Posted on December 16, 2024
Get into the holiday spirit by taking a look at our 2024 top five picks for holiday light shows in the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin.
Prepare to experience Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival this holiday season, featuring more than two million sparkling LED lights! Enter a realm of Holiday Magic, where mesmerizing scenes are brought to life with enormous illuminated creatures, a stunning tunnel display, Santa, and engaging walkthrough exhibits! Admire more than 900 exquisitely decorated trees that light up the night, each decorated by local community groups and organizations. Enjoy a relaxed walk through our NEW immersive displays, Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast, and soak in the festive ambiance. It’s a delightful experience brimming with joy and wonder for the entire family!
Location: 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513
The Downtown Indy, Inc. Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW Local 481 – a cherished holiday tradition in Indianapolis – marked its 62nd anniversary on Friday, November 29. The yearly event on Monument Circle included a delightful lighting ceremony and various on-site activities, accompanied by a live show that was broadcast exclusively on WTHR Channel 13. Richard Goodall, the winner of America’s Got Talent Season 19, along with musical performances selected from the Tom Wood Talent Search and additional local artists, added to the festive atmosphere in Downtown. The winner of the AES Indiana Coloring Contest "flipped the switch" with Santa, officially kicking off the holiday season.
Location: Downtown Indianapolis, IN
You are warmly invited to enhance your holiday experience in Downtown Rochester, MI by attending The Big, Bright Light Show! The structures in downtown Rochester will be adorned with over 1 million dazzling holiday lights. This stunning display will be illuminated every evening from 5 pm to midnight, starting November 25 and continuing until January 19, 2025. Additionally, most shops are open from Monday to Saturday, extending their hours until 9 pm.
Location: Downtown Rochester, MI
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the GLOW Holiday Festival in St. Paul, Minnesota! With more than a million dazzling lights, the Enchanted Forest, Vixen’s Zip Line, and a Giant Slide, GLOW offers an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss. The elves have been hard at work enhancing the festival with new exhibits to ensure that your holiday season is filled with sparkle and joy.
Location: CHS Field, 360 N. Broadway St., St. Paul, MN 55101
Returning for their 28th year, the Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens will conclude 2024 with joy and radiance! This year's spectacular after-dark walk along the Gardens’ pathways showcases over 1.6 MILLION lights, along with themed light displays and animations, making it a delightful outdoor experience suitable for families. Historically, this event has surpassed attendance records. Purchase your tickets now for a lovely evening walk infused with the enchantment of the holiday season!
Location: Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr, Janesville, WI 53545