The Landscape of Light has been the anchor of Winterlights since the winter extravaganza opened in The Garden at Newfields in 2017. The dancing display is made up of 465 custom-made panels, each of which were carefully hand-wrapped with over 300,000 LED bulbs. The pattern was inspired by the wrought iron gates that adorn Woodstock Bridge. These iconic gates have been welcoming guests to the property since before Lilly House was built, making them the oldest piece of architecture in The Garden. The fanciful curls and floral motifs from these gates glow in the pattern of the Landscape of Light and repeat throughout Winterlights, including in the snowflakes that float above Snowflake Bridge. Year after year, guests gather with family and friends on cold winter evenings to enjoy the elegant and timeless display as it dances to festive music with Lilly House in the background. 

This year, for the seventh season of Winterlights, Landscape of Light shines brighter than ever. Thanks to the generous support of the late Marianne Tobias, a dear friend of both Newfields and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, guests are treated to a brand-new 15-minute symphonic soundtrack featuring a lively swing arrangement of the Nutcracker, a medley of music from Charlie Brown Christmas, and Somewhere in my Memory by John Williams.  

"The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is delighted to partner with Newfields on this exciting collaboration that brings two great holiday traditions together. We deeply appreciate Newfields for this opportunity to provide an unforgettable experience for the central Indiana community," said James M. Johnson, CEO, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. "The ISO is grateful for the support of the late Marianne Williams Tobias, our longtime colleague and friend, whose gift made this project possible." 

”It brings us great joy to add the artistry of our own Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to the magic of Winterlights,” said Jonathan Wright, Ruth Lilly Director of The Garden and The Virginia. B Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. From the beginning, in 2016, Marianne was an enthusiastic partner, she helped to bring music to the experience, even choosing the selections and order of the songs from the Nutcracker for the show.  

The recording took place at a special concert in May of 2023. Marianne sat in the audience of the Hilbert Circle Theater with Johnson, Wright and a few friends to listen and watch as Conductor Jack Everly and ISO musicians brought the music to life. Wright shared that watching Marianne smile and follow along gleefully assured him that the result would be a hit! Sadly, she never got to hear the final recording or see the lights dance magically to the beautiful music but her legacy lives on as a reminder of her generous spirit. 
 
Festival Project Manager Erin O’Rourke acknowledged it’s a challenge to keep things fresh while honoring a favorite tradition. To bridge the gap, Newfields chose to keep the physical layout of the display the same, but significant changes were made to the lighting design. The display also has 900 new strands of LED lights, and underwent a complete IT infrastructure overhaul, led by Production Manager Jason Hamman. The new tech includes new hardware, software, and 55 custom controllers that allow each individual light to be programed independently with great precision. Now, the lights shine in every color, when they used to be limited to one. 

Lighting designer David Lapham beautifully choreographed the lights to dance and dazzle to each song. Watch closely and you’ll find hidden gems, including a black chevron pattern shimmy across the display during the Charlie Brown Christmas. 

Also new this year, for the eight days of Chanukah, Landscape of Light included Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah, a collection of six lively songs celebrating the Festival of Light performed by Essential Voices USA, The EVUSA Ensemble, and Ron Raines, conducted by Judith Clurman, and arranged by Judith Clurman, Larry Hochman, and Brian Stokes Mitchell. 

“It is an expanding tradition. I teared up watching it this year,” said Erin O’Rourke. “Landscape of Light is a lyrical, magical experience that truly embodies Newfields’ mission to enrich lives through exceptional experiences with art and nature.” 

There is still time to experience Landscape of Light. Winterlights presented by Bank of America is open through January 7, 2024, and is open Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. To get a bird’s eye view of the Landscape of Light, get the Winterwonder Pass, which comes with the best views from the second floor of Lilly House.  

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Exhibition Credits: 
Winterlights is presented by Bank of America. Lead support is generously provided by Marian Inc., and RJE Business Interiors. Additional support is provided by Barnes & Thornburg, Color Story Studio, Engledow Group, Gem Homes, Sun King Brewing, Sunbelt Rentals. 

Special thanks to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Newfields is proud to partner with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to delight guests at Winterlights. Learn more about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s seasonal festivities including AES Indiana Yuletide on their website, indianapolissymphony.org.  

“Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah,” Performed by Essential Voices USA, The EVUSA Ensemble, and Ron Raines, conducted by Judith Clurman. Arranged by Judith Clurman, Larry Hochman, and Brian Stokes Mitchell.   

Image Credits: 
Landscape of Light at Lilly House, Winterlights, 2022.