Three light installations that have never been shown in the United States will anchor the 2026 Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.

The Garden announced the full lineup for its annual holiday trail on Sept. 23. Lightscape runs on select dates from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, 2027, with public tickets on sale since Sept. 22 at chicagobotanic.org/lightscape. Several weekday dates are priced under $30.

The headliners are "Infinite Choir," by U.K. collective Squidsoup, and two pieces by French studio Pitaya: "Lumycena" and "XXL Trees." Squidsoup, active since 1997, describes "Infinite Choir" as a celestial choir whose voices flow through space in waves of light and sound.

Pitaya's "Lumycena" features twelve mushroom-cap structures sprouting to 13 feet tall and glowing in multiple colors. "XXL Trees" sends eight potted trees soaring past 9 feet, covered in winter flowers that sparkle yellow and orange.

Pitaya is no stranger to the Garden. The studio premiered "Spark Ballet" and "Flynn" during the 2022 Lightscape season.

Returning favorites include the Winter Cathedral and the Fire Garden. The Garden's ticketing page also lists two additional new features: a larger-than-life snow globe and a "ballerina of light" that twirls across the night sky.

"Every year we challenge ourselves to create something new and ensure there is at least one moment along the trail when everyone stops to say 'wow,'" said Jodi Zombolo, the Garden's associate vice president of visitor events and programs.

Special nights and access

Jingle Jam Family Nights, where families can meet Santa and other characters, fall on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. Adults-only 21+ Nights, with specialty cocktails and mocktails for purchase, are scheduled for Dec. 10 and Jan. 1, 2027.

A Sensory Friendly night with reduced crowd capacity and lowered lights and music is set for Dec. 2. Museums for All nights, where SNAP benefit recipients can buy tickets at a reduced price, are scheduled for Nov. 19, Dec. 3, 9, 10 and 16, and Jan. 1, 2 and 3, 2027.

Ticket prices vary by date and anticipated demand. Exchanges are allowed up to 72 hours before the original ticket date for a $10 fee per transaction.

Background

Lightscape debuted at the Garden in November 2019 and sold out its first season. The event is produced in partnership with Sony Music, which operates 22 illuminated trails worldwide, and creatively produced by U.K.-based Culture Creative.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe.