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What’s New?
Returning guests and first-time visitors to Illumination will discover a reinvented holiday lights experience unlike anything else in the Chicago region, with new features ranging from a glowing outdoor landscape of firefly-like orbs alongside illuminated mushrooms, to a whimsical new model train add-on attraction that will wind through an indoor fantasy woodland.
New Installations
This season, guests will encounter enhanced fan-favorite displays and four splendid new experiences that will spark the imagination of all ages, including:
- A stunning aurora borealis-inspired canopy of shifting color spanning a length of more than 400 feet, with shimmering illuminated curtains
- An immersive tunnel of moving chrome spheres and light inspired by falling rain and dew drops
- A sweeping hillside landscape of glowing orbs and shifting patterns inspired by meditative sand gardens
- An enchanted landscape filled with glowing orbs evoking floating fairies dancing like giant fireflies, alongside illuminated mushrooms and otherworldly wonders
Pine Whistle Railroad
New this year, a family-friendly model train experience will debut inside The Morton Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion during Illumination, opening with IllumiBrew on Friday, November 13.
The delightfully imaginative walk-through experience invites guests into a fantastical woodland scene. It will feature nearly 1,000 feet of train track throughout the exhibit, including elevated sections winding through detailed miniature scenes and structures. The experience will have trains traveling both overhead and at eye level, surrounding guests in the magic of the miniature realm.
Separate tickets for the Pine Whistle Railroad experience will be required for entry. Tickets will be $7 for Arboretum members and $9 for the public. Infants aged 2 and younger are admitted free.
Following the conclusion of Illumination on Saturday, January 2, the daytime train experience will continue through Saturday, February 13.
New Signature Hot Chocolate Flavor
Bring home memories of Illumination with this year’s signature hot cocoa—the Ultimate Blizzard Hot Cocoa—served in a limited-edition Morton Arboretum mug.
The Ultimate Blizzard Hot Cocoa features traditional milk chocolate hot cocoa, whipped cream, large house-made cocoa marshmallow, topped with a mini snowflake cookie, and finished with iridescent snow dust.
Available for purchase in the concession tent along the Illumination trail, the signature hot chocolate is perfectly paired with a cozy fire and winter weather.
Tickets
Tickets for the upcoming season of Illumination will be available for Arboretum members on Thursday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m.
Illumination tickets will be available to all on Thursday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m.
Become a member for early access and the best price for Illumination tickets. Members can visit The Morton Arboretum all year long without purchasing general admission.
Pine Whistle Railroad Tickets
Make Pine Whistle Railroad a part of your Illumination experience. During your Illumination ticket purchase, add Pine Whistle Railroad to your cart to explore the model train exhibit.
Pine Whistle Railroad tickets are $9 per ticket for the public and $7 per ticket for Arboretum members. Infants aged 0–2 years old are free.
AnyDay Tickets
Illumination AnyDay tickets are special, single-use tickets that can be used once by either an adult or a child (age 4 and older), at any entry time, on any night Illumination is open to the public.
Illumination AnyDay tickets will be available for Arboretum members on Thursday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m., and will be available to all on Thursday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m.
Dog Admission Tickets
Illumination Dog Admission Nights will be hosted on three Wednesdays this season—December 2, 9, and 16.
Separate tickets are required for dog admission. Purchase dog admission by adding dog admission tickets to your cart during online checkout.
Dog admission tickets will be available for Arboretum members on Thursday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m., and will be available to all on Thursday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m.
Museums for All Tickets
Through the Arboretum’s participation in the Museums for All program, a limited number of reduced-rate Illumination tickets are available on select dates for guests with a state-issued Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT, P-EBT or LINK) card, or a valid WIC card.
Museums for All Illumination tickets will be available for purchase on Thursday, October 15.
Museums for All tickets are available for the following dates: November 18, 19, 22, 24, 29, December 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and January 1 and 2.
Tickets for available dates and times can be purchased online or in person. When buying tickets online, a valid LINK or WIC card is required to receive the discounted rate. Online ticket purchasers will receive an email confirmation and must show a valid LINK or WIC card with their tickets at the entrance on the night of the event. Up to 10 Museums for All tickets can be purchased.
Plan-Ahead Pricing
Prices for Illumination vary based on the day and time. Plan-ahead pricing allows you to get the best deal on Illumination tickets when you buy in advance. The farther in advance you purchase tickets, the more you save!
For busier periods with higher estimated attendance, prices will reflect high demand. For quieter attendance days, prices will be lower.
The amount you save varies, but the prices listed for each date will always be the lowest option at that time, for that particular date. Prices will never decrease, but they may increase. Buying ahead is always your best option!
Upgrades
You can make your visit to Illumination a truly special experience by prepurchasing limited-edition items, reserving parking, and renting private IllumiDomes for your group.
Ultimate Blizzard Hot Cocoa
Bring home memories of Illumination with this year’s signature hot cocoa—the Ultimate Blizzard Hot Cocoa—served in a limited-edition, collectible Morton Arboretum mug.
You can prepurchase your Ultimate Blizzard Hot Cocoa online during checkout when Illumination tickets go on sale for Arboretum members Thursday, October 1, and for the public Thursday, October 15. Available for prepurchase while supplies last.
Glowing Tree Wand
Hold the magic of the Illumination in your hands with a glowing, light-up tree wand.
Glowing tree wands can be prepurchased online when selecting your Illumination tickets while supplies last. Pick up glowing tree wands when you arrive in the Sycamore Room near the start of the Illumination trail.
Premium Parking
Available for purchase in advance of your visit to Illumination, a Premium Parking add-on option reserves parking in our Administration Parking Lot, close to the Illumination entrance. Select “Premium Parking” during checkout to secure your spot!
Premium Parking is available while spaces last on most weekends and holidays at a cost of $18 per vehicle. Availability is extremely limited.
IllumiDome Rentals
Cozy IllumiDomes can be rented ahead of your visit to Illumination.
IllumiDomes are private, 13-foot, see-through domes showing stunning views of the Illumination light displays—perfect for groups of up to 8 guests.
Along with your IllumiDome rental, your group receives:
- One warm, nonalcoholic beverage voucher per guest
- A s’more kit for each guest to enjoy
- A festive basket of holiday treats, including brownies and cookies
Optional Beverage Upgrade
Add an alcoholic beverage package to your IllumiDome rental for an additional $6 per guest.
IllumiDome Dining Dome
Add a four-course dining package to your IllumiDome rental experience for $60 per guest. The Dining Dome experience replaces the basket of holiday treats in standard IllumiDome rentals. Dining Dome packages are limited to one reservation per evening.
Proposal Package
An IllumiDome Proposal Package is also available, perfect for popping the question! The Proposal Package includes:
- 90-minute private dome rental for up to 8 guests
- Bottle of champagne with toasting flutes
- Artisan cheese board
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Warm beverage vouchers
- Holiday treat basket
IllumiDome rentals are available Thursday through Sunday, from Friday, November 27, to Saturday, January 2, as well as on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
When booking between Friday, November 27, and Sunday, December 20, IllumiDome rentals will be available from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. When booking between Monday, December 21, and Saturday, January 2, rentals will be available from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Admission to Illumination is not included in the rental fee.
Payment is by credit card and due in full at the time of booking. Proof of Illumination ticket purchase for the desired rental date and time must be provided at time of booking.
Special Nights
IllumiBrew
At IllumiBrew, a festival-style event for adults 21 and older, guests can get a first look at this year’s Illumination experience while tasting local beers and brews along the festive trail.
IllumiBrew will take place on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Sensory Night
The Illumination Sensory Night offers a modified experience featuring static lights and music at low volume. Tickets will be available in a limited capacity to provide a sensory-sensitive environment.
Illumination Sensory Night will take place on Tuesday, November 17, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Dog Admission Nights
Guests can bring their canine companions to be part of the fun! Separate tickets are required for dog admission.
Illumination Dog Admission Nights will be hosted on three Wednesdays this season—December 2, 9, and 16.
Accessibility
The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved path that is ADA-compliant. The paved path is walkable and rollable for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers.
The exhibition is not visible or accessible by car.
Wheelchair Rentals and Personal Mobility Scooters
The Arboretum has a small number of nonmotorized wheelchairs available to rent free of charge in the Visitor Center. 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 wheelchair to the Arboretum if one is needed. Wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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.
Sensory Needs and Supports
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. 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.
Illumination Sensory Night
The Illumination Sensory Night on Tuesday, November 17, offers a modified experience featuring static lights and music at low volume. Tickets will be available in a limited capacity to provide a sensory-sensitive environment.
Tickets for Illumination Sensory Night will be available to Arboretum members on Thursday, October 1, and will be available to the public on Thursday, October 15.
Service Animals
The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with trained service animals. Please note that pets, emotional support, and therapy animals are not permitted except on special Illumination Dog Admission Nights.
Accessible Parking
Parking is available near the Illumination 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 served, 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 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.
Food and Drinks
A concession tent along the Illumination trail will serve snacks, hot beverages, alcoholic drinks, and s’mores kits. The concession tent will be open from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. during the Illumination experience.
Ultimate Blizzard Hot Cocoa
Bring home memories of Illumination with this year’s signature hot cocoa—the Ultimate Blizzard Hot Cocoa—served in a limited-edition Morton Arboretum mug.
The Ultimate Blizzard Hot Cocoa features traditional milk chocolate hot cocoa, whipped cream, large house-made cocoa marshmallow, topped with a mini snowflake cookie, and finished with iridescent snow dust.
Available for purchase in the concession tent along the Illumination trail, the signature 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. on all Illumination dates. Ticketholders can enter the restaurant as early as the entry time listed on their Illumination ticket.
Ticket Rebooking
The Morton Arboretum offers a convenient way to make changes to existing ticket reservations for Illumination ticket holders.
You can use the Arborteum’s online rebooking tool to change your tickets from one date to another. There may be a cost difference between the two dates. Note: only dates and times that are still available will show during the rebooking process.
To look up an existing order, enter your order ID and last name in the field. You can find your order ID listed on the “Order Summary” email that was sent to you from tickets@mortonarb.org.
If you have questions, you can contact the ticket line by email at tickets@mortonarb.org or by phone at 630-725-2066, Monday through Sunday (excluding holidays), 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please note that this tool is currently only available for use when rebooking Illumination tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accordion List
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AnyDay tickets have one date indicated, but they are valid for any Illumination date.
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Members of The Morton Arboretum always receive the lowest ticket prices. Become a member today.
Through the Arboretum’s participation in the Museums for All program, a limited number of reduced-rate Illumination tickets are available on select dates for guests with a state-issued Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT, P-EBT or LINK) card, or a valid WIC card. Tickets may be purchased online or in person—as long as the date and time is not sold out.
When buying tickets on-site in the Sycamore Room, purchasers are required to show a valid LINK or WIC card to receive the discounted rate.
When purchasing online, purchasers will receive an email confirmation and must show a valid LINK or WIC card with their tickets at the entrance on the night of the event.
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Plan-ahead pricing is adjusted daily based on a variety of factors, such as remaining tickets available, weather conditions, and most popular times. As those variables change, ticket prices may go up for particular times and dates. Prices will not go down from those listed at the time you check the website. The further in advance you purchase your tickets, the more you save.
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Illumination ticket purchases are nonrefundable. Guests may be able to exchange tickets in advance of the date on their original ticket, depending upon ticket availability on the new date. Tickets can be rebooked using The Morton Arboretum’s rebooking tool. There may be a cost difference between the original and the new dates. Guests who need additional assistance can also email the help desk or call 630-725-2066 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, except holidays.
If the Arboretum cancels a night of Illumination (in whole or part), we will accommodate ticket holders according to the cancellation policy.
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Event tickets may always be added to general admission reservations; however, we encourage you to purchase Illumination tickets in a separate transaction, if possible, to ensure that the scan codes are kept separate.
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On days with four or more inches of snow, Illumination attendees are welcome to bring snowshoes or cross-country skis to the Arboretum during usual daylight hours. During Illumination, the East Side of the Arboretum will close at 3:00 p.m. to prepare for opening of the exhibition each evening at 4:30 p.m. Only the West Side is available for skiing or snowshoeing prior to mid-January, when Illumination equipment is removed on the East Side. Once Illumination is over, rentals will be available based on snowfall.
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No. A driving experience was created during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but is no longer available. Illumination is a one-mile walking trail, which allows families and friends to spend time together, take photos, stop to view the displays at their own pace, relax over a meal together in the Visitor Center, make s’mores over a fire, and spend time outdoors in nature, as well as shop in The Arboretum Store.
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Because Illumination is an outdoor event in winter, on very rare occasions the Arboretum may cancel an evening or temporarily close the event until weather passes. Many factors are considered, including predictions from the National Weather Service and other weather services, before making a decision that has an impact on guests.
If Illumination is canceled or temporarily closed for part of an evening, ticket holders will be notified via email, and notice will be posted to the Arboretum’s website homepage. Cancellation decisions are made by 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event.
We will honor tickets on alternate nights, schedule permitting. For more information, email or call the ticket line at tickets@mortonarb.org or 630-725-2066 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily (except holidays).
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Ticket holders who make the choice not to attend Illumination based on their personal circumstances may be able to exchange tickets in advance of the date on their original ticket, depending upon ticket availability on the new date. Tickets can be rebooked using The Morton Arboretum’s rebooking tool. There may be a cost difference between the original and the new dates. Illumination ticket purchases are nonrefundable.
For more information, use the Arboretum’s rebooking tool, email the help desk, or call the ticket line at 630-725-2066 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily (except holidays).
If the Arboretum cancels a night of Illumination (in whole or part), we will accommodate ticketholders according to the cancellation policy.
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Illumination ticket holders may enter the Arboretum after 4:30 p.m., but will not be able to access the Illumination trail, the Visitor Center, The Arboretum Store, or the Ginkgo Restaurant until the time listed on their tickets.
In cold weather conditions, we encourage ticket holders to arrive as close as possible to the time on their tickets for the best experience, as there is no place to wait indoors before the entry time listed on your ticket.
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Yes. The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved path that is ADA-compliant and walkable, rollable, and fully accessible to guests using wheelchairs or personal mobility devices.
Please see the Illumination Accessibility section for more information.
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The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with task-trained service animals. Please note that pets, emotional support, and therapy animals are not permitted except on special Illumination Dog Admission Nights.
Dogs attending Illumination must be on a leash and should be comfortable with crowds.
Dogs will not be allowed inside the Visitor Center.
