Illuminated: A Winter Lights Experience
Anderson Japanese Gardens transforms into a winter lights display featuring dramatic up-lighting and thousands of white string lights woven through the landscape and tree canopy. Guests can enjoy made-to-order woodfire pizza and rotating food truck fare, with fireside dining and beverage service available inside the visitor center. Fireside readings of The Night Before Christmas are also held inside the center on select evenings.
What to Expect
Winter lights experience with dramatic up-lighting, string lights, and woodfire pizza.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Food & Drink
Made-to-order woodfire pizza and rotating food trucks are available nightly, with fireside dining and beverage service inside the visitor center.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and winter-light fans
Vibe
Serene and enchanting
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Non-member adults $15; seniors $14; students and military $13; children five and under free. Basic members $8; premium members free. Admission is purchased in person at the admissions counter in the visitors center on the evening of the visit.
- Hours: 5:00–8:30 PM; last admission at 7:45. Sunday evenings leading up to Christmas: fireside reading at 6:15 and 7:15.
- Parking: Parking is free. Offsite parking is available at the UIC College of Medicine as needed. A free shuttle between the UIC College of Medicine and Visitor Center is provided Friday and Saturday only.
Tips & Advice
- Buy admission at the visitor center counter on the evening of your visit, since tickets are not sold in advance.
- Arrive before 7:45 p.m. for last admission, leaving time to explore the illuminated garden before closing.
- Use the free UIC College of Medicine shuttle if offsite parking is needed; it runs Fridays and Saturdays only.
- Check the event’s website or Facebook before leaving because Illuminated closes when temperatures fall below 15°F at 3:00 p.m.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, as the lights are displayed throughout the garden landscape and canopy.
Special Events & Promotions
- John Gleason reads The Night Before Christmas by the fire on Sunday evenings leading up to Christmas.
- Premium members get in free, and basic members pay a reduced rate.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tickets be purchased in advance?
No, tickets can only be purchased in person at the admissions counter inside the visitor center on the evening of your visit.
What food and drink options are available?
Made-to-order woodfire pizza and a rotating schedule of food trucks are available nightly, alongside fireside dining and beverage service inside the visitor center.
What happens in extreme cold or poor weather?
Illuminated closes if the temperature drops below 15°F at 3:00 pm. Weather-related closures are posted on the venue's website and Facebook page.
Where can visitors park?
Parking is free, with overflow parking available as needed at the UIC College of Medicine, including a free shuttle to the visitor center on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is there storytime or reading for children?
Yes, fireside readings of The Night Before Christmas are held by John Gleason inside the visitor center on Sunday evenings leading up to Christmas.
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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.