(Updated 12/6/07)

Though it's been 12 years since the 1st edition was published in 1995, there are still several of the decorators who continue to decorate and add to their displays. They are listed below by chapter and number. Watch September 2008 for the completely revised 2nd edition of the book, featuring these and nearly 150 more all new displays. Check this site or stores for order information as the publication date draws near.

CHICAGO - DOWNTOWN

1) The tree is now 40' wide and trimmed with giant ornaments. The train layout is new this year. The Christkindl Market is a scrumptous treat!

2) Though the outdoor decorations have changed, look inside the halls and don't miss the display of trees from around the world in Maria Pappas' office.

5) Take a train ride (on weekends only) around a lovely display of stuffed toys (no, you can't ride them too.)

7) same

8) same

11) lobby tree still decorated by volunteers

15) also see the Salvation Army tree and the wonderful train exhibit on the lower floor.

16) same

17) same

18) same decorations, new art exhibits

26) cute trains on subway entrances

27) Nutcracker window theme, 100th anniversary of Walnut Room tree commemorated with history and Martha Stewart trimmings

32) now in red

33) Raul is still at it.

The CTA trims a train instead of a bus. See schedule on their website.

Rudolph the Cab is still around.

CHICAGO - NORTH

13) All city folk should see this ever-changing, delightful display.

14) If you missed it when Butch was around, his son still keeps up with the trimmings.

CHICAGO - SOUTH

1) still glowing

2) Though this particular house may not be decorating, the homes of Longwood Drive always offer something wonderful to see.

7) still a great respite

11) Call for hours.

COOK COUNTY - NORTH

Lincolnwood - Driving up and down the streets of Lincolnwood each year continues to be a thrill as more and more homes get into the act.

3) continues to cause double-takes

4) same

5) same

6) may still display some

8) same

9) brighter than ever

11) now decorated with swags of lighted garland and colored spotlights

12) trees no longer lit, but most balconies are

13) decorations the same

14) still lovely

16) new outfits

22) Warren's well-crafted display has delighted passersby for over 40 years.  He has a lovingly passed it on to the neighbor boy who helped him, who as an adult decorates his home with Warren's handiwork and a touch of his own at 2032 Wilmette Avenue.

24) still castlelike

COOK COUNTY - NORTHWEST

1) Park employees outdo themselves each year at this not-to-miss display. In addition to two twirling ice skaters, four toy soldiers, two arches, two more train cars, and an airplane, the lighted displays added since 1995 feature a reproduction of a 14th century pirate ship!

3) still red and green

8) still lovely

9) Bill has added moving penguins and an igloo to this humorously creative display along with LED lighting.

10) same

12) The tree now glistens with 1,800 lights. Continue east on Millers and south on Leahy a few blocks past Dempster (Thacker) for a giant snowman—also not to miss.

13) The neighbors even have a holiday repair vehicle. Great community effort!

15) old and new figures, a great display for the kiddies

17) handcrafted holiday figures added

21) Toy Soldier Lane no longer exists, but several homes in the area are well lit.

22) Different homes are decorating. Spend 10 minutes driving up and down the streets of this gated community and don't miss the somewhat hidden park on the west end. 

COOK COUNTY - SOUTH

6) same

12) brighter than ever

18) still great

19) bigger and better every year

COOK COUNTY - WEST

3) dramatic laser lighting—a fun addition

4) The tradition lives on.

14) Atlantic Avenue off Irving continues the tradition with Toy Soldier Lane as well as other decorators here and there on other streets.

18) The gingerbread men have dispersed, but can be found all around the block.

DUPAGE COUNTY

10) Though the couple did not decorate last year due to an injury, they promise to be back up to nearly the same proportions as in years past with the aid of volunteers from the area.

11) The tradition has spread throughout the town.

16) Check the museum website for dates and times.

21) Check the museum village website for dates and times.

KANE COUNTY

1) The tradition lives on with much refurbishing.

2) Bigger and brighter than ever.

3) Call museum for dates and times.

6) Still a lovely place to shop.

7) ditto

8) added natural accents from her garden

LAKE COUNTY

3) still some lovely homes, but all no longer decorate

7) decorations the same

9) same

10) now with a real tree

12) Still a lovely place to shop—now with chimes!

14) bigger and better—see website for times and fees

17) The Festival of Lights is well worth the drive—a tremendous volunteer effort, very professionally done!

McHENRY COUNTY

2) still adorable

8) bigger and better

13) still lovely, nestled in the trees

15) a great place for holiday shopping

WILL COUNTY

7) The whole street's gotten into the act.

9) a lovely religious display

10) a nice restful getaway

11) well worth the drive