Illumination
See trees in a different light at Illumination at The Morton Arboretum. A treat for your senses- the transformation into a winter wonderland complete with music, a symphony of lights, and special effects. Experience this holiday event for all ages, a classic DuPage tradition!
Event runs from November 14, 2026 - January 2, 2027.
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 14th annual edition of Illumination 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.
See four colorful sculptures from Vivid Creatures, by artists Heather and Fez BeGaetz, lit up for the holidays and transformed for the Illumination experience. This is the last year to see the Vivid Creatures as the exhibit changes in March 2027.
Want to experience Illumination without the bright lights and noise? Enjoy Illumination Sensory Night with gentle lighting and low volume on November 17.
Bring your canine companions to be part of the fun! Illumination Dog Admission Days will be hosted on December 2, 9, 16, and January 1. Tickets are sold separately for Dog Admission Days, click here to purchase tickets.
Throughout the run of this limited-time light display, The Morton Arboretum will host a special event made especially for adults. Craft beer lovers won't want to miss IllumiBrew; adults 21 and over can enjoy a first look at Illumination while sampling local brews along the trail.
New this Year
With new features ranging from a glowing outdoor landscape of firefly-like orbs alongside illuminated mushrooms, to a whimsical new model train add-on attraction, Illumination: Tree Lights is truly unlike any other holiday lighting display in the area. This seasons, guests will encounter enhanced fan-favorite displays and new installations, including:
- A stunning aurora borealis-inspired canopy of shifting color spanning a length of more than 400 feet, with shimmering illuminated curtains.
- An immersive tunnel of moving chrome spheres and light inspired by falling rain and dew drops.
- A sweeping hillside landscape of glowing orbs and shifting patterns by meditative sand gardens.
- An enchanted landscape filled with glowing orbs evoking floating fairies dancing like giant fireflies, alongside illuminated mushrooms and otherworldly wonders.
- A family-friendly model train experience inside the Firefly Pavilion will invite guests into a fantastical woodland scene with nearly 1,000 feet of train track featuring elevated sections winding through miniature scenes and structures. Tickets are sold separately for the Pine Whistle Railroad experience, click here for more information.
Book Your Tickets
Tickets on Sale Now
Plan-Ahead Pricing for Illumination and IllumiBrew is available. 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! Member ticket prices are always 20% lower than nonmember tickets.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Planning Your Trip
Illumination ticket holders may enter the Arboretum after 4:30 PM, but will not be able to access the Illumination trail or Visitor Center until the time listed on their tickets.
On-site parking is complementary with purchase of Illumination tickets.
Snacks and beverages will be available at concession tents.