Christmas at Cantigny
A Holiday Wonderland Awaits
Explore a dazzling array of experiences as you stroll through a ½-mile, fully ADA- and stroller-accessible path. Along the way, music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations, larger-than-life flower sculptures, and a towering 28-foot Christmas tree will enchant you. Don’t forget to stop by our Holiday Shop to pick up a Cantigny-grown Poinsettia, a holiday tradition from our greenhouse.
Historic Splendor and Classic Cocktails
The beautifully renovated McCormick House is open again this season, with even more rooms adorned in festive splendor. As part of our French-themed year, be on the lookout for trees inspired by Joyeux Noël, adding a touch of French holiday charm throughout the house. Take in the display of hundreds of iconic Cantigny poinsettias and enjoy a moment together at the hidden bar, where you can sip hot cocoa or a festive cocktail.
Savor the moments
Cantigny’s holiday light show sets the stage for memorable experiences with loved ones. Stroll through the gardens as the lighting enhances traditional holiday decorations, creating moments of wonder for families and couples alike. This year, the light show expands into the upper display gardens, offering new features that invite you to share and cherish the holiday spirit together.
Admission to the McCormick House and Light Show varies by day. Advanced booking is recommended, as pricing will increase for day-of purchases. Click on the calendar to enlarge.
Light Show Pricing
| Adult (Advance) | Child (Advance) | Adult (Day of) | Child (Day of) |
|
| Weekday Saver | $12 | $8 | $15 | $10 |
| Standard Day | $15 | $10 | $20 | $15 |
| Weekend Premium | $25 | $15 | $30 | $19 |
| A Very Taylor Christmas | $25 | $15 | $30 | $19 |
| Holiday Peak | $25 | $15 | $38 | $24 |
Visitors purchasing tickets on-site for same-day visits will also pay a $10 parking fee.
Special Events
Experience Cantigny’s light show set to Taylor Swift’s music on Sundays, or with a cocktail in hand at our Christmas Spirits series. Memorable festivities abound for families, couples, and group visits!
A Very Taylor Christmas
Instead of traditional Christmas music, experience a special light show with songs from all of your favorite eras on most Sunday evenings!
Christmas Spirits
Experience the “SPIRIT” of the season at Christmas at Cantigny this December. Add to your Christmas at Cantigny visit with four festive cocktails served at quaint stops throughout the experience!
Noël Lounge at the McCormick House
Capture the spirit of Christmas as the Colonel once did by experiencing our brand new pop-up Noël Lounge this holiday season! Our lounge offers a unique, intimate experience in the elegant second-floor rooms of Col. McCormick’s historic Cantigny home. Savor artisanal shareable small plates from our chef’s menu alongside our curated wine list and signature craft cocktails. This limited-time offering invites you to relax and enjoy a truly special holiday setting.
Experience the Noël Lounge with that special someone or group by adding it to your light show ticket. The $20 per person booking deposit will be applied to your bill.
Holiday Brunch
Indulge in an elegant and exclusive Holiday Brunch at Cantigny’s McCormick House. Each intimate seating offers a decadent spread, from luxurious seafood to tender beef with an array of gourmet delights like handmade quiches, local bacon, and a sumptuous dessert collection.
The Colonel’s Christmas Tour
Combine history and holiday tradition with this tour guided by the Director of Horticulture and Director of the McCormick House! Admission includes access to the Christmas at Cantigny light show and a festive beverage.
Proposal Packages
Make the season one to remember by proposing to the one you love at Cantigny among the stunning lights of Christmas at Cantigny. Your proposal destination is created just for you, tucked away from the main path, and thoughtfully adorned to create an idyllic setting.
Ice Rink
After taking in the sights, enjoy ice skating and cozy Cocoa Cabanas — perfect for creating cherished holiday moments. Stay a while to relax and indulge in holiday favorites: cozy up by the fire pits, roast s’mores, sip on specialty drinks and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
Christmas at Cantigny offers the perfect setting to gather with loved ones, relax, and celebrate the season while creating lasting memories.
Enjoy a scenic outdoor skate at our rink’s new location adjacent to Le Jardin. Admission to the rink is $3; spectator access is free. Skates are available for rent for $7. Rink access and skate rental are available on-site. All skaters must fill out a participation waiver in order to enter the rink.
Parking is not included in the cost for ice rink visitors who do not also attend the light show. Advanced purchase is recommended.
Ice Rink, Le Jardin and Cocoa Cabana Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wednesday - Friday | 5 pm - 10 pm |
| Saturday - Sunday | 10 am - 10 pm |
| Monday - Tuesday | Closed |
Cozy Up in a Cocoa Cabana
Cocoa Cabanas provide a fun and festive way for family and friends to gather around the fire to socialize, eat, and drink. Each rinkside cabana has a fire table and heated seating area to keep your group cozy and warm.
Cocoa Cabanas may be reserved ahead of time or when you arrive, however availability is limited, so book yours while supplies last! Each Cocoa Cabana rental features your choice of three options to meet your needs, starting at $100 plus a food and beverage minimum.
Cabana reservations are redirected to cantignygolf.com
Poinsettia Sales & Holiday Shop
Visitors to the Light Show or Ice Rink will both have access to Le Jardin. Warm up with a hot beverage and snack, or shop for holiday gifts from a selection of exclusive Christmas at Cantigny merchandise and Cantigny’s famous homegrown Poinsettias.
Poinsettias will also be available for sale during Cantigny’s daytime hours (10 am – 3 pm) beginning November 20.