Experience the Garden in a New Light

Illuminated is Anderson Gardens’ wintertime lights experience, featuring dramatic up-lighting and thousands of white string lights woven throughout the landscape and canopy of the Garden. Made-to-order Woodfire Pizza and a rotating schedule of food trucks available nightly. Fireside dining and beverage service is available inside the visitor’s center. 

Fireside reading of The Night Before Christmas by AJG’s very own John Gleason at 6:15 & 7:15 on Sunday evenings leading up to Christmas.

Illuminated Begins Thursday December 4, 2025

 December 4 – December 14
Open Thursday – Sunday | 5:00 – 8:30 PM (Last admission at 7:45)

Open Nightly Starting December 18 – January 4

Open Nightly | 5:00 – 8:30 PM (Last admission at 7:45)

Illuminated will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s day.

General Admission Rates

Non-Member:  Adult $15 | Senior $14 | Student & Military $13 | Five & Under FREE
Basic Member: $8 | Premium Member:  FREE

Admission is only purchased in person at the admissions counter within the visitors center the evening of your visit.

Parking – Free

Offsite parking is available at the UIC College of Medicine. Free shuttle service is provided between the UIC College of Medicine & Visitor Center – Friday & Saturday Only

Check the Website & Facebook for Weather-Related Closures

Illuminated will be closed if the temperature is below 15°F at 3:00 pm