Holiday festival raises the bar for Chicagoland light shows with McCormick House tours, ice skating, holiday treats, and a new, magical twist to Sunday nights!
Christmas at Cantigny returns for its third season, bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. From Friday, November 21, through Tuesday, December 23, Cantigny transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with lights, music, food, and festive cheer for our Christmas at Cantigny celebration. NEW Magical Twist for 2025: A Wickedly Popular Christmas, Christmas at Cantigny’s Sunday evening light shows ‘flip the switch’ to feature the hues and music of Wicked (available 11/23, 11/30, 12/7 and 12/14).
“Colonel McCormick built Cantigny on a tradition of community and celebration,” said Matt LaFond, executive director. “Christmas at Cantigny is our way of continuing that legacy. With a glowing McCormick House, dazzling new displays, and unique experiences you will not find anywhere else, this will be our most spectacular season yet.”
Guests at Christmas at Cantigny will stroll a half mile, fully accessible path through brilliantly illuminated gardens and landscapes—no dark gaps, just a seamless journey of light, color, and creativity.
After Christmas, the magic continues through Saturday, January 4, with 'Lights, Camera, Action,' a show set to iconic movie soundtracks.
Festival Highlights:
NEW! Northern Lights in the Rose Garden
- A brand-new, can’t-miss installation transforms this iconic garden into a breathtaking lightscape inspired by the aurora borealis.
NEW! Specialty Themed Nights
- Unique programming adds extra sparkle, including A Wickedly Popular Christmas, which features the music and colors of Wicked on Sunday nights through 12/14 to Lights, Camera, Action!—a post-Christmas show set to iconic movie soundtracks and epic sing-alongs (12/26-1/4).
 |
The Colonel’s Christmas Tour
- A one-of-a-kind guided tour with McCormick House director Will Buhlig, blending history, design, and holiday traditions. 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18 only. $75 (including Christmas at Cantigny Light Show admission, early admission, and a drink)
Historic McCormick House
- Step inside the fully decorated mansion, including Freedom Hall and its showstopping 20-foot Christmas tree. Upstairs, the Noel Lounge offers chef-crafted small plates, curated wines, and craft cocktails in a cozy, elegant setting.
Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
- Glide across the 100-by-40-foot outdoor ice skating rink ($7 admission; $3 rentals), then warm up in the heated hospitality tent or reserve a private Cocoa Cabana with fire tables, heated seating, and full food and beverage service (starting at $125).
 |
Christmas Spirits Upgrade
- Add on a festive tasting adventure: three winter-friendly craft cocktails at stations along the light path, plus a commemorative Cantigny mug ($40).
Noel Shop at the McCormick House
- Shop for the holiday gifts and other fun holiday keepsakes, plus exclusive Christmas at Cantigny merchandise.
Visitor Center
- Warm up with a hot beverage and snack in Le Jardin, or shop from a selection of homegrown Cantigny Poinsettias.
Christmas at Cantigny runs November 21–December 23, Wednesday–Sunday, 4:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (closed Monday & Tuesday), with extended hours on weekends and for special events. Lights, Camera, Action! runs December 26-January 4. Timed tickets and reservations are available at Cantigny.org.
Private Events and rental opportunities are available throughout the season.
About Cantigny
Cantigny, in Wheaton, Illinois, is the 500-acre estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955), long-time editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, and founder of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundation. It is home to gardens, walking trails, a museum dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, a highly ranked 27-hole public golf course, and a golf academy for all ages. More information is online at Cantigny.org, including hours, admission fees and a calendar of upcoming events.
 |
We had the pleasure of joining for the friends and family preview night before it opened to the public so we could share our experience with you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Cantigny, for having us! 🫶🏻
