Take The Illinois Patch 2019 Holiday Tour O' Lights

ILLINOIS — Haul out the holly, the plastic blow molds, LED lights and synchronized music, because we all need a little Christmas. We've rounded up the best reader-submitted residential (and one liquor store) holiday light displays in Chicagoland. From towering reindeer and illuminated pigs to the most outlandish Clark W. Griswold displays that can be seen from space, these spectacular light displays are definitely worth a drive-by.

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Set your GPS and explore displays near your town, or go completely crazy and visit all of them. We'll keep updating the list through Dec. 30, so keep an eye on your daily morning newsletters and the Patch Facebook pages. (Wait a second — if you're not signed up to receive your community's Patch newsletter, get started here.)

A few of you got so excited that you forget to include your address, so check your email. Send us some photos and/or links to videos of your Christmas light display. We prefer that the homeowner submit his or her own yard, or an immediate neighbor or close relative.

We do our best to verify each address. Don't be shy and share your Christmas joy, so the rest of us can enjoy it. Questions? Contact Lorraine Swanson by email at lorraine.swanson@patch.com.

COOK COUNTY

Alsip

12215 S. 45th Ave., Alsip — Joan Wanek changes up her display every year. She’s gone from a Grinchy theme to Hawaiian Christmas. There will be music playing, including Der Bingle singing "Mele Kalikimaka."

4505 W. 129th St., Alsip — The Sparks family puts on a lovely display. Residents just go nuts for Christmas in Alsip.

ADDED! 11631 S. Laramie Ave., Alsip — The whole 11600 block of South Laramie Avenue in Alsip decks their yard with lights. Visitors come from miles around to visit this block, which we hear can be viewed from space. Kathleen Reitz, who was featured on our cover last year, has submitted her house and her next door neighbor’s . If the rest of the block is anything like these two homes, it's sure to be spectacular.

Bridgeview

7807 W. 74th Place, Bridgeview — Known as the “Clark W. Griswold of Bridgeview,” Jim Pavel is a third-generation lawn decorator. His family has been decorating since the early 1960s. Jim’s light display is a combination of store-brought and homemade decorations. A computerized light show is synchronized to several Christmas songs, broadcast on a radio station so you can enjoy it from the warmth of your car. The display runs nightly from 4 to 10 p.m.

7416 S. Octavia Ave., Bridgeview — In addition to his own house, Pavel also decorates his childhood home. He used to help his dad decorate his parents’ home, but they lost his father this past January. Jim has decorated his parents’ house this year as a tribute to his father. Features a combination of store-bought and homemade decorations. There’s even a fake Christmas tree lot. Lights are on nightly from 4 to 10 p.m.

Burbank

Kruk Family Christmas, 7730 S. Mulligan Ave., Burbank — Planes from nearby Midway Airport have been rumored to mistake the Kruk family's dazzling light display for a runway.

Chicago/Beverly

11136 S. Bell, Chicago — Jackie Shanahan's charming display in Beverly features lights and inflatables. Lights are normally on from 5 to 10 p.m.

Chicago/Mt. Greenwood

3629 W. 116th St., Chicago (Mount Greenwood) -- This synchronized light show is a thing of beauty.

Chicago Ridge

11031 Oxford Ave., Chicago Ridge — This winter wonderland offers a musical light show and moving inflatables. We love the jazzy "Greensleeves." The Foertsch family is collecting nonperishable food items for the Chicago Food Depository. The food drive is virtual, so online money donations can also be made directly to the food depository.

ADDED! 10936 S. Lyman Ave. Chicago Ridge — A reader was so impressed by this display she took a picture and sent it to us. Definitely worth a drive-by.

Baker Light Show, 10835 Massasoit Ave., Chicago Ridge — Listen to the lights as the Bakers dazzle the crowds with their fancy choreographed light show. Kids can drop off their letters to Santa in the direct-to-the-North Pole mailbox. Donations are being collected for St. Linus Boy Scout Troop 1615.

ADDED! 6108 Washington St., Chicago Ridge — A magical, whimsical display made with love, including archways, white and red lights, toy soldiers, a Christmas tree farm, and elves and bows galore. There’s also a Frozen Castle with Minnie and Mickey for little believers. Don't forget to drop your letters in our express North Pole mailbox.

Crestwood

ADDED! 13336 Leclaire Ave Crestwood — We love Laura Wysocki’s cheerful display in Crestwood.

Des Plaines

"Des Plaines Light Show," 2145 Lee St., Des Plaines — Scott and Emily Bialas offer a great Christmas light display that can be seen from the planes landing at nearby O’Hare International Airport. The Bialas family puts on a spectacular 22-minute light show synchronized to their own radio station. They’re taking donations for their kids’ school, Plainfield Elementary. What a display — and what an electric bill. Learn more about Des Plaines Christmas Lights. This is a must-stop on the 2019 Tour O’ Lights.

Evergreen Park

ADDED! March of the Pigs, 2708 W. 90th Place, Evergreen Park — Jennifer Obecunas holds the unofficial World Guinness World Record for the most illuminated pigs in a holiday yard display. This quirky display features 147 illuminated pigs and vintage plastic blow molds from the 1960s and 1970s -- including a rare JOLLY POLK SANTA from 1965. Guinness told Jennifer that to be officially recognized as a world record holder, she needs 1,000 pigs. We think she should start putting pigs on her roof. One of our faves and must-stop on the tour.

Glencoe

ADDED! 725 Apple Tree Lane, Glencoe — This is Steven Santiccioli’s favorite time of year and for good reason.

Glenview

Murov/Rehberger Family, 2749 Glenview Rd., Glenview — Nothing fancy here, just a beautiful Christmas display. Viewers are welcome to pull into the drive and get out to take pictures. Lights go on nightly from 4:30 p.m. to midnight through Jan. 6.

Hickory Hills

9028 Forest Lane, Hickory Hills — Alyssa Stewart and brothers have created a stunning wonderment with a light and music show.

8137 W 90th St. Hickory Hills — Ian Chafee has approximately 400 plastic figures on his lawn (where does he store them?), including 100 toy soldiers alone. His 12-year-old son arranges little Christmas scenes. There's a snowman limbo line, a penguin ski line and a candy cane forest. Oh, and SantaCon. The family is collecting donations for the Stagg High School Music Boosters. Ian is also on Patch's Halloween tour.

Hoffman Estates

760 Suffolk Court, Hoffman Estates — According to Is Alison Haiduke, her husband does an amazing job with the Christmas lights. We agree. The display features lots of blowups of assorted sizes and twinkling lights. Lights are on from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Lemont

Chuchla Family Lights, 12032 Center Drive, Lemont — A fun Christmas light show synchronized to music. The show runs through Jan. 6: from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The show runs until at least 2 a.m. on Christmas Eve so you can enjoy it after midnight church services. Tune your car radio to 95.1 FM to hear the music. The show runs continuously in a 70-minute loop with an eight-minute intermission between each loop.

Midlothian

Gluszek Christmas Food Drive & Light Show, 3939 W. 147th Place, Midlothian — People come from miles away to rock around Bremen High School student Dylan Gluszek’s amazing light show. A reader submitted Dylan’s show and had this to say: “Dylan has a passion to give back to the community that helped him and his family when it was needed. Every year, he set up thousands of lights and decorations around his home and in his yard. Then, he engineers the lights and decorations to dance to Christmas tunes. He asks his spectators to please bring a nonperishable food item that can be put in a collection box in the front yard. At the end of the season (Dec. 31), Dylan takes all the food and donates to local food pantries and the homeless. Last year, with the help of the community, Dylan collected 6,000 pounds of food. This year, his goal is 10,000 pounds of food. He has added 3,000 new lights to his display." A must-stop on the 2019 Tour O’ Lights.

ADDED! 14324 S. Kilbourne Ave., Midlothian — Here’s a beautiful "Charlie Brown Christmas" display in the December dusk. There is also music piped in.

Oak Forest

"Parker’s Holiday Light Display,” 4436 Lisa Lane, Oak Forest — Twelve-year-old Parker Tade put up most of his family’s Christmas display. We think he has the makings of greatness. The lights are synchronized to a variety of Christmas songs. Lights are on 4:30 to 11 p.m.

Oak Lawn

ADDED! 10111 S. Kildare Ave., Oak Lawn — Tracy Schorle’s display features a towering light tree.

ADDED! 9704 S. Tripp Ave., Oak Lawn — Hurry over to Brian Mayo’s wonderful display in Oak Lawn featuring thousands of twinkling lights. Come visit Santa under the tent light on Sunday, Dec. 15.

ADDED! 10325 S. Kenneth, Oak Lawn — You better watch out because Santa Claus is definitely coming to Jimmy Verde’s house in Oak Lawn. Jimmy and his mom, Mary, have lined the house with lights. Santa flies over the roof while the lawn is populated with old-school plastic blow-molds. If you’re crusing by Saturday, Dec. 14, look for Santa out in front of the house. Thank you, Clare Smith, for turning us on to your neighbor Jimmy’s house. Clare says the rest of the neighborhood is nicely decorated also.

ADDED! 9602 S 54th Ave., Oak Lawn — The Plude family has a cheerful display. The upstairs window has a movie playing with clips from all the holiday favorites. Viewers can tune into a radio station and listen to Christmas tunes.

ADDED! Kenwood Liquors, 10750 S Cicero Ave, Oak Lawn — Try not to get into a car accident when you drive by gaping at Kenwood Liquors, which is wrapped up in blue lights just like a Christmas present. Makes us want to pull in and buy a bottle of Harvey Bristol Cream.

Orland Hills

16551 Brigitte Court, Orland Hills — Drive up and listen to the Krueger Christmas lights on 90.3 FM. The lights are twinkling 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Orland Park

ADDED! 14601 Poplar Court, Orland Park -- No spot of lawn is left bare in this shiney display, which is covered by over 175 blow molds, ruled by a 10-foot-tall snowman. Check out the Harske family's 10-foot Christmas tree, too.

10260 W. 144th St., Orland Park — This homeowner puts up a lovely display in Orland Park.

Schaumburg

529 Hingham Lane, Schaumburg — Holy Toledo! Brian Koehler has covered his house with 30,000 lights, including the front, side, back and roof. Lights are on 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Skokie

ADDED! 5024 Fargo Ave., Skokie — It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Check out this light show dancing to "All I Want For Christmas" broadcase over 89.7 FM. Display runs nightly from 5 to 11 p.m. through the first weekend in January.

South Chicago Heights

3332 Lynwood Drive, South Chicago Heights — For almost 45 years, Ed Kaminski has been decorating for Christmas — he’s a pro. Unlike newer Christmas displays, the lights on Ed’s house are all incandescent, not that LED junk. This is a very bright and classic display. Love the classic Santa on the front step.

Streamwood

Meadow Manor, 1032 Meadow Court, Streamwood — Features lights to music, 5 to 11:45 p.m. Dec. 1 to Jan. 1.

Tinley Park

8706 Kathleen Lane,Tinley Park — This is a walk-through display, so get out of the car and prepare to be dazzled.

8719 Kathleen Lane, Tinley Park — Lots of inflatables.

16612 Cherry Hill Ave Tinley Park — Andrea Fusco has dedicated her display to her niece, Olivia Ann, who is sick at Lurie Children’s Hospital. There is a GoFundMe campaign for Olivia.

Worth

11149 S. Worth Ave., Worth — Nothing gets you in the holiday mood more than hundreds of plastic blow molds. Love it!

DuPAGE COUNTY

Carol Stream

1214 Easton Drive Carol Stream -- We love the dancing lights!

Darien

1387 Urban Drive, Darien — Joan Gundlach’s hubby spends a lot of time decorating his yard. Neighbors refer to him as Clark W. Griswold. A picture doesn’t do it justice.

Downers Grove

ADDED! 2308 College Road, Downers Grove -- Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring tingle tingling too at the Duncan residence. Every night, weather permitting.

Naperville

“Reindeer House,” 357 S. Sleight St., Naperville — You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, but do you know the "Reindeer House"? We LOVE this elegant display submitted by Marc Sweda. Two years ago, Marc had live reindeer. Now, about 15 lighted reindeer and other decorations prance across the front lawn.

Lizzie’s Garden, 24255 W. 111th St., Naperville — It may not have lights and tinsel, but there are poinsettias and natural beauty as far as the eye can see.

920 Piedmont Circle, Naperville — Jonathan Rado has an animated show with laser lights and window features. Giant C-9 bulbs line the driveway, along with five blowup features, with an arch of candy canes and gum drops.

Villa Park

ADDED! 304 Willowcrest Drive, Villa Park — The ox and lamb keep time in this charming animal-themed Christmas display at the Peterson house, featuring 130 lighted figures and a dancing light show along the fence. Adorbs!

ADDED! 39 W. Madison St, Villa Park — The Fillipp Family Exterior Illimuninations have put up an outstanding display. This year they’re teaming up with Toy Express, which distributes toys to approximately 2,500 underprivileged children in the western suburbs. Come up and drop off a new unwrapped toy in the wishing well. Santa will be visiting with kids on Dec. 14. Lights are on nightly from 5 to 11 p.m.

Warrenville

3s502 Lorraine Ave., Warrenville — Inflatables and plenty of lights, including a scale gingerbread house. They had us at the inflatable weiner dog.

Woodridge

"Mr. Christmas," 2516 Mitchell Drive, Woodridge — Dave Oldham is constantly adding to his work of holiday yard art every year. He's currently running a 6-channel "Mr. Christmas Lights and Sounds of Christmas" box. Runs 5 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. The lights will be on round the clock Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Dave likes to keep his display "old School" to conjure up adults' memories of riding around with their parents looking at lights.

KANE COUNTY

Batavia

269 Landfield Road, Batavia — An elegant display with homemade arches, stars, candy canes and a wall of snowflakes. The homeowner is collecting canned food and shelf stable goods for the Batavia Food Pantry.

Campton Hills

ADDED! Larsen Light Show, 42W891 Beith Road in Campton Hills — The Larsen Light Show is back up and running for the 2019 holiday season. The display, which garnered the grand prize as part of the 2013 reality TV series, the Great Christmas Light Fight, is orchestrated each by homeowner Brian Laresen. In its 14th year, new features for the 2019 season include a pogo stick field and six-foot spheres. There will be new songs and a special song sequenced to Lindsey Stirling's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, according to the display's Facebook page. The show opened for the season on Nov. 28 and will be up and running for the public to view from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 5 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. The display at 42W891 Beith Road in Campton Hills will remain open through Jan. 5, 2020.

Gilberts

214 Glenbrook Court, Gilberts — Tune to 96.5 FM and enjoy this “Christmas Vacation” themed light display, including a military tribute. Every night until Jan. 2. The Johnson family is collecting nonperishable food items for the D300 Food Pantry.

KENDALL COUNTY

Oswego

603 Forest Ave., Oswego — Lights are on from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Plano

12322 E. Mitchell Drive, Plano — Check out the Green family’s synchronized light show. Features lights galore and 16 Christmas songs. They're on 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Yorkville

333 Pensacola St., Yorkville — We have another 12-year-old genius. Alex Dyhouse has designed his own light show. He puts all the lights on himself, except those on the house. He’s made his own trees out of tomato cages, including a mega tree spelling out “Xmas” with a string of lights. There is even a water stream for the reindeer, and “yellow snow” by the dog and cat.

LAKE COUNTY

Highwood

526 Sheridan Road, Highwood — Watch out for the elf force at this Highwood business.

Libertyville

441 Appley Ave., Libertyville — We love the abstract representation of trees Mike Brunette’s display. Lights are on from 5 to 10 p.m.

McHENRY COUNTY

Algonquin

ADDED! 1300 Kendall Avenue, Algonquin— Vintage blow molds deck this cheerful lawn in McHenry County.

Cary

ADDED! 446 Wentworth Circle, Cary — Snowmen all aglow in Cary.

Crystal Lake

401 W Woodstock St., Crystal Lake — We love this retro Christmas display.

1489 Woodscreek Circle, Crystal Lake — The homeowners have been putting on an animated display for 10 years. Christmas music broadcast on 104.7 FM plays quietly in the yard, allowing people walking by to reflect on the meaning of the season. The mix features old and new Christmas songs. Show runs 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cross stays lit all night long.

Fox River Grove

Mack Manor, 1010 Algonquin Rd, Fox River Grove (cross road is Hill Top Lane/Algonquin Road), Fox River Grove — This is an over-the-top drive-through display that takes visitors through an amazing winter wonderland of lights, inflatables and other holiday delights. A legendary display that draws hundreds of visitors each year. Turn off your headlights, stay in your cars and tune into 106.9 FM for a magical Christmas experience. Lights are on daily from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday, weather permitting. Extended hours are planned for Christmas Eve from 5 p.m. to midnight; Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. To avoid long lines, Mack Manor is best viewed at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. NOTE: Google is using various addresses on Algonquin Road (10t66 and 1050); per the homeowner’s advice we googled “Mack Manor” and came up with 1010 Algonquin Road. Visit the Mack Manor Facebook page for more directional info.

Lake in the Hills

ADDED! "Lights on Chantilly,” 5515 Chantilly Circle, Lake in the Hills — Gary and Kelly Strathmann have lined their yard with toy soldiers and candy canes. We love the tree wrapped in lights.

2880 Hillsboro Lane, Lake In The Hills — A lovely, well-composed display in McHenry. Synchronized music runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The lights are on from 4:30 to 11 p.m.

WILL COUNTY

Bolingbrook

419 Callery Drive, Bolingbrook — Jamie Glen is almost done, but always has a nice Christmas display.

252 Laurie Circle, Bolingbrook — If you're in Bolingbrook, cricle over to Laurie and check out this charming display. We love the candy cane border and wintry scenes in the windows.

237 Windsor Drive, Bolingbrook — Wow! We love the retro woodcuts in this magical display. Features a full-size sleigh, toy shop, bakery, eggnog stand, elves, reindeer, skating penguins, and Whoville, including the Grinch lair and Mt. Crumpet.

Channahon

26158 Oak Ridge Court, Channahon — We LOVE Jerry Konek’s heavy metal Christmas light show. Santa and Mrs. Claus are synchronized with the custom animated characters being projected on the side of the house.

Frankfort

20822 S. Hickory Creek Place, Frankfort — Nate puts up a nice display featuring thousands of twinklers.

Homer Glen

14635 Saddle Brooke Lane, Homer Glen — We think Bob Szajkovics’ synchronized display holds the record for 40,000-plus lights. A donation box has been set up to support Shady Oaks Camp for people with disabilities in Homer Glen.

Festive Fiskows, 13115 Sage Ct Homer Glen — It doesn’t get anymore festive than the Fiskows house. The lawn is decked out with 200 blow molds and a tree with covered in 4,600 lights. The Fiskows also have a scavenger hunt with eight miniature blow molds hidden inside. Lights are on from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Joliet

ADDED! 1211 Richmond St., Joliet -- An absolutely gorgeous holiday display. All three levels inside the house are beautifully decorated. You might see Santa peaking out between the curtains.

3502 Indian Head Lane, Joliet — A beautiful display at night. The homeowners are also accepting coat and winter gear donations until Christmas Eve to benefit Will County homeless shelters.

Lights on Evergreen, 3111 Evergreen Drive, Joliet — One of the best light shows submitted this year on the Tour O’ Lights. Watch 37,000 sparklers dancing to 20 songs on 105.3 FM. They're on 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Lockport

ADDED! Lit Lockport Light Show, 16702 W Arbor Terrace, Lockport — This spectacular high-tech Griswold mashup features four singing lighted trees belting out Christmas tunes, contemporary, party and children's songs. Massimo DiSabato has increasing added lights and props throughout the years. A pixel tree made of 400 RGB(1200 channels) lights makes dazzling lighted designs choreographed to music. Visitors can stop by from 5pm - 9pm Monday through Thursday and til 10pm on Friday and Saturdays. Pull up and tune to 92.9FM and enjoy the show. Visit the DiSabatos' Facebook page.

1318 Foxford Lane, Lockport — We’re proud to add the Tobin family’s display. Lights are lit seven days a week from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Manhattan

ADDED! 24361 Shawnee Lane, Manhattan — The Hessers have a charming 3-D projection display that gets a fair amount of traffic. (They were also on Patch’s tour of scary yards.) The display is designed on a computer by hand. Runs nightly from 6 to 10:30 p.m., with audio broadcast on FM radio.

Mokena

9512 Birch Ave., Mokena — Watch the lights dance from the warmth of your car on 105.7 FM. Lights are on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Monee

25658 S. Kensington Lane, Monee — The whole family will enjoy this wonderful light display.

New Lenox

610 W. Woodlawn Road, New Lenox — Tom, Julie, Kayla and Kyle Boyle have added a new reindeer section to their array of plastic blow molds. This dazzling display features changing lights. They’re looking for a reindeer trainer.

Plainfield

8422 Old Ridge Road, Plainfield — The Boat family has just moved to Plainfield. Their 5-acre lot is a veritable canvas of sparkly lights that is only going to get better in the years to come. Jeremy is a Marine and does most the of work. The Boats will be collecting unwrapped toys for Toys For Tots.

1612 Whisper Glen Drive, Plainfield — Jerry forgot to send his address when he submitted photos of his beautiful display.

ADDED! 23833 W. Dayfield Dr., Plainfield — Plainfield Patch Neighbor Anna Foster sent us this photo of a house in her community, saying she not only enjoys what she called an "awesome" light display, but the fact that the house plays Christmas music for passerby!

Romeoville

ADDED! “Misty Ridge Light Show,” 714 N Sleepy Hollow Lane, Romeoville — Veronica’s hubby Kevin puts on an amazing Christmas light show, which features 40,000 lights, handmade yard displays, and a movie screen. Kevin's display draws rave reviews.