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Holiday Lights Near Glenview and the North Suburbs: 2026 Family Guide
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Pre-school
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Pre-school
Updated November 2026. Dates and prices come from event organizers and can change, so check each website before you go.
For young children, a walk through glowing lights on a cold December evening can be pure magic. The big light shows around Chicago's north suburbs run from mid-November through early January, and most need tickets booked in advance. Here are the main options for the 2026 season and how to make them work with toddlers and preschoolers.
2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview. Select dates, November 27 to December 20, 2026.
The only show on this list designed for young children, from babies to about age 8. Kohlights mixes outdoor lights that children can play with and change with the indoor museum, and there is a Twinkle Train in the early evening. It runs on select nights, mostly Fridays through Sundays. Tickets are required for everyone over 12 months, and the event needs its own ticket, separate from daytime museum admission. Details are at kohlchildrensmuseum.org.
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027, select nights.
A walking trail of light installations set to music. The Garden says most of this year's installations are new. Tickets are timed, sold for specific dates and arrival windows, and prices change by date, so weekend and holiday nights cost more and sell out first. The trail is about 1.3 miles long and strollers are allowed, so bring one for little legs. Details are at chicagobotanic.org.
Lincoln Park, Chicago. November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, 4:30 to 9 pm.
ZooLights fills the zoo with light displays and seasonal activities. Paid tickets are low-cost, and most Mondays are free with registration, except December 21 and 28. Every person needs a ticket, including babies, even on free nights. See our Lincoln Park Zoo with a toddler guide for parking and stroller tips.
Lisle. November 14, 2026 to January 2, 2027.
A longer drive from the north suburbs, Illumination lights up trees along a walking path. It opens at 4:30 pm, and timed tickets sell out on popular nights. It works best for preschoolers who can handle a later night and a longer walk.
Brookfield. Select dates, November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027, 3 to 9 pm.
Millions of lights, light tunnels set to music and some animal buildings open in the evening. The 2026 dates are November 21 to 25 and 27 to 29, December 3 to 6, 10 to 13, 17 to 23 and 26 to 31, and January 1 to 3. On these dates the zoo opens at 3 pm. See our Brookfield Zoo Chicago with preschoolers guide.
November 13, 2026, on select nights through January 3, 2027.
Most Mondays are free with registration, except December 21 and 28. Other nights need paid tickets, and everyone needs a ticket, including babies.
Kohlights in Glenview is designed for children up to about age 8, with lights kids can interact with.
The main shows use paved paths and allow strollers. Expect crowds on weekends.
The first time slot of the night, on a weeknight if the show is open.
Children go outdoors daily at Children's Land when the weather permits, so warm layers and boots help all season. Families in Glenview can choose from four locations: Glenview, Glenview on Milwaukee, Glenview on Greenwood and Storytime Daycare. Ask your location about holiday closures, or contact us.
Related reading: Daycare Holiday Schedules: Planning for Closures.
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