Christmas at Cantigny Launches Spectacular Holiday Celebration

The holiday season in Wheaton, Illinois, is set to sparkle with the return of Christmas at Cantigny, which begins on December 1, 2023. This year marks the third season of this festive event, featuring an impressive array of light displays, ice skating, and culinary experiences. According to Gayln Piper, director of programs at Cantigny, the historic estate is ready to offer an exciting and unique celebration that has quickly become a family tradition for many.

Christmas at Cantigny promises to be “bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever,” with a newly designed half-mile path that is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Visitors will traverse through beautifully illuminated gardens, where lights synchronize with festive holiday music, creating an enchanting atmosphere. A highlight of this year’s display is a stunning northern lights installation in the rose garden, inspired by the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis.

Throughout the grounds, special photo stops designed for portraits and selfies invite visitors to capture memorable moments. Additionally, three cocoa and snack stations will provide warm beverages and treats along the light path, enhancing the festive experience.

Inside the historic McCormick House, guests can tour the first floor, adorned with an array of poinsettias, vintage decorations, and a majestic 20-foot Christmas tree. For adults, the Noël Lounge on the upper floor offers a cozy setting where chef-crafted small plates, curated wines, and craft cocktails can be enjoyed. Reservations for this lounge are highly recommended and can be made online.

This year’s themed light shows include “A Wickedly Popular Christmas,” featuring songs from “Wicked” and “The Wizard of Oz,” running each Sunday through December 14. Following the holiday, the event will transition to “Lights, Camera, Action!” showcasing a Hollywood-themed soundtrack of movie scores and sing-along favorites from December 26 to January 4.

The outdoor ice skating rink will also return, offering admission for $7 and skate rentals for $3. After a session on the ice, guests can warm up in a heated hospitality tent or reserve a private Cocoa Cabana, complete with fire tables, heated seating, and comprehensive food and beverage service, starting at $125.

Christmas at Cantigny presents a vibrant celebration that enhances the holiday spirit and invites families to partake in a blend of traditional festivities and modern attractions, ensuring that visitors of all ages can create lasting memories this season.