Christmas at Cantigny Light Show & McCormick House
A Christmas Tradition, Illuminated
There is something timeless about seeing familiar places transformed for Christmas.
At Christmas at Cantigny, wander through glowing gardens where thousands of lights, music, and imaginative displays turn the landscape into a world of holiday wonder. Follow the illuminated path beneath towering trees, through garden rooms and seasonal scenes, discovering new moments around every turn.
It is a holiday light show made for lingering: for walking hand in hand, seeing Christmas through a child’s eyes, and returning to traditions that somehow feel new again each year.
Christmas Inside McCormick House
Then follow the glow indoors.
Step inside historic McCormick House, the former home of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, beautifully dressed for Christmas. Wander through the first floor as hundreds of Cantigny-grown poinsettias, timeless seasonal décor, and the warmth of the historic rooms bring another side of the season to life.
Tucked inside the house, discover the hidden Freedom Hall bar — a cozy place to pause for hot cocoa or a festive cocktail before continuing your evening.
Together, the illuminated gardens and McCormick House create a Christmas experience rooted in both wonder and tradition — one that could only happen at Cantigny.
Admission to the Christmas at Cantigny Light Show and McCormick House varies by date. Book early to save on admission and receive free parking, an $11 value.
Group Discounts
Planning Christmas at Cantigny for a larger group? Groups of more than 20 guests receive 10% off Light Show tickets for entry times after 6:30 pm. Contact cantigny@cantigny.org for details.
Sunday Theme Nights
A Marvelous Christmas!
November 22 & 29 | December 6, 13 & 27
On select Sundays, Christmas at Cantigny takes a marvelous turn.
Gather your favorite heroes and experience an alternate version of the Light Show featuring music inspired by some of your favorite superhero films. The gardens, lights, and magic of Christmas at Cantigny remain — with a heroic twist created especially for these five Sunday evenings.
Looking for the traditional Christmas at Cantigny experience? All other open dates feature our classic Christmas Light Show and holiday music.
Holiday Schedule
Christmas at Cantigny is generally open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
For the Christmas holiday season, we will also be open:
Monday, December 21
Tuesday, December 22
Monday, December 28
Tuesday, December 29
A Marvelous Christmas at Cantigny is offered only on November 22 and 29 and December 6, 13 and 27. All other open evenings feature the traditional Christmas at Cantigny Light Show.
Special Holiday Experiences
The Colonel’s Christmas Tour
$75 (includes Christmas at Cantigny Light Show admission, early admission, and a drink)
Step inside McCormick House before the evening crowds arrive for an intimate Christmas experience that brings together history, design, and holiday tradition.
Led by McCormick House Director Will Buhlig, this hour-long tour explores the beautifully decorated rooms of the Colonel’s former home before the house opens to the public.
The evening begins in the Colonel’s hidden Freedom Hall bar with a festive beverage, followed by a guided journey through the house and its holiday décor. Afterward, continue into the gardens and enjoy the Christmas at Cantigny Light Show at your leisure.
Guests will gather at the Visitors Center and should arrive by 3:15 p.m.
Christmas Spirits
$40 Upgrade
Raise a glass to the season with Christmas Spirits.
Add this festive cocktail experience to your Christmas at Cantigny visit and enjoy three seasonal drinks served at exclusive stops along the Light Show route, including a special cocktail inside the hidden Freedom Hall bar at McCormick House. Includes a commemorative mug to bring home.
Wander, sip, and toast your way through an evening beneath the lights.
NEW FOR 2026! Fireside S’mores for Two
$35 Upgrade
Add a little fireside nostalgia to your Christmas at Cantigny evening.
The Fireside S’mores for Two package includes a s’mores kit, two candy canes, two hot cocoa tokens, and two commemorative mugs to bring home — everything you need for a cozy pause together beneath the holiday lights.