Holiday 'Night' Life: Best Downtowns For Holiday Lights, Evenings Out

NORTHERN ILLINOIS — With Thanksgiving just weeks away, communities will soon be putting lights, decorating Christmas trees and decking out their downtowns for the holidays.

And while some may not be ready to start celebrating the holidays, it's not too early to start planning some festive outings for you and your family. The Chicago area offers plenty of drive thru lights shows as well as walk-thru displays, such as Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic and the Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape, but some of the best places to get you out of the house and in the holiday spirit are right around the corner. And are free to visit.

We are looking to readers to help us compile a list of the best places to visit for lights this holiday season. We are looking for downtowns and outdoor shopping centers in the northern Chicago suburbs that offer places to shop and/or eat and grab a drink while taking in the beautiful lights.

We will use some of your responses to help with our holiday content and to get an idea of the most popular spots for getting out after dark. Do you have a favorite place you like to visit for an evening out in November and December? And what makes it special? Let us know.

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