Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape

BPO Takes Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden

*Full transparency, this is a paid blog post. All opinions are from my own experience.

This is the second time we visited Chicago Botanic Gardens’ Lightscape. I felt like this year was an all-time high for the event. From the music choices to the massive dazzling displays, this might be the best light show in the Chicagoland area. I say that because we try to visit all of the outdoor light shows and this one has always left a lasting impression on us. We are excited to share our experience and hope this blog encourages more families like us to attend.  

When we first arrived we parked in the lot and took a short walk over to booth 4 to pick up our tickets. The staff at the ticket booth and parking lot are always friendly and willing to answer all of our questions. They did a great job making us feel comfortable and welcome upon arrival. 

This is one of the most accessible events in nature because you legit CANNOT GET LOST. I know a lot of people don't like to explore the woods during the day so what makes us think people aren't afraid of exploring at night? Relax, the Garden has staff with glow sticks to point you in the right direction. I know we find strength in numbers and numbers you will find. The route is filled with people and families so you will never be alone. What a relief for us! 

First off, this was the perfect start to crack open the holiday season and build up our holiday spirit. This whole entire experience was really exciting and entertaining to us. We love exploring the outdoors then sending you to explore too! The first and most memorable installation was the rainbow road. It's a totally immersive lane of colors to lead you into the 1.3 miles of light displays. Did I mention the route is ADA accessible? Crushed gravel in some places but it's mostly a paved sidewalk that leads you down the light filled path. 

The next installation can be seen from the expressway. Yes, the lights are so grand that you can see them from the roads. It got us excited before we pulled up to the scene. The art we saw from the road was the fire display. This year’s Firelight Harmony was so much larger than last year. The display had torches lit up on land and water with crazy spotlights lighting the way. It made the air a little smoky but it reminded me of the holidays. 

Let’s not forget the three booths to stop along for drinks and snacks. We grabbed two beef glizzys and a spiked hot chocolate and went about our way. We stopped and sat on the many benches along the way. We were eating and people watching, which is one of our favorite past times, ha. After our break we continued with my second most favorite installation - the Neon Singing Tree! I loved how the trees were lit up in a rainbow but then you can see its roots also lit up. To me that signifies how although we don't get to see the roots of a tree, it's still a vital part of the tree’s life and existence. 

Last year the most fun installation was the exciting string lights. It’s back, but this year it’s a 10X10ft square area of lights hanging and dancing to the beat of the music. The display was actually really beautiful and entertaining, but we liked last year’s version with its clearer path.

On the way out we stopped to grab the cranberry mimosa… and BAY-BEE that drink was strong!!! I got the virgin cocktail but tried Kam’s, and OMG the way I grew hair on my chest!!! They gave him a vodka cranberry. We could not stop laughing at how lit the parents were going to be. Like, it was strong! We loved how they had their drinks flowing. 

We walked around for about 2 hours in total. We saw 3-4 installations along the trail, but I think Chicago Botanic Garden has 13 exhibits for you to marvel at. The path should only take you about an hour. For such a short drive outside of the city, it’s definitely worth it. I can't wait for y'all to check it out. Make sure you check our Instagram to enter to win a pair of FREE VIP tickets. 

See ya out there!