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IllumiBrew

Be among the first to see Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum while you sample seasonal beers, ciders, and meads from popular Chicagoland breweries.

Content Detail

Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss IllumiBrew, November 17 and 18. Be among the first to see the 10th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum while you sample seasonal beers, ciders and meads from popular Chicagoland breweries stationed along the Illumination trail.

This event is for ages 21+ only.

Each tasting ticket includes:

  • 15 – 3 oz beer samples
  • Light-up tasting glass
  • Entrance to the Arboretum and Illumination on either Thursday, November 17, or Friday, November 18

About Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum 

Be surrounded by color as you walk a one-mile paved path amid interactive lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. You will be awed and delighted to see returning favorites and surprising new sights. Enjoy seasonal music, marvel at ever-changing, captivating lighting designs, and warm up by a crackling fire with a cozy drink or roast marshmallows for s’mores. Illumination will highlight the many gifts of trees: natural beauty, increased feelings of peace and calm, homes for wildlife, and the air we breathe.

For Your Enjoyment

Warming areas
Enjoy a cozy fire at one of the warming areas along the Illumination path.

Food and beverage
Snacks and hot beverages are available for purchase in concession tents along the Illumination trail.

Designated driver tickets are available and include admission into IllumiBrew and a complimentary hot chocolate or cider from the concessions stand or the Ginkgo Restaurant. Designated Drivers must also be 21+.

Discount pricing Thursday, Nov. 17: $35 for members, $40 for guests
Standard pricing Friday, Nov. 18: $40 for members, $45 for guests

 

Indoor dining and to-go orders will be available in the Ginkgo Restaurant until 9:00 p.m.

Outdoor concessions will be available along the Illumination trail until 9:30 p.m.

The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved walking path that includes one large incline (Frost Hill) approximately halfway through the exhibition, and several smaller inclines and declines. We advise guests to keep the length and hilly nature of the trail in mind. The exhibition is not fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

Guests have the option to skip the second half of the exhibition, bypassing the large incline at Ornament Hill, by heading back toward the Visitor Center on the tram road.

The Arboretum has a small number of non-motorized wheelchairs available free of charge in the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must leave a driver’s license or other photo ID to check out a wheelchair. Because our supply is limited, we recommend bringing a wheelchair to the Arboretum, if needed. Personal mobility scooters may also be used on the trail.

Arboretum staff make best efforts to clear the path of ice and snow. Crowds are generally lighter on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday making it easier to navigate the trail.

Please be aware that Illumination features moving and flashing lights along the trail, in case a member of your party is sensitive to these effects.

The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with service animals to Illumination. (However, please note, pets are not permitted at the Arboretum except on special dog admission days.)

The exhibition is not visible by car. Parking is available near the entrance for those with a disability placard on their vehicle—as it will be dark outside, please notify the parking attendant as you drive in. Otherwise, parking is first come, first served, and is directed by parking attendants.

Guests directed to secondary lots can take advantage of shuttle buses which will transport them to the main event area. If you do not have a disability placard and someone in your party has mobility concerns, you are welcome to drop off passengers in our circle drive adjacent to the Visitor Center before you park. Again, please notify our parking attendants and they will direct you accordingly.

Accordion List

  • Yes, a light up souvenir tasting glass will be provided to all IllumiBrew ticket holders. Designated Driver tickets do not include this glass.

  • Concessions will be available in the Visitor Center and throughout the Illumination experience. More information about additional food options will be announced closer to the event date.

  • Yes, designated driver tickets are available and include admission into IllumiBrew and a complimentary hot chocolate or cider from the concessions stand or the Ginkgo Cafe and Restaurant. Designated Drivers need to be 21+ to attend the event.

  • Each ticket purchase includes 15, 3 oz ounce samples. In some cases, higher ABV beverages such as meads may be less than 3 oz. No additional samples will be available for purchase.

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