The massive grounds at the gardens are decked out in elaborate light creations. The show, Lightscape, lets visitors walk a mile-long path full of playful installations like singing trees, a waterfall of light, and a twinkly cathedral tunnel.

A point of pride for the neighborhood is what locals call the Christmas House created by owner Frank Lopez. There’s music, elaborate lights, moving reindeer, and Santa’s sled. It was so spectacular that kids would drop off letters to Santa—Lopez responded to a few. Unfortunately, the man behind the cherished decor passed away this year. His family, still struggling with the loss, put up lights this season in his honor.

In 2015, Lopez told the Chicagoist “the reason I do it is because I see so many people, so many kids, they pass by over here … and I have music on, and I see all their smiles,” he said. “I enjoy that.”

One of the city’s most popular light displays, Lincoln Park ZooLights illuminates the exhibits. During the event, visitors will have a chance to stroll through the grounds admiring 3D displays, get photos with Santa, and observe ice sculptors. Every year the zoo hosts a handful of events like Brewlights and a Holiday Market—this season will go out with a bang with the Zoo Year’s Eve party.

When Marshall Fields operated the historic State Street department store, it was known for its beloved holiday decor. When Macy’s took over, it kept up the tradition. The whimsical window displays, iconic gold trumpets, and beautiful Christmas tree in the Walnut Room are holiday must-dos.

Just before Thanksgiving, the city lights up its holiday display and Christmas tree in Millennium Park. The ceremony is typically followed by a parade and Lights Festival on the Mag Mile. Just down a few blocks in Daley Plaza is Christkindlmarket with festive, glowing wooden stalls selling glittery ornaments and a giant menorah.

More than a million twinkling lights and animated displays light up the grounds of Brookfield Zoo during the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy theater performances, magicians, caroling, and zoo chats with experts.

Community activists from My Block, My Hood, My City have committed to lighting up eight miles of Martin Luther King Drive from 51st Street to 115th Street. More than 1,000 volunteers worked to decorated 250 homes, nearly 500 street poles and the Washington Park Fieldhouse.

The effort brightens up ten neighborhoods that have dealt with gun violence. The organization’s leader, Jamal Cole, told the Tribune: “We are elevating empathy,” he said. “In the words of MLK: ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.’ We are trying to take away the darkness.”’

Every year since 1942, the museum celebrates global Christmas traditions with 50 trees decorated by country. See how the Danes, Greeks, and Poles all decorate their trees with beautiful hand-crafted ornaments and glowing lights. This year there’s also a Holidays of Light that highlights celebrations like the Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, and St. Lucia Day.