Events /

Illinois Holiday Light Displays 2026

close-up of a green Christmas light bulb with multiple colored Christmas lights in the background

When

Sunday, January 3, 2027    
All Day
iCal

Event Type

‘Tis the season for festive light displays!

This list highlights a mix of drive-thru and outdoor displays lighting up communities across Illinois.

Event hours and dates of operation are subject to change. Some displays also offer sensory-friendly nights or times. Before heading out, please check the display’s website or social media page for any updates, changes and special family-focused festivities.

The displays are organized into three areas spanning northern, central and southern Illinois.

Northern Region

  • Illumination 2026 at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
    • A spectacle of color, light and music along a 1-mile paved walking path. Sensory-Friendly Night is on Nov. 17 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. The display runs through Jan. 2 from 4:30 to 9 p.m. You must buy tickets online in advance.
  • Aurora Festival of Lights, Philips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora (enter on Smith Boulevard at Fifth Avenue)
    • Enjoy a mile of spectacular lighted displays from the comfort of the car while listening to holiday songs on the radio. The free display runs each night through Dec. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Festival of Lights in Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
    • A holiday tradition that  features more than 85 displays. It runs through Dec. 31 on most nights from 5 to 10:30 p.m. (Please check the website for all dates and times.) Also nearby is All Aglow at the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St. All Aglow runs through Jan. 10. The lights are on from dusk to dawn. The park closes at 10 p.m. Both of these displays are free, but donations are welcome.
  • Celebration of Lights at Rotary Park, 2845 E. Fifth Road, La Salle
    • With more than 400 unique and original displays, this is one of the biggest multi-mile drive-through light celebrations in North Central Illinois. You can reserve carriage rides for $25 per person. The display runs nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. through New Year’s Day.
  • East Peoria Festival of Lights (FOLEPI), 123 Par 3 Lane, East Peoria
    • FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland runs through Jan. 3. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. From Dec. 26 through Jan. 3, hours are 5 to 9 p.m. nightly. Admission is $10 per car. No tickets are sold online. 

Central Region

  • Shelbyville Festival of Lights, Forest Park off Ninth Street, Shelbyville
    • Enjoy the Victorian Village, Santa’s Shop, the North Pole, Bethlehem and more. The Historic Chautauqua Auditorium Building comes alive as a carousel. The event runs through Jan. 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.).  Admission is free. The event accepts donations.
  • Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve Night Lights, Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, 650 N. Lombard St., Mahomet
    • Enjoy a dazzling outdoor display featuring thousands of lights throughout the botanical garden. The display runs every Friday and Saturday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 19 with additional dates on Dec. 24  Dec. 26. The display is free. You do not need to register to attend.
  • Christmas in the Park in Taylorville, Manners Park, 18 Manners Park Road, Taylorville
    • Enjoy driving through 55 acres of beautiful Manners Park and viewing over 100 illuminated displays. You can also enjoy a variety of family-focused events at the park throughout the holidays.
  • Light up the Park 2026, Chatham Community Park, 698 S. Park Ave., Chatham
    • Enjoy a mile-long drive through dazzling, large-scale, hand-built displays and themed nights. The display is open through Dec. 27, Thursday to Sunday, from 6 to 9 p.m.  A $5 donation is suggested.  

Southern Region

  • Effingham Wonderland in Lights, Community Park, East Temple Ave., Effingham
    • See a variety of whimsical holiday scenes, including reindeer flight school, a gingerbread house, Santa and his reindeer and more. This free, drive-thru display runs daily through Jan. 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.
  • FairGlow at the Adams County Fairgrounds, 2010 E. 1250th St., Mendon
    • FairGlow includes drive-thru, carriage rides, special event nights, and a walk-through night options (The GlowWalk and carriage rides require reservations). The drive-thru display runs Thursday through Sunday, from 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31. Admission starts at $15 per vehicle.
  • Christmas Lights in Carlyle City Park, 1090 Lake Road, Carlyle
    • Drive through thousands of bulbs shining brightly and tune your radio to 90.1 FM to fully enjoy the animated dancing trees. The event runs through Jan. 6 from dusk to 11 p.m. The display is free, but donations are appreciated.
  • Du Quoin Holiday Lights Fair, State Fairgrounds on Route 51, Du Quoin
    • This annual display features more than 3 miles of lighted displays. The event runs nightly through Dec. 31 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Entry is $10 per car.
  • Discover Downstate Illinois holidday light listings details a wide range of colorful light displays and events throughout Southern Illinois and the St. Louis area.
  • Christmas Wonderland, Rock Spring Park, 2116 College Ave., Alton
    • Turn off your car headlights to enjoy cascading waterfalls, lighted trees and hundreds of light displays. The display runs through Dec. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $10 for cars or $1 per person for vehicles with 10 or more people.

Midwest Living also provides a list of light displays in neighboring states.

Please note: The University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is not involved in organizing or scheduling these holiday events. If you have questions about a specific event, please contact the event sponsor or organizer.