Chicago Lights Up the Holidays: Can’t-Miss Events and Dazzling Displays for Winter 2025

Photo by Vito Palmisano

The holidays in Chicago are nothing short of magical, and winter 2025 promises to shine brighter than ever with a lineup of spectacular events and beloved traditions. From the return of the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival—the largest evening holiday parade in the nation—to the glittering City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, the Windy City transforms into a festive wonderland each November. Add in unforgettable celebrations like Shedd Aquarium’s Holiday House Party and iconic light displays at Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Chicago Botanic Garden, and it’s easy to see why Chicago remains one of the country’s most dazzling holiday destinations.

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is back for its 34th year on November 22, 2025. As the largest evening holiday parade in the country, this event draws up to a million people to Chicago’s iconic North Michigan Avenue. Headlined once again by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort, the festival features festive floats, giant helium balloons, celebrity appearances, musical acts, and a jaw-dropping fireworks display over the Chicago River.

Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, the 112th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. The tree will be illuminated on Friday, November 21, at 6:00PM during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and  will remain illuminated through Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Join Shedd Aquarium for a Holiday House Party on Saturday, December 6, 7:00-11:00PM, where house beats meet holiday cheer. Rock your ugliest holiday sweater and vibe out with the legendary DJ Sundance all night. Don’t miss the chance for up-close animal encounters and other joyful aquatic experiences during this festive celebration. Grab your friends, bring your holiday spirit and let’s make this an evening to remember! Admission to this event includes all aquarium exhibits, touch experiences and entertainment. Ages 21+, Price: $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for Shedd members.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS:

Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic (November 21-23 and 28-30, 2025; December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-31, 2025; January 1-4, 2026; open 3:00PM - 9:00PM) - Returning in November 2025, celebrate more than 40 years of Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday lights festival! Featuring more than 2 million LED lights, this spectacular display transforms the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through glowing pathways, enjoy festive decorations, and experience the magic that has made this event a beloved holiday tradition in Chicagoland for over four decades!

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden (November 14, 2025 - January 4, 2026) - Step into an enchanting 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights and showstopping displays expertly curated anew each year. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and see the Chicago Botanic Garden glow beyond the expected. (Image Gallery) This year’s all-new path features a fan favorite from the debut year, and new works created just for the Garden, including:

• Singing Trees, from U.K. artist ITHACA Studio: Decorated with nearly a half-mile of LED lights, five large trees perform as a choir in harmony and light up individually as they sing a holiday favorite. 

• Light a Wish from Israel artist OGE Design Group, courtesy of Light Art Collection: Enlarged, fuzzy-like seeds dangle carefully in the air and glow in a way that makes them look as though they are breathing, representing the moment seeds disperse into the air. 

• Illusion Hole from Taiwan artist UxU Studio, courtesy Light Art Collection: Light takes on a new meaning through a geometrically arranged pattern as it appears the water formed by light is flowing into the unknown black hole. 

• Additionally, notable installations like the Winter Cathedral will return to the trail, along with 21+ nights, where entry is reserved for adults only and specialty cocktails and mocktails will be available for purchase.

Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights (November 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026) - Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd twinkles with more than 3 million lights, hundreds of nostalgic LED displays, and festive experiences that capture the magic of the season. Step into a world of sparkle and shine as you stroll through the dazzling holiday light tunnel. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel and catch some of the best views of the Chicago skyline amid twinkling lights. Indulge in hot chocolate, snack on fresh churros, or roast s’mores on an open fire.