The Best Places To See The Holiday Lights in Chicago

The holidays have arrived in Chicago! Not only do we love this time of year, but we love seeing all of the gorgeous lights...

Eric Marcus
December 2nd, 2019
2 min read

The holidays have arrived in Chicago!

Not only do we love this time of year, but we love seeing all of the gorgeous lights and decorations around town. Whether you're just visiting or have lived here for your entire life, there are a few holiday displays that you must see to get you in the holiday spirit!

1. Christkindlmarket

Christkindlmarket is a popular destination since 1996. A unique shopping experience inspired by the Nuremberg Christmas Market in Germany. Enjoy the twinkling lights and holiday magic in Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago from Nov. 15 – Dec. 24, 2019. Admission is always FREE!

2. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

The free-admission zoo — which celebrates 25 years of ZooLights right in the heart of the city - is a one-of-a-kind, festive holiday experience. Wander through hundreds of luminous displays and more than two million twinkling lights on Nov. 29 - Jan. 5, 2020.

3. City of Chicago Christmas Tree

Enjoy the glittering 60-foot evergreen tree among Chicago’s sparkling skyline and the iconic art and architecture of Millennium Park. The tree will be lit every night through early January in Millennium Park, Near Washington St. & Michigan Ave.

4. BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

This spectacular holiday lights festival transforms the Magnificent Mile in Chicago into a magical wonderland. Be sure to swing by the ultimate Walt Disney World Vacation and take a picture paw-fect 🐾 December 4th. Plus, enjoy the parade with more than one million tree lights along the route – from Oak Street to the Chicago River.

5. Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light

See the largest science museum in the country light up with 30,000 lights during Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light from Nov. 14 – Jan. 5, 2020. The display will include a 45-foot Grand Tree with 50 smaller trees representing different cultures and holiday traditions.

6. Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Celebrate Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden starting Nov. 22, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020 . A mile-long path filled with lights, festive fragrance, and whimsical sounds produced in partnership with Sony Music.

About the author

Eric Marcus

773-732-9898

I was born in South Bend, Indiana where my family owned and operated a small business for over 50 years. Every member of my family has been licensed to practice real estate, and my dad owns a real estate company in Indiana. After graduating with honors from Indiana University in 1991, I earned my CPA and worked for a big six accounting firm in Chicago. Combining my experience and entrepreneurial spirit, I started my own successful accounting business that I ran for 3 years. Next, I embarked on a career as a soybean trader at the Chicago Board of Trade, followed by a successful run as a stock options market maker at the Chicago Board of Options Exchange. I began my real estate career in 2003 as broker/owner of ESM Realty. My team has helped more than 600 clients buy and sell condominiums, townhouses, single family homes, multi-unit residential, and commercial properties. For 14 straight years, we were recognized by Chicago Association of Realtors as Top Producers. Our extensive marketing program includes premium placement on hundreds of websites, morechicagohomes.com and state of the art Facebook advertising. My team works tirelessly to make each client feel like they are our only client! We strive for the highest level of performance every day so that we exceed your highest expectations. Our business is 75%+ referral-based and we want you to not only be our client but our biggest raving fan. In December 2020, I brought my team to Keller Williams ONEChicago with branches in Lincoln Park, Lakeview and O'Hare. To set up a consultation or if you have any questions, please contact me at 773-732-9898.