Lake County Illuminates the Night Through the Holiday Season 2024
By: Stephanie Wylie 11/08/2024
Step into a world of holiday radiance! This blog will guide you through Lake County’s most enchanting light displays, from charming tree lighting ceremonies casting a cozy glow across town squares to breathtaking light installations that transform gardens into magical landscapes.
Get ready for an adventure through drive-thru light displays that stretch for miles, creating a sparkling path to explore—some of which you can enjoy right from your car.
Keep reading as we reveal the brightest and most joyful holiday lights, spreading festive spirit and lighting up the night in true seasonal style. Let the holiday sparkle begin!
HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS IN LAKE COUNTY
Lightscape returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden from November 15, to January 5, illuminating winter nights with a stunning display of lights, music and art. This year’s 1.3-mile trail has been completely reimagined, featuring spectacular new installations debuting in the U.S. Stroll the twinkling paths with family and friends, savor holiday treats and take in the festive atmosphere. For a special experience, adults 21+ can enjoy “Cocktails under the Lights” on select nights, with handcrafted drinks to sip as you wander through the glow. With timed entry, visitors can explore at their own pace and capture the magic of the season. Reserve your tickets early to make lasting memories at this enchanting holiday celebration.
Friday-Sunday, November 15-January 5; 4:30-11 p.m. Admission: $17-$37 per ticket (parking not included). Children ages two and under are free. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
Step aboard the Time Warp Express Christmas Adventure at Volo Museum, an immersive holiday experience running from November 22 through December 30. This isn’t just another holiday event; it’s a magical journey that puts you right at the heart of the story. As Santa goes missing, it’s up to you to join his elite team of helpers to find him and save Christmas. Begin the adventure with cozy hot cocoa, cookies and a chance to meet Santa himself before he mysteriously disappears. From there, hop onto an open-air train or trolley, where dazzling lights and hidden clues lead you through an enchanting quest. With every twist and turn, you’ll feel the thrill of the holiday season as you help bring Santa back and keep the spirit of Christmas alive.
Friday's and Saturday's, Nov., 22-Dec. 30; Fri.: 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sat.: 7:30 p.m. Volo Museum, 27582 West Volo Village Rd., Volo.
Get ready to be dazzled as the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into Gurnee ! This beloved Lake County tradition promises an evening of holiday magic for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the magic of live performances by acclaimed country music stars Tenille Townes and BRELAND. Their melodic tunes will set the perfect holiday ambiance. Look forward to a special visit from Santa Claus himself! Witness the joy on children's faces as they share their holiday wishes with the jolly old man in red. Join in for a mesmerizing evening filled with twinkling lights, live music, and the warmth of holiday spirit.
December 3; 5-7:30 p.m.; Train arrives at 5:10 p.m. and departs at 5:40 p.m. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
Experience holiday magic at Kringle's Christmas Village in Antioch, where whimsical displays and festive scenes make spirits bright! Open daily from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, this free event invites you to explore an indoor showroom filled with charming oversized shadowboxes depicting holiday scenes and miniature villages. New this year, a miniature Dickens Village adds an extra dash of holiday nostalgia to your visit. Join the fun by voting for your favorite tree in the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, where community-decorated trees create a beautiful forest of festive creativity. Perfect for families, friends and even bus tours, Kringle’s Christmas Village is a must-see holiday attraction in downtown Antioch.
Open Daily, November 23-December 31; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission: Free. Downtown Antioch at Piggly Wiggly Plaza, 460 Orchard St., Antioch.
Celebrate the magic of winter with Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge from November 25 to January 6! This annual holiday extravaganza transforms the lodge into a snowy wonderland packed with family-friendly festivities. Kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy activities like Snowland Bingo, seasonal arts & crafts and the Snowland Scavenger Hunt. Dance the night away at the Frosty Fest Family Dance Party or join in fun games like ring toss and beanbag throw. For a bit of holiday zen, try the “T'was the Night Before Snowland” Yoga Tails. Top it all off with a special visit from Santa himself—don’t forget your Christmas list!
November 25-January 6. Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.
Celebrate the season at Shiloh House's Christmas in Zion! Step inside this historic mansion for a self-guided tour and discover rooms beautifully dressed in festive holiday decor. Santa will make special appearances, ready to hear your little ones' holiday dreams. Wander through the elegantly adorned spaces, each filled with touches of Christmas cheer and ideal for capturing memorable family photos. This enchanting holiday experience at Shiloh House is perfect for both locals and visitors alike, inviting all to feel the spirit and warmth of the season in a timeless setting. Don’t miss this cherished festive event!
Shiloh House,1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion.
The Germann family invites you to experience a dazzling light show that embodies the holiday season’s warmth and joy. Each year, their Gurnee home lights up with a stunning, carefully choreographed display that draws in visitors of all ages. This winter wonderland, created with advanced lighting technology and a touch of magic, transforms their property into a glowing spectacle of vibrant colors and holiday cheer. What truly sets this display apart is the Germann family's commitment to their community. Since 2009, they’ve collected food donations for the Northern Illinois Food Bank, gathering thousands of items to support those in need. Don’t miss this festive tradition! Mark your calendars, bring a donation if you can, and immerse yourself in the wonder of Gurnee’s most heartwarming holiday display. For more information, visit facebook.com/germannlights.
December 1-January 1. The Germann Family Hoilday Light Display, 4968 Prarie Oak Rd., Gurnee.
Experience the magic of the holidays at Antioch’s Christmas Musical Light Show, hosted by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce! From Drive up to the Antioch Bandshell on Skidmore Drive for a dazzling 20-minute light show synced to festive music on 91.9 FM. Enjoy two unique shows that alternate each day—one on even dates and another on odd dates! Simply enter Skidmore Dr. from either end, pull over to the right as directed and let the holiday spirit shine.
December 1-25; 4-9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Antioch Bandshell, Skidmore Dr., Antioch.
City and Village Tree Lightings and Other Illuminated Spots
- Candle Making Adult Art Social, November 23; Dandelion Gallery and Studio, 109 S. Genesee St., Waukegan. INFO»
- Highland Park Holiday Lighting, November 23; City of Highland Park, 1707 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park. INFO»
- Village of Round Lake Beach Tree Lighting, November 29, Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. INFO»
- Deerfield Downtown Lighting Ceremony, November 27, Village of Deerfield, 850 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield. INFO»
- Libertyville Tree Lighting and Downtown Holiday Walk, November 29, Cook Memorial Park, Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. INFO»
- Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, November 29, Downtown Antioch, 874 Main St., Antioch. INFO»
- Festival of Lights & Holiday Market, November 29, Village of Grayslake, Grayslake. INFO»
- Fox Lake Festival of Lights, November 30, Millennium Park, Grand Ave. and Route 59, Fox Lake. INFO»
- Vernon Hills Holiday Light Celebration, November 30, Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. INFO»
- Hoilday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Jack Benny Plaza, November 30, Clayton St. and Genesee St., Waukegan. INFO»
- Holiday Lights at Gurnee Park District, December 5, Welton Plaza, 4343 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. INFO»
- Lincolnshire Lights, December 6, Village of Lincolnshire, 1 Olde Half Day Rd., Linsolnshire. INFO»
- Deerfield Winter Celebration, December 6, Village of Deerfield, 850 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield. INFO»
- Miracle on Main Street in Lake Zurich, December 7, Downtown Lake Zurich, 7 E. Main St., Lake Zurich. INFO»
- Winerfest in Mundelein, December 7, Village of Mundelein, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. INFO»
- Christmas Luminary Hike at Quentin Road Baptist Church, December 13-22, Quentin Road Baptist Church, 24126 Quentin Rd., Lake Zurich. INFO»
- Vintage Holidays in Historic Downtown Long Grove, November 22-December 24, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove. INFO»
- Home for the Holidays in Zion, 1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion. TBA
- Mellody Farm Tree Lighting, 851 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. TBA
For more ways to view how Lake County illuminates the night through the holiday season, continue here.
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