COVID-19 has stopped many people from going to Christmas light shows in-person this Holiday season, but there are still certain places that remain open for pedestrian viewing. One such place lies on Higgins Road in Rosemont. The spectacular lights display takes months (exactly thirteen weeks) of preparation, beginning as early as the first of Sep., to be ready for the Christmas season.

According to Mayor Bradley Stephen, the tradition utilizing more than 80,000 lights and lightbulbs of all colors, began with his father, who enjoyed Christmas so much that he decided to have a lights display for everyone to enjoy. 

Among the joyous Christmas decorations set up throughout, there is a large blown-up Santa, nutcrackers, snowmen, a small live petting zoo, a ‘Santas Flight School’ moving lights display of a reindeer learning to fly, and a large Christmas tree. There’s also a Santa’s Sleigh statue complete with four reindeer featured, which is perfect for taking pictures in.

For small kids, they have the ‘Rosemont Station’ mini-booth that has a small village and a train chugging along throughout it, as well as another booth that displays two Christmas trees with ornaments made by local elementary students. In this display, there are two moving toys, Santa and Mrs. Claus, which have masks on as a little COVID joke. Not only that, but there’s a Santa’s Cottage, a small house furnished to look like Santa’s house. It isn’t available for entry, but the cozy inside is visible through the large windows.

The lights displays are set up in numerous locations, such as Westin Park, Rosemont Theatre, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Village Hall, River Road Interchanges, Burgermeister Park, and Dunne Park. The switch is ‘flipped on’ by Santa on Nov. 23, and the lights are available for viewing from 4 pm to 1 am. Before COVID, there was also an annual party in Parkway Bank Park, known as “Light up the Park,” to kick off the Christmas lights, but due to COVID, this year’s event has been canceled. 

I highly recommend going to Rosemont during this holiday season, as it is a COVID safe way to celebrate this holiday season and a place for adults, teenagers, and children alike to enjoy a winter light show.