Lightscape 2024 Heralds the Chicago Holiday Season at Chicago Botanic Garden

 

Disclosure: Thank you to Chicago Botanic Garden for accommodating my visit to Lightscape. All opinions are my own.

Lightscape sparkles once again at Chicago Botanic Garden. In its 6th year, Lightscape crafts spectacular holiday magic with dazzling and imaginative light, music, and motion displays interwoven within the gardens. I was delighted to explore Lightscape this week and was entirely amazed by this year's show finding it to be my favorite of the six shows so far.

Highlights of Lightscape 2024

This year's Lightscape really lifts the spirits on what would normally be a cold, winter evening. Over the past few years, Lightscape has become a tradition that I look forward to. This year's event is incredible! My Lightscape highlights for 2024:

A carpet of delicate flames dances upon the water during
Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape.

Delicate Flames Dance On Water

The fire garden always reigns as a favorite of mine. This year's is absolutely divine -- fire lights emanate from the Japanese Garden draping over water while the garden itself is awash with lights changing colors highlighting its beautiful trees and shrubs. Soon after experiencing the fire garden, the trail leads guests past the sparkling blue waterfall as Chinese lanterns gently sway overhead. The two displays together are outstanding.

Magical blue lights cascade as a waterfall during Lightscape
 at Chicago Botanic Garden.

Chinese lantern gently way overhead from trees during Lightscape.

Stars Light Up Chicago Botanic Garden in Winter Galaxy 

Cosmic stars of a variety of sizes have fallen to the ground at Chicago Botanic Garden. The stars captivate with light patterns while beaming rays into the night sky. The display flows with music and creates a truly joyful holiday moment. I loved viewing Winter Galaxy from a variety of vantage points during our adventure along the trail.

Winter Galaxy captivates with stars, changing lights, and music.

Submergence Mystifies with Light Patterns and Music

Submergence invites visitors to become part of the exhibit and float among dangling lights with patterns changing to the music. Crafted by Squidsoup, this exhibit offers a wonderful spot for that holiday selfie!!! What a joy to be "submerged" in whimsical lights!

Pausing for a selfie while submerged within changing lights
in Submergence during Lightscape.

Winter Cathedral Returns

Perennial favorite Winter Cathedral returns! Strolling within the arched light display, it is hard to not want to take a picture or video. Winter Cathedral caps off another fabulous Lightscape!

Dazzled again by Winter Cathedral at Lightscape.

Tempting Tastebuds

Food stations keep guests satiated throughout the trail with a range of treats and beverages. A s'mores station in the Courtyard of Love by the Regenstein Center easily makes for a favorite. Inside the Regenstein Center, revelers will find dinner options including street tacos, bbq, and pizza. November 21 and December 5 are special 21+ days at Lightscape (only open to those 21 and over from 7PM-11PM) and will feature special cocktails and mocktails.

Festive Launch to the Holiday Season

Lightscape heralds a festive launch to the holiday season year after year. This year's event truly lights up a winter evening with a magical blend of shapes, lights, music, movement, themes, and nature. Special theme Nights inviting revelers to don glowing items on Tuesdays, pajamas on Wednesdays, and ugly Christmas sweaters on Thursdays and to the fun. Remember to get your tickets soon, because dates will sell out:  https://www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape