Night Lights Return to Lake of the Woods Botanical Garden

Champaign County Forest Preserve brings ‘Night Lights’ back to Lake of the Woods in Mahomet

As the biggest fans of holiday lights in Central Illinois, we jumped up when we saw the Champaign County Forest Preserves announce it would be bringing back its holiday lights display in the garden for the sixth year in a row. Find out what you need to know about visiting the now-favorite holiday season destination for many Champaign-Urbana area families.

CCFPD Lights in the Garden — A scene from Night Lights at Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden in Mahomet.

The Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden at Lake of the Woods is open to the public free of charge year-round. We visit to take prom pictures in front of the waterfall or watch the beautiful koi swim under the red bridge. We sit our kids in front of the seasonally decorated wagon during fall, just basking in the beauty we have here in Champaign County.

This holiday season the garden will be illuminated for the fourth annual “Night Lights.” Beginning Friday, Nov. 27, the garden will be brimming with light on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4-8 p.m. through Dec. 19 (and on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26).

Must Know Info

When: Friday and Saturday evenings, 4-8 p.m., Nov. 27 through Dec. 19. A special encore illumination on Thursday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 26 from 4-8 p.m.

Where: Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden at Lake of the Woods, Mahomet

How much: Free. Hot chocolate will be served inside Museum of the Grand Prairie for free, too!

Special events for 2026

This year, Night Lights will feature more special evenings than ever before!

Friday, Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m. – Live Music and Hot Drinks: The Jaybirds

Friday, Dec 11, 5-7 p.m. – Sip & Learn: Hot Cups of Culture (inside the museum)

Saturday, Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m. – Live Music and Hot Drinks: Merry Travelers

Friday, Dec. 18, 5-7 p.m. – To Grandmother’s House We Go! (inside the museum)

Saturday, Dec. 19, 6-8 p.m. – Lunar Lore

Must-know info

Some guidance from the Champaign County Forest Preserve for your visit to “Night Lights:”

Enter Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve from Rt. 47 and park in the Museum of the Grand Prairie parking lot, follow the lighted path. The estimated walkthrough is 15-20 minutes. Please keep in mind that Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve will close at/around 5 p.m.; if arriving after 5 p.m., you will not be able to drive through from Lake of the Woods Road.

Festive bridge at Lake of the Woods — Daylight decorations

Looking for more? Subscribe to our Holiday Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.

Looking for more? Subscribe to our email newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.

Champaign County Forest Preserve brings ‘Night Lights’ back to Lake of the Woods in Mahomet

Must Know Info

Special events for 2026

Must-know info

Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana