Get ready for an exciting holiday season in Aurora! Our guide has all the festive events and activities you need. Whether Aurora is your home or your holiday stop, this guide highlights the top seasonal events.
One of the standout attractions this season is the Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, where visitors can stroll through breathtaking landscapes adorned with mesmerizing light displays. Additionally, the enchanting Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden offers a stunning array of light installations set against the beautiful backdrop of the garden. And the Christkindlmarket Aurora is something you definitely don't want to miss, bringing the charm of a traditional German market with festive crafts and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Aurora
- Christkindlmarket Aurora
- Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe)
- Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
- Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park (Chicago)
- Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier (Chicago)
- The Wintrust Lights Festival (Chicago)
- Winter Lights at Aurora
- Winterland at Gallagher Way (Chicago)
- Sparkle Light Festival (Rosemont)
- Sonny Acres Farm’s Christmas Festival (West Chicago)
See these and even more events listed below!
Aurora Holiday Light Displays
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
What to Expect:
Immersive light and music displays highlighting tree beauty in winter.
Description:
Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular light and sound display. The event features 17 dazzling light and music displays, including new exhibits like Starlit Trail and Winter Radiance, along a one-mile ADA-compliant path. Enjoy warm beverages, snacks, and s’mores by the fire, or dine at the Ginkgo Restaurant while viewing the laser light finale at Meadow Lake.
Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
What to Expect:
Dazzling light installations and immersive art experiences.
Description:
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden is an illuminated trail featuring dazzling light installations, art, and music. The event showcases vibrant, inventive works from international artists, including the world premiere of Spark Ballet and the immersive Starscape tunnel. Visitors can enjoy a 1.3-mile reimagined trail with beloved classics and new installations, creating a festive setting to see the natural world sparkle.
Where: Glencoe | More Info: Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Winter Lights at Aurora
What to Expect:
Illuminated parade and fireworks display along the Fox River.
Description:
Winter Lights at Aurora features a festive parade, tree lighting, fireworks, and family-friendly activities like visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food vendors, and musical entertainment.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Winter Lights at Aurora
The Wintrust Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Largest nighttime parade in the United States with over one million lights and giant helium balloons.
Description:
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a day-through-night holiday extravaganza featuring a spectacular parade with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and musical performances. The event includes over one million lights illuminating 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue, culminating in the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Wintrust Lights Festival
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
What to Expect:
Dazzling outdoor light displays and ice-skating rink.
Description:
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier features dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, cozy firepits, and a heated Centennial Ferris Wheel. Discover unique finds at local artisan markets and enjoy live music every weekend.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
What to Expect:
Iconic tree lighting ceremony with live performances and festivities.
Description:
The City of Chicago's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park features a towering tree illuminated on November 22 at 6 PM, marking the beginning of the holiday season. The event includes live programming, festive gatherings, and a holiday market with local artists selling various items.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
Sparkle Light Festival
What to Expect:
Completely redesigned layout with an ice skating rink and five illuminated villages.
Description:
Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont features a brand new layout with an ice skating rink, five illuminated villages, and activities like train rides and tubing. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking displays of millions of holiday lights alongside festive food and beverage options.
Where: Rosemont | More Info: Sparkle Light Festival
Willow Hill Lights
What to Expect:
1M LED lights and a 2.5-mile drive-thru journey.
Description:
Willow Hill Lights is a premier drive-thru holiday light show featuring over one million LED lights, a 2.5-mile journey, and three drive-through tunnels. The event is held at the Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook, IL, and includes a 30-foot Christmas tree.
Where: Northbrook | More Info: Willow Hill Lights
Sonny Acres Farm’s Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with festive treats and photo ops.
Description:
At Sonny Acres Farm, immerse yourself in a dazzling Christmas light show featuring millions of twinkling lights and larger-than-life holiday displays. Stroll through the illuminated trail, indulge in delicious treats, and capture memorable photos at the Christmas Story House replica.
Where: West Chicago | More Info: Sonny Acres Farm’s Christmas Festival
Arctic Adventure
What to Expect:
Immersive drive-through light display with state-of-the-art technology.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a drive-through light show featuring over one million colorful lights, larger-than-life trees, and a mesmerizing snowflake tunnel, all choreographed to favorite holiday tunes.
Where: Gurnee | More Info: Arctic Adventure
Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Boozy twist on a holiday lights tour with express entry to top attractions.
Description:
Join Chicago's exclusive BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour for a 4.5-hour celebration of holiday lights and attractions. Enjoy express entry into the Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights, along with complimentary apps, drink deals, and souvenir Santa hats. The tour includes visits to The Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park Christmas Tree, State Street, and Macy's Holiday Display, all while enjoying music playlists provided by DJ Tecknique.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
Aurora Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket Aurora
What to Expect:
Authentic German market with diverse vendors and live entertainment.
Description:
Christkindlmarket Aurora is a traditional German-style holiday market offering unique shopping, family-friendly events, and intercultural activities at RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora, Illinois.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Christkindlmarket Aurora
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriage rides through historic downtown.
Description:
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove offers a classic holiday experience with quaint shops, old-world charm, and family memories. The event features a Holiday Walk, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa's Village, caroling around town, merchant specials, and a Sip, Shop, Dine Holiday Gift Promotion.
Where: Long Grove | More Info: Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
One of a Kind Holiday Show
What to Expect:
Showcase of over 600 artists and makers with diverse handmade products.
Description:
The One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers, and makers with thousands of shoppers who love art and handmade goods. This premier holiday shopping destination offers unique, handmade gifts across 20 categories, including accessories, gourmet items, painting, bath and body products, holiday paper, ceramics, home goods, pet products, fashion jewelry, photography, fiber art, kids' items, sculpture, furniture, metalwork, woodwork, glasswork, and mixed media.
Where: Chicago | More Info: One of a Kind Holiday Show
Aurora Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Happy Holiday Railway
What to Expect:
Animated light show and holiday song presentation on a historic train ride.
Description:
Embark on a 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus. Enjoy treats and hot chocolate, an animated light show, and holiday songs. Visit historic trains and historic Chicago streetcars, and explore the indoor Model Railroad Exhibit. Holiday lights and an awe-inspiring holiday light tour in Barn 6 are also part of the experience.
Where: Union | More Info: Happy Holiday Railway
for KING & COUNTRY: A Drummer Boy Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
High-energy holiday concert with a mix of classic and contemporary Christmas songs.
Description:
for KING & COUNTRY brings their A Drummer Boy Christmas Tour to NOW Arena, featuring a blend of traditional and modern holiday music.
Where: Hoffman Estates | More Info: for KING & COUNTRY: A Drummer Boy Christmas Concert
Aurora Other Holiday Activities
Winterland at Gallagher Way
What to Expect:
Unique blend of carnival rides and holiday market activities.
Description:
Winterland at Gallagher Way offers a variety of holiday activities, including carnival rides, games, and Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville. Visitors can enjoy rides like a 40-foot Ferris wheel and holiday-themed games. The event also features Maker's Mark Chalet Rentals and the U.S. Virgin Islands Igloo Experience. Admission to Gallagher Way activities is free, while Wrigley Field attractions require tickets.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Winterland at Gallagher Way
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Oswego (6 miles)
- Batavia (6 miles)
- Geneva (9 miles)
- Naperville (9 miles)
- West Chicago (10 miles)
- St. Charles (11 miles)
- Plainfield (11 miles)
- Lisle (13 miles)
- Wasco (13 miles)
- Wheaton (13 miles)
- Bolingbrook (14 miles)
- Woodridge (14 miles)
- Carol Stream (14 miles)
- Romeoville (14 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (15 miles)
- South Elgin (16 miles)
- Downers Grove (16 miles)
- Glendale Heights (17 miles)
- Bartlett (18 miles)
- Darien (18 miles)
- Westmont (18 miles)
- Lockport (18 miles)
- Lombard (18 miles)
- Crest Hill (18 miles)
- Bloomingdale (18 miles)
- Hanover Park (19 miles)
- Elgin (19 miles)
- Villa Park (19 miles)
- Streamwood (20 miles)
- Roselle (20 miles)
- Joliet (20 miles)
- Addison (21 miles)
- Elmhurst (22 miles)
- Homer Glen (23 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (23 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (25 miles)
- DeKalb (25 miles)
- New Lenox (25 miles)
- Carpentersville (25 miles)
- Orland Park (26 miles)
- Melrose Park (26 miles)
- Maywood (26 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (27 miles)
- Berwyn (28 miles)
- Burbank (28 miles)
- Algonquin (28 miles)
- Palatine (28 miles)
- Huntley (29 miles)
- Mount Prospect (29 miles)
- Oak Park (29 miles)
- Lake in the Hills (29 miles)
- Oak Lawn (29 miles)
- Des Plaines (29 miles)
- Cicero (30 miles)
- Park Ridge (30 miles)
- Tinley Park (31 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (31 miles)
- West Lawn (31 miles)
- Ashburn (31 miles)
- Portage Park (32 miles)
- Oak Forest (32 miles)
- North Lawndale (32 miles)
- South Lawndale (32 miles)
- Niles (32 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (32 miles)
- Gage Park (32 miles)
- Brighton Park (32 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (33 miles)
- East Garfield Park (33 miles)
- Irving Park (33 miles)
- Wheeling (33 miles)
- Crystal Lake (33 miles)
- Avondale (34 miles)
- West Englewood (34 miles)
- Morton Grove (34 miles)
- Blue Island (34 miles)
- Logan Square (34 miles)
- Albany Park (34 miles)
- Morgan Park (34 miles)
- Lower West Side (34 miles)
- New City (34 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (34 miles)
- West Town (34 miles)
- Glenview (35 miles)
- Englewood (35 miles)
- Bridgeport (35 miles)
- Chicago (35 miles)
- Skokie (36 miles)
- North Center (36 miles)
- Lincoln Square (36 miles)
- Northbrook (36 miles)
- Vernon Hills (36 miles)
- West Ridge (36 miles)
- Harvey (36 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (36 miles)
- Lincoln Park (36 miles)
- Chicago Loop (36 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (36 miles)
- Near South Side (36 miles)
- Chatham (36 miles)
- Douglas (37 miles)
- Near North Side (37 miles)
- Edgewater (37 miles)
- Woodlawn (37 miles)
- Uptown (37 miles)
- Hyde Park (37 miles)
- Wilmette (38 miles)
- Dolton (38 miles)
- Rogers Park (38 miles)
- Park Forest (38 miles)
- South Shore (38 miles)
- Mundelein (38 miles)
- South Holland (38 miles)
- Woodstock (39 miles)
- Chicago Heights (39 miles)
- Highland Park (39 miles)
- South Chicago (40 miles)
- McHenry (40 miles)
- Libertyville (41 miles)
- Calumet City (42 miles)
- Lansing (43 miles)
- Grayslake (43 miles)
- Munster (44 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (44 miles)
- Belvidere (44 miles)