While recent budget cuts mean we won’t get lights on campus this winter, there’s no need to fret. Many places in Chicago and its surrounding areas are lighting up this season to offer the perfect dose of holiday spirit.
Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights
Starting off the list is a classic. From animals and decorated trees to Disney characters, the event has a large collection of light sculptures, some even dancing to holiday music. There are plenty of activities to choose from — you can watch ice carving, take photos with Santa, watch the Zooltide Light show or join their scavenger hunt. Ticket prices range from $7 to $20; with registration, ZooLights is free on Mondays.
Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape
A 1.3-mile trail of lights and nature will bring you into a living fairytale at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual Lightscape event. The grand light sculptures stay true to the garden theme, weaving seamlessly into the landscape. While you browse the lights, you can jam out the festive playlist that the garden’s website offers and munch on refreshments from their three different vendors. General admission for non-members is $29, so check it out before it ends Jan. 4.
Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest
What’s better than festive holiday lights? Festive holiday lights on amusement park attractions, of course. The Winter WonderFest is an indoor interactive experience featuring a huge Ferris wheel, a giant ice rink and more holiday lights than ever. Ticket prices range from $25 to $35. You can also attend the special opening night fundraiser event Cheer at the Pier on Dec. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Willow Hill Lights
If you have a car — or a friend with a car — this one is for you. Willow Hill Lights is a drive-through holiday lights feature with more than one million lights and a 30-foot Christmas tree, so you can enjoy the lights from the warmth and comfort of your car. Tickets are $40 per car and run until Jan. 4.
The Morton Arboretum’s Illumination
About an hour’s drive from Evanston, the arboretum’s holiday lights offer a truly magical experience. Nominated for USA Today’s Top 10 “Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights” last year, the event features grand light displays that match the huge scale of the arboretum. General tickets for non-members range from $23 to $30, and the show runs until Jan. 3.
Downtown Evanston
You don’t have to spend a dime to see the beautiful holiday lights Evanston has to offer. Especially when it snows, Fountain Square’s lighting display brings about an extra festive mood — and it’s only a short walk from campus.
Whether you choose to stay in Evanston or venture further into the city, there is something to put everyone in holiday spirits. Get out there and enjoy the most magical time of the year with a little extra sparkle!
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