We could all use a little more joy and wonder in our lives right now. You can find both in excess at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape.

This year has been so weird, with so many ups and downs. Though some aspects of life are now humming along with a “new normal,” there is still so much fluctuation and uncertainty.

For me, this has resulted in unanticipated moods and an enormous range of feelings in short windows of time. Through reflection and meditation, I have come to a place where I am riding the waves quite peacefully, much of the time.

Though this heightened emotional state can lead to quick and sharp downturns, it has also produced moments of extreme gratitude and overwhelming joy. My daughters and I experienced both last week at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

Thanks to my friend, Eliza, who loyally worked at the Chicago Botanic Gardens for decades, we enjoyed a sneak peek of their Lightscape event. As the afternoon faded into evening, we strolled through their gorgeous gardens, stimulated by unexpected displays of light and sculpture, accompanied by holiday music.

We have a holiday tradition of visiting ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo and I expected something similar from Lightscape, but discovered quite a different experience. Both holiday displays of light and sound are enjoyable and satisfying but I’d describe ZooLights as more of a happy holiday wonderland whereas Lightscape feels like a curated art installation.

There is so much attention to detail and movement in the Lightscape displays that it is hard to describe with photography. The changes in color are choreographed with music making the still environment come alive using the texture and shape of the surrounding gardens in incredible ways.

As you wind along the illuminated trail, one stimulating experience fades as another begins, offering fresh discovery and delight.

We smiled, gasped, laughed and marveled at the ingenuity of the artists who created each experience. One of our favorites felt like we had walked into a video game.

As we walked along, the neon strings seemed to move, which created intoxicating illusions. Upon closer inspection, we guessed that it was just a series of neon cords attached in rows with blacklight exaggerating the bright neon glow. So simple. Wildly effective.

Near the end, we found our favorite installation. From the vantage point, you look across a small body of water to an island where the trees and ground are illuminated with changing light patterns. The colored trees are reflected in the water and additional tree-like shapes are projected up the hill towards the viewer. As you gaze at the changing forms, the moving sound of Hallelujah stirs emotions and deepens your enchantment.

My photos did not do justice to the scene so I did not share any, but rather encourage you to visit Lightscape to experience it yourself. My daughters and I stood close, wrapped our arms around each other, and watched. As tears filled my eyes, moved by the beauty, one of my daughters whispered, “That is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

As we ended our journey through giant, colorful flower gardens and dancing holiday trees, we were exhausted, in a good way. For an hour, we were transported away from the news, school, work, stress, and politics. We were out of our house and enjoyed the fresh air. We were reminded of the beauty in the world and how incredibly creative humans can be. Most importantly, our family discovered that even during a pandemic, the magic of the holiday spirit can be found.

Note: While this post was written a few years ago, Lightscape as become an annual holiday tradition. The displays change each year but are always inspiring.