Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum will brighten up the holiday season beginning Nov. 15 ✨
Hailed as one of the best winter light shows in the country by U.S. News and World Report and USA Today, the 12th annual celebration of trees in winter runs through Jan. 3, 2026.
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“Illumination is a beloved holiday tradition for many who come every year,” said Amy Scott, head of exhibitions. “The beautiful light displays have been the setting for countless marriage proposals and annual family photos that have created lasting memories year after year.”
New this year will be a vibrant display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments in the Arboretum’s Grand Garden, and a sensory-friendly night on Dec. 18th. “The adapted experience will have static lights, lower volume music and a limited guest capacity to provide a welcoming environment for guests who may need a quieter, less stimulating atmosphere,” Scott said
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The 20 dazzling light and music displays will be along an ADA-compliant walking path accessible for all visitors. Illumination spans approximately 50 of the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres, featuring over 1,000 trees along the route and more than 1,200 lighting devices that bring the experience to life. New this year, Illumination features four colorful, larger-than-life Vivid Creatures animal sculptures by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz included among the immersive light displays
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The Arboretum has also added more dates for its popular Electric Illumination late-night experience, after it sold out in previous years. Each weekend will have a different theme, with curated playlists provided by a live DJ:
Friday, December 5—I Want My MTV and TRL
Madonna, Backstreet Boys, Run DMC, Christina Aguilera, OutKast, Blink-182
Friday, December 12—Pop Divas
Sabrina Carpenter, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner
Friday, December 19—House
Frankie Knuckles, Carl Cox, Marshall Jefferson, Daft Punk, Calvin Harris
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Along the one-mile walking trail, a concession tent will serve hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and s’mores kits to be enjoyed at warming bonfires. A keepsake temperature-activated color-changing ceramic mug will be available for purchase during all Illumination and Electric Illumination dates. Guests can also enjoy a hot meal in the Ginkgo Restaurant overlooking the Meadow Lake finale.
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The exhibition was custom designed and developed uniquely for the Arboretum in partnership with international media and exhibit designers Lightswitch LLC, and features energy-efficient, eco-friendly LED lighting.
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Tickets will be available online at mortonarb.org and in-person at the Arboretum Visitor Center during operating hours. Ticket prices for Illumination and Electric Illumination vary based on the day and time selected. Members receive the lowest ticket prices, with a 20% discount. Children three and younger are admitted free of charge. In addition, the Arboretum is offering deeply reduced Illumination ticket prices for Electronic Benefits Transfer EBT/LINK) and WIC cardholders through the Museums for All program at $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Illumination is generously sponsored by Invesco QQQ and ComEd.
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About The Morton Arboretum
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.
The Morton Arboretum was gracious enough to let us experience Illumination during a media preview night so we could share from a family's perspective -- check it out here:
