Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

See trees in a different light this holiday season during the 12th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, running Saturday, Nov. 16 through Saturday, Jan. 4, in Lisle, Illinois.

Tickets will be on sale exclusively to members — with the lowest prices of the season — Oct. 1 through 14. Tickets will open to nonmembers beginning Oct. 15. The further in advance you purchase your tickets, the lower the prices!

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 one-mile path that is fully ADA compliant.

Warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, stop in at the concession tent on Frost Hill for snacks and beverages, or sit down to a delicious meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant to view a laser light finale on Meadow Lake.

A temperature-activated, color-changing ceramic mug will be available for purchase on all Illumination dates.

Event Highlights

The 2024 exhibition features 17 displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter.

A secluded glade is strung with fairy lights, kinetic LED tall grasses honor a Midwest native species, and trees light up with a hug. New this year, Celebration Circle is an interactive light display in The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden featuring four sets of illuminated tree-shaped installations, each synced to the music of a different instrument.

The Arboretum Store is open late for holiday shopping during Illumination and Electric Illumination.

IllumiBrew

Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss IllumiBrew. At this event for adults 21 and older on Friday, November 15, enjoy a first look at the newest version of Illumination while sampling local brews along the trail.

Electric Illumination

Electric Illumination offers a special late-night experience from 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. on three special weekends in November and December, each with a unique theme. Adults 18 and older will enjoy a curated playlist of music synchronized to breathtaking light displays.

Illumination Sensory Evening

New for 2024 is an Illumination sensory evening on Tuesday, December 3, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.; last entry is at 8:00 p.m. This modified experience will feature static lights and music at low volume. Tickets are available in a limited capacity for the event on this night to provide a sensory-sensitive environment.

Host or Publisher The Morton Arboretum