Looking for the perfect night out in the Windy City this winter? From a private dinner at the Willis Tower Skydeck to a night of Christmas lights in Chicago, there are plenty of reasons to brave the cold. When it comes to classic holiday fare, where are the Christmas lights in Chicago that you shouldn’t miss this year? Get ready to explore our top four downtown Chicago Christmas lights displays at Skydeck Chicago!
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
The long-running ZooLights installation at Lincoln Park Zoo returns in 2020 with one of the best displays of Christmas lights Chicago has to offer, plus fun events like adults-only mulled wine and hot chocolate. Due to financial straits from COVID-19, ZooLights will charge a $5 admission price this year.
- Dates: November 20 to January 3, 2021
- Admission: $5
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
No matter what kind of night out you’re looking for, there’s definitely a downtown Chicago Christmas lights display that you’ll love. Where are the Christmas lights in Chicago for those who appreciate the arts? At the Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape, take in light installations by local and international artists as you walk the path through the garden’s grounds.
- Dates: November 13 to January 3, 2021 (select days)
- Admission: $26 standard/$28 weekend for adults, $14 standard/$15 weekend for children
Virtual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
There may not be a Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade this year, but you can still view the downtown Chicago Christmas lights from afar! Watch as the Mag Mile lights up with more than one million bulbs, live on ABC 7 at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2021.
Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry
So, where are the Christmas lights in Chicago when you’ll only take them wrapped around a giant evergreen tree? You’ll find the four-story Grand Tree at the Museum of Science and Industry, surrounded by a forest of 40+ smaller conifers decorated to represent holiday traditions from cultures across the globe. Visit Christmas Around the World starting November 13.
- Dates: November 13 to January 3, 2021
- Admission: Free
Book Your Event at Chicago’s Most Memorable Venue
So, where are the Christmas lights in Chicago? Now that you know that events happen all across the city, you might not want to choose. From 103 floors up, you can see all the Christmas lights Chicago has to offer — all at once! Reach out to find out why the Skydeck is among Chicago’s most distinct event venues, and start planning your private event today.