This holiday program is the first of its kind in the 130-year history of Yerkes. The Great Refractor Dome will become the setting for a 20-minute light and sound experience inspired by winter and the cosmos. The central floor will feature seasonal shopping and treats, winter activities for families, and a custom-painted photo backdrop by artist Neal Aspinall. A beer and wine bar surrounded by vintage winter memorabilia will offer a little winter kitsch. In the Ann M. Drake Family Library, winter light will illuminate a tribute to Edwin Frost, who served as director of Yerkes from 1905 to 1932. Throughout the building, lights and décor will reveal new details and unexpected moments.
Frostlights brings together Yerkes’ artists and astronomers with an international team of designers and creators. Lighting and visual design firm Lightswitch created the overall visual experience. Their work includes projects for Disney, Apple, the Morton Arboretum, and major musicians. Upstaging, known for producing lighting and shows for artists and institutions around the world, designed the custom light components. Original music by film-score composers completes the experience.
Together, the team has created a winter experience that brings together the things that make Yerkes unique: science, nature, history, and the arts.
Plan Your Visit
Frostlights runs November 20, 2026–January 2, 2027, with timed admission.
Tickets are for a 90-minute time slot, with 50 tickets available per slot. The Dome experience runs twice during each time slot, at :15 and :45. Your ticket gives you time to enjoy the light experience, explore the observatory, shop, and enjoy food and drinks.
Tickets: $30 adults (18+), $17 ages 5–17, and $4 ages 4 and under. Everyone will have a seat in the Dome.
A few things to know:
- Parking is available on site, but spaces are limited. Please arrive during your assigned time slot.
- The Dome is not heated, so bring a coat!
- Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available. Guests must be 21+ with valid ID to purchase or consume alcohol.
- The Dome windows will be blacked out, so the experience is the same during every time slot.
Frostlights offers a new way to experience Yerkes Observatory, bringing its remarkable architecture, science, history, and artistry together in a celebration of winter light.
