Illuminated: A Winter Lights Experience
Experience the Anderson Japanese Gardens in a magical new light during Illuminated, their enchanting winter lights display. Thousands of white string lights and dramatic up-lighting transform the landscape into a serene wonderland. Enjoy delicious woodfire pizza and rotating food trucks, or warm up with fireside dining and beverages inside the visitor's center. Special readings of 'The Night Before Christmas' add to the festive charm.
What to Expect
Enchanting winter lights experience in a Japanese garden
Event Details
Duration
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM nightly
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Food & Drink
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.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Couples, families, photography enthusiasts
Vibe
Enchanting, serene, magical, festive
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$
- Parking: Free parking is available on-site. Offsite parking is available at the UIC College of Medicine with free shuttle service on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Accessibility: Garden paths are either paved or made of crushed limestone and can be navigated by strollers & wheelchairs when the ground is dry. Some areas have steps or uneven terrain and are only accessible on foot. Ask admissions staff for a flat path tour map.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Tips & Advice
- Check the website or Facebook for weather-related closures, as the event will close if the temperature is below 15°F at 3:00 PM.
- Consider visiting on a weekday evening for a potentially less crowded experience, especially during the earlier December dates.
- Take advantage of the free shuttle service from the offsite parking at UIC College of Medicine on Fridays and Saturdays for convenient access.
- Purchase admission in person at the visitor center's admissions counter on the evening of your visit; tickets are not available in advance.
- Dress warmly in layers, as the event is outdoors and may be subject to cold temperatures, especially on nights with potential closures.
Special Events & Promotions
- Fireside reading of The Night Before Christmas by John Gleason on Sunday evenings.
- Made-to-order Woodfire Pizza and rotating food trucks available nightly.
- Fireside dining and beverage service inside the visitor's center.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Garden open for Illuminated?
Illuminated begins December 3, 2026, and runs through December 13 on Thursdays-Sundays, and then nightly from December 17 through January 3, 2027. Hours are 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM nightly, with last admission at 7:45 PM. It is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
What are the admission prices?
Non-member adult admission is $15, senior $14, and student/military $13. Children five and under are free. Basic members pay $8, and premium members are free. Admission is purchased in person at the visitor center.
Are there food and drink options available?
Yes, made-to-order woodfire pizza and a rotating schedule of food trucks are available nightly. Fireside dining and beverage service are also offered inside the visitor's center.
Is parking available?
Parking is free. Offsite parking is available at the UIC College of Medicine, with a free shuttle service provided between the college and the visitor center on Fridays and Saturdays.
What is the pet policy?
No pets are allowed in the Gardens. Service animals are welcome, but dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
More Christmas Events Near Rockford
More Christmas Events near Rockford
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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.