Best Christmas Light Displays Illinois 2025: Top 20 Festive Spots to Visit

Winter in Illinois always brings out a wild variety of Christmas light displays that light up streets and neighborhoods all over the state. It’s honestly kind of amazing how parks, gardens, and blocks just burst to life with festive lights and decorations.

Whether you’re heading out with family, friends, or just exploring solo, these displays let you soak in holiday traditions and get a feel for the local vibe. You’ll spot them in public parks, city centers, and even at popular attractions, so there’s no shortage of places to check out during the holidays.

1) “NaperLights” Holiday Lights Display

You can catch the “NaperLights” Holiday Lights Display right in downtown Naperville when the holiday season rolls around. They keep it outdoors and totally free, which is a nice touch.

The organizers set up lights and music all along Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park, and the Riverwalk. You can wander through the displays anytime from 4 PM to 10 PM, starting at Thanksgiving and running until after New Year’s.

They hand out complimentary 3D glasses for some extra fun. Santa drops by near the big tree on certain December dates, and one Sunday, a community choir performs.

Donations collected at NaperLights go straight to local and international projects that help kids and families. The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise and other sponsors pull the whole thing together.

Rating: 4.2 (39 reviews)
Location: 120 Water St, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website Address
Thanksgiving–New Year	4 PM–10 PM	120 Water St, Naperville, IL	Free	Hotel Indigo Naperville	https://naperlights.com/

2) White Family Christmas Light Show

If you’re near Belleville, you’ve got to swing by the White Family Christmas Light Show. A local family puts it together every year, and it’s honestly a favorite in the neighborhood.

They set everything up at their own home and open it to the public for the holiday season. The display mixes classic holiday lights with newer, flashier effects.

Most people drive by, but you can also park and watch from your car. The lights sync up with music, so you get a pretty cool show without leaving your vehicle.

Checking the schedule before you go is smart, since hours sometimes change. They don’t charge admission, and the show usually runs nightly from late November through December, dusk till 10:00 p.m.

If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll find hotels nearby on Booking.com. The spot’s easy to reach by car, with main roads close.

Rating: 4.9 (26 reviews)
Location: 8459 Dupont Ln, Belleville, IL 62223
Contact: (618) 407-9110

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Late Nov–Dec 2025	Dusk–10:00 p.m.	8459 Dupont Ln, Belleville, IL 62223	Free	Belleville Hotels	Google Maps

3) The Morgan’s Christmas Light Show

The Morgan’s Christmas Light Show pops up north of Mount Vernon, and it’s a real southern Illinois tradition. They host the show at their home, and families from all over drive out to see the lights and music together.

You tune your car radio to hear the music synced with the lights, so you can stay warm and comfy while you watch. Locals and out-of-towners both make the trip, especially if they’re after a more laid-back holiday experience.

There’s no entry fee. Some years, they’ll put out a donation box if you want to help support the display.

The area’s got enough space for cars to line up, but if you go on a weekend, expect a little wait.

Rating: 4.9 (37 reviews)
Location: 10258 N Spring Garden Ln, Mt Vernon, IL 62864

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late Nov–Dec	Evenings	10258 N Spring Garden Ln, Mt Vernon, IL	Free	Comfort Suites Mt. Vernon

4) Christmas lights in Chicago Ridge

You’ll find the Christmas lights display tucked away on Lyman Avenue in Chicago Ridge. Every December, folks stroll down this residential street to check out the festive lights and creative setups.

Neighbors really go all out, and the displays look best once the sun goes down. The vibe’s friendly and local, so you can just walk along and take it all in.

Parking’s a bit tight, so walking is your best bet. If you want to avoid big crowds, try visiting earlier in the evening or on a weekday.

There’s no entry fee or ticket needed for this one. If you’re staying overnight, there are some budget hotels nearby, and Booking.com has plenty of options.

Rating: 4.4 (35 reviews)
Location: Christmas lights in Chicago Ridge, 10936 Lyman Ave, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415

Date Range	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Early Dec–Dec 31	Dusk-10pm	10936 Lyman Ave, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415	Free	View hotels on Booking.com	Google Maps

5) Skellington Manor of Sterling Oaks- Light Show

If you swing by Skellington Manor in Sterling Oaks, you’ll see a light show that’s become a yearly favorite. The homeowner decks out the place with decorations inspired by “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and it’s honestly a sight.

You can drive by or stop and watch, with music synced up to the lights. Each year, the display gets a few new twists, so repeat visitors always notice something fresh.

It’s a neighborhood event, so you’ll be parking on the street. The show’s totally free, but people sometimes bring canned food or small donations for local charities.

Rating: 5 (32 reviews)
Location: 518 Wildflower Way, Streamwood, IL 60107
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
December 2025	Evenings	518 Wildflower Way, Streamwood, IL 60107	Free	Booking.com–Streamwood, IL	jackskellingtonmanor.com

6) Aaron Brown’s Christmas Light Extravaganza

Aaron Brown’s Christmas Light Extravaganza lights up Hampton, Illinois every year. He sets up the whole display at his house, and it’s become a hit with locals and visitors alike.

Dozens of decorated trees and light features cover the yard and house. The lights all sync to music you can hear on a posted FM station, so just tune in from your car.

There’s no charge to check it out, so it’s super family-friendly. People usually drive by or park along the street to watch.

Aaron updates the show every year with new lights and songs. He keeps the community in the loop with updates and schedule changes on the event’s Facebook page.

Rating: 5 (24 reviews)
Location: 606 10th Ave, Hampton, IL 61256
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Early December 2025–early January 2026	Dusk to 10:00 pm	606 10th Ave, Hampton, IL 61256	Free	Hotels near Hampton via Booking.com	facebook.com/QCDancingDisplays

7) The Angelic Christmas Spectacular

The Angelic Christmas Spectacular lights up Elgin, Illinois every holiday season. Locals and visitors walk or drive by to catch thousands of twinkling lights and holiday decorations.

People in the neighborhood love this spot, and honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in the festive mood when you see how much work goes into these displays. Volunteers from the community put it all together at a residential home.

You’ll spot Christmas characters, themed scenes, and, if you come back every year, you’ll notice new features and decorations pop up. The show keeps things fresh.

You don’t have to pay to visit, so it’s great if you’re watching your budget. Before you go, check their website for updates—sometimes weather or other stuff changes the schedule.

Parking is on the street, but it fills up fast on weekends and close to Christmas. If you want a quieter visit, try a weeknight.

Visitors usually rave about the creativity and effort here. For the latest info on hours and dates, check their social media.

Rating: 4.8 (21 reviews)
Location: 2195 South St, Elgin, IL 60123
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025	Evenings (check website for schedule)	2195 South St, Elgin, IL 60123	Free	Hotels in Elgin, IL	Visit Website

8) Trammel Family Christmas Light Show

The Trammel Family Christmas Light Show in Morris, Illinois brings a bit of magic to a quiet residential street. You can swing by during the holidays to see thousands of lights dancing along to music.

The family behind the show sets everything up themselves. It’s not some big commercial thing—just a family sharing their love of Christmas with the community.

Every year, they mix things up with new music and fresh light displays. You can tune your car radio to hear the synchronized soundtrack as you drive by.

No tickets, no entry fee—just drive through and enjoy. Parking is on the street, but it gets busy the closer you get to Christmas.

Rating: 4.9 (18 reviews)
Location: 116 Meadors Cir, Morris, IL 60450
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Late Nov–Dec	Evenings	116 Meadors Cir, Morris, IL	Free	Booking.com – Morris Hotels	Facebook Page

9) Williams Family Lights

Williams Family Lights in Libertyville is one of those local gems you hear about from friends. Their organized light show covers the house and yard with a rainbow of synchronized lights and music.

The show runs each holiday season and draws families from all over the area. You can stay in your car and watch from the street—no need to bundle up unless you want to.

You’ll find parking on nearby streets, but it’s smart to come early if you want to avoid the busiest times. There’s no charge to see the lights, so you can just swing by and take it all in.

Rating: 4.9 (29 reviews)
Location: 913 S 4th Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Early Dec–Jan	5–10 PM	913 S 4th Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048	Free	Nearby hotels	N/A

10) Lights on Woodside

You’ll spot Lights on Woodside lighting up a Carpentersville neighborhood every December. The house and yard burst with color, and you can catch the holiday music on your car radio as you drive by.

It’s a free show, and you don’t need a ticket. Just drive through or park nearby and tune in.

People tend to flock here, so some nights get crowded. If you want a quieter experience, maybe try a weeknight.

The show usually runs most evenings through December. For the latest updates, check their Facebook page.

Rating: 4.7 (18 reviews)
Location: 2403 Woodside Dr, Carpentersville, IL 60110
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Early Dec–Dec 31	Evenings, varies	2403 Woodside Dr, Carpentersville, IL	Free	Hotels in Carpentersville	Visit Website