Holiday lights are proof that humans will do almost anything to keep the darkness at bay. We string bulbs on trees, across rooftops and occasionally around our pets (when they begrudgingly allow it)—a collective act of optimism disguised as decoration. This year, I set out to see just how far that optimism could stretch. Spoiler: about 1.3 miles, with hot cocoa stands scattered along the way.

Across the Midwest, these glowing LED spectacles have become their own winter ecosystem, spilling across parking lots and parklands alike—some charming, others best viewed with ibuprofen and tinted glasses. But one event that truly delivers on its promise of holiday cheer is Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden . For the past seven years, the Glencoe attraction has transformed its grounds int

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