Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, featuring a display of expertly carved pumpkins at the Chicago Botanic Garden, has been extended this year from five nights to 10 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 path in a beautiful fall setting.
“Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns has been so popular because it’s an opportunity to be amazed by artistically carved pumpkins,” said Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president, Visitor Events and Programs. “We’re excited to offer visitors more opportunities this year to experience our annual fall tradition.”
Throughout the festive path, there will be 80 ghoulish pumpkins, some as large as 150 pounds, that are intricately carved with themes including pollinators, gargoyles, Día de los Muertos, vintage Halloween, trains, and “Botanimals” such as snapdragons, dandelions, and skunk cabbage. Artists for the New York-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.
Visitors will have the opportunity to watch live carving demonstrations, interact with costumed entertainment and view the ghostly trains in the Model Railroad Garden. Adding to the fall festival feeling, seasonal light fare and beverages, including hot chocolate and cider, apple cider doughnuts, brats, pretzel bites and more will be available for purchase at stations along the route.
This year’s event runs 10 nights from Wednesday, October 16, through Sunday, October 20, and Wednesday, October 23, through Sunday, October 27. The Garden will close each day at 5 p.m. and will reopen at 6 p.m. for this special event. Visitors can purchase timed tickets for entry between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Last entry is at 10 p.m. and the event ends at 10:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit chicagobotanic.org/halloween for more information and to purchase tickets.
