How to Find Local Drivable Holiday Light Displays for the Whole Family

The holiday season is here in Aurora and surrounding areas, making it a great time to enjoy fun activities with the entire family. One outing to plan that everyone appreciates—from the youngest to senior family members—is looking at regional holiday light displays. Holiday lights connect the season's magic, with the senses co-mingling with the heart as the twinkling brightness evokes memories of yesterday. Holiday lights make us happy. Here are some ideas for multiple generations to enjoy this season.

Drive-Thru Light Displays

One of the largest drive-thru light displays in the area is the Aurora Festival of Lights. It is a free event, with registration for an entry ticket online. The lighting display is paired with holiday music and includes fields of snowflakes and jumping reindeer, delighting everyone. The display is open nightly through Christmas.

A little further down the road in Schaumburg, Illinois, is the Shine Lightshow. The entrance fee to this event is per vehicle and is available only online. This immersive experience is synchronized to holiday music, highlighting the classics that spur fun memories of holiday times. It is open until just after the New Year.  

Notable Light Shows

701 N. Sparkle Ct, Oswego

Oswego Lights is a home that is worth checking out. The house has over 50,000 lights synchronized to music pumped through your car radio. A 12-foot tree is the center of the show. It runs until the beginning of January and is available from 4:30 until 11:00 nightly.  

969 Ekman Dr, Batavia

Lights on Ekman is a light display in its fourth year of dazzling passersby. Tucked in a quaint neighborhood is a delightful light show set to music, complete with a picture station for a quick selfie or family photo. This display comes on at dusk and turns off at 9:00 every night until December 31st.

720 Lehnertz Ave, Aurora

The Lehnertz Avenue Christmas display has been ushering in the holidays by decorating the street for over 70 years. It is a tradition for many in the Aurora area to head to this street to see the decorations. A highlight of this display is a nativity scene lit up for all to see.

Walking Tours

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

Your senior loved ones will enjoy the unique experience at the Morton Arboretum. About 30 minutes east of Plainfield and surrounding areas, the Arboretum offers an immersive light and sound experience while strolling on a paved path surrounded by magnificent trees. Warm up by the fire and enjoy the beauty of winter in the Arboretum.

Naper Lights

Head to Water Street in Downtown Naperville to enjoy Naper Lights, a free display of holiday lights paired with live music and other entertainment. On Fridays and Saturdays through the holiday season, Santa will be ready for pictures by the Great Tree; lights will be nightly through New Year's, from 4:00 until 10:00.

For the young and seniors in your family, there is a holiday light display to enjoy here in Geneva, Aurora, Plainfield, and Oswego areas. Senior Helpers provides support to seniors in their homes with personalized in-home care. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family.