Holiday lights are proof that humans will do almost anything to keep the darkness at bay. We string bulbs on trees, across rooftops and occasionally around our pets (when they begrudgingly allow it)—a collective act of optimism disguised as decoration. This year, I set out to see just how far that optimism could stretch. Spoiler: about 1.3 miles, with hot cocoa stands scattered along the way.
Across the Midwest, these glowing LED spectacles have become their own winter ecosystem, spilling across parking lots and parklands alike—some charming, others best viewed with ibuprofen and tinted glasses. But one event that truly delivers on its promise of holiday cheer is Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden. For the past seven years, the Glencoe attraction has transformed its grounds into a dazzling multi-sensory experience. The Garden dubbed this year’s iteration of Lightscape “brightest, boldest, and most unforgettable” yet—and, for once, the press release didn’t grossly exaggerate.
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I attended a preview of Lightscape during friends and family night, a couple of days before its public opening. As someone with an on-again, off-again relationship with the holiday spirit—some years I embrace it with the zeal of Clark Griswold, other years the grief and compulsory cheer leave me in an emotional tailspin—I arrived with cautious optimism. I was open to being dazzled into a yuletide haze by a few thousand LEDs, but I wasn’t expecting the promise of the premise to hold up.
I’m greeted by Jodi Zombolo, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s associate vice president of visitor events and programs, who has spearheaded Lightscape since its debut. She walks me through what’s new this year: Although I’ve attended Lightscape before, she assures me that each season brings a completely different experience—the path, the installations, even the music (which is provided by Sony Music, one of Lightscape's many corporate partners). I’m relieved to hear that two fan favorites—and personal favorites—are back: the half-mile of singing trees that harmonize to holiday tunes, and the Winter Cathedral, a glowing golden tunnel strung with thousands of flower-shaped lights.
“I love watching families come together here in the Welcome Plaza—all happy and joyful,” Zombolo tells me. “That’s what this is about: bringing people together so they can step away from everything for a little while, enjoy being outside and just be with each other.”
As Zombolo tells me this at the foot of the silver arch that welcomes visitors, friends reunite, older guests catch their breath after the trek from the Garden’s far-flung parking lots and couples primp in preparation for the many, many photo ops ahead. I cross the trellis—gleaming like a string of silver bells—and step into the dreamy glow of the trees, ready to be swallowed whole by holiday cheer.
From the start, Lightscape proves why it’s reigned supreme as one of the region’s standout light shows. It strikes a balance that many similar displays miss—grand without feeling gaudy, immersive without trying too hard. The pacing of the path feels deliberate: moments of quiet reflection punctuated by bursts of spectacle. The sound design, though, will likely prove polarizing for visitors. One moment, contemplative choral harmonies and ambient scores are featured; the next, they’re replaced by Christmas carol remixes fused to trap beats and saccharine mall pop ballads. My own musical gripes aside, Lightscape remains artful but approachable—a rare combination in the world of holiday attractions.
To maintain a sense of variety, each new edition of Lightscape brings a new walking path and new works from international artists. This season, OGE Design Group contributed “Light a Wish”—giant, dandelion-like seeds suspended in midair, their lights pulsing as if breathing. Another new addition, “Illusion Hole” casts a hypnotic, black hole-esque light pattern across a pitch dark pond. And praise be, a few fan favorites return: the half-mile of singing trees harmonizing to Christmas classics, and the golden “Winter Cathedral,” still as stunning (and mildly blinding) as ever.
On the practical side: If you’re hoping to sample the concessions—and you should, especially the peppermint pavlovas and warm cocktails—bring a wealth of patience. I found a 25-foot line at nearly every stand. And maybe bring some actual wealth too: A couple snacks and a cocktail in a souvenir cup could easily set you back $45. Comfortable shoes are a must, or walking sticks if you’re feeling hardcore. The full walk takes about 90 minutes—two hours if you stop to take in the details—and the uneven terrain will remind you of every muscle you’ve neglected since July.
Upon arriving at Lightscape, I hadn’t planned on feeling much of anything. I came for a pleasant look-see, maybe a few good photos and a festive cocktail. But somewhere between the grove of flaming bronze trees and a field of iridescent blue crocuses, I found myself smiling—really beaming—and then, inconveniently, crying. Perhaps it was the impeccable cup of cocoa that moved me to tears or the lights singing my retinas. Or maybe it was just plain nice to savor something bright for a change, if only for a night.
Lightscape is on view at the Chicago Botanic Garden until January 4, 2026. Tickets are $29–$33 for adults and $16–$19 for children. 21+ nights are also scheduled on November 19, December 4 and January 2. Tickets can be purchased here.