Glow for good: 'Lightscape' preview illuminates Chicago Botanic Garden

The holiday season sparkled at the Chicago Botanic Garden as the Board of Directors and Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society hosted the enchanting 2024 Lightscape Preview on Nov. 14. The evening radiated warmth and community spirit, raising over $1.1 million to support the Garden’s mission in plant conservation science, urban agriculture, educational programming and maintaining its world-renowned living museum.

More than 650 guests gathered for the celebration, marking the sixth year of Lightscape, a beloved holiday tradition. The event offered an exclusive first look at the all-new path, showcasing breathtaking installations debuting for the first time. Highlights included the Neon Singing Tree and the mesmerizing Winter Galaxy, along with returning favorites such as the iconic Winter Cathedral. The trail’s immersive beauty served as a backdrop for socializing, laughter, and shared wonder, setting the perfect tone for the festive season.

Guests were greeted with welcome cocktails like The Illuminator—a delightful twist on spiked hot cocoa—and Cranberry Ginger Mimosas. Along the illuminated trail, they enjoyed savory and sweet bites, including beef and vegetable empanadas and s’mores kits. The festivities continued with an elegant dinner in the Regenstein Center, featuring a sumptuous menu of carved beef wellington, butternut squash risotto and pan-seared sea scallops.

The event was steered by co-chairs Craig Niemann and Anita Tyson from the Board of Directors, along with Woman’s Board members René Svach and Linda Falotico, whose efforts brought together an unforgettable evening of magic and generosity.

Nestled in the heart of Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a living testament to the power and beauty of nature. Established in 1972 by the Chicago Horticultural Society, the Garden spans 385 acres of meticulously designed landscapes, featuring 28 gardens and natural areas, including lakes, woodlands, and prairies. As one of the world's leading botanical institutions, it attracts over a million visitors annually, offering a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Through initiatives like Lightscape, the Garden continues to connect people with the natural world while fostering a spirit of conservation and discovery. 

This year’s Lightscape Preview was a shimmering reminder of the Garden’s commitment to celebrating and preserving nature. (Lightscape runs through Jan. 5)