Chicago's Best Holiday Light Displays: Winter Wonderfest to Tree Lightings

Chicago has quite a reputation as the place to go when you are Christmas shopping during the holidays. But did you know that Chi-town also has some great holiday light displays? You will not want to spend all of your time in the Chicago area at various stores doing your last-minute Christmas shopping. Here are some of the best holiday light displays in Chicago that you will want to be sure that you do not miss this holiday season.

Everyone knows that the Macy's store on 34^th Street in New York City has beautiful Christmas displays each year, but did you know that the Macy's in Chicago on State Street also has holiday decorations up? This year the holiday lights and decorations at the Chicago Macy's begin on November 11^th. You will want to make sure you are on State street and you will want to make sure that it is dark out before you come as the displays look best at night. This year's theme is Disney's Mary Poppins. You will see more than 300 strands of lights and special decorations. Macy's is located at111 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60602 . For more info you can call them at (800) 329 - 8667.

Over the past 40 plus year the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has been a family favorite in Chicago. It starts at Michigan Ave and goes all the way down to Oak St. The festivities start on November 17^th at 11 am. You can see bands including KT Tunstall, Sister Hazel and Corbin Bleu playing until 5 pm. Then at 7pm, Mickey Mouse serves as the master of ceremonies to orchestrate the illumination of over one million lights. For more info, visit the official website or call the hotline at (312) 409 - 5560.

Another family favorite is seeing Daley Plaza light up as part of the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. It takes place on November 23^rd in Daley Plaza. Music starts at 4:30 pm and the lights come on at 5:00 pm. You will see a 90 foot tall Christmas tree and thousands of lights and ornaments.

Navy Pier also joins the holiday spirit with its Winter Wonderfest. Winter Wonderfest takes place from December 7^th through January 6^th at Navy Pier. There will be plenty of Christmas tree and sparkling holiday lights. Hours have not yet been determined, so check their website for updates at it gets closer to December 7^th.