Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound.

Celebrate the holidays and marvel at how light transforms a magnificent landscape at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Exciting features and immersive installations in this festive experience will delight all ages along a path that is fully ADA compliant for guests with limited mobility.

You’ll journey along a 1-mile paved walking path amid festive music and lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. You will pass through a woodland that comes alive with sparkling colored lights in the crisp outdoor air. A grove of trees will come alive with color and seem to grow and change before your eyes. Music will be everywhere, lights will make trees dance, and hugs will make a tree light up.

Gather family and friends to explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees and sweeping vistas and experience one of the nation’s most well-known light displays. Warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, or stop in one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant in the Visitor Center while you view the display’s finale on Meadow Lake. The Arboretum Store will also be open for holiday shopping and seasonal decorating. A special temperature-activated, color-changing ceramic mug will be available for purchase during all Illumination dates.

Plan Ahead and Save on Tickets

With Plan-Ahead Pricing for Illumination and Electric Illumination, choose the price, date, and time that best matches your personal budget and schedule. The further in advance you purchase your tickets, the more you save!

Members have exclusive access to the very lowest ticket prices and selection of dates and times. Member ticket prices are always 20% lower than nonmember tickets. Become a member to get early access and best pricing for Illumination tickets.

If you have questions about purchasing tickets, please email tickets@mortonarb.org or call 630-725-2066.

IllumiBrew

Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss IllumiBrew. At this event for adults 21 and older, enjoy a first look at the newest version of Illumination while sampling local brews along the trail.

Electric Illumination

Electric Illumination returns for this late-night experience. Adults 18 and older will enjoy a curated mix of dynamic and dance-worthy music synchronized to the breathtaking light displays of Illumination. The fun begins at 9:30 p.m., Fridays in December.

Museums for All Discount Tickets

Through the Arboretum’s participation in the Museums for All program, a limited number of reduced-rate Illumination tickets will be 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 can be purchased online or in person, as long as the date and time is not sold out. Up to 10 Museums for All tickets can be purchased. 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.

This Illumination-specific discount is an extension of the popular Museums for All program, a partnership between the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM).

Accessibility

The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved path that is ADA compliant for limited mobility. The exhibition is not visible or accessible by car.

The Arboretum has a small number of nonmotorized wheelchairs available on loan 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 the supply is limited, we recommend bringing a wheelchair to the Arboretum, if one is 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.

Sensory Needs

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. 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 when they arrive at the Sycamore Room. Families can utilize 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 service animals to Illumination. Please note that pets are not permitted at the Arboretum except on special dog admission days.

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 served, and is directed by parking attendants.

Guests directed to a secondary lot (Parking Lot 21) at Thornhill 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 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

Are there any Illumination ticket discounts available?

Morton Arboretum members 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 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, 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.

Can I walk/snowshoe at the Arboretum during the day on Illumination dates?

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.

If Illumination is canceled due to weather, can I get a refund?

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. 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).

Saturday, November 16, 2024, through Saturday, January 4, 2025
Open daily, 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
If you have questions about purchasing tickets, please email tickets@mortonarb.org or call 630-725-2066.
Located on a one-mile paved walking path; see the Illumination map for details
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