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Christmas Lights in Springfield, IL

The top places to see Christmas lights in Springfield this season are Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo (Nov 27 – Dec 22), Illinois Governor's Mansion Holiday Walk-Through (Nov 28 – Dec 23) and Winter Holiday Floral Show (Dec 5 – Dec 20). We've mapped 9 displays in Springfield and 2 more nearby (5 events, 3 walk-thrus, 1 tree lighting). 6 are free. 2 are synced to music. Tap any display for dates, hours and directions.

Updated Nov 11, 2026

Christmas Candlelight Tour at Elijah Iles House

Event Β· Springfield, IL Β· Donations

Opens soon

Dec 12 – Dec 19

Festive Fridays at the Dana-Thomas House

Event Β· Springfield, IL Β· Free (registration encouraged)

Opens soon Music

Nov 20 – Jan 15

Illinois Governor's Mansion Holiday Walk-Through

Walk-thru Β· Springfield, IL Β· Free (registration required)

Opens soon

Nov 28 – Dec 23

Old Capitol Holiday Walks

Event Β· Springfield, IL Β· Free

Opens soon

Nov 28 – Dec 19

Old Capitol Holiday Walks Tree Lighting

Tree lighting Β· Springfield, IL Β· Free

Opens soon Music

Nov 28 – Nov 28

Springfield Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade

Parade Β· Springfield, IL Β· Free

Opens soon

Dec 5 – Dec 5

Winter Holiday Floral Show

Walk-thru Β· Springfield, IL Β· Free

Opens soon

Dec 5 – Dec 20

Wintree Wonderland at White Oaks Mall

Event Β· Springfield, IL Β· Not listed

Opens soon

Nov 14 – Dec 24

Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo

Walk-thru Β· Springfield, IL Β· Admission (amount not listed)

Opens soon

Nov 27 – Dec 22

Near Springfield (within 25 miles)

Light Up the Park

Drive-thru Β· Chatham, IL Β· $5 per car (suggested donation)

Opens soon

8.5 miNov 27 – Dec 27

Candlelight Christmas at Clayville

Event Β· Pleasant Plains, IL Β· Donations

Opens soon

15 miDec 12 – Dec 12

Tap + Tour on a few displays to get one driving route you can send to your phone (how it works). Missing a house or show in Springfield? Add it free.

Christmas lights in Springfield: common questions

What are the best Christmas lights in Springfield?

Popular picks this season include Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo (Nov 27 – Dec 22), Illinois Governor's Mansion Holiday Walk-Through (Nov 28 – Dec 23), Winter Holiday Floral Show (Dec 5 – Dec 20) and Light Up the Park (Nov 27 – Dec 27). In all, 11 displays are mapped in and around Springfield, from decorated houses and neighborhoods to ticketed light shows.

Where can I see free Christmas lights in Springfield?

Free options include Illinois Governor's Mansion Holiday Walk-Through, Winter Holiday Floral Show, Old Capitol Holiday Walks and Festive Fridays at the Dana-Thomas House. 6 of the 11 displays near Springfield are free to visit; most home and neighborhood displays cost nothing to drive by.

Is there a drive-thru Christmas light show near Springfield?

Yes. Light Up the Park ($5 per car (suggested donation)). Drive-thru shows usually charge per car, and buying tickets online ahead of time is often faster.

Are there Christmas lights synced to music in Springfield?

Yes. Festive Fridays at the Dana-Thomas House and Old Capitol Holiday Walks Tree Lighting. Synced displays broadcast their soundtrack on a low-power FM station so you can listen from your car.

When do Christmas lights start in Springfield?

The earliest Springfield-area displays turn on Nov 14, and most are running by the weekend after Thanksgiving. Many stay lit through New Year's; check each display's page for its exact dates and nightly hours.

Want your house to look like this?

Professional Christmas light installers in Springfield hang, maintain and take down your lights, or install permanent lights you control from your phone. Tell us about your house and get free quotes.

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