Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum

Exciting new features and immersive installations in this festive experience will delight all ages along a new 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 
Introducing 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!

Illumination and Electric Illumination ticket prices will never be lower for a particular day and time than is listed on the website at the time you search, and may increase, based on availability over time. Member ticket prices are always 20% lower than nonmember tickets.

Members have exclusive access to the very lowest ticket prices and selection of dates and times from Monday, October 16 through Sunday, October 22. Become a member to get early access and best pricing for Illumination tickets.

Nonmembers may purchase tickets beginning on Monday, October 23.

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 on Thursday, November 16, and Friday, November 17. 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 the second year with more dates added 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, December 8, 15, 22, and 29.
Member Tickets Nonmember Tickets Will Be Available Monday, October 23
Saturday, November 18, 2023 through Saturday, January 6, 2024
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.