Highlights
Each Electric Illumination night features a different musical theme, a live DJ, and immersive light displays synchronized to the music.
Electric Illumination is open to all ages.
Colorful animal sculptures from The Morton Arboretum’s newest exhibition, Vivid Creatures, will be lit up and included along the Illumination path.
The one-mile path is paved and ADA-compliant for mobility.
The Arboretum Store will be open until 9:30 p.m. during Electric Illumination.
Last entry on each night will be at 9:00 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets are closed for the 2025–2026 season.
Become a member for early access and the best prices on all Illumination tickets.
Food Options
Hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and s’more kits can be purchased in a warm concession tent along the Illumination trail until 9:00 p.m.
Signature S’mores Hot Chocolate
Bring home the memories of Illumination with a special s’mores hot chocolate served in a limited-edition Morton Arboretum mug. Available for purchase in the concession tent along the Illumination trail, this one-of-a-kind hot chocolate is perfectly paired with a cozy fire and winter weather.
Concession and Bar Menu
Beverages
Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate with Baileys®
Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
Hot Cider
Hot Cider with Spiced Rum
Boxed Water™
Treats
Double Fudge Brownie
Rice Krispies Treat™
Peppermint Bark
Frosted Holiday Cookie
Jumbo Pretzel with Dipping Sauce
S’mores Kit
Ginkgo Restaurant
A full dinner and beverage menu including freshly-made sandwiches, salads, burgers, and assorted alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages is available from the Ginkgo Restaurant, located inside the Visitor Center.
The restaurant is open until 8:00 p.m. during all Illumination dates. Ticketholders can enter the restaurant as early as the entry time listed on their Illumination ticket.
Accessibility
The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved path that is ADA-compliant for those with limited mobility. The exhibition is not accessible by car.
The Arboretum has a small number of nonmotorized wheelchairs available for loan free of charge in the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests must leave a driver’s license or other photo ID to check out a wheelchair. Because the supply is limited, we recommend bringing a personal wheelchair to the Arboretum if one is needed. Personal mobility scooters may also be used on the trail.
Arboretum staff make their best efforts to clear the path of ice and snow.
Sensory Needs
Please be aware that Illumination features moving and flashing lights along the trail. There are no strobe lights in the exhibition. Laser features are directed away from guests and follow International Laser Display Association safety standards.
Guests may borrow sensory supports such as headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, or a copy of the Illumination social story (English, Spanish) when they arrive at the Sycamore Room. Guests can use the social story to help prepare for their visit. Any loaned items should be returned to the Information Desk in the Visitor Center before departure.
Service Animals
The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with task-trained service animals to Illumination. Please note that pets are not permitted at Illumination except on specially designated Illumination Dog Admission Nights, December 3, 10, and 17.
Parking
Parking is available near the entrance for those with a disability placard on their vehicle; please notify the parking attendant as you drive in. Otherwise, parking is first come, first serve, and is directed by parking attendants.
Guests directed to a secondary lot (parking lot P-21) near the Thornhill Education Center on the Arboretum’s West Side can take advantage of a shuttle bus that will transport them to the main event area. Please note that this is the only shuttle bus during Illumination and it only runs between parking lot P-21 and the Visitor Center. The bus does not have a wheelchair lift.
If you do not have a disability placard and someone in your party has mobility concerns, you are also welcome to drop off passengers in the circle drive adjacent to the Visitor Center before you park. Please notify the parking attendants and they will direct you accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accordion List
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Illumination is a family-friendly light and sound installation open most nights from November through early January.
Electric Illumination is a special experience, hosted on certain nights, each with a unique theme and live DJ.
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Dogs may attend Illumination only on designated Illumination Dog Admission Nights. A separate dog ticket must be purchased. For information about future dog admission events, visit the Arboretum’s Dog Admission Days page.
