Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States, nestled comfortably in the Midwest, where winter months see majestic snowfalls in between those unforgettable cold snaps. In addition to the wintry weather, Chicago is known for its gorgeous Christmas light displays decorating the city.
From the Chicago Christmas Tree and downtown displays to local neighborhoods whose exterior illumination far outmatches the street lamps, Chicago has an iconic look of the holidays. When setting out to soak in the sights of the season, consider planning your path, so you are sure to see some of the more iconic scenes.
If you and your family are local Chicago residents or you are traveling here from afar, Tommy’s Red Hots, an Italian chain of family-owned restaurants serving Illinois, knows just where the best sights are!
Here’s a comprehensive list below for your viewing pleasure.
Holiday Lights In and Around Chicago
Chicago Christmas Tree at Millenium Park – Lit as early as November 19th this year, you can find the Chicago Christmas Tree downtown at Millenium Park. For those visiting for the first time, Millennium Park also has the iconic ‘bean’ sculpture.
Art on the MART – Art on the MART holds the record for being the world’s largest digital permanent digital art projection! This 30-minute program plays twice nightly and is free to the public, visible from the Chicago Riverwalk.
Kohlights: A Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular – This interactive light display found at the Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview, IL, is geared towards younger audiences and features hands-on abilities for children to control the light show themselves! Tickets to this display are $20, with children under 12 months being free.
Aurora Festival of Lights – Feel like staying nice and warm in your car while taking in the sights? Check out the Aurora Festival of Lights! Located in Phillips Park, this free mile-long drive-through light display is operated by the Rotary Club of Aurora.
Chicago’s Botanic Gardens Lightscape – These botanic gardens are quite the attraction during the summer months, and during the holiday season, they play host to a spectacular lightscape of wonder! Guests waltz down a mile-long walk decorated with illumination and ribbons, all while music serenades their seasonal senses.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – Perhaps one of the more known streets in Chicago, Michigan Avenue, aptly nicknamed the ‘Magnificent Mile,’ hosts a vibrant parade on November 20th of this year as all 250 lights along the street are lit by colorful holiday decor. Make sure you bundle up and arrive early!
Red Hot, Even in Winter!
This holiday season, trust Tommy’s Red Hots to cater your next special event! With six different locations, we have been serving Illinois for 40 years with delicious meals for every occasion.
Visit our website to find a location near you or our contact form to request more information. Also, be sure to visit any of our locations for a cozy lunch or dinner before or after you and your family journey through Chicago’s wondrous Christmas displays.