December 2012 Events
LISLE, IL (October 31, 2012) – Ring in the holidays with The Morton Arboretum this December as we make our own natural ornaments, share a meal with Santa, hear from the Solstice King and Queen, and hunt for Yule Logs.
FOR KIDS
Cool Kids Winter Play
Kids, come join us for some outdoor fun. This fifteen minute guided glimpse into the world of outdoor play will depend on the day. Possibilities include snowman and snow fort building with natural materials or garden scavenger hunt for natural objects. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 2012 through February 2013, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Children’s Garden. Weather permitting. Free with admission.
Gnome Hunt
When the animals begin to hibernate, our garden gnomes come out to play a game of hide-and-seek. Help us hunt for our hidden gnomes. Check out the sign at the Children’s Garden entrance for details on how to play along. The gnomes will be out to play daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through February 2013. Free with admission.
Tree House Tales Exhibition
Every tree has a story that's waiting to be told! Enter our tree house village filled with adventure and imagination. Play, make believe, and become part of the trees' ever-changing tale. This exhibition, aimed at children ages 2 to 10 years old, is comprised of six fun-filled, educational tree houses. This exhibit is in our South China collection along Loop 1, approximately a four-block walk from the Visitor Center. Free with admission.
Arbor Reading Adventures
Hear stories, create a craft, and take an adventure walk on our grounds. Join us in the Sterling Morton Library for this popular interactive story time. This event is designed for children ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Join us Wednesdays and Fridays, through March 2013, from 11-11:45 a.m. in the Sterling Morton Library. Register at www.mortonarb.org, at the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-719-2468 during business hours. Cost: $4 member or $5 non-member per session, per child.
Winter Science Camps
Why is winter cool? Kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade can find out during our Winter Science Camps. Sign up your child for three days of exploration on January 2 to 4, 2013, from 9 a.m. to noon. Enrollment is now underway at www.mortonarb.org/education. Cost: $105 member or $130 non-member per child.
Here are details on Winter Science Camps for different age groups:
Frosty Frolics – for children in Kindergarten
How do winter birds and animals live and play through the long season? Come track animal footprints in the snow and search for signs of animal life. Inside, we will make our own tracks, create frost, and enjoy frosty treats.
Arctic Art Adventures – for children in first and second grades
Paint with ice and spray bottles, create an igloo, and discover the amazing science behind crystals and snowflakes.
Chillin’ Out with Nature – for children in first and second grades
Explore the Arboretum and learn the secrets of winter animals. Come play games, trek through the snow, and create wintery crafts.
Science of Why – for children in third and fourth grades
Become a junior snow scientist! Learn how crystals form, where plants go during winter, and why trees “sleep.”
Wintery Watercolors & More – for children in third and fourth grades
Winter is its own unique medium. Our artists will freeze artwork, make snow paintings, and use icicles as paint brushes.
Winter Nature Photography – for children in fifth and sixth grades
Learn the basics of nature photography as you explore the Arboretum in winter. Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors.
FOR FAMILIES
Enchanted Railroad
An intricate railroad travels through an indoor winter wonderland. Kick off your Christmas festivities with a visit to our Enchanted Railroad. Join us daily through Sunday, January 6, 2013 (with the exception of December 24-25). Free timed tickets are available in the Visitor Center; first come, first served.
Breakfast with Santa
Tickets are on sale now for our special holiday breakfast in the scenic Ginkgo Restaurant, complete with a visit from Santa! All children 12 years or younger will receive a gift from Santa. Join us December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, or 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. Purchase your tickets at www.mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. Ticket prices are $23 member adults, $29 non-member adults, $21 member child (2-12), or $25 non-member child (2-12). Prices do not include state sales tax or an 18 percent service fee.
Santa Supper and Holiday Shopping
Come enjoy Supper with Santa at The Morton Arboretum and then do holiday nature crafts and visit our Holiday trains display. You and your family will be put into the spirit of the holidays with our live music. Supper with Santa is Thursday, December 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Ginkgo Restaurant. The Arboretum Store will be open from 5 to 8 p.m., so stop in before or after your meal. Each purchase qualifies for an entry to win a gift basket of Frasier Fir home fragrance items — the perfect way to create traditional holiday scents in your home. The Enchanted Railroad will extend its hours until 5:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets today at www.mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Ticket prices are $26 member adults, $32 non-member adults, $22 member child (2-12), or $26 non-member child (2-12). Prices do not include state sales tax or an 18 percent service fee. Free entry to the Arboretum after 4 p.m. for those wishing only to shop.
Wonderful Winter Containers
Want to add exciting containers to your deck, yard, or home? Creating beautiful containers is easy, when you have the right tips! You will be introduced to good plants for containers, with demonstrations on the principles of container design and correct potting strategies. Bring your own 10-12 inch container and create a complete container to take home in this hands-on workshop. This class will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Class size is limited. Register at education.mortonarb.org. Cost: $35 member, $42 non-member
Make Your Own Nature Ornaments
Deck the halls with your own nature ornaments this holiday season. Families with children ages 2 to 10 are invited to join in as we use natural materials to create magical treasures to take home. Join us Sundays, December 2 and 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Outpost. Register at www.mortonarb.org, at the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-719-2468 during business hours. Cost: $10 member, $17 non-member.
Winter Solstice Walk
On the first night of winter, one of the longest nights of the year, we celebrate the winter solstice Friday, December 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. Join the Solstice King and Queen on their grand procession around Meadow Lake complete with story-telling. You can also join in a ceremony to bring back the sun. Meet in Arbor Court. Free with admission.
Hunt for the Yule Log
Take part in our 35th annual Hunt for the Yule Log on Sunday, December 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. You will receive a list of clues leading you to various parts of the Arboretum to find the Yule Log. Once found, join in a log-sawing celebration, bonfire, caroling by the Frozen Robins singers, and wassail. Meet in the Visitor Center. Free with admission.
Yule Twig Hunt
Your little ones are invited to take part in the pint-sized "Yule Twig Hunt" Sunday, December 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Children’s Garden. This event sends our smaller adventurers to find a Yule Log that is just their size. This drop-in, self-guided activity provides holiday memories for parents and kids. Free with admission.
Snowshoe and Cross-country Ski at The Morton Arboretum
Explore the grounds of The Morton Arboretum via snowshoe or cross-country skis on days with 4 or more inches of snow on the ground. Equipment is available for rent in the Arbor Court or bring your own. Cross-country ski rental fees for two hours: $13 member, $15 non-member. Cross-country ski rental fees for all day: $18 member, $20 non-member for all day. Snowshoe rental fees for two hours: $10 member (11 years and older), $8 member child (10 years and younger), $12 non-member (11 years and older), $10 non-member child (10 years and younger). Snowshoe rental fees for all day: $14 member (11 years and older), $12 member child (10 years and younger), $16 non-member (11 years and older), $14 non-member child (10 years and younger).
Breakfast in the Ginkgo
Make the most of your weekend by enjoying a delicious breakfast in the scenic Ginkgo Restaurant. Breakfast is served Saturdays and Sundays from 9 to 11 a.m. For our menu and pricing, please visit www.mortonarb.org.
FOR ADULTS
Chamber Concert: Trevor Stephenson and Anna Steinhoff
Ring in the holidays with the dazzling sounds of Trevor Stephenson, fortepiano, and Anna Steinhoff, cello Sunday, December 2, 2012, from 2:15 to 4:15 p.m. Trevor Stephenson, artistic director of the Madison Bach Musicians, along with Anna Steinhoff will perform music by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert. After the concert, gather with other music enthusiasts to sample wines and "meet and greet" the artists in the historic Founder's Room. Performances are held in the stunning Arbor Room in the Thornhill Education Center. Purchase your tickets today at www.mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. Cost: $23 members, $28 non-members. There is an additional $5 processing fee per order for phone and internet orders. Admission is included with the price of your ticket.
Beer & Baubles
Our traditional holiday Beer & Baubles shopping event just got better! Join us Thursday, December 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy shopping, live music, a tasty beer from Two Brothers Brewery (for adults 21+), and appetizers while supporting the Arboretum. A cash bar and tapas menu will be available. Discover sparkling treasures at the Patricia Locke jewelry trunk show and take advantage of free gift wrapping on all jewelry purchases. All purchases are eligible to enter a raffle for a Frasier Fir gift basket, valued at $75. Free admission is available after 4 p.m. for holiday shoppers through December 23.
Holiday Shopping & Spirits
Get in the spirit with live holiday music, food, drinks, shopping, and more. Join us Thursday, December 13, 2012, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. as we taste a collection of holiday spirits. Aperitifs include samples of traditional holiday drinks; historic and vintage holiday cocktails; fresh, light, and lower calorie holiday concoctions; and, new, cutting edge holiday mixes. In addition, a cash bar and food will be available. Plus, shop The Arboretum Store's unique holiday décor and gifts. Each purchase made between 5 and 8 p.m. qualifies for an entry to win a gift basket of Frasier Fir home fragrance items — the perfect way to create traditional holiday scents in your home. Purchase your tickets at www.mortonarb.org, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 630-725-2066 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. Cost: Advance tickets are $20 member or $25 non-member. Tickets at the door are $25 member $30 non-member.
Library Exhibit: Jens Jensen — Landscapes for People
This exhibit features landscape drawings, archival photographs and modern color photographs to introduce visitors to Jen Jensen's philosophies. The exhibit demonstrates how Jensen's naturalistic, prairie-inspired style of landscape design has established him as a major figure in American landscape architecture and focuses on what Jensen always intended his landscapes to be for: people. The exhibit is open through December 28, 2012, Tuesdays–Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with admission.
Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat Exhibit
Come learn about the gifts that the world's endangered trees give us—and how you can join the Arboretum in saving them. This award-winning outdoor exhibit shows how the trees that we know and love are endangered in the wild. By protecting them, we help ourselves and the entire planet. Vanishing Acts was developed by The Morton Arboretum and will tour nationally. The exhibit is located in the Conifer Collection, just a short stroll off the Conifer Walk. Free with admission.
OUR SPONSORS
Navistar, Presenting Sponsor of the Children’s Garden; Sara Lee Foundation, Contributing Sponsor of Tree House Tales; Wente Family Estates, Featured Wine of the Arboretum; Target, Sponsor of “Garden Story Time;” Edy’s Ice Cream, Youth and Family Sponsor; and the Illinois Arts Council, Supporter of Arts Programs.
ADMISSION
Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children’s Garden are free with Arboretum admission. Parking is free with admission. The 2012 rates for Non-members are:
- $12/adult, ($8 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
- $11/senior, ($7 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
- $9/child ($6 on Wednesday), ages 2-17
- Under age 2 is free
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. Throughout natural landscapes are specialty gardens, 16 miles of trails, and nine miles of roads. Other offerings include tree-focused events, activities, and services for adults, children, professionals, and communities. The Arboretum welcomes 800,000 visitors annually and serves 34,000 member households. Located 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. More information is available at www.mortonarb.org or 630-968-0074.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Sarah Clark | 630-719-5768 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it