Illumination: Tree Lights

See trees in a different light at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. A treat for your senses, with the transformation into a winter wonderland complete with music, a symphony of lights and special effects. Experience this DuPage tradition, truly a holiday event for all ages! 

Event runs from November 18, 2023 - January 6, 2024.

We encourage people to buy tickets well in advance as dates and times will sell out quickly.

Celebrate the holidays and marvel at how light transforms a magnificent landscape at the 11th annual edition of Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Gather family and friends to explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees and sweeping vistas and experience one of the nation’s most well-known light displays. You’ll journey along a 1-mile paved walking path amid festive music and lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, or stop in one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage.

Exciting new features and immersive installations in this festive experience will delight all ages along a new path that is fully ADA compliant for guests with limited mobility.

Throughout the run of this limited-time light display, The Morton Arboretum will hold two events made especially for adults. Electric Illumination, a late-night experience for adults 18 and older, returns for the second year with more dates for this late-night experience. Craft beer lovers won't want to miss IllumiBrew; adults 21 and over can enjoy a first look at the newest version of Illumination while sampling local brews along the trail. 

Tickets on Sale Now
Introducing Plan-Ahead Pricing for Illumination and Electric Illumination. Choose the price, date, and time that best matches your personal budget and schedule. The further in advance you purchase your tickets, the more you save!

Illumination and Electric Illumination ticket prices will never be lower for a particular day and time than is listed on the website at the time you search, and may increase, based on availability over time. Member ticket prices are always 20% lower than nonmember tickets.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Illumination ticket purchases are non-refundable. However, guests may be able to exchange tickets in advance for a fee of $5 per transaction, depending upon event capacity and at the discretion of the Arboretum. Same-day exchanges cannot be accommodated.

Planning Your Trip
Illumination ticket holders may enter the Arboretum after 4:30 p.m., but will not be able to access the Illumination trail or Visitor Center until the time listed on their tickets. 

Snacks and beverages will be available at concession tents.