Fabyan Japanese Garden, 1925 S Batavia Ave, Geneva, IL

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DATES: Fridays and Saturdays, November 25 - December 16; and Saturdays, January 7 - 28 | 5pm - 7pm

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DETAILS:  There might be a fresh cover of snow, an icy sheen of sleet, or even a partial moon peeking through the winter clouds. Whatever the weather, stepping into the ethereal winter landscape of the Fabyan Japanese Garden is a winter delight. Your lighted path will take you past the Waiting Bench, then give you a peek into the Teahouse and a view of the Moon Bridge, before leading you around the pond to view the chilling beauty of the garden. Entry to this event will be timed at 15-minute intervals. Purchase tickets online.

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COST: $8; kids 5 and under are FREE.

LOCATION:  Batavia Riverwalk

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DATES:   November 26th,   5pm - 7pm

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DETAILS:   Bring your family to enjoy the festive bright lights and sounds of the holiday season! 

 

FEE:   FREE!

969 Ekman Dr, Batavia, IL 60510

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DATES: November 24, 2022 - January 1, 2023, running daily from Dusk to 9:00pm

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DETAILS:  This holiday light show is a hobby and passion to share with the community. My only ask is - if you like the light show - PLEASE make a donation to our Charity of choice.This year, we are supporting the Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation. BMCF supports MANY local organizations, schools, and charities. Making a donation to BMCF will help make a difference for our neighbors! DONATE HERE: https://www.facebook.com/donate/3313131968762829/

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COST: FREE!

LOCATION:  Santa's Village, 601 Dundee Ave, East Dundee

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DATES:   November 24 - December 23rd,   5pm - 9pm (select nights are open until 10pm)

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DETAILS:   Begin your holiday season with a one-of-a-kind, drive-thru experience at Santa’s Village. Santa’s helpers have been busy transforming our park into a festive winter wonderland. Enjoy over 2 million lights synchronized to holiday music, dazzling displays, live animals, and Santa, himself, as you drive through our park, all from the comfort of your car. Socially safe and set up for any weather. At the end of your drive-thru experience, you’ll be able to purchase funnel cakes and hot chocolate while taking in the breathtaking view of our park.

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FEE:   $35 per vehicle advanced purchase ($25 for season pass holders)

*** MUST BUY TICKET ONLINE PRIOR TO SHOWING UP***

LOCATION:  1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora

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DATES:   Daily, November 24 - December 25,   5pm - 9pm

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DETAILS:   The Aurora Festival of Lights –the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light display in the region - returns for its 17th year with dazzling displays and merry music that will delight children and adults. Visitors will enjoy a mile of spectacular lighted displays from the comfort of the car while listening to holiday songs on a closed-circuit radio station. This popular free holiday drive-thru features crowd-favorite displays like jumping reindeer, ice skating bears, old man winter, howling wolves, the holiday golfer, Santa’s toy factory, and fields of gigantic snowflakes, along with new displays.

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FEE:   Admission is free, but visitors must register for an entry ticket HERE!

Lehnertz Avenue, Aurora

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DATES: November 25, 2022 - January 1, 2023 | 5pm - 9pm

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DETAILS: Traditional Christmas story drive-through neighborhood where residents each display a part of the original Christmas story complete with all the biblical characters: wise men, camels, shepherds, sheep and manger scene. Peanuts characters with Charlie Brown follow on Lehnertz Circle. Free and lighted. Where the Spirit of Christmas Lives Year Round!

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COST: FREE, but donations accepted

LOCATION:  Downer Place, Aurora 

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DATES:  November 17th, 6:30 pm start time 

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DETAILS:   As the City of Aurora's official kick-off to the holiday season, this free family-friendly event will be filled with merry-making moments and a sleigh full of fun for the entire family.

 

Stepping off at 6:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will usher in the holiday season with an illuminated parade filled with reindeer, elves, special guests and other holiday favorites!

 

Following the Parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with Mayor Irvin will lead the crowd in a countdown to flip the magic switch and illuminate the City's holiday tree!

 

After the tree lighting, the downtown Aurora sky will be brightened by a grand fireworks display along the banks of the Fox River, sponsored by the Chicago Premium Outlets! 

 

After the fireworks, Stolp Avenue, between Downer Place and Galena Boulevard, will be filled with food vendors, roaming costumed characters, and musical entertainment at Millennium Plaza!

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FEE:  FREE

Juniper Lane, South Elgin

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DATES: November 25 - December 26, 2022, everyday from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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DETAILS:  The majority of homes on this entire street participate in extravagant decorating of homes, lawns, and sidewalks. TRULY MAGICAL!  Be sure to park your car and stroll the sidewalks (hot cocoa in hand, for sure)!

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COST:  FREE!

Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago, IL

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DATES: November 21 - December 18, 2022 (except Thanksgiving)| Monday – Thursday 11am - 7pm; Friday 11am - 8pm; Saturday 9am – 8pm; Sunday 9am - 6pm

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DETAILS:  This season, Sonny Acres will be open with our Holiday Lights, Visits from Santa, Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, Handmade Wreaths, Roping, Sweet Shop Delights, Specialty Gifts and much more! More information to be announced.

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COST:  Free entry, activites are additional.

Cosley Zoo | 1356 N Gary Avennue, Wheaton, IL 60187

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DATES: November 25 - December 30, 2022 | 3pm - 9pm (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

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DETAILS:  A winter visit to Cosley Zoo has become a favorite family tradition. Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate, and a unique assortment of holiday gifts in the Wild Side Gift Shop. All proceeds from this event benefit Cosley Zoo.

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COST:  FREE, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Adams Park | 201 N Main St, Wheaton, IL

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DATES: November 25, 2022 - January 8, 2023. Lights will be on from dusk to 11:00pm.

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DETAILS:  Nights of Lights returns to Adams Park for a third year, this time, bigger and brighter than ever! Join us for the park lighting on November 25 at 4:30pm and enjoy this display through the holiday season. Featuring over 55,000 bulbs lighting the trees and a brand-new animated light display at the fountain, a walk through Adams Park will “wow” the whole family. Thank you to the City of Wheaton for providing this wonderful display throughout the holiday season.

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COST:  FREE!

Main Street and Webster Street, Naperville, IL

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DATES: Daily November 24, 2022 - January 1, 2023

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DETAILS:  Naper Lights, a holiday light display, will be creating a Winter Wonderland at Water Street. The display, a gift to the community organized by Naperville Sunrise Rotary, features several giant holiday lights displays, decorated light poles, and trees synchronized to holiday music, The event is free to the public and donations to Naperville Sunrise Rotary are welcomed. Visit Santa on Friday and Saturday evenings. Take your Christmas card family photo!

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COST:  FREE!

630-355-2242

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DATES: November 27 - December 27, 2022 | See website for available dates and times

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DETAILS: For 27 years, NT&T have been showing you the highly decorated homes throughout Naperville! THREE tours offered, including a shuttle to Christkindlmarket Aurora!

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COST:  $25+ per person for public tours

42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove

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DATES: Sundays, Tuesdays - Thursdays: 5pm - 10pm | Fridays and Saturdays: 5pm - 11pm | Ending date TBA

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DETAILS:  Enjoy a gorgeous and fun Light Show from the comfort of your vehicle! We have partnered with Epic Light Shows to bring you a spectacular and amazing light display, set to music and featuring over 1 million lights! Advanced ticket purchase required.

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COST:  $20 per vehicle weeknights | $25 per vehicle weekends

42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove

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DATES: December 3, 2022 - January 7, 2022 | 5pm - 10pm Sunday - Thursday, 5pm - 11pm Friday - Saturday

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DETAILS:  Larsen Light Show is recreating their magical home lights display on a replica home front custom built on the grounds of Goebbert's Farm. The old show had 49 Controllers new show now has 125 controllers, fire features, 16 moving heads, and laser! Nearly triple the lights and effects! Two parking lots will be alternated for this 30 minute show! Tickets must be purchased in advance online.

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COST:  Monday- Thursday: $25 per car | Friday- Sunday: $30 per car

Morton Arboretum | 4100 ILLINOIS ROUTE 53, LISLE

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DATES: November 19, 2022 – January 7, 2023 | Time slots from 4:30pm - 8pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve + Day, and select Mondays)

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DETAILS:  Join in celebrating the tenth annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum during the Arboretum’s 100th anniversary year. Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound featuring six dazzling new displays as well as returning favorites. You will be awed and delighted by the first Illumination display in The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden, leading to a spectacular laser-light finale.

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COST:  $11-$27 per ticket

244 Rockville Ln, Gilberts, IL

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DATES: Daily from approximately November 20, 2022 - January 1, 2023 | Sunday-Thursday, 4:30pm-8:30pm | Friday-Saturday, 4:30pm-10:00pm

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DETAILS:  This is a residential Christmas light display, with 6 homes set to music. Running daily, weather permitting.

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COST:  FREE!

214 Glenbrook Court, Gilberts, IL

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DATES: Daily from approximately November 20, 2022 - January 1, 2023 | Sunday-Thursday 4:00pm-10:30pm | Friday-Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm

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DETAILS: This is a residential Christmas light display set to music (tune to 96.5FM). The family also collects non-perishable foods for the D300 Food Pantry.

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COST:  FREE!

Revere Dr. and Brandywine, South Barrington, IL

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DATES: Nightly November 25, 2022 until January 1, 2023 | 5pm-10pm with extended hours the week of Christmas

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DETAILS:  Christmas light show synchronized to music at a residential home.

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COST:  FREE!

Brookfield Zoo | 8400 31st Street (1st Avenue and 31st Street), Brookfield, IL

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DATES: Friday through Sunday, November 25-27; Wednesday through Sunday, November 30, December 1-4, 7-11, 14-18; Monday through Saturday, December 26-31 | 3pm - 9pm

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DETAILS: Now in our 41st year, get ready to visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights! Save the Date! Advance tickets required for some entries. See website for details.

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COST:  Adults: $24.95 | Seniors 65 and over: $19.95 | Children 3 to 11: $17.95 | 2 and under are free | Parking is $15

Illinois Railway Museum | 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL

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DATES: November 25th (Black Friday), 26th, 27th, December 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th | Trips take place at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm.

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DETAILS:  Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself! Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family See and visit with Santa Claus on the train Treats and hot chocolate will be served Gifts will be given to children on Santa’s “good list” Holiday lights display at the boarding area including the biggest and brightest Christmas tree in McHenry County.

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COST:  $22

1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL

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DATES: SNovember 18 - January 1 (closed select days) | 5pm - 9pm+

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DETAILS: Drive thru over one mile of spectacular lights dancing to music. New items added every year and classic favorites. Almost 1000 feet of dancing light tunnels, GIANT dinosaurs, reindeer, polar bears and emojis. Celebrate tradition with friends and family at our best show yet! Come walk around our new Pop Up Village ($15.99pp). Get great photo ops up close with tons of larger than life lighted displays! Get free photos with Santa, ax throwing, balloon artist, face painting and ornament making. Enjoy food trucks, drinks (21+), free hot chocolate and more. December 3, 10, 16, 17 & 23. Online Ticket Purchase Required.

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COST:  $29.99 - $34.99/Vehicle with up to 6 people; $7 extra per person over 6 people

Chicago Botanic Gardens | 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

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DATES: November 11, 2022 - January 8, 2023 (Closed most Mondays, Tuesdays, and select holidays) | 4:30pm - 9:15pm

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DETAILS:  Our acclaimed holiday event returns, with a new path and new light-filled installations created just for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Explore the whimsy of nature in winter through music, light, fire, and color. Featured artistic works will include favorites such as the luminous Winter Cathedral and a reimagined fire garden. Celebrate outside with friends and family at Lightscape, the brightest spot for holiday cheer.

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COST:  $14 - $32 in advance, under 3 are free; parking $10 in advance, $20 upon arrival at event

7662 Pin Oak Ct, Plainfield, IL

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DATES: Approximately Thanksgiving through New Years | Monday-Friday, 6:00p-9:00p | Saturday-Sunday, 5:00p-10:00p

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DETAILS:  A family light show in a residential area.  The home owner asks that you not block the neighbor's driveways.  Tune into 87.9FM for synchronized lights + music!

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COST:  FREE!

371 Canyon Trail, Carol Stream, IL

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DATES: November 25, 2022 - January 1, 2023 | 4:30 - 10:00, Sunday - Thursday | 4:30 - 11:00, Friday and Saturday | Weather permitting

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DETAILS:  A residential home that does a beautiful display for the community to enjoy!

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COST:  FREE!

Wintrust Field, 1999 S Springinsguth, Schaumburg, IL

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DATES: November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023 | Nightly 6pm - 10pm

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DETAILS:  Let It Shine is Chicagoland’s premier drive-thru Christmas light show experience. Guests are invited to safely stay in their cars and immerse themselves into a wonderland of light displays, all synchronized to fun holiday classics.

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COST:  Weekdays: $32.99 per car; Weekends + Holidays: $42.99 per car

Private Residence | 1402 Spalding Avenue, Elburn, IL 

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DATES: December 5, 2022 - December 26, 2022 | Monday - Thursday, 5:30pm-10:00pm | Friday - Sunday, 5:30pm-10:30pm

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DETAILS:  We use projection to transform our house into a montage of fun for all ages. Each year we collect donations for a local charity to give back to and announce it on our Facebook page linked below.

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COST:  FREE but donations appreciated

Lincoln Park Zoo | 2001 North Clark Street, Chicago

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DATES: November 19, 2022 – January 1, 2023 | 4:30pm - 10pm *Special sensory-friendly night on November 29th.

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DETAILS:  The most wonderful time of the year deserves the most wonderful event of the year! Celebrate the holidays with ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ. This festive, one-of-a-kind holiday experience offers a merry, family-oriented tradition in the heart of the city. Your visit helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and supports our animal care,

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COST:  Mondays are free, Tuesdays - Sundays, $5