Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, featuring a display of artist-carved pumpkins at the Chicago Botanic Garden, returns for its tenth year in advance of Halloween and has been expanded from 10 to 15 nights due to popular demand. More than 1,000 hand-carved, real pumpkins lit with LED lights will light up the night and line the family-friendly outdoor paved path in a beautiful fall setting. 

“Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns has been so popular because it’s a unique opportunity to enjoy a spirited evening strolling through the Garden at night,” said Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president, Visitor Events & Programs. “There’s always something new to see at this annual fall tradition, and we’re excited to offer more opportunities this year for visitors to experience with friends and family.”

Along the path of 1,000 glowing pumpkins, there will be approximately 80, some as large as 150 pounds, that are intricately carved with themes including tributes to Chicago sports teams, pets in Halloween costumes, fan favorites from ten seasons of ghostly gourds, and much more. Artists for the east coast-based company Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns spend 8 to 10 hours to illustrate and then 10 to 20 hours to paint and carve each large pumpkin. Adding to the festive fall feeling, the route will also include live carving demonstrations, costumed entertainers, and seasonal light fare and drinks for purchase to enjoy along the trail. Food items include homemade caramel apples, pumpkin mac ‘n’ cheese, and spiced nuts. Drink items include hot apple cider and hot chocolate, along with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Attendees are also encouraged to wear costumes and share their experience on Instagram for a chance to win tickets to Lightscape.

This year’s event runs for 15 evenings: Wednesday, October 8, through Sunday October 12; Wednesday, October 15, through Sunday October 19; and Wednesday, October 22 through Sunday, October 26. The Garden will close each day at 5 p.m. and reopen at 6 p.m. for ticket holders to this special event. Timed tickets can be purchased for entry between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Last entry is at 9:45 p.m., and the event ends at 10:30 p.m. 

Tickets are on sale now, and interested attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early to secure their preferred time. Visit chicagobotanic.org/halloween for more information and to purchase tickets.  

An image gallery is available for media download here.

About Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a world-renowned living museum and so much more. Its roots grow throughout greater Chicago and beyond, inspiring all people to connect with plants. The Garden helps build healthier communities through urban agriculture, offers lifelong learning opportunities, leads pioneering plant conservation research, and showcases the beauty of horticulture. The Garden is a nonprofit organization run as a public/private partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.