Nearby holiday lights adventures are back on the calendar, and this year there are even more reasons to bundle up, grab a thermos of cocoa, and venture just outside our cozy pocket of the Fox Valley.

Here are some holiday events and day trips that are worth the trek this season.

Santa’s Rock N Lights at the Kane County Cougars’ Northwestern Medicine Field turns the ballpark into a one-mile, drive-through light show.

You’ll wind through tunnels of dancing lights and larger‑than‑life displays synced to holiday music on your car radio, with timed tickets sold online through the season (generally into late December).

Aurora continues to live up to its “City of Lights” nickname with the annual Festival of Lights drive-through at Phillips Park, typically running nightly from late November through December 28. This free, family-friendly display features dozens of glowing scenes, a towering “singing” Christmas tree, and plenty of kid-pleasing surprises along the route.

…While you’re there: The Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park brings a cozy, German-style outdoor market to town, with ornaments, gifts, warm drinks, and festive food in twinkling wooden stalls. Open through Christmas Eve.

Naper Lights, presented by the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, transforms the Naperville Riverwalk and nearby downtown area into a walk-through winter wonderland.

Expect hundreds of thousands of lights, animated displays, glowing arches, and plenty of photo ops, running evenings from late November until January 5 — and it’s free.

Rockford’s Anderson Japanese Gardens once again hosts its Illuminated event, with thousands of white and warm-toned lights tracing paths, bridges, and trees on select evenings through early January. The serene garden setting makes this feel more like a peaceful winter stroll than a traditional “flashy” light show, in the best way.

…While you’re there: If you visit on Saturday, December 6, make sure to hit up the nearby Vintage Holiday Pop Up Market.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle puts the focus on the trees themselves, along a roughly one-mile walking trail of color, sound, and interactive light displays.

Timed tickets and popular nights often sell out, so it’s one to plan ahead for if you want those “wow” forest views. This event runs through January 3.

Experience the magic and charm of the holiday season at the Larsen Light Show and Goebbert's Drive Thru, both located at Goebbert's Farm in Pingree Grove.

Tickets for both light shows are priced per vehicle, and pricing varies throughout the season and depending on the day of the week. The Larsen Viewing Experience offers guests the opportunity to watch multiple shows with a great view from new viewing pavilions. Runs through January 4.

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is a destination all its own, with large-scale art installations, tunnels of light, and music along a reserved-time trail. It’s a bit of a haul from the Tri-Cities, but many families make it a once-a-season outing with dinner or hot chocolate stops built in.

On December 16, 17, and 18, kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Snow Queen and other friends. The full event runs through January 4.

Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic remains Chicagoland’s longest-running zoo lights event, with millions of lights, illuminated animal sculptures, and walk-through tunnels brightening up the grounds.

Expect synchronized music displays, photo ops, and plenty of chances to warm up with seasonal snacks between exhibits. Runs on select dates through January 4.

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