There is something truly magical about witnessing vibrant and beautiful Christmas drive-through lights from the warmth of your car as your favorite holiday music plays on the stereo. So buckle up, hit the road, and prepare to witness the best Christmas light displays in Illinois. Below are seven of the best holiday light displays throughout the Prairie State that your whole family will love – all from the comfort of your vehicle!
- Christmas Wonderland
Christmas Wonderland, Inc./Facebook We must start off this list with one of the best drive-through Christmas lights in Illinois, Christmas Wonderland! This incredible display typically runs until just about the end of the year and features more than four million LED lights. You can walk or drive through parts of this display that has a length of one and a half miles, and it truly is a must-visit. Click here to learn more about this annual tradition and plan your visit. Sinnissippi Park/golf Course, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
- East Peoria Festival of Lights
East Peoria Festival of Lights/Facebook This incredible annual light display in Peoria is truly a treasure to behold, and Folepi’s Winter Wonderland is the drive-thru portion of the Christmas lights displays available at this event. In addition to the holiday light show, the parade, and other events, this attraction is a must-see for locals from far and wide. For more information, including admission costs and a more detailed list of holiday events, be sure to follow their Facebook page. Folepi’s Winter Wonderland, BAYVIEW GARDE, 123 Par 3 Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611, USA
- Festival Of Lights
Festival of Lights/Facebook This incredible 60-foot drive-thru light display in Rockford is made up of over 33,000 lights! Since 1989, guests have been visiting the Festival of Lights to enjoy this visually stunning and impressive Christmas lights display, as well as drop off their letters to Santa, all free of charge. Find all the latest updates and details by visiting their website. Sinnissippi Park/golf Course, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
- Way of Lights
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows/Facebook Taking place at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in the town of Belleville, this festive event features both outdoor and indoor light displays, but the most spectacular is the drive-thru display. A myriad of brilliant lights illuminates the night to tell Christmas tales. Learn more about this event here. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S Demazenod Dr, Belleville, IL 62223, USA
- Festival Of Lights
Shelby County, IL/Facebook Shelbyville’s Festival of Lights is a local tradition that is a delight for visitors of all ages. Enjoy lighted arches, depictions of Santa, reindeer, elves, snowmen, and even more unique sightings like dragons and Ferris wheels. You can find this display along yet another delightful Christmas lights road trip we highly recommend. Forest Park, Shelbyville, IL 62565, USA
- Wonderland In Lights
Visit Effingham/Facebook This free event allows guests to tune in to a special radio station that plays Christmas music that is perfectly synced with the amazing Christmas light display. Santa is present on Saturdays to give out gifts to children. For more information, the event organizers ask that you call 217-342-5310 or visit their website for the latest updates. Community Park, E Temple Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, USA
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Christmas Wonderland, Inc./Facebook
We must start off this list with one of the best drive-through Christmas lights in Illinois, Christmas Wonderland! This incredible display typically runs until just about the end of the year and features more than four million LED lights. You can walk or drive through parts of this display that has a length of one and a half miles, and it truly is a must-visit. Click here to learn more about this annual tradition and plan your visit.
Sinnissippi Park/golf Course, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
East Peoria Festival of Lights/Facebook
This incredible annual light display in Peoria is truly a treasure to behold, and Folepi’s Winter Wonderland is the drive-thru portion of the Christmas lights displays available at this event. In addition to the holiday light show, the parade, and other events, this attraction is a must-see for locals from far and wide. For more information, including admission costs and a more detailed list of holiday events, be sure to follow their Facebook page.
Folepi’s Winter Wonderland, BAYVIEW GARDE, 123 Par 3 Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611, USA
Festival of Lights/Facebook
This incredible 60-foot drive-thru light display in Rockford is made up of over 33,000 lights! Since 1989, guests have been visiting the Festival of Lights to enjoy this visually stunning and impressive Christmas lights display, as well as drop off their letters to Santa, all free of charge. Find all the latest updates and details by visiting their website.
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows/Facebook
Taking place at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in the town of Belleville, this festive event features both outdoor and indoor light displays, but the most spectacular is the drive-thru display. A myriad of brilliant lights illuminates the night to tell Christmas tales. Learn more about this event here.
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S Demazenod Dr, Belleville, IL 62223, USA
Shelby County, IL/Facebook
Shelbyville’s Festival of Lights is a local tradition that is a delight for visitors of all ages. Enjoy lighted arches, depictions of Santa, reindeer, elves, snowmen, and even more unique sightings like dragons and Ferris wheels. You can find this display along yet another delightful Christmas lights road trip we highly recommend.
Forest Park, Shelbyville, IL 62565, USA
Visit Effingham/Facebook
This free event allows guests to tune in to a special radio station that plays Christmas music that is perfectly synced with the amazing Christmas light display. Santa is present on Saturdays to give out gifts to children. For more information, the event organizers ask that you call 217-342-5310 or visit their website for the latest updates.
Community Park, E Temple Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, USA
What other Christmas lights displays do you love to visit this time of year? What are your favorite light holiday lights in Illinois? Share your favorites with us below in the comments!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas light displays in Illinois October 23, 2022 Jessica Moore Where else can I see the best light displays in Illinois? If you’re looking for another road trip touring some incredible Christmas light displays in Illinois, we highly recommend this incredible Christmas Lights Road Trip Around Chicago. Additionally, these neighborhood light displays are nothing short of spectacular and are just as easily enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle as you drive by. This holiday festival in Allerton is also a must-experience: you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a Hallmark movie. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, with lots of nearby hiking trails, as well as enjoy the many sculptures and art displays on the grounds of this incredible holiday-themed park. What are the best Christmas towns in Illinois? There are a handful of towns that we think are truly enchanting to visit during the Christmas season. Here is a list of 11 of the most magical towns to explore in Illinois, each with its own festivities and exciting events that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. It’s no secret that Chicago is a Christmastime experience that is nearly impossible to outshine. But if you’re looking for a more small-town, cozy vibe, there are quite a few options to choose from on that list, any of which are sure to bring you and your loved ones plenty of Christmas cheer. What are the best holiday events in Illinois? We think you’ll find no shortage of memorable holiday events to enjoy, but in particular, Jack Frost’s Pop-Up Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm in Chicago is among the most unique events we’ve come across during the Christmas season. From the festive music to the delightful seasonal beverages, and even a skating rink, there’s something for everyone to love. Also in Chicago, the Christkindlmarket is a highly anticipated annual event that draws visitors from all over to enjoy unique German traditions, including German food, music, ornaments, and more. There’s even a huge Christmas tree!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas light displays in Illinois
October 23, 2022
Jessica Moore
Where else can I see the best light displays in Illinois? If you’re looking for another road trip touring some incredible Christmas light displays in Illinois, we highly recommend this incredible Christmas Lights Road Trip Around Chicago. Additionally, these neighborhood light displays are nothing short of spectacular and are just as easily enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle as you drive by. This holiday festival in Allerton is also a must-experience: you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a Hallmark movie. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, with lots of nearby hiking trails, as well as enjoy the many sculptures and art displays on the grounds of this incredible holiday-themed park. What are the best Christmas towns in Illinois? There are a handful of towns that we think are truly enchanting to visit during the Christmas season. Here is a list of 11 of the most magical towns to explore in Illinois, each with its own festivities and exciting events that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. It’s no secret that Chicago is a Christmastime experience that is nearly impossible to outshine. But if you’re looking for a more small-town, cozy vibe, there are quite a few options to choose from on that list, any of which are sure to bring you and your loved ones plenty of Christmas cheer. What are the best holiday events in Illinois? We think you’ll find no shortage of memorable holiday events to enjoy, but in particular, Jack Frost’s Pop-Up Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm in Chicago is among the most unique events we’ve come across during the Christmas season. From the festive music to the delightful seasonal beverages, and even a skating rink, there’s something for everyone to love. Also in Chicago, the Christkindlmarket is a highly anticipated annual event that draws visitors from all over to enjoy unique German traditions, including German food, music, ornaments, and more. There’s even a huge Christmas tree!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re looking for another road trip touring some incredible Christmas light displays in Illinois, we highly recommend this incredible Christmas Lights Road Trip Around Chicago. Additionally, these neighborhood light displays are nothing short of spectacular and are just as easily enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle as you drive by. This holiday festival in Allerton is also a must-experience: you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a Hallmark movie. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, with lots of nearby hiking trails, as well as enjoy the many sculptures and art displays on the grounds of this incredible holiday-themed park.
What are the best Christmas towns in Illinois?
There are a handful of towns that we think are truly enchanting to visit during the Christmas season. Here is a list of 11 of the most magical towns to explore in Illinois, each with its own festivities and exciting events that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. It’s no secret that Chicago is a Christmastime experience that is nearly impossible to outshine. But if you’re looking for a more small-town, cozy vibe, there are quite a few options to choose from on that list, any of which are sure to bring you and your loved ones plenty of Christmas cheer.
What are the best holiday events in Illinois?
We think you’ll find no shortage of memorable holiday events to enjoy, but in particular, Jack Frost’s Pop-Up Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm in Chicago is among the most unique events we’ve come across during the Christmas season. From the festive music to the delightful seasonal beverages, and even a skating rink, there’s something for everyone to love. Also in Chicago, the Christkindlmarket is a highly anticipated annual event that draws visitors from all over to enjoy unique German traditions, including German food, music, ornaments, and more. There’s even a huge Christmas tree!
