Lake County Illuminates the Night Through the Holiday Season 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 11/07/2025

When the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Lake County transforms into a twinkling wonderland of holiday light displays and festive cheer. From the glowing trails  to the nostalgic charm of the holidays, every corner of the county sparkles with the magic of the season. Families can climb aboard the Time Warp Express at Volo Museum, marvel at the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Gurnee or cozy up for a dazzling drive-up light show under the stars. Here’s your guide to the brightest events lighting up Lake County this winter.

HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS IN LAKE COUNTY

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden (Nov. 14-Jan. 4)

The Chicago Botanic Garden is once again aglow with the return of Lightscape, a dazzling 1.3-mile illuminated trail that transforms the grounds into a breathtaking display of light, art and sound. This year’s reimagined experience invites guests to bundle up, sip hot chocolate and stroll through an array of new installations from international artists. The year's event also introduces Jingle Jam Family Nights, featuring festive meet-and-greets with Bluey and Bingo, the Snow Queen and Olaf and Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus family treats like pizza wreaths and s’mores kits. For adults seeking a more spirited experience, Cocktails Under the Lights offers handcrafted drinks and a cheerful atmosphere on select evenings. With its mix of whimsy, artistry and wonder, Lightscape continues to be one of Lake County’s most beloved holiday traditions, illuminating the season for visitors of all ages.

Friday-Sunday, November 14-January 4; 4:30-10 p.m. Admission: $16-$29 per ticket (parking not included). Children ages two and under are free. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

Time Warp Express Christmas Adventure at Volo Museum in Volo (Nov. 7- Dec. 28)

This holiday season, the Volo Museum invites families to climb aboard the Time Warp Express, a jolly, time-traveling trolley adventure to save Santa. Running Fridays and Saturdays in November and December, this immersive experience blends festive storytelling, laughter and a touch of Christmas magic. The evening begins with a cozy meet-and-greet with Santa and his playful Elves, complete with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. But when Santa mysteriously vanishes in a flash of light, guests embark on a 40-minute journey through Christmas past, present and future to help bring him home. With singing, surprises and a heartwarming twist ending, the Time Warp Express is more than a show — it’s a holiday story you step into. Visitors can also extend the fun with bundled admission to the Volo Museum and Jurassic Gardens, open late on show nights with carousel rides, festive treats and family entertainment.

Friday's and Saturday's, Nov., 7-Dec. 28; Fri.: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sat.: 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Volo Museum, 27582 West Volo Village Rd., Volo.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Gurnee (Dec. 9)

The CPKC Holiday Train is pulling into Gurnee, bringing its signature mix of lights, live music and holiday spirit to the community. The free, family-friendly event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and a concert beginning at 5:15 p.m. Guests can also enjoy photos with Santa, a petting zoo from Patch 22 and holiday music from DJ Frank Wright. Now in its 27th year, the nearly 1,000-foot train features 14 rail cars decked out in hundreds of thousands of LED lights and festive designs. The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train travels across North America, hosting free concerts while raising awareness and donations for local food banks. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to support the Northern Illinois Food Bank, with drop-off points near Depot Rd. and Old Grand Ave. The Holiday Train has raised more than $26 million and collected approximately 5.4 million pounds of food for communities across Canada and the United States — a testament to the power of light, music and generosity during the holiday season.

December 9; Train arrives at 5 p.m. and departs at 5:40 p.m. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.

Kringle's Christmas Village in Antioch (Nov. 27-JAN. 1)

Holiday cheer shines bright in downtown Antioch as Kringle’s Christmas Village returns for the holiday season. The beloved holiday attraction opens daily from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Guests can stroll through an indoor showroom filled with dozens of oversized, illuminated shadowboxes depicting enchanting holiday scenes — from Santa’s post-Christmas celebration with Mrs. Claus to reindeer enjoying a day at the salon. The exhibit also features Antioch’s Dickens Holiday Village scenes and a miniature Dickens Village, celebrating the charm and craftsmanship of a classic Christmas. Adding to the magic, visitors can admire community-decorated Christmas trees from past contests, each uniquely themed by local families, businesses and organizations. Kringle’s Christmas Village has become a cornerstone of Antioch’s festive season — a nostalgic celebration of artistry, community, and the enduring joy of Christmastime.

Open Daily, Nov. 27 through Jan. 1; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission: Free. Downtown Antioch at Piggly Wiggly Plaza, 460 Orchard St., Antioch.

SNOWLAND AT GREAT WOLF LODGE ILLINOIS IN GURNEE (NOV. 24-JAN. 5)

Great Wolf Lodge Illinois is turning up the holiday magic once again with its annual Snowland celebration, running Nov. 24 through Jan. 4. The beloved seasonal tradition transforms the resort into a glittering winter escape, complete with festive activities, crafts and cheerful encounters with Santa Claus himself. Families can dive into the holiday spirit with the Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, Snowland Bingo, and a Snowland Scavenger Hunt that leads young adventurers through a maze of holiday clues. Guests can also unwind with ’Twas the Night Before Christmas Yoga Tails, a playful, family-friendly yoga session celebrating the season. Between snowflake crafts, themed drinks and the warmth of the indoor water park, Snowland captures the joy of the holidays — without the chill. 

November 25-January 6. Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.

Festival of Lights Parade & Kris Kringle Market (NOV. 29)

Holiday cheer will illuminate downtown Fox Lake, as the community gathers for the Festival of Lights Parade and Kris Kringle Market at Millenium Park. The celebration continues after the parade with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, festive performances by the Grant Community High School Choir, and the Merry Maskers costumed singers. Families can also meet Santa Claus from 6 to 7 p.m., marking a magical start to the holiday season. Guests are invited to browse the Kris Kringle Market, featuring local vendors, crafts and seasonal treats, adding extra warmth and charm to the evening.

Nov. 29; 5-7 p.m. Free admission. Grant Community High School to Millennium Park, 6 Rollins Rd., Fox Lake. 

Shiloh House Christmas in Zion (TBA)

History and holiday charm come together at Shiloh House, where the spirit of Christmas shines inside one of Zion’s most treasured landmarks. The 25-room Victorian mansion, built in 1901 by Zion’s founder Rev. John Alexander Dowie, opens its doors for festive tours. Visitors can wander through elegantly decorated rooms restored to their original splendor, each filled with timeless holiday touches that capture the warmth of a bygone era. Home to the Zion Historical Society and the city’s historical museum, Shiloh House offers an intimate glimpse into local history wrapped in the glow of the season.

Saturdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person (cash only), and children under 12 are free. Shiloh House,1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion.

Antioch's Drive-Up Musical Light Show (Starting Dec. 1)

For 17 years, the Germann Family Light Show has been lighting up Gurnee with a spectacular holiday display that embodies the true spirit of the season. Running nightly, the free, drive-up show dazzles visitors with thousands of synchronized LED lights set to festive music broadcast. What began in 2008 with just 16 lights and one Halloween tune has grown into one of Lake County’s most beloved holiday traditions. Since 2009, they’ve collected thousands of food items and toiletries for the Northern Illinois Food Bank—encouraging visitors to give back while enjoying the glowing spectacle. The event remains entirely free and a must-see holiday stop for nearly two decades.

December 1-January 1. The Germann Family Hoilday Light Display, 4968 Prarie Oak Rd., Gurnee.

Christmas Musical Light Shows at The Antioch Bandshell (Dec. 1-Dec. 25)

The holiday spirit is glowing brighter than ever in downtown Antioch, where the Christmas Musical Light Shows transform the Bandshell into a dazzling symphony of lights and music. Running nightly from Dec. 1 through Dec. 25, the 20-minute shows run continuously between 6 and 9 p.m., inviting visitors to tune in to 91.9 FM for a synchronized soundtrack of festive tunes. Drivers can pull up along Skidmore Dr., follow the signage into the viewing lane and enjoy the twinkling spectacle from the comfort of their cars. With two unique shows alternating nightly—one on even dates and one on odd—the display offers something new with each visit. Antioch’s drive-up light shows deliver a heartwarming, no-cost way to experience the wonder of the season.

December 1-25; 6-9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Antioch Bandshell, Skidmore Dr., Antioch.

City and Village Tree Lightings and Other Illuminated Spots

• Cocktails and Candles: Build Your Own Adventure, Sat. Nov. 15; Romney Brown Candle Co., 170 Center St., Grayslake. INFO»
• Santa's Arrival and Fireworks, Sat. Nov. 15; Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Rd., Kildeer. INFO»
• Vintage Holidays, Fri. Nov 21; Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove. INFO»
• Holiday Lights at Welton Plaza, Friday, Nov. 21. Welton Plaza, 4343 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. INFO»
• Festival of Lights and Holiday Market, Friday, Nov. 28; Historic Downtown Grayslake, 10 S. Seymour, Grayslake. INFO»
• Chain O'Lakes Chambers Mistletoe and Martinis Festive Christmas Market, Friday, Nov. 28; Countryside Banquets, 28874 Route 120, Lakemoor. INFO»
• Libertyville Tree Lighting and Downtown Holiday Walk, Friday, Nov. 28; Cook Park and Downtown Libertyville, 101 W. Cook Ave., Libertyville. INFO»
• Holiday Market and Entertainment Weekend, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 28-29; Gurnee Mills, Entry G, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee. INFO»
• Chris Kringle Market, Saturday, Nov. 29; Volo Museum, 27582 W. Volo Village Rd., Volo. INFO»
• Holiday Light Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 29; Village of Vernon Hills, 290 Evergreen Dr., Vernon Hills. INFO»
• Santa Parade in Libertyville, Saturday, Dec. 6; Village of Libertyville, 118 W. Cook Ave., Libertyville. INFO»
• Hot Cocoa Stroll at Hawthorn Row, Saturday, Dec. 13; Hawthorn, 750 Hawthorn Row, Vernon Hills. INFO»
• Holiday Candle Gift-Making Art Social, Saturday, Dec. 13; Dandelion Art Gallery, 109 S. Genesee St., Gurnee. INFO»
• Patterson Glass: Make Your Own Ornament/Icicle, Sat.-Sun., Nov. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30; 888 Tower Rd., Suite E, Mundelein. INFO» 
• Artic Express in Grayslake, Sat.-Sun., Dec. 13-14; Metra Gryalske Station, 51 Paul St., Grayslake. INFO» 
• Lightscape Jingle Jam Family Night, Tues.-Thurs., Dec. 16-18; Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. INFO» 
• ArtWauk, Saturday, Dec. 20; Waukegan Arts Council, 39 Jack Benny Dr., Waukegan. INFO» 
• APC Holiday Market, Saturday, Dec. 20; American Place Casino Parking Lot, 4011 Fountain Square Pl., Waukegan. INFO» 
• Quentin Road Christmas Presents: "The Real Story of Christmas" Pagent, Wed.-Sun., Dec. 17-21; Quentin Road Baptist Church, 60 Quentin Rd., Lake Zurich. INFO»
• Village of Round Lake Beach Tree Lighting, November 21, Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. INFO»
• Deerfield Downtown Lighting Ceremony, Friday, Dec. 5; Village of Deerfield, 850 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield. TBA
• Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, Friday, Nov. 28, Downtown Antioch, 874 Main St., Antioch. INFO»
• Go Waukegan: Winter Hot Chocolate Walk at Jack Benny Plaza, Saturday, Nov. 29, Clayton St. and Genesee St., Waukegan. INFO»
• Lincolnshire Lights, Friday, Dec. 5, Village of Lincolnshire, 1 Olde Half Day Rd., Linsolnshire. INFO»
• Miracle on Main Street in Lake Zurich, December 6, Downtown Lake Zurich, 7 E. Main St., Lake Zurich. INFO»
• Winerfest in Mundelein, December 6, Courtland Commons, 400 E. Courtland St., Mundelein. INFO»
• Home for the Holidays in Zion, 1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion. TBA
• Mellody Farm Tree Lighting, 851 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. TBA

For more ways to view how Lake County illuminates the night through the holiday season, continue here.