News

Christmas at Cantigny returns for its third season, bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. From Friday, November 21, through Tuesday, December 23, Cantigny transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with lights, music, food, and festive cheer for our Christmas at Cantigny celebration. NEW Magical Twist for 2025: A Wickedly Popular Christmas, Christmas at Cantigny’s Sunday evening light shows ‘flip the switch’ to feature the hues and music of Wicked (available 11/23, 11/30, 12/7 and 12/14).

“Colonel McCormick built Cantigny on a tradition of community and celebration,” said Matt LaFond, executive director. “Christmas at Cantigny is our way of continuing that legacy. With a glowing McCormick House, dazzling new displays, and unique experiences you will not find anywhere else, this will be our most spectacular season yet.”

Guests at Christmas at Cantigny will stroll a half mile, fully accessible path through brilliantly illuminated gardens and landscapes—no dark gaps, just a seamless journey of light, color, and creativity.

After Christmas, the magic continues through Saturday, January 4, with 'Lights, Camera, Action,' a show set to iconic movie soundtracks.

Festival Highlights:

• NEW! Northern Lights in the Rose Garden
  A brand-new, can’t-miss installation transforms this iconic garden into a breathtaking lightscape inspired by the aurora borealis.
• NEW! Specialty Themed Nights
  Unique programming adds extra sparkle, including A Wickedly Popular Christmas, which features the music and colors of Wicked on Sunday nights through 12/14 to Lights, Camera, Action!—a post-Christmas show set to iconic movie soundtracks and epic sing-alongs (12/26-1/4).
• The Colonel’s Christmas Tour
  A one-of-a-kind guided tour with McCormick House director Will Buhlig, blending history, design, and holiday traditions. 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18 only. $75 (including Christmas at Cantigny Light Show admission, early admission, and a drink)
• Historic McCormick House
  Step inside the fully decorated mansion, including Freedom Hall and its showstopping 20-foot Christmas tree. Upstairs, the Noel Lounge offers chef-crafted small plates, curated wines, and craft cocktails in a cozy, elegant setting. 
• Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
  Glide across the 100-by-40-foot rink ($7 admission; $3 rentals), then warm up in the heated hospitality tent or reserve a private Cocoa Cabana with fire tables, heated seating, and full food and beverage service (starting at $125).
• Christmas Spirits Upgrade
  Add on a festive tasting adventure: three winter-friendly craft cocktails at stations along the light path, plus a commemorative Cantigny mug ($40).
• Noel Shop at the McCormick House

Shop for the holiday gifts and other fun holiday keepsakes, plus exclusive Christmas at Cantigny merchandise.

• Visitor Center 

Warm up with a hot beverage and snack in Le Jardin, or shop from a selection of homegrown Cantigny Poinsettias.

Christmas at Cantigny runs November 21–December 23, Wednesday–Sunday, 4:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (closed Monday & Tuesday), with extended hours on weekends and for special events. Lights, Camera, Action! runs December 26-January 4. Timed tickets and reservations are available at Cantigny.org.

Private Events and rental opportunities are available throughout the season. 

About Cantigny 

Cantigny, in Wheaton, Illinois, is the 500-acre estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955), long-time editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, and founder of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundation. It is home to gardens, walking trails, a museum dedicated to the 1^st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, a highly ranked 27-hole public golf course, and a golf academy for all ages. More information is online at Cantigny.org, including hours, admission fees, and upcoming events.