Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Lightscape turns the Chicago Botanic Garden’s lakes and woods into a lit walking trail of about 1.3 miles. This season runs November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027, and the garden says more than 80 percent of the installations are new, including a walk-in snow globe and a dancing ballerina of light synchronized to the landscape. The trail is open 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. most nights with last entry at 8:45 p.m.; some dates close at 9:30 p.m. with last entry at 7:45 p.m.

Tickets are timed in 15-minute entry windows and priced by demand, so quieter weeknights cost less than December weekends. The garden’s site lists many dates under $30, and nonmember tickets carry a $3 service fee. Special nights include a sensory-friendly evening on December 2, Jingle Jam nights on December 9 and 16, and 21-and-over nights on December 10 and January 1. Museums for All discounts apply on selected dates.

Paths are paved or crushed gravel and work for wheelchairs and strollers; the garden loans manual wheelchairs first come, first served, and free sensory backpacks are available at the entrance.

Plan your visit

Metra’s Union Pacific North line stops at Braeside, about a mile’s walk from the entrance, and Pace bus 213 runs along Green Bay Road; most visitors drive. Nonmember parking is $18 per car in advance or $25 at the gate, and members park free. Weekend nights in the two weeks before Christmas sell out, and the last entry windows are the least crowded. It is an hour or more outdoors, so wear boots and bring gloves; hot drinks are sold along the route.