As the holiday season lights up DuPage County, I’m not just showing homes, I’m also scouting the coziest, most magical places for my family, friends, and clients to enjoy.
I’m Sabrina Glover, local Realtor and Team Lead of The Glover Team, and this is my personal guide to the best holiday light displays in DuPage County for 2025.
1. Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
If you want a wow experience, this is it.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is the premier, ticketed holiday light walk in DuPage County. The 13th annual event runs from November 15, 2025 through January 3, 2026, and takes place along a one-mile, ADA-compliant paved walking trail that winds through the Arboretum’s stunning winter landscape. More Info HERE
Expect:
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Trees transformed with vibrant colors, light, and music
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Interactive and immersive lighting installations
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New elements tied into the Arboretum’s broader “Vivid Creatures” and nature-focused exhibits
Why I love recommending it:
Illumination feels elevated and special perfect for a date night, a family tradition, or even a client outing if you want to treat someone to a memorable experience.
Good to know:
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Tickets are required and often sell out, especially for weekend evenings.
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The trail is accessible and paved, but you’ll be outside the entire time dress warmly and wear good walking shoes.
More info & tickets: Visit the Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights page on their website.
Photo Source: Morton Arboretum Website
2. Winter Lights at Central Park (Oak Brook)
For a beautiful, family-friendly walk that’s also free, Winter Lights at Central Park in Oak Brook is a fantastic option.
Hosted by the Oak Brook Park District, Winter Lights runs nightly from November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM. More Info HERE
As you follow the ½-mile loop through Central Park, you’ll see:
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Dancing, color-changing trees
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Rainbow light arches
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Cascading snowflakes and twinkling icicles
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Musical, animated displays along paved, accessible paths with benches to rest
Why I love recommending it:
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It’s free admission (donations appreciated), which makes it easy to invite friends, neighbors, or clients without worrying about ticket logistics.
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It has a relaxed, community feel, perfect for families with strollers or grandparents who need an easy, flat walk.
Pro tips from a local:
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Go earlier in the evening or on a weeknight to make parking easier.
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Bring a warm drink or check if special event nights include cocoa or themed activities.
More info: Visit the Oak Brook Park District’s Winter Lights at Central Park event page for full details and updates.
3. NaperLights (Downtown Naperville)
If you like pairing holiday lights with great restaurants and shopping, NaperLights in downtown Naperville is a must.
Organized by the Naperville Sunrise Rotary, NaperLights transforms Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park, and the Riverwalk into a free walk-through winter wonderland. More Info HERE
Typical details for the 2025 season:
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When: From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, roughly 4 PM to 10 PM
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Where: Along Water Street and the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville
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Cost: Free, with optional donations supporting Rotary charities
Look for:
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Synchronized light displays set to music
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Iconic buildings and trees wrapped in thousands of lights
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Fun photo ops and sometimes free 3D viewing glasses for a unique perspective on the lights
Why I love recommending it:
You can easily make a whole evening of it, dinner on Water Street, a walk through the lights, and maybe hot cocoa or dessert afterward. It’s an ideal date night or “holiday in the suburbs” outing with clients or friends.
More info: Check out the NaperLights page from Naperville Sunrise Rotary or downtown Naperville’s event listings for exact dates and special activities.
4. Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park (Lombard)
For something charming, cozy, and very “storybook,” Lilacia Park in Lombard is incredibly special during the holidays.
The Lombard Park District’s Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park typically runs daily from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with a schedule of special events layered in. More Info HERE
Highlights include:
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Trees and landscaping glowing with colorful lights
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A whimsical gingerbread house display
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Themed holiday characters and decorative vignettes
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Select nights with Santa visits, hot cocoa, cookies, and special shows for kids
Why I love recommending it:
Lilacia Park feels more intimate than some of the larger displays, and the winding paths and gardens make it feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday postcard. It’s wonderful for families with younger kids or anyone who loves a more nostalgic, small-town feel.
More info: Visit Lombard Park District’s Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park page or the park district’s holiday events listings for the full schedule.
5. Downtown Downers Grove Holiday Lights & Tree Lighting (Downers Grove)
As a local Realtor here in town, I spend a lot of time in downtown Downers Grove, and the holiday season here is truly special.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Village of Downers Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony is held on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 4:30 PM at the Main Street Train Station. More Info HERE
You’ll typically see:
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Santa arriving to help light the tree
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Music from the District 99 marching band and local choral groups
Families, neighbors, and local businesses all turning out to “kick off” the season together
Ongoing Downtown Holiday Fun
Beyond the tree lighting, downtown Downers Grove layers on:
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A Holiday Window Decorating Contest
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Small Business Weekend and Candy Cane Cash promotions
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Weekend visits with Santa
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Carriage or wagonette rides on select days
The entire downtown glows with lights, trees, lampposts, and storefronts are all decorated, making it the perfect backdrop for dinner, shopping, or a cozy walk after dark.
Why I love recommending it:
This is our community. Many of our clients live, shop, and dine in downtown Downers Grove, and I love seeing familiar faces under the holiday lights. It’s a great way to support local businesses and get that “Hallmark movie” vibe without leaving town.
More Info HERE Visit Downtown Downers Grove’s 2025 Events page or the Village’s tree-lighting event listing for full details and schedules.
BONUS: I highly recommend taking a drive through the luminary lined streets of the Randal Park community just southeast of the downtown area.
How to Use This Guide
Whether you’re planning:
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A family night out
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A date night
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A holiday client appreciation outing
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Or just a reason to get out of the house and enjoy the season
These five DuPage County displays give you a great mix of premium experiences, free community events, and walkable downtown magic.
From Holiday Lights to Home Lights
As much as I love holiday displays, my favorite lights are still the ones that flip on in a new home on closing day.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing in DuPage County in the new year, and you want a team that knows not just the market stats but also the neighborhoods, schools, and local traditions, I’d love to help.
Warm holiday wishes,
Sabrina Glover
Realtor & Team Lead, The Glover Team
Serving Downers Grove & DuPage County
