holiday lights tour chicago

Chicago Holiday Light Tours

Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Chicago’s winter wonderland with our Chicago Holiday Lights Tour . Picture the Magnificent Mile as a canvas of colors, where lights twinkle like stars in a metropolitan night sky, creating a symphony of radiance that dances before your eyes. Chicago transforms into a festive paradise, and we invite you on a luxurious journey to witness its splendor. Let us escort you through this magical city, where each corner beams with festive cheer and seasonal spirit.

Discover Chicago’s Yuletide Gems

As Chicago transforms into a winter wonderland, we offer the perfect way to experience its magic. Skip the stress of parking and puzzling over public transportation routes. Our Chicago Holiday Lights Tours take care of everything, whisking you on a magical journey through the city’s most captivating illuminated landscapes. Settle into a luxurious seat, gaze out at the dazzling displays, and soak in the holiday spirit with your loved ones.

Our tour showcases the shimmering Magnificent Mile and guides you through the heart of Chicago’s festive celebrations, including the iconic Millennium Park . Imagine gliding past the illuminated Bean, reflecting the city’s festive lights, as you revel in the comfort of our luxury vehicles. Lincoln Park Zoo ‘s ZooLights becomes your playground of light sculptures, capturing the essence of holiday joy, while Navy Pier ‘s Winter WonderFest offers a glimpse into a holiday-themed fantasy. We navigate you through these captivating sceneries, ensuring a memorable holiday experience filled with joy and wonder.

Your Chariot Through Chicago’s Illuminated Night: Our Fleet

Ideal Charter Bus boasts a fleet fit for a holiday fairytale. Whether you’re a cozy group of three or a festive party of 39, we have the perfect chariot for your Holiday Lights Tour in Chicago . For an intimate gathering, our sleek Cadillac XTS or Cadillac Escalade – perfect for six passengers – wraps you in comfort as you wind through the city. Larger groups can spread the cheer aboard our spacious Chevrolet Suburban, ideal for six passengers, or our 14-passenger Sprinter van. For truly grand celebrations, our 24-passenger Mini Bus, 39-passenger Executive Coach Bus, or even our 56-passenger Motor Coach provide the ideal platform for creating lasting holiday memories. Every one of our meticulously maintained vehicles is piloted by a friendly and professional chauffeur, ensuring a safe, stress-free, and thoroughly delightful journey.

Book Your Magical Tour Today

As the city’s nights grow longer and the lights shine brighter, it’s time to embark on an unforgettable journey through Chicago’s holiday spirit with Ideal Charter Bus. Don’t let this festive season pass you by without experiencing the magic of our Chicago Holiday Lights Tour . Contact us at 773.570.1111 , email at [email protected] , request a quote, or make an online reservation for a holiday light tour. Join us and turn this holiday season into a radiant adventure you’ll cherish forever.

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Ideal charter bus reviews.

Thanks so much for all your help with our tour. All the participants liked the service of your company and we are glad that everything went very smoothly. The bus itself worked great for our group size and we really appreciate the bonus day with large bus to drive us to the airport on the last day. We would like to tell you how we enjoyed having Frank Sheldon as our driver. He was always on time, keeping the bus clean and having water available all the time for everyone. He was extremely friendly with the group, even though most of the participants could not speak English. I would definitely recommend Frank and your company to anyone looking for similar services and will certainly look to Ideal Charter and Frank for our tour next year.

Just a quick note to say thank you for your exceptional service to my family and I on our recent trip to Jamaica. Your equipment is first rate and your drivers outstanding. Ideal will be most certainly our vendor of choice in the future and you will be recommended highly to all.

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Holiday Lights Tour

875 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago 60611 USA
(773) 648-5000
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Price — $18.00 – $49.00

Experience the magic of the holidays with Chicago’s most spectacular light displays at the city’s most popular destinations!

The Holiday Lights Tour starts at the John Hancock Center’s spectacular tree at the top of The Magnificent Mile. Over the next 2 1/2 hours, festive trolleys make two stops to let you hop off and explore the magic of Chicago’s lights and sights.

First, you’ll head over to the Gold Coast where Sprinkles treats you to a handcrafted holiday cupcake. From there, you'll be whisked down State Street and through the Loop to Chicago’s famous Christkindlmarket where Daley Plaza becomes an old German village filled with quaint shops and holiday treats. Next, you’ll make our way over the river and up to ZooLights, where Lincoln Park transforms into a brilliant array of lights, music, and crafts for the whole family. Finally, take one last look at the city’s lights as you weave your way back to Michigan Avenue and the John Hancock Center.

Mon-Fri Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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The Magnificent Mile Association 625 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 401 Chicago, IL 60611.

Top spots in Chicago for holiday lights

‘Tis the season to be merry and bright! Celebrate this magical time of year with Chicago’s most luminous Christmas lights shows, including an immersive display at a botanic garden, a towering Christmas tree, and a museum exhibit that celebrates holidays from around the world. Here are a few of our all-time favorite holiday light shows around Chicago. And check out our holiday guide to Chicago for even more things to do throughout the season.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

This spectacular holiday lights display transforms Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park Zoo into a breathtaking winter wonderland. During ZooLights , more than two million twinkling lights illuminate the sprawling grounds, including larger-than-life animal designs and light shows set to holiday music.

The festivities include photos with Santa, gift shopping, and treats like warm spiced wine, craft beer, seasonal snacks. Zoo-goers can also visit the zoo’s many residents in their indoor and outdoor animal enclosures. There are also optional ticketed experiences like the Lionel Train Adventure, Light Maze, festive special events, and more. Reservations are required, so make sure to plan ahead.

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Watch one of Chicago’s most famous streets light up for the holidays during The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival . The weekend kicks off with Lights Festival Lane, where you’ll find free family-friendly activities like photos with Santa and special live performances.

The main event is the spectacular tree-lighting parade — Grand Marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the procession, followed by festive floats and Santa himself. It all leads up to the jaw-dropping moment when more than one million lights illuminate the street’s 200 trees. The evening ends with a festive fireworks display.

City of Chicago Christmas Tree

This year marks the City of Chicago’s 110th Christmas Tree, which will light up in the heart of Millennium Park this winter. The beloved annual tradition kicks off with an exuberant tree-lighting ceremony, complete with live music and fireworks. The tree will shine brightly along Michigan Avenue until January. If you come to see the tree, don’t miss the chance to go ice skating in Millennium Park .

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Just outside Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden is bringing back its blockbuster Lightscape experience for its fifth year, featuring both brand new works and crowd favorites. The awe-inspiring display is set along a mile-long path where visitors can admire multi-sensory light installations by artists from around the world. Immerse yourself in light, color, sound, and nature as you walk the garden’s sprawling grounds. Make sure to purchase your timed tickets in advance.

Menorah lighting in Daley Plaza

Celebrate the start of Hanukkah with the annual Menorah lighting ceremony in the Loop’s Daley Plaza. The official lighting event will include live music and traditional holiday snacks for spectators. The display is adjacent to the beloved Christkindlmarket, a festive German holiday market where you can shop for gifts, crafts, and treats.

Macy’s State Street holiday windows and the Great Tree

Macy’s on State Street is an essential holiday destination. It’s home to the historic Walnut Room , the first-ever restaurant to open inside a department store. The stately space is bedecked with antique chandeliers and plenty of elegant holiday decor, with the towering Great Tree as its centerpiece. Make a reservation for brunch or dinner for a memorable holiday meal.

Outside, you’ll find even more holiday magic. The Macy’s Holiday Windows have been a tradition for more than 50 years, each year featuring a different theme. The storefront windows are intricately and elaborately decorated to tell a whimsical holiday story as you move from one display to the next.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Tree Lights is a popular, nature-inspired holiday event at the Morton Arboretum in nearby Lisle. Guests can marvel at the stark beauty of trees in winter illuminated by colorful lighting effects, including a tunnel of light, a magical woodland, and a landscape filled with thousands of lights dancing to music.

Walk the one-mile path and enjoy the dazzling show. Then warm up by the crackling fire pits, make s’mores, and visit the concessions tent for festive treats. Get your timed tickets in advance and check out special events like the craft-beer-focused IllumiBrew and late-night house music events.

Menorah lightings around the city

Celebrate the start of Hanukkah with menorah lighting ceremonies across the city. The largest will be downtown at the Menorah Lighting in Daley Plaza near Christkindlmarket, a charming holiday market filled with treats and gifts. Or c heck out one of many neighborhood gatherings hosted by local groups, such as the annual ceremony in Mary Bartelme Park in the West Loop.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

Chicagoland’s largest and longest-running lights festival, Holiday Magic has been illuminating suburban Brookfield Zoo for more than 40 years. The family-friendly event features more than two million twinkling lights and interactive displays . Walk through a 600-foot-long light tunnel set to music, admire larger-than-life LED animal sculptures, and enjoy festive food and beverages.

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier

Light Up the Lake is back to illuminate Chicago’s waterfront this winter. The enchanting winter celebration, held at iconic Navy Pier, will include outdoor light displays, a lakeside ice skating rink, cozy fire pits, live performances, artisan markets, art displays, craft workshops, axe throwing, and more. And don’t miss the weekly fireworks display on Saturday evenings.

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Each year, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry celebrates the most magical time of the year with its Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibits.

The centerpiece of the Christmas Around the World exhibit is the four-story Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees decorated to represent holiday traditions from cultures across tthe globe. Plus, abundant glittering lights and the occasional faux snow shower add to the festive feel.

In Holidays of Light, the museum honors the traditions of Lunar New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day, and St. Lucia Day.

CTA Holiday Train

There’s no better way to get around the city than on the CTA Holiday Train and Bus . Each year, an ‘L’ train is elaborately decorated with lights, bows, and candy-cane stripes, complete with Santa and his elves handing out candy to passengers. The holiday bus traverses the city streets, bedecked in lights and holiday colors. You can catch a ride from late November through December on various CTA lines. Check the CTA schedule for details.

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Holiday & Seasonal Tours

Chicago Holiday Lights Trolley and Christmas Market Tour

Holiday lights trolley tour in Chicago
See famous landmarks adorned with brilliant Christmas lights and decorations
Pass by Lincoln Park, the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago River and Daley Plaza
Enjoy informative narration from your friendly guide
Spend an hour perusing vendors at Christkindlmarket, a lively German Christmas market

Inclusions & Exclusions

Driver or guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities (optional)

Departure & Return

Arcade Level of Palmer House Hotel *Ticket Office & Main : 17 East Monroe, Arcade Level of Palmer House Hotel, Chicago, IL 60603 Inside of 'Feelings Gift Shop'

5:30pmÂ 6 pm (Certain dates only)

Returns to original departure point

What To Expect

Enjoy a magical holiday-themed evening in Chicago as you enjoy a trolley ride to view the city sights lit up for Christmas, followed by a fun-filled shopping trip at the German-inspired Christkindlmarket. It's a great opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while also grabbing a few gifts for that special someone along the way.Meet at Chicago's Palmer House Hotel at 6:30pm to begin your trolley ride past the best Christmas light displays in the Windy City. Enjoy a dazzling array of colorful lights and decorations, passing notable sights like Michigan Avenue, the Daley Plaza Christmas tree and Lincoln Park, Wacker Street and the Chicago River. During your trolley trip listen to narration from your guide, who will share details about the history and culture of this city along the shores of Lake Michigan.Finish your ride at the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, where you'll have some time to browse for gifts at a diverse range of vendors, enjoy holiday-themed music and partake in fun activities like the on-site scavenger hunt. After you've finished the fun, you'll receive a drop-off back at the Palmer House Hotel.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
In case of inclement weather, you'll ride a coach instead

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Your Contact Details

Questions or requests.

Do you have questions or specific requests regarding this tour?

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