LISLE, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2024)—Tickets for the holiday favorite 12th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, Electric Illumination and IllumiBrew go on sale to Arboretum members Oct. 1 and to the general public Oct. 15.
The 2024-25 Illumination season will run Nov. 16 through Jan. 4, 2025, featuring 17 displays. Amy Scott, head of exhibitions at the Arboretum, announced that there will be a new Illumination sensory evening on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. “We want as many people as possible to be able to experience Illumination,” she said. “This modified experience will feature static lights, music at lower volume and have a limited guest capacity to provide a sensory-sensitive environment for those who need it.”
Returning guests will enjoy a new display, Celebration Circle—a vibrant experience in the Arboretum’s Grand Garden where a central abstract tree shape will be surrounded by four interactive tree installations, each synchronized to different musical instruments.
The Arboretum has also added more dates for its popular Electric Illumination late-night experience, after it sold out in previous years. Each weekend will have a different theme, with curated playlists provided live by The DJ Firm. “It’s like a moving dance party,” Scott said. The 18-and-over adults-only event is from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on weekends Nov. 29 and 30 (2000’s Pop Hits), Dec. 6 and 7 (Country Mashups) and Dec. 13 and 14 (Diva Anthems). VIP tickets offer an enhanced Electric Illumination experience from 8:30 to 11 p.m., with access to an exclusive indoor space to warm up, specialty cocktails, late-night bites, “glow games” and other special offerings.
Also returning is the adults-only, ages 21 and older IllumiBrew preview event 5:30 to 10 p.m., Nov. 15. Illumibrew offers a first look at the newest version of Illumination while sampling local beers, ciders, meads and nonalcoholic brews along the trail. Tickets to IllumiBrew are $85 for members and $95 for other guests, with designated driver tickets $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers.
The lowest ticket prices for Illumination and Electric Illumination will be available exclusively to members Oct. 1 through 14, as prices will vary by day and time selected. Members receive the lowest ticket prices, with a 20% discount. Illumination sponsor ComEd is offering a $5 discount per ticket on a limited number of nonmember tickets, while supplies last, by entering the code 2024COMEDLIGHTS during online checkout beginning Oct. 15 (offer is not valid for IllumiBrew or Electric Illumination).
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.
Along the ADA accessible, one-mile walking trail, a concession tent 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 and ComEd.