Frostlights is the transformation of Yerkes into a winter galaxy of light and sound inside the architectural masterpiece and 280,000 lb. dome housing the world’s largest lens telescope. This holiday program is the first of its kind in the 130-year history of Yerkes. Even if you’ve seen the massive telescope in the famous dome a hundred times, the light and music show the 12,000 lb. tube and exquisite masonry into a wholly new disposition of winter wavelengths and snowy soundscapes. The central floor of the observatory has holiday shopping and treats, winter activities for families, and a custom-painted photo backdrop by legendary artist Neal Aspinall. We have a beer and wine bar that takes you into a world of kitsch and vintage winter memorabilia and ephemera. Kids will love it, too! The Ann M. Drake Family Library is awash in winter light and features an inspiring tribute to Edwin Frost, the director at Yerkes from 1905 to 1932. A plethora of surprises are around every corner as you travel through varying hues and movements of light coalescing in the architectural splendor and whimsy of the observatory’s design. We have teamed with internationally-influential lighting and visual designers, Lightswitch. They’ve created experiences for Disney, Apple, Morton Arboretum, Hans Zimmer, Paul McCartney, and museums and musicians around the globe. Our one-of-a-kind light components are designed by Upstaging who fabricate lights and build shows for the Rolling Stones, Lana’i Ocean Theater, Pearl Jam, the Museum of Science and Industry, and more. Noteworthy film score composers have written music specifically for this show. Along with Yerkes’ own artists and astronomers, we have collectively created an uplifting, winter program unlike any holiday light experience seen before. Seeing the Sharon and Charles Angell Historic Refractor and the “wintering” of the interior of Yerkes in this new light and decoration will hopefully be a highlight of your holiday season!
Frostlights Frequently Asked Questions
How long is my ticket valid?
Each ticket is valid for a 90-minute time slot. You may arrive up to 15 minutes before your selected time slot begins. Please enjoy the experience during your selected time; tickets are not valid for other time slots.
How many tickets are available per time slot?
We limit each time slot to 50 guests to create a more curated experience. Tickets sell out quickly, so we recommend booking in advance.
Can I switch my tickets to a different date or time? Can I add an additional ticket?
Depending on availability, we may be able to reschedule your Frostlights tickets. Please contact info@yerkesobservatory.org at least 72 hours in advance and include your order number and preferred new date and time. Please note that we cannot accommodate requests to switch to a sold-out time slot or one that does not have enough remaining tickets to accommodate your entire order.
Our ticketing software does not store credit card information, so we’re not able to add additional tickets to your order. If there is availability, you can purchase additional tickets through our ticketing page.
How much do tickets cost? Are they refundable?
- Adults (ages 18 and older): $30
- Children (ages 5–17): $17
- Children (ages 4 and younger): $4
Tickets are non-refundable, but we may be able to reschedule your tickets based on availability. Please contact info@yerkesobservatory.org at least 72 hours in advance and include your order number and preferred new date and time.
Do I need to print my confirmation or show the confirmation email at check-in?
No, we’ll just need the last name of the ticket purchaser at check-in. You do not need to print or show your confirmation email.
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Each time slot is limited to 50 guests and many time slots are expected to sell out. Tickets may not be available at the door.
How long is the dome light experience and when does it begin?
The immersive light and sound experience lasts approximately 20 minutes and begins twice per hour, at :15 and :45. For example, guests with 4 p.m. tickets can attend the dome experience at 4:15 or 4:45 p.m. You’ll have until 5:30 p.m. to enjoy the rest of your Frostlights experience throughout the observatory.
Where do I park?
Parking is available on-site at Yerkes Observatory. Because parking is limited, please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your selected time slot. Arriving significantly early or late may affect parking availability and the experience for other guests.
Is Frostlights accessible?
The building is partially accessible. The main floor can be accessed via an accessible entrance and lift. The dome, where the light and sound experience is located, is currently only reachable by 26 stairs. Please reach out at least 72 hours in advance so we can assist with lift access and help plan your visit.
Is Frostlights suitable for people with epilepsy or motion sensitivity?
Frostlights features immersive lighting effects and sound, which may not be suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy, motion sensitivity, or conditions that can be triggered by flashing lights or changing visual effects. The show is not recommended for individuals who may be sensitive to these effects.
Can I take photos or video of Frostlights?
Non-flash photography is welcome during Frostlights. However, video recording of the light and sound experience inside the Great Refractor dome is not permitted. This show features specially created visual and audio elements that are unique to Frostlights, and we ask guests not to record or share the presentation.
Will the observatory be warm?
The observatory’s central floor is heated, but the dome is not. Please bring a coat so you’ll be comfortable during the light and sound experience.
Will the experience be the same for early and late time slots?
Yes, the experience will be the same. The dome windows will be blacked out, ensuring the same immersive experience regardless of your arrival time.
Will food and drinks be available?
A beer and wine bar, along with non-alcoholic beverages, will be available. Guests purchasing or consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years old and present valid identification. Cookies will also be available for purchase.
Will there be a vendor market or Christkindlmarket?
Frostlights will not include a vendor market or Christkindlmarket. Instead, we’ll be expanding the selection of merchandise available in the Yerkes gift shop. Because Frostlights takes place over multiple days and weeks, coordinating a rotating group of vendors would present logistical challenges. Limited onsite parking is another consideration.
Does Yerkes accept cash?
Yerkes is unable to accept cash. We do accept credit cards plus Apple, Google, and Samsung Pay. This is for faster service, safety, and security. Because of this possible inconvenience, we never charge our guests any credit card service fees.
Will seating be available in the dome?
Yes, every guest will have a seat during the dome light and sound experience.
Will The World’s Tallest Glass Tree be at Yerkes this year?
The World’s Tallest Glass Tree will not be at Yerkes this year. We’re so grateful to the glass artists and producers for four extraordinary years of that festival.
Can I purchase a gift certificate for Frostlights?
Due to capacity limitations, we are unable to offer gift certificates for Frostlights.
Other questions?
Please contact info@yerkesobservatory.org. Our team will be very busy during the event and may not be able to return voicemails regularly, so email is the best way to reach us.
