Holiday lights around Chicago: 12 displays for 2022, from Botanic Garden to the zoos (with some indoor options too)

Your bellies may still be recovering from all of that Thanksgiving turkey, but it’s now socially acceptable to say that it’s the most wonderful time of the year! And what better way to celebrate the holidays than strolling through the crisp winter air while gazing at some brilliant light displays?

Here is our list of sparkling light shows in and around Chicago, with a few indoor options if you want to avoid the cold, as well as some in-person reports.

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden

The first stop on our 2022 holiday lights extravaganza was the Botanic Garden. Entrance into Lightscape is staggered and you can stay until 11 p.m. A lot of the weekend dates sell out, so consider going during the week to avoid the peak crowds.

Though I’ve been to the show before, Jodi Zombolo, the Garden’s associate vice president of visitor events and programs, said it will still be a new experience since about 80% of the show changes each year. But don’t worry, fan favorites like the very-Instagrammable Winter Cathedral and the Fire Garden are back.

Some of the new displays are by international artists. Lightscape draws from places like Europe, the UK and Australia where light art as a form of work is much more prevalent, said Zoe Bottrell, the managing director of Culture Creative, which produces Lightscape.

One of the new features this year is a world premiere from French artist Pitaya called “Spark Ballet.” The display takes the idea of a ballerina from a music box and puts that into lanterns. Bottrell described the effect as like seeing fireflies caught inside a jar.

There’s no real theme to each lightscape season. Organizers instead focus on what makes the show unique: its location at the Botanic Gardens. “It’s very much about us telling the Garden’s story and using the Garden’s specific features,” Bottrell said.

The trail is 1.25-miles long, so put on your comfiest walking shoes and dress warmly. It typically takes visitors between 45 minutes to 75 minutes to walk the path, depending on your pace and how frequently you stop to enjoy the views. We’re fast walkers but it took us about 2 hours to go through the whole route since we had a long detour for food, stopped a few times to snap photos and perused the gift shop before we left.

The drinks and snacks for sale include some classic festive options like holiday sugar cookies and mulled wine. This year, Nichols Hall and Burnstein Hall are serving larger bites, like mac and cheese, warm pretzels with cheese sauce, and chicken tenders with waffle fries. But the lines are long, so I’d recommend sticking to snacks from the first booth on the path or at McGinley Pavilion, where you can also watch a water and lights show — though beware, we did get sprayed a bit when the wind picked up.

Some of the displays have flashing lights, but there are no strobe effects here. There is, however, an excellent section full of lights, disco balls and upbeat pop music. One of my favorite installations this year was a tunnel of hanging star lanterns you could walk through as they changed colors.

“It’s a great time for family and it’s for all ages — even babies in strollers like to look at the lights,” Zombolo said.

Through Jan. 8, 2023, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe; tickets are $30, children ages 2 and under are free. Parking is an additional $20 per vehicle ($10 if purchased in advance). More information at chicagobotanic.org/lightscape

— Kayla Samoy

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

This event is one of the more affordable options on our list, though some attractions cost additional tickets, like the carousel, train, Ferris wheel, light maze and a fire pit where you can toast up some s’mores.

You can snap a photo with Santa through Dec. 23, see live ice carving on Fridays and Saturdays, or catch some Christmas carolers on Sundays before Christmas.

We picked a later entrance time and happened to go on a chilly night before the week was set to warm up, so the zoo wasn’t crowded. Hot chocolate was essential to stay warm, and popping into the zoo buildings to see some animals also helped keep us from freezing. Most of the animals were sleeping, but we did get to see some apes snuggling together in their slumber.

But do note that some of the zoo buildings close before the overall event ends at 10 p.m., so make sure to time your route. We raced through the Regenstein African Journey building 10 minutes before it closed so we could see the giraffes.

Standout displays include a color-changing light tunnel near the entrance, a fire-breathing dragon and a beautifully simplistic Chicago skyline display.

ZooLights also offers special events like a sensory-friendly night on Dec. 14, BrewLights on Dec. 1, a tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Dec. 11, the Holidaze adult night on Dec. 15 and a New Year’s Eve event on Dec. 31.

4:30 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 18-23, Nov. 25-30, Dec. 2-14, Dec. 16-23, Dec. 26-31 and Jan. 1., 2023, at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street; tickets are $5 and are required for guests of all ages (including infants) Tuesday through Sunday, free on Mondays. More information at lpzoo.org/event/zoolights

— Kayla Samoy

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry

If you need a break from the outdoor options, head inside the Museum of Science and Industry, which has an annual celebration that highlights holiday traditions from around the world.

The “Christmas Around the World” exhibit boasts more than 50 trees that are decorated by volunteers and highlight different cultures and customs. But the centerpiece is a giant four-story Grand Tree in the middle of the space that’s decked out with purple, pink and gold ornaments and, of course, lots of sparkling lights.

Meanwhile, “Holidays of Light” takes a look at global holidays throughout the year that honor light and enlightenment, such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day and St. Lucia Day.

As a Filipina, I was thrilled to see that there is a tree for the Philippines, which features some handmade decorations that consist of pineapple fiber, capiz shells, bamboo or tropical leaves.

The Philippines takes the holiday very seriously, and boasts the longest Christmas season in the world with decorating and celebrations beginning as early as September. Maligayang pasko!

Through Jan. 8, 2023, at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive; tickets are $22 for adults, $13 for children ages 3 to 11. More information at msichicago.org

— Kayla Samoy

Illumination at the Morton Arboretum

Just pulling into the parking lot of the Morton Arboretum, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, you’re greeted by trees decked out in bright-colored lights.

After checking in at the visitor center, you’ll follow a mile-long path through a series of creative installations. Walk under strips of iridescent fabric swaying in the wind at the Enchanted Gateway, which lets out near Meadow Lake, where a line of lighthouse-like structures illuminate the nearby trees in orange, pink and purple. A sculpture made from hanging disco balls and LED lights creates the effect of a shimmering tree in Woodland Wonder while Color Play lets visitors change the hues shining in a forest by waving their hands over a glowing ring.

Kids and their parents seemed to equally love projecting goofy poses onto a shadow wall and stopping to take a picture embracing one of the burlap-wrapped trees outfitted with “hug me” signs. There’s a field strewed with giant ornaments and you’ll want to pause to look up while walking through scaffolding decorated with bright-colored ornate lanterns.

The soundtrack offers pleasant classical Christmas tunes and if you need a break from the elements, you can huddle around a fire pit or stop in a concession tent selling hot cider and cocoa. They also offer s’mores kits for roasting.

New this year is Electric Illumination, where the show will be ages 18+ only from 9:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Dec. 16, 23 and 30 and set to trance and progressive house music.

4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 7, 2023, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle; tickets are $16 to $27, children under the age of 2 are free. More information at mortonarb.org

— Samantha Nelson

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

The 41st annual display includes 750 community trees (its largest number ever) from donors from Girl Scout troops to families setting up a memorial, plus 70 larger trees from corporate sponsors arranged around the Roosevelt Fountain at the center of the park.

The zoo is decorated with more than 2 million lights and is packed with spectacular displays that are popular spots for family photos and proposals, including a 20-foot-tall orb and a gingerbread house. You can be mesmerized by the 600-foot-long Tunnel of Lights or take in a synchronized light and music show in the Sea of Lights. Pose for a picture near an illuminated sculpture of a bear, giraffe or bison, or watch the zoo’s residents enjoying the weather.

“Some of these animals, this is really their time of year to shine,” said Leah Rippe, Brookfield Zoo’s vice president, of marketing and communications. “The bears love the snow, the tigers love the snow, the leopards love the snow. There’s just lots to see and do, not only outside, but inside the animal habitats as well.”

Pick up a map and try to spot 27 gnomes hidden throughout the zoo. Kids can also bring letters for Santa or their favorite animal to drop off. For adults, there’s a full bar serving festive drinks such as hot chocolate spiked with Bailey’s.

For an extra $7 you can skate on a synthetic ice rink. A limited number of skate rentals are available for $5.

3 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St, Brookfield; tickets $25, $18 for kids ages 3-11 and $20 for seniors. Parking is $15. More information at czs.org

— Samantha Nelson

Illuminated at the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford

If you’re willing to drive a bit further out from Chicago, you can experience the 12-acre Anderson Japanese Gardens with its trees wrapped in string lights or illuminated in bright colors.

Visitors can sip on hot chocolate and coffee, and food trucks will be selling food. There are also outdoor firepits where guests can get warm. Plus, on Fridays and Saturdays, choir groups and bands from nearby schools will perform.

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 1-11 and Dec. 15-30 at the Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford; tickets are $11 for adults, free for children ages 5 and under. More information at andersongardens.org/illuminated

— Kayla Samoy

Sparkle Light Festival in Rosemont

Visit illuminated zones throughout the stadium such as the Frozen Forest and the North Pole, navigate a maze of lights or take a free train ride. Families can take advantage of a kid’s maze, rides and other interactive activities. Festive food and drinks are available for purchase and you can go tubing on an alpine slide for an extra $22.

Through Jan. 1, 2023, at Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont; tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 2 through 12. More information at sparklerosemont.com

— Samantha Nelson

Amaze Light Festival in Tinley Park

Walk through five themed displays such as the Land of Sweets and a Whimsical Forest. Light shows kick off every 30 minutes, and every two hours you can see live music and a dance performance on stage. Browse handmade gifts at the markets and pick up a snack from a food truck or Sparky’s Sweet Spot, a candy store decorated with giant lollipops and trees. Kids can play video games and write a letter to Santa at Zing’s Toyporium. Train rides and tubing are available for additional fees.

4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on select dates through Jan. 8, 2023, at Chicagoland’s Odyssey Fun World, 19111 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park; tickets are $36 for adults, $30 for children, children under the age of 2 are free. Parking is $20 ($15 if purchased in advance). More information at amazelightfestival.com

— Samantha Nelson

City of Chicago Christmas Tree at Millennium Park

The 109th Chicago Christmas Tree is a classic holiday city tradition that dates back to 1913. This year’s tree was donated by Mike and Vesna Glisovic from Morton Grove and is about 54 feet tall.

Millennium Park also offers other events such as skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along on select Fridays.

Nov. 18 through Jan. 8, 2023, in Millennium Park near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, more information at chicago.gov

— Kayla Samoy

Light up the Lake at Navy Pier

The indoor experience has added several new interactive elements this year including a memory game, a place to stomp color-changing lights on the floor and a maze built from 100 8-foot-tall illuminated birch trees. The space features giant holiday-themed sculptures, a 60-foot light tunnel and a 40-foot tree.

Take a train ride to Santa’s Village, where kids can share their wishes in person or drop off a letter. Show off your moves on the ice rink and take a free ride on the Centennial Wheel to get a great view of Lake Michigan and the city. For an extra fee, you can buy a wand used to interact with 30 magic objects throughout the experience.

Through Jan. 7, 2023, at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Ave; tickets start at $27 for adults, $17 for children ages 3 to 12, more information at navypier.org/light-up-the-lake/

— Samantha Nelson

Art on theMart at Merchandise Mart

Not exactly a sparkling lights display, but you can watch, projected onto the side of the huge iconic building, the return of a show dedicated to “The Nutcracker” by Joffrey Ballet, with music from Tchaikovsky’s score.

7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. through Dec. 30 on the Riverwalk, or seen from Wacker Drive between Wells and Franklin streets across from Merchandise Mart; free, more information at artonthemart.com

— Kayla Samoy

‘The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle’ at Lighthouse ArtSpace

Another show that’s more video projections than lights, this event embraces the trend of immersive experiences and puts a holiday twist to it. The 30-minute exhibit tells the story of “The Nutcracker” through projections of animated characters and footage of professional ballet dancers set to music by Peter Tchaikovsky.

Through Dec. 31 at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, 108 W. Germania Place; tickets start at $30, more information at immersive-nutcracker.com/chicago

— Kayla Samoy

Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.