Based on last year’s Christmas news cycle, these are the displays locals couldn’t stop talking about — and the ones most likely to shine again this season.
In Countryside, the Harper family’s Lights On Dawn, 6650 Dawn Ave., throws more than 20,000 lights into motion, all synced to a family-friendly soundtrack. Shows run about 23 minutes, starting around 4:30 p.m. most nights and running into the evening.
Crestwood has two very different favorites. At 13336 Leclaire Ave., the Wysocki family keeps it classic with a carefully composed front-yard scene. Over on “Candy Cane Lane,” 4951 W. 135th Place, visitors walk under lighted arches while Santa waves from above at this award-winning, North Pole–style setup.
In Oak Lawn, Plude Lane, 9602 S. 54th Ave., turns a quiet block into a soundtrack show you can follow on 88.7 FM from your car. A few streets away, “Gem on 51st,” 9143 S. 51st Ave., proves a small yard can still sparkle, with a tight, cozy display that glows like a little jewelry box.
Tinley Park is loaded with “if you know, you know” stops. The TP Christmas House, 17321 Avon Ln. (Dec. 5–Jan. 4, roughly 5–10 p.m.), stretches across three homes and has been featured on both the Great Chicago Light Fight and the local Great Chicago Light Fight contest.
The O’Connor Christmas Lights, 7414 162nd Pl. (Nov. 28–Dec. 6, 5–10 p.m.), sync their show to 105.7 FM and collect donations for Project Fire Buddies. At Kenny Family Christmas, 16660 Patricia Ave. (Nov. 28–Dec. 31, about 5:15–10:30 p.m.), some 5,500 roofline lights, a flying Santa and reindeer and more than 320 blow molds — from Disney favorites to vintage pieces — pack the lawn.
In Orland Hills, the Krueger family’s show at 16551 Brigitte Ct. features talking trees and a radio station at 90.3 FM, with lights typically running 5–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and a little later on Fridays. Orland Park regulars know 17404 Deer Creek Dr. for its towering Bumble, gingerbread house, cocoa-stand Santa and a cast of giant nutcrackers and snowmen.
Blow-mold fans flock to “Blow Mold Mania,” 14601 Poplar Ct., and the huge collection at 15441 Sunset Ridge Dr., where hundreds of glowing figures crowd the lawn.
For something completely different, Peotone Holiday Projections, 7350 W. North Peotone Rd., turns an entire house into a movie screen. Custom animations are projected from multiple synced projectors, with audio on 87.9 FM. Shows typically run nightly, weather permitting.
Know a house we missed? Send your favorite Christmas decoration displays — with address, town and a brief description — to editor@regionalnews.com. Your tip might help light up next year’s guide.
Disclaimer: Hours, dates and displays are subject to change; check homeowner pages, social media or local listings before you go.