5 Most Magical Times of Year to Visit Illinois

The harvest season in fall is one of the best times to visit Illinois if you’d like to admire the beauty of the natural world. Each fall, the state’s varied tree species showcase their leaves as they display hues of red, yellow, orange, bronze, and even purple. Journey through majestic landscapes to view this transformation in glorious action. 

Autumnal vibes abound during this season, and you’ll come across warming campfires, fall festivals, and pumpkin patches. Lose yourself in a tantalizing corn maze or hop on a fun hayride. Local farmers’ markets overflow with fresh produce and seasonal treats, and you could also stop by a farm or orchard to pick your own apples, pumpkins, and more. 

A visit to Illinois during the Light Up the Lake festival in late November and December is a truly magical experience. Held in Chicago’s Navy Pier, this enchanting event transforms the area into a winter wonderland with dazzling lakefront light displays, festive decorations, cozy firepits, and live entertainment. You can ride the illuminated Centennial Ferris Wheel, whizz around the indoor ice rink, and browse through the holiday market’s wide variety of seasonal gifts and tasty treats. 

You’ll find the Light Up the Lake festival at Navy Pier, Chicago’s waterfront entertainment hub. Skate hire is available at the ice rink or take your own skates for free entry. 

Lilac Time at Lilacia Park is an annual horticultural showcase that takes place during the first 3 weeks of May in Lombard, about 20 miles west of Chicago. Featuring over 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips each year, the event is a spectacle of color and natural beauty. The scent of lilacs drifts sweetly through the air as you stroll through the quiet parkland and admire the flowers in full bloom. 

If you’re visiting Illinois outside of the Lilac Time season, you’ll be happy to know that Lilacia Park is open throughout the year and holds other events, like egg hunts, outdoor summer movies, fall festivals, and holiday lights. Admission to the park is free, although some special events are ticketed. 

The Great Galena Balloon Race takes place during the third weekend of June every year, and it’s an unforgettable experience. Held in the charming town of Galena in northwest Illinois, the race features multi-colored hot air balloons soaring gracefully through the summer skies. The balloons fly in the early morning and evening, weather permitting, and there are also spectacular “night glow” events after dark. 

As well as hot air balloon flights, the Great Galena Balloon Race has live music, inflatables for the kids, and a classic car show. Take blankets, chairs, and whatever else you need to watch the balloons in comfort.

The Chicago Jazz Festival is held annually on the weekend before Labor Day, either at the end of August or the start of September at Chicago’s Millennium Park, with additional programming throughout the city. This late summer music festival has a long history and an extraordinary lineup, and it’s entirely free. You can savor the sounds of legendary musicians and emerging artists from all over the world as they fill the air with one of the city’s best-loved art forms.

The festival has a lively and inclusive atmosphere, with a range of family-friendly activities. Settle into the fixed seating or the lawn area at the Pritzker Pavilion in the evenings for a magnificent sunset backdrop to your musical enjoyment.