Lightscape Returns to Brighten Dark Nights

Winter Cathedral
Winter Cathedral Photo credit Jeff Carrion/Chicago Botanic Garden

If you haven’t caught the Northern Lights this week, there are still ample opportunities to see lots of colors in the sky over north suburban Glencoe.

The popular Lightscape exhibit returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden on Friday.

Organizers say about 250,000 people visit each year for the event, which started in 2019.

Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president of Visitor Events & Programs, says they change about 80% of the light, art and music displays.

“You’re going to see a lot of overhead installations… which is really nice and calming and beautiful,” she told WBBM at a preview.

There’s a new installation from UK artist group Squidsoup that pulsates lights in an orb to electronic music.

Squidsoup installation
Squidsoup Photo credit Jeff Carrion/Chicago Botanic Garden

The 1.3-mile route ends with the popular Winter Cathedral you’ve likely seen on social media.

The ticketed event runs November 14th - January 4th

Featured Image Photo Credit: Nancy Harty