Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Saturday, Nov. 18 through Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024
Prices for Illumination vary based on the day and time
 |  |
Celebrate the winter holidays with family and friends at the 11th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, named among the best U.S. holiday light displays last year by U.S. News and World Report. Guests will explore 18 displays, including two new and four returning favorites with enhanced experiences. The 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, which is fully ADA compliant, 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. Tickets will go on sale Oct. 16 for members and Oct. 23 for the general public at mortonarb.org. Illumination is generously sponsored by Invesco QQQ, ComEd, and Duly Health and Care.
IllumiBrew (ages 21 and older)
Thursday, Nov. 16, and Friday, Nov. 17 | 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Ticket prices to come
Be among the first to see the 11th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum while sampling seasonal beers, ciders, and meads from popular Chicagoland breweries stationed along the Illumination trail. Each IllumiBrew ticket includes 15 3-oz beer samples, a light-up tasting glass, and an entrance to Illumination. Designated driver tickets include admission into IllumiBrew and a complimentary hot chocolate or cider. Tickets will go on sale Oct. 16 for members and Oct. 23 for the general public at mortonarb.org.
Electric Illumination (ages 18 and older)
Fridays, Dec. 8, 15, 22 and 29 | 9:30 to 11 p.m.
Prices for Electric Illumination vary based on the day and time
Electric Illumination returns with a new music-themed night. 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.” A special temperature-activated color-changing ceramic mug will be available for purchase during all Illumination and Electric Illumination dates. Tickets will go on sale Oct. 16 for members and Oct. 23 for the general public at mortonarb.org.
