Europe, including a cathedral-window arch of 100,000 lights along a 110-foot tunnel, a garden of fire-filled sculptures and 40 oversized lit tulips in the English Walled Garden. Visitors will be able to toast marshmallows and get eggnog at stations along the trail. Last entry is at 8 p.m. each night. Tickets in advance cost $17-$25 for adults; $8-$13 for kids 3-12; free for kids younger than 3. Admission is $2 more at the door. Parking: $10 in advance, $20 on the day of. www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.
Santa's Rock N Lights
When: 4:50 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4:50 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, from Friday, Nov. 22, through Tuesday, Dec. 24
Where: Lake County Fair Grounds (enter from Midlothian Road), 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake
What to expect: The drive-through lights show features animated displays set to Christmas music. $24.99 per car with up to six people if purchased online; $5 for additional passengers. More at the gate. santasrocknlights.com.
Illumination, Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
When: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 5 (except Nov. 25 and 28 and Dec. 2, 9, 16, 24 and 25)
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
What to expect: Be surrounded by color while walking a one-mile, paved path amid interactive lighting effects that highlight the trees in winter. New this year is a route with a larger pathway and Tree Fascination, which features video projection. Enjoy seasonal music and a drink or s'mores by the fire. $12-$23. mortonarb.org/.
Naper Lights
When: 4 to 9 p.m. from Tuesday, Nov. 26, to Friday, Dec. 27
Where: On Water Street and along the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville
What to expect: The 7th annual Naper Lights turns downtown Naperville into a winter wonderland of lighted holiday displays and music. Admission is free, but donations to Naperville Sunrise Rotary will be accepted. See naperlights.com.
Cosley Zoo's Festival of Lights and Tree Sale
When: The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; lights and music come on at 3 p.m. Festival runs Friday, Nov. 29, through Monday, Dec. 30.
Where: Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton
What to expect: The holiday display features more than 10,000 lights throughout the zoo in addition to large lighted animal figures. The zoo has more than 2,400 trees in four varieties for sale, with proceeds benefiting Cosley. Hot chocolate, wreaths and other items will be available for sale. Free admission during the fest. cosleyzoo.org.
Lincoln Park's ZooLights
When: 4:30 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday as well as a number of weekdays from Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Jan. 5
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
What to expect: The zoo hosts hundreds of displays and 2.5 million lights. Enjoy festive treats, a musical light show, weekend ice-carving and more. Admission is largely free, with some special nights and attractions (including a light maze, carousel and cookie-decorating) requiring tickets. Get details at lpzoo.org.
Mooseheart's 10th annual Holiday Lights Show
When: 5 to 9 p.m. nightly from Friday, Nov. 29, through Tuesday, Dec. 31
Where: Mooseheart, located two miles north of I-88 on the west side of Illinois Route 31, Batavia
What to expect: The annual show features dozens of light displays along a 1.8-mile route. In addition, visitors can see Santa, enjoy a bounce house, make crafts and more on Dec. 13, 14 and 15, and Dec. 20, 21 and 22. Cost is $10 per car; proceeds benefit Mooseheart, a residential child-care facility. See mooseheart.org.
Aurora's 13th annual Festival of Lights
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, through Thursday, Dec. 26
Where: Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora
What to expect: The interactive drive-through light display features new attractions each year along a one-mile path. See holiday trains, massive snowflakes, Santa's Toy Factory and more. Free admission, but donations accepted to the Aurora Noon Rotary. aurorafestivaloflights.com.
Holiday Magic
When: 4 to 9 p.m. on various dates from Saturday, Nov. 30, through Tuesday, Dec. 31
Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield
What to expect: See a million twinkling LED lights, a 41-foot talking tree, ice carvers, a magician, carolers and more. Free for members. Nonmembers: Adults $21.95, seniors 65 and older $15.95, kids 3-11 $15.95. Online savings available. czs.org.
Navy Pier's 19th annual Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest
When: Friday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Jan. 12; see website for hours
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
What to expect: Navy Pier's Festival Hall features 170,000 square feet of holiday-themed lights, displays and attractions, including nearly 500 twinkling trees, an ice rink, climbing walls and a Polar Extreme Obstacle Course. Santa and special performances will be available at select times. Ticket prices vary depending on days, height and attractions. navypier.org.
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8, and Friday through Sunday, Dec. 13-15 and 20-22
Where: Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard
What to expect: See holiday displays light up the park with animated light shows, decorated trees, a gingerbread house and more. Kids can visit Santa and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. Free. lombardparks.com.