Hanson Barn
Returning holiday 2026

We found the extension cord.

Hanson Barn
Holiday Light Show

A synchronized outdoor production of individually controlled lights, theatrical effects, lasers, projection, and music—all enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle.

Plan your visit

Free admission • Donations appreciated • Presented by Spectrascape

Explore

Plan your visit

Everything you need
for a bright night out.

Pull up, park, tune in, and let the barn do the rest. No tickets, no complicated planning—just a free holiday experience made for the community.

01

What is it?

A free, drive-up holiday light show. Stay cozy in your vehicle, tune your radio to 92.9 FM, and watch light and sound work together.

02

When?

We return during the 2026 holiday season. Dates, nightly hours, special events, and weather updates will be posted before opening.

04

Admission

Free. No reservation required. Donations help cover the equipment, power, maintenance, and programming that bring the show to life.

More than Christmas lights

Built with a little holiday magic—and a lot of engineering.

What began as an ambitious personal project has grown into a large-scale synchronized experience enjoyed by visitors from across the area.

The production brings together custom-programmed LED displays, theatrical lighting, synchronized audio, lasers, projection, and special effects to transform the property into an immersive holiday environment.

Every part of the experience—from the electronics and control systems to the programming and show design—is developed specifically for Hanson Barn.

LED mapping Projection Lasers Synchronized audio Show control
See the show in action Hanson Barn • Marengo, Illinois

Presented + produced by

Spectrascape Technologies

Creative technology in the wild

Where engineering precision meets spectacle.

Hanson Barn is proudly presented and produced by Spectrascape, a Chicagoland creative technology and engineering company specializing in immersive lighting, projection mapping, LED displays, audiovisual systems, and interactive experiences.

The show is both a community holiday tradition and a living showcase for what can happen when technology, engineering, and storytelling come together.

Have a venue, attraction, event, exhibit, or wonderfully unusual idea?

Visit Spectrascape Start a project

Support the show

Help keep the lights on.

Hanson Barn is independently produced. Every contribution helps maintain the equipment, improve the production, and keep the experience free for the community.

Venmo PayPal Cash App

Frequently asked questions

Good to know
before you glow.

More detailed visitor and safety information will be posted as opening night approaches.

How much does it cost?

The show is free. Donations are appreciated, but never required.

Where do I listen to the music?

Tune your vehicle’s radio to 92.9 FM when you arrive.

How long is the show?

The final runtime for the 2026 production will be announced closer to opening.

Does the show operate during bad weather?

Weather closures and schedule changes will be announced on our Facebook page.

Can I watch outside my vehicle?

Visitors should remain with their vehicles unless otherwise directed. Additional visitor and safety information will be posted before opening night.

Can my business sponsor the show?

Yes. We are accepting inquiries from businesses and organizations interested in supporting the 2026 season. View sponsor information.

Stay updated

See what we’re building next.

Follow Hanson Barn for behind-the-scenes previews, schedule announcements, weather closures, and the official reveal of the 2026 show.