LISLE, Ill. (Oct. 12, 2023)—Tickets for the holiday favorite 11th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum go on sale to members Oct. 16 and to the general public Oct. 23 with plan-ahead pricing that offers the best deals on early ticket purchases to better serve an array of budgets.
Also new this year is an added ’80’s-themed Electric Illumination night, a fully ADA compliant trail, and new and reimagined displays that immerse guests among festive lights and music that celebrate the Arboretum’s tree collections.
The lowest prices of the season will be available exclusively to members Oct. 16 through 22, with tickets open to the general public beginning Oct. 23. Prices will vary by day and time selected. Member prices will always be 20% lower than for nonmembers on every ticket.
“Plan-ahead pricing offers the best deals on tickets the earlier you purchase, and depending on the day and time you choose,” said Tari Marshall, director of public relations and social media. “This helps everyone find prices that best meet their budget and schedule, rather than a one-price-fits-all approach.”
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 sponsor ComEd is also offering a $5 discount per ticket on nonmember Illumination tickets, while supplies last, by entering the code 2023COMEDLIGHTS during online checkout.
Electric Illumination is a late-night experience for adults 18 and older, featuring a curated mix of trance and progressive house music, synchronized to the breathtaking light displays. An ’80s night on Dec. 29 will feature songs like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Dexys Midnight Runners’ “Come on Eileen.” Electric Illumination takes place on four Fridays, December 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 9:30 to 11 p.m.
The adults-only (ages 21 and older) IllumiBrew preview event 5:30 to 10 p.m. Nov. 16 and 17 offers a first look at the newest version of Illumination while sampling local brews, ciders and meads along the trail. Tickets to IllumiBrew will be available to both members and nonmembers Oct. 16 at a fixed price.
The 2023-24 Illumination season, Nov. 18 through Jan. 6, 2024, will feature 18 displays, including two new and four returning favorites with enhanced experiences. New exhibit Winter Radiance will feature kinetic LED tall grasses paying homage with light and color to an indigenous Midwest plant species. Starlit Trail envelopes guests among large twinkling “stars” along the path.
The mile-long paved walking trail will be reversed to create an experience different from previous years. Along the trail, concession tents will serve hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages and s’mores kits to be enjoyed at warming bonfires. A special temperature-activated color-changing ceramic mug will be available for purchase during all Illumination and Electric Illumination dates. Guests also can 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. Illumination is generously sponsored by Invesco QQQ, ComEd, and Duly Health and Care.