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11 dated events
Christmas lights in Illinois
11 Christmas events at 9 Illinois attractions, running Nov 14 to Jan 3: light displays, decorated trees and visits with Santa, with prices and times on each venue’s page.
Recent interest: Christmas venues in Illinois
Visits and click-throughs on daysout.com over the last 30 days, 27 September – 26 October 2026
Christmas lights season runs from the start of November to the first week of January: drive-through and walk-through light shows, festivals of decorated trees, seasonal ice rinks and visits with Santa. A holiday market or a holiday concert is a different evening out and is not listed here, and nor is an autumn lantern or light festival that opens before November.
What’s on
11 dated events across 9 attractions, soonest first. Many run on selected evenings only and several are ticketed separately — the venue’s own page, linked under every quote, is the one to check before you set off.
Nov 14EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT: NOVEMBER 14th - DECEMBER 19thRegular dates
Aikman Wildlife Adventure, Arcola
Pathway of Lights
Families walk through lighted displays, enjoy wagon rides, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Life, and encounter animals during the holiday season.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT: NOVEMBER 14th - DECEMBER 19th”
Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027Season
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd
ZooLights transforms the zoo with over 3 million lights and hundreds of LED displays from November 20 through January 3, open 4:30–9pm nightly. Families enjoy hot chocolate, s'mores, a 65-foot Ferris wheel, carolers, ice carvers, and visits with Santa on select nights.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027 4:30–9 p.m.”
Nov 21 · 10:00 amEvent
Elgin History Museum, Elgin
Saturday, 11/21: Take Photos with Santa at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
Families step into the historic Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House for holiday photos with Santa. Visitors book a 15-minute time block and bring their own camera for festive pictures.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 21 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm CST”
Nov 21 – 22 · 10:00 amEvent
Elgin History Museum, Elgin
Take Photos with Santa at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
Families book 15-minute time blocks to take photos with Santa at the historic Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, decorated for the holidays, bringing their own cameras.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Saturday, November 21 from 10am - 4pm. CKICK HERE TO BOOK Sunday, November 22 from 10am - 2:30pm”
Nov 21Event
Tanners Orchard, Speer
Santa Breakfast
A family-focused breakfast with a hot chocolate bar where kids decorate ornaments and take pictures with Santa. The event creates a relaxed, festive experience that feels like the start of a holiday tradition.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 21, 2026 Santa Breakfast”
Nov 22 · 10:00 amEvent
Elgin History Museum, Elgin
Sunday, 11/22: Take Photos with Santa at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
Families step into the historic Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House for holiday photos with Santa. Visitors book a 15-minute time block and bring their own camera for festive pictures.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 22 @ 10:00 am - 2:30 pm CST”
Nov 27Event
Ellwood House Museum, DeKalb
Holiday Tours
Families step inside the beautifully decorated 1879 mansion and enjoy a festive guided tour through all four floors, filled with dazzling trees, twinkling lights, and timeless holiday charm.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Fri, Nov 27, 2026”
Nov 27 – Dec 21Season
Illinois Railway Museum, Union
Happy Holiday Railway
Families board a 40-minute train ride with Santa Claus, enjoy hot chocolate and treats, watch an animated light show and holiday songs, receive gifts, and meet Mrs. Claus. Holiday lights illuminate the campus and Barn 6; streetcar rides and a model railroad exhibit are included.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Happy Holiday Railway runs ten dates in 2026: Friday, November 27 (Black Friday), Saturday the 28th, and Sunday the 29th, then weekends December 5–6, 12–13, and 19–20, plus Monday, December 21.”
Dec 6Event
Darien Historical Society, Darien
Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on the first Sunday in December. The community gathers to light the holiday tree and celebrate the season.
Venue admission is free; event tickets may differ.
The venue: “Admission is free.”
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Tree Lighting Ceremony First Sunday in December December”
Dec 12Event
Edwards Place Historic Home, Springfield
Santa Claus Holiday Tea December 12, 2026, 1PM
Santa Claus Holiday Tea December 12, 2026, 1PM — DECEMBER 12, 1PM.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“DECEMBER 12, 1PM”
Dec 19Event
Edison's Entertainment Complex, Edwardsville
Breakfast with Santa
Families celebrate the holidays with a festive breakfast and a special visit from Santa, enjoying seasonal fun and family activities.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Breakfast with Santa – December 19”