Lightscape returns to Chicago Botanic Garden Nov.13 through Jan. 3. (Photo by Jeff Carrion / Chicago Botanic Garden)
The holiday season gets a little brighter when Lightscape returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden on Nov. 13, bringing an illuminated evening trail, spectacular new art installations and plenty of opportunities for holiday photo ops.
Running on select evenings through Jan. 3, 2027, the popular holiday attraction will transform the Garden’s outdoor landscape into a glowing wonderland of color, music and light. This year’s edition features several installations making their U.S. debut, offering returning visitors something new to discover along the winding trail.
Lightscape returns to Chicago Botanic Garden Nov.13 through Jan. 3. (Photo by Jeff Carrion / Chicago Botanic Garden)
Among the highlights is Infinite Choir, created by British artist collective Squidsoup. The celestial installation combines light and sound to create the impression of an overhead choir, with waves of illumination flowing through the surrounding space.
French creative studio Pitaya contributes two additional showstoppers. Lumycena features 12 oversized, glowing mushroom forms reaching up to 13 feet tall, while XXL Trees showcases eight towering potted trees, each standing more than nine feet high and decorated with winter flowers that sparkle in shades of yellow and orange.
Lightscape returns to Chicago Botanic Garden Nov.13 through Jan. 3. (Photo by Jeff Carrion / Chicago Botanic Garden)
Fan favorites will also return, including the atmospheric Winter Cathedral and Fire Garden, giving visitors a mix of familiar holiday magic and fresh surprises.
The experience extends beyond the light displays with special programming throughout the season. Jingle Jam Family Nights will give younger visitors the opportunity to meet Santa and other friendly characters. For adults looking for a different kind of holiday outing, designated 21+ Nights will offer an adults-only experience with specialty cocktails and mocktails available for purchase.
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“During a season that moves fast, sometimes all it takes is one magical night with family and friends to remember what the season is about,” said Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president of Visitor Events & Programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden. She added that the team strives to introduce something new each year and create at least one moment along the trail that makes visitors stop and say “wow.”
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Produced in partnership with Sony Music and creatively produced by Culture Creative, Lightscape has become a seasonal tradition for families, couples and groups of friends looking to add a little sparkle to their holiday celebrations.
Tickets are priced according to the date and time selected, with popular weekend and holiday-period evenings generally carrying higher prices. Some less busy weekday dates are available for under $30. Advance reservations are encouraged, particularly for those hoping to attend on peak dates.
Lightscape runs Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, on select evenings at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe.
For tickets, schedules and additional information, visit chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.
Sources and event information:
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