Christmas Light Tours in Chicago Northwest

Downtown Arlington Heights is a delightful place to explore Harmony Park and North School Park, where gorgeous holiday light displays dazzle every winter, and where you might even spot Santa on select nights! Consider staying at the Courtyard by Marriott for hot tubs and easy access to the lights. For an exciting dinner experience, head to Scratchboard Kitchen, where the seasonal pop-up “Scratchboard Chalet” offers holiday-inspired meals and a cozy ambiance. After you’ve soaked in the display, you can retreat to your room and continue your festive getaway in Arlington Heights.

In Elk Grove Village, the displays around Park District Pavilion and across Wellington Avenue are perfect for photo ops and winter strolls. If you’re looking for a weekend stay, check into the nearby Country Inn & Suites, where a dip in their heated indoor pool will take you away from the seasonal chill. After you’ve seen the lights, head to Elk Grove’s Good Tequila's for a lively, family-friendly Mexican meal. ¡Feliz Navidad!

Rolling Meadows adds a touch of mid-century charm to the season. Each year, the Rolling Meadows 1950s Museum lights up with hundreds of bulbs and a giant star-topped tree—a nostalgic backdrop that feels straight out of a classic holiday film. If you’re staying the night, Aloft is close by and offers a modern, comfortable base for exploring the area. When you’re ready for dinner, Agit Black Korean Pub serves standout Korean comfort dishes, and if you’re in the mood to keep the night going, you can book one of their private karaoke rooms for an easy, fun way to wrap up your outing. Christmas tunes, anyone?

In Schaumburg, you’ll find tons of photo-friendly spots like the moving light displays at Volkening Lake, the shimmering clock tower and trees at the Town Square, and the large light display around the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts. Book a stay at the modern, stylish Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg, putting you close to both the lights and the shopping at Woodfield Mall. For dinner or a special treat, try The Capital Grille, a classic steakhouse perfect to kick off any festive evening.

In Itasca, the area around Usher Park transforms into a winter wonderland, with displays shining nightly through January 15. In Roselle, lights brighten the streets near Petal Porch and Petal Plaza, plus a community tree lighting on December 6 as part of the Roselle Winterfest celebration. Streamwood sets the mood with more than 3,000 luminarias along Park Boulevard, illuminating Village Hall, the Police Station, and the Veterans Memorial. And in Wood Dale, the annual house-decorating contest turns local neighborhoods into a festive, friendly competition all December long.