ILLUMINATION: TREE LIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM BRIGHTENS THE HOLIDAY SEASON

ILLUMINATION: TREE LIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM BRIGHTENS THE HOLIDAY SEASON

- From a date night to a family excursion, Illumination offers a way for everyone to 

see trees in a different light this season -

Image provided by Morton Arboreteum

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum opened on November 22 and is lighting up the night this season. Perfect for a date night or a family outing, visitors to Illumination will see the Arboretum’s trees transformed with dazzling projections, trees that respond to touch and sound, and vivid, electric colors throughout. 

Along the Illumination path, visitors experience interactive elements such as Hug a Tree, where you can hug a tree to make it change color; Tree Harmony, where trees react and change colors based on the harmonies sung to them; and Personalitrees, an interactive element that allows you to see yourself illuminated onto a grove of conifers. Illumination was designed in partnership with leading lighting design firm Lightswitch. 

Visitors can enjoy an array of snacks for sale including s’mores and warm up fingers and toes at fire pits along the one mile path. 

“People of all ages have enjoyed Illumination since it opened,” said Sue Wagner, Vice President of Education and Information Services at The Morton Arboretum. “It’s great for a date night, as well as a fun holiday event for friends, families, neighbors or business associates.”

Event Dates and Ticket Prices

Illumination is open through January 4. The event opens each night at 4:30 p.m. with the last entry at 8:30 p.m. Illumination will be closed December 16, 24 and 25.

Event tickets are on sale at mortonarb.org/illumination, and advance purchase is encouraged. Tickets for the day of are only available on-site. General admission ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children 2 to 17 years old. For Arboretum members, prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children 2 to 17 years old. The event is free for children under 2. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather as this is an outdoor experience.

For the most up-to-date information about Illumination, please visit www.mortonarb.org/illumination.


About The Morton Arboretum 
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum on 1,700 acres. Plant collections, scientific research and education programs support the mission to plant and conserve trees and other plants for a greener, healthier and more beautiful world. Designed with natural landscapes, the grounds include the award-winning, four-acre interactive Children’s Garden, the one-acre Maze Garden, plus specialty gardens, 16 miles of trails and nine miles of roads. Visitor experiences include the open-air tram ride, guided walks, Arbor Day celebrations, concerts, art shows, Fall Color Festival and special exhibits. The Arboretum welcomes more than 800,000 visitors annually and serves more than 35,600 members. Located 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. Learn more at mortonarb.org.