Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum open through Jan. 3

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum open through Jan. 3

—Featuring new, larger-than-life Vivid Creatures sculptures included among 20 immersive light displays and Dog Admission Nights—

LISLE, Ill. — Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum will once again light up the holiday season. The 13th annual celebration of trees in winter runs through Jan. 3, 2026, inviting guests to experience nature in a whole new light along a one-mile, ADA-accessible walking trail.

Named among the nation’s best holiday light displays by U.S. News & World Report and USA Today, Illumination has welcomed more than 2 million visitors of all ages since its debut. “The joy and wonder that Illumination brings each year have become part of so many families’ holiday traditions,” said Amy Scott, head of exhibitions at the Arboretum. “This year, we’re adding even more magic with new, larger-than-life sculptures and new ways to enjoy the experience.”

New for 2025, the exhibition will feature four colorful Vivid Creatures animal sculptures by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz, appearing among 20 immersive light displays throughout the Arboretum’s winter landscape. Visitors can also take advantage of flexible ticket rebooking this season, allowing them to adjust their reservation up to the event start time if plans or weather change. Prices may differ between dates.

Tickets are available online at mortonarb.org/illumination and in person at the Visitor Center. Prices vary by date and time selected. Arboretum members receive the lowest ticket prices all season with a 20% discount. Tickets for Illumination generally start at $17.60 for adult members and $22 for adult nonmembers. Children's ticket prices vary by date and time. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free of charge. In addition, the Arboretum is offering deeply reduced Illumination ticket prices on select nights for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT/LINK) and WIC cardholders through the Museums for All program at $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Dog Admission Nights will debut at this year’s Illumination, inviting guests to bring their furry companions along the lighted trail on Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Dog Admission Nights require Illumination tickets for human admission and separate $10 tickets for dog admission to the event.

The popular Electric Illumination returns with an adults-only experience all night on Fridays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, with a live DJ broadcasting throughout the event for guests 18 and older. Each night will feature a different live DJ set with themed music, including Dec. 5 - I Want My MTV and TRL; Dec. 12 - Pop Divas; and Dec. 19 - House. Tickets to Electric Illumination start at $18.80 for members and $23 for nonmembers.

Guests seeking a cozy private experience can reserve one of the Arboretum’s new IllumiDomes, warm and enclosed 13-foot clear domes located in Arbor Court. Each 90-minute rental includes s’mores kits, warm beverages and festive treats for up to 10 guests, with optional beverage add-ons available.

The season kicked off with IllumiBrew, a 21+ tasting event on Nov. 14, featuring seasonal beers, ciders and meads from top Chicago-area breweries stationed along the trail. Tickets are $85 for members and $95 for nonmembers, with designated driver tickets $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers.

“IllumiBrew is a favorite for craft beer fans, offering a unique opportunity to sample exclusive and seasonal brews from top local breweries while enjoying a first look at this year’s Illumination experience,” said Jenelle Metcalf, head of special events at the Arboretum. “With so many beverages to taste along the trail, it’s an experience that beer lovers look forward to every year.”

Along the trail, guests can enjoy warming bonfires, snacks, hot chocolate and beverages, including a new featured drink—a s’mores hot chocolate served in a limited-edition Morton Arboretum mug, available exclusively at the concession tent. The Ginkgo Restaurant will offer a seasonal menu overlooking Meadow Lake’s sparkling finale.

The exhibition was custom-designed for the Arboretum in partnership with international media and exhibit designers Lightswitch LLC and features energy-efficient, eco-friendly LED lighting.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is generously sponsored by Invesco QQQ, ComEd, Duly Health and Care and Morton Salt.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized tree-focused botanical garden and research center near Chicago in Lisle, Illinois. Its 1,700 acres include specialty tree and plant collections, nine miles of roads and 16 miles of hiking trails, a central Grand Garden, Children’s Garden, educational programs and a Visitor Center. Information about exhibitions, events and admission is available at mortonarb.org.


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