Why Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns Sells Out Every Year

Chicago Botanic Garden’s spookiest event of the year is quickly approaching, and it is sure to sell out fast! Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns sells out every year, making it one of the hottest Halloween events around town. 

Quick details about Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

• Address: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
• Hours: Oct. 16-20 and Oct. 23-27; 6:30-10:30 p.m. 
• Cost: $21-24.50/adults, $14-17.50/children 3-12, free/children ages 2 and under. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 27. 
• Parking: $25/day-of parking, $15/advanced parking, free/members 

Under the flickering lights of more than 1,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, families can explore the gardens at night, enjoy pumpkin-carving demonstrations, encounter thrilling entertainers and more. 

Each hand-carved jack-o’-lantern on display takes up to 10 hours to create. This year’s event will feature pumpkins carved into iconic album covers, popular cartoons, Dia De Los Muertos tributes and eerie scenes from haunted Chicago history. 

Things to do at Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

• Stroll a spooky path lit by more than 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns. 
• Watch live pumpkin-carving demonstrations.
• Be delighted and spooked by costumed entertainers.
• Enjoy seasonal beverages and fall treats. 

Tips for visiting Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns 

Dare to experience Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns with your kiddos? Check out these tips for visiting Chicago Botanic Garden with kids and planning your family’s fall outing. 

• Get tickets early! This event sells out every year, so it’s best to secure your tickets online ahead of time. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 27. Plus, ordering tickets and parking passes online will save you a few bucks on day-of ticket prices. 
• Dress warm. October temps can get super chilly in the evenings, so be sure to dress for the weather. For extra fun, wear a Halloween costume! 
• Tripods are a no go. Spooky family photos are tons of fun, but tripods and monopods are not allowed at this event. 

Other things to do with kids at Chicago Botanic Garden 

Before night falls and things get spooky, spend the afternoon exploring all Chicago Botanic Garden has to offer families. 

The gardens will close at 5 p.m. and reopen at 6 p.m. for Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, which gives your family a full hour to grab dinner and return for the Halloween festivities. Note: General garden admission and Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns require separate tickets. 

• Stroll through the grounds and take in the crisp autumn foliage and fall colors. 
• Play at the Nature Play Garden. The multisensory play space has hills, tunnels, boulders and more that transform nature into a playground. Pro tip: Climbing and running are not allowed in any other areas, so let your little ones get their wiggles out in the Play Garden. 
• Take a free tram tour. The narrated tour covers just over 2 miles of Chicago Botanic Garden’s most popular areas, including McDonald Woods, a Japanese Garden and plenty of water views.
• Take a self-guided tour and show your big kids the best hidden spots around Chicago Botanic Garden. Because the attractions are always changing with the seasons, check what’s in bloom before you go.

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