LISLE, Ill. (Dec. 6, 2024)— Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum has been nationally recognized as one of the top 10 “Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights” by USA TODAY. The distinction is part of USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024.

Currently in its 12th year, Illumination is the only holiday light show in Illinois to receive the Top 10 designation. This is the third time Illumination has landed a spot on the USA TODAY’s 10Best list.

The Arboretum was nominated by a panel of experts, including USA TODAY 10Best editors. Readers then voted for their favorites. Illumination also recently appeared on the U.S. News and World Report’s list of “28 Best Christmas Light Displays + Tours for 2024.”

“Illumination continues to be a standout holiday experience, drawing national recognition for its fresh take on holiday light displays, where the trees themselves are the main attraction, not just the lights,” said Amy Scott, the Arboretum’s head of exhibitions.

More than 2 million people have experienced Illumination since its inception in 2013. The one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light and music was custom designed by Lightswitch LLC, and incorporates new and updated features each year.

This season features a vibrant, new display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments in the Arboretum’s Grand Garden, along an ADA-compliant, one-mile walking trail with 17 immersive light displays. “What sets the Arboretum’s holiday light displays apart is our focus on the natural beauty of trees in winter, creating a unique, family-friendly experience that celebrates the season in a way no other light show does,” Scott said. “It’s an outdoor holiday tradition that families look forward to every year.”

USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the best of the best in categories such as destinations, food and drink, hotels, and things to do and see in the U.S. and abroad.

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum runs through Jan. 4, 2025. For tickets or more information, visit mortonarb.org. Illumination is generously sponsored by Invesco QQQ and ComEd.