Despite a fire in Jackson Park last week, Bright Lights will move forward as scheduled.
"The fire destroyed one of the elements that we had hoped to deliver this year and replacing that we want to see if there is something else we can do but it will be nowhere near the size and scale of what we had planned," said Dilkens. "The rest of the show is here and ready and will go on. We're excited to have an exciting Bright Lights 2023."
Opening ceremonies take place on Friday, December 1 at 6:30 p.m.
The festival lights will brighten up Jackson Park every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. until January 7, 2024.
New features this year include LED chair swings, singing trees, a games tent, and a light-tile area that reacts to step.
"We know that the success of Bright Lights will depend on our ability to keep it fresh each and every year and you'll see that happening again is year," said Dilkens.
Returning this year to the festival is the WE Made It: Holiday Market and charitable giving hut.
Sensory Friendly "Silent Nights" will continue to be offered on Tuesday evenings. On these nights, the lights will be on but the sound will be muted and strobe elements will be paused.
