Merry and Bright Holiday Light Displays Across Illinois

Many communities throughout Illinois are hosting spectacular light displays this holiday season.

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. Before heading out, please check the display’s website or Facebook page for any updates, changes or special family-focused festivities.

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

Northern region:

• Illumination: Lights at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle – A spectacle of color, light and music on a one-mile paved walking path. Wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, or guests may also bring their own. You can use personal mobility scooters on the trail. The display runs through Jan. 8 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 a closed-circuit radio station. The free display runs each night through Dec. 28 from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Festival of Lights in Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford – A 36-year tradition that now boasts over 85 displays. It runs most nights through Dec. 31 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 on 1354 N. Second St. All Aglow runs through Jan. 11. 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 – This multi-mile drive-through light show features over 400 unique displays and only gets bigger and brighter every year! It 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. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.). Enjoy special event nights Sunday through Thursday. Admission is $10 per car. No tickets are sold online. 

Central region:

• Shelbyville Festival of Lights, in Forest Park off of Ninth Street, Shelbyville – Enjoy the Victorian Village, Santa’s Shop, the North Pole, Bethlehem and others. The Historic Chautauqua Auditorium Building comes alive as a carousel. The event runs through Jan. 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.).  Free admission. Donations accepted.
• 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, and on Dec. 24 through Dec. 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. 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, Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham – Enjoy a mile-long drive through dazzling, large-scale, hand-built displays and themed nights. The display is open through Dec. 25, 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 reindeer flight school, nativity scene and more! This free, drive-thru display runs through Jan. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• Festival of Lights at Moorman-Wavering Park, 1200 N. 36th St., Quincy – The festival is a family tradition for many families. It runs through Dec. 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. every night. Admission is $20 per car up to eight passengers, $30 for a van/limousine, and $40 for a small bus (up to 15 passengers).
• 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. 4 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 over 3 miles of delightful lighted displays. The event runs nightly through Dec. 30 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Entry is $15 per car Monday through Thursday, $20 per car Friday and Saturday. Entry for a bus or van is $1 per person.)
• Olney Christmas Light Display, Olney City Park, 502 White Squirrel Circle, Olney – Enjoy the colorful lights and sounds of the season from Nov. 27 to Jan. 1. The lights will be aglow from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
• 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 December 28 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 and small vans and$1 per person for passenger vehicles with 10 or more people.