Lights, Crystal Formations & Family Fun: Discover Cave Lights at Cave of the Mounds

Did you know one of the most unique attractions in Wisconsin does a Christmas light show? And the best part: you don’t have to wait until nightfall to enjoy it. Me neither, until today!

Favorite Holiday Traditions

One of the things I love most about the holiday season is that there are so many events and beautiful light shows to go see throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.

Every family has their own list of holiday traditions, and a few of my family's favorites are:

1. Going to Stoll on State in Downtown Rockford.
2. Walking through the lights outside Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens.
3. Spending a full weekend baking Christmas cookies.
4. Finding one new holiday light show to visit that we've never seen before.

Last year we checked out the lights at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin for the first time, but where should we go this year? I think we should head back to Wisconsin to check out Cave Lights at Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin!

Christmas at Cave of the Mounds

I remember going to Cave of the Mounds on an elementary school field trip and being amazed byt its awe-inspiring underground beauty. This natural national landmark is a place I have always wanted to take my children to, and today I realized we have been missing out on something awesome for years: Cave Lights at Cave of the Mounds.

If you thought wandering the ancient limestone passages, crystal formations, and  cool underground rooms at Cave of the Mounds was cool in the summer, wait until you experience them at Christmas!

Cave Lights at Cave of the Mounds will be open daily from 9 a.m. (tours begin at 10 a.m.) until 5 p.m. (last tour at 4 p.m.) beginning on Friday, November 28, 2025,  through January 31, 2026. On select days in December and January, the Cave Lights will stay open later so you can enjoy the full outdoor holiday experience that Cave of the Mounds has to offer too.

Tickets are not required to be purchased in advance, but can be purchased online now at caveofthemounds.com.