LISLE, Ill. (Nov. 6, 2024)—Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum will brighten up the holiday season beginning with its popular IllumiBrew beer tasting event Nov. 15, followed by the exhibition’s seven-week run opening Nov. 16.
Hailed as one of the best winter light shows in the country by U.S. News and World Report and USA Today, the 12th annual celebration of trees in winter runs through Jan. 4, 2025.
“Illumination is a beloved holiday tradition for many who come every year,” said Amy Scott, head of exhibitions. “The beautiful light displays have been the setting for countless marriage proposals and annual family photos that have created lasting memories year after year.”
New this year will be a vibrant display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments in the Arboretum’s Grand Garden, and a sensory-friendly night on Dec. 3. “The adapted experience will have static lights, lower volume music and a limited guest capacity to provide a welcoming environment for guests who may need a quieter, less stimulating atmosphere,” Scott said.
The 17 dazzling light and music displays will be along an ADA-compliant walking path accessible for all visitors. Adults ages 21 and older can get a first-look preview of the light show at IllumiBrew, while sampling local beers, ciders, meads, and nonalcoholic brews. More than 40 Chicago-area breweries stationed along the Illumination trail will offer three-ounce beer samples served in a light-up tasting glass. Tickets to IllumiBrew are $85 for members and $95 for nonmembers. Designated driver tickets are $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers.
“IllumiBrew has become a favorite for craft beer fans, offering a unique opportunity to sample exclusive and seasonal brews from top local breweries,” said Jenelle Metcalf, head of special events. “With a wide variety of beverages to taste, it’s an experience that beer lovers look forward to every year.”
The Arboretum has also added more dates for its popular Electric Illumination late-night experience, after it sold out in previous years. Each weekend will have a different theme, with curated playlists provided live by The DJ Firm. “It’s like a moving dance party,” Scott said. The 18-and-over adults-only event is from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30 (2000s Pop Hits), Dec. 6 and 7 (Country Mashups) and Dec. 13 and 14 (Diva Anthems). VIP tickets offer an enhanced Electric Illumination experience from 8:30 to 11 p.m., with access to an exclusive indoor space to warm up, specialty cocktails, late-night bites, “glow games,” and other special offerings.
Along the one-mile walking trail, a concession tent will serve hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and s’mores kits to be enjoyed at warming bonfires. A keepsake temperature-activated color-changing ceramic mug will be available for purchase during all Illumination and Electric Illumination dates. Guests can also enjoy a hot meal in the Ginkgo Restaurant overlooking the Meadow Lake finale.
The exhibition was custom designed and developed uniquely for the Arboretum in partnership with international media and exhibit designers Lightswitch LLC, and features energy-efficient, eco-friendly LED lighting.
Tickets will be available online at mortonarb.org and in-person at the Arboretum Visitor Center during operating hours. Ticket prices for Illumination and Electric Illumination vary based on the day and time selected. Members receive the lowest ticket prices, with a 20% discount. Children three and younger are admitted free of charge. In addition, the Arboretum is offering deeply reduced Illumination ticket prices for Electronic Benefits Transfer EBT/LINK) and WIC cardholders through the Museums for All program at $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Illumination is generously sponsored by Invesco QQQ and ComEd.